14 May 2026
More than 100 of our home care clients, family members, staff and community guests gathered at the Chinchilla Cinema this week to celebrate the premiere screening of Through the Years – a heartfelt two-part video series created by much loved Western Downs country musician Josh Arnold.
The two episodes feature Southern Cross Care home care clients from communities across the Western Downs, sharing personal stories, memories, humour and reflections on life in the bush. Filmed throughout Tara, The Gums, Meandarra, Chinchilla and Jandowae, the series highlights the resilience and strong community spirit of local residents, while showcasing the importance of helping older Australians remain connected and supported in their own homes and in their own communities.
As Josh Arnold shared, “Through the Years intertwines beautiful stories, history, music, yarns and a few laughs. Most importantly it tells a story of resilience through the hard times, and then ultimately the happiness and contentment people can experience in their final years by staying in their homes, thanks to services like Southern Cross Care.”
The special community event was organised by our Western Downs Home Care Manager Jasmine Siggs in collaboration with the Western Downs Regional Council.
Guests enjoyed complimentary popcorn, donuts and lunch boxes prepared by local suppliers before watching the episodes on the big screen. Josh Arnold also entertained the crowd with live music alongside local musicians Bill Ramsey and Robin Hughes, with many guests joining in for a community singalong.
While not screened on the day, Josh also recently partnered with residents from our Illoura Village Residential Care Home and students from Chinchilla State High School to create the original song and music video, Timeless. The project was developed in partnership with Southern Queensland Rural Health (SQRH) and builds on the longstanding intergenerational program delivered by SQRH and Illoura Village, which brings students and residents together each week. Celebrating the genuine friendships formed between generations, Timeless reflects the idea that meaningful relationships and shared human experiences transcend age and time.
The project and event were funded through the Commonwealth-State Government Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements following the 2023 Western Downs bushfires.
Watch the episodes here: Through the Years – Episode 1 Through the Years – Episode 2 Timeless
