DRUMBEAT program helps children find their rhythm
October 21, 2026
The DRUMBEAT program has earned a special place in Anglicare’s calendar of children’s programs. This Children’s Week, we take a closer look at how the rhythm-based program is helping children living in the Burnie community to feel more confident, connected and upbeat.
Anglicare team member Stephanie delivers the free, 10-week program to primary schools in the Burnie area. By the end of this year, she will have visited every school in the area. She’s become such a familiar face that she is now known across the school community as ‘the DRUMBEAT Lady’.
“Music is a fun way to engage children and boost their social and emotional wellbeing, and it’s amazing how quickly they master the rhythms,” Stephanie explained.
“The children I work with are often shy, which can lead to them being overlooked. DRUMBEAT provides a safe space in which they can express their emotions, build their confidence and develop an understanding that it’s okay to make mistakes.
“We talk about how normal it is to feel anxious about performing, and we work on channelling that anxiety into excitement.”
Performing with confidence
In September, Stephanie worked with a group of 10-12 year olds at Leighland Christian School. It was the fifth time she’s visited the school.
“The students decided what the performance would look like, and who they would invite,” she said. “They volunteered themselves for various speaking parts and performance parts. They ended up performing in front of the entire school and parent community.”
Deputy Head of the school’s Burnie campus, Delwyn Polden, said Stephanie had become a familiar face at the school over the past few years.
“I estimate that close to 40 of our students have had the wonderful opportunity to be part of this awesome program,” she said.
“Children come to DRUMBEAT thinking they are just going to be learning how to play the drums, but by the end they’ve learned things that will have lasting benefits throughout their lives,” she said.
“We have seen student after student enter the program lacking confidence and with deep concerns about the performance aspect of the program. It is such a pleasure to see these students progress through the 10 weeks and then perform confidently and with such a positive belief in themselves.
“We at Leighland Christian school are so grateful to Stephanie and Anglicare for their commitment to our students and the delivery of this amazing program.”
A broader role
In addition to her role as DRUMBEAT facilitiator, Stephanie works with Tasmanian Aboriginal families across the North West through programs that improve children’s mental health and wellbeing.
She is a member of Anglicare’s Aboriginal advisory group, yarnin’ up. Its guidance assists Anglicare to deliver services that are culturally safe and effective for members of the Tasmanian Aboriginal community.
During NAIDOC Week, Stephanie took a tailored version of DRUMBEAT to community members in the Circular Head area through a program known as Rhythm to recovery.
She recently enjoyed introducing the concept of the program to Anglicare staff in Burnie to mark Mental Health Week.
PHOTO courtesy of Leighland Christian School
More information
DRUMBEAT (Discovering Relationships Using Music, Beliefs, Emotions, Attitudes and Thoughts) is a free, 10-week evidence-based program that was developed by The Holyoake Institute in Western Australia.
If you are a parent or teacher who would like more information about the program, please contact Anglicare on 1800 243 232 and ask for Stephanie Donovan.
This paper from the University of Newcastle evaluates the impact of the DRUMBEAT program.
Children’s Week – 24 October – 1 November 2026
Anglicare Tasmania offers a wide range of community programs for children and families. Check this webpage to find a program in your area.
