Dance, music and performance are proving powerful tools for building confidence, connection and wellbeing at Sunraysia Residential Services Inc.’s Benetook Farm.
SRS’s Rhythmic Squad has quickly become a favourite at aged care facilities across the region, delighting audiences while showcasing the physical, social and emotional benefits of movement for people with disability.
Led by instructor Peta‑Lynne Buchanan — affectionately known as Mrs B — the Rhythmic Squad is made up of enthusiastic participants from SRS’ popular Benetook Farm day programs.
The group rehearses twice a week, learning dance routines that improve coordination, encourage physical activity and foster teamwork in a supportive, inclusive environment.
“We meet every Tuesday and Thursday for an hour-and-a-half, where we start with a warm-up before learning the dances,” Mrs B explained.
In a short space of time, participants have learned nine dance routines and are currently mastering a new one — skills they proudly take into the community through performances at aged care facilities across the region.
Mrs B said the program aims to teach participants the benefits of movement, while learning how to count in time and work on their coordination and motor skills.
“The group’s ability to pick up what I teach them is amazing,” she said. “Another benefit of the program is that they get to work together as a group, assisting each other to learn the steps, while also learning to perform in front of an audience – which they get very excited about.
“The performance aspect is not only great for them, but for the residents of the aged care facilities where we get to perform. It’s music that everyone can enjoy.
“It brightens my day and the group is so great to work with, we spend so much time laughing in between dances, and they amaze me as to how they learn – and what they remember – and they’re never too shy to let me know when I make a mistake!
“It’s personally so rewarding to have the opportunity to work with these amazing people.”
The Rhythmic Squad is one of several day programs and learning opportunities available to NDIS participants at SRS Benetook Farm — a thriving social enterprise operated by people with disability and supported by SRS staff.
Benetook Farm provides a hands‑on learning hub where participants develop valuable life, social and vocational skills through meaningful, real‑world activities.
Programs focus on personal development and confidence‑building, and include arts and crafts, egg collection and caring for laying hens, sales and customer service, cooking, basic life skills and mechanical activities.
“Benetook Farm is an amazing place, and I’m excited that participants have this opportunity, as there would be a lot of instances where they wouldn’t be able to do this sort of thing otherwise,” Mrs B said.
“The program I offer is one of many the farm offers – from cooking to basic life skills, crafts, working with the auto mechanics and all sorts of other things.
“It’s all about the interaction with participants, which I think is important, and the staff are fabulous and what they do is incredible, and I don’t think the community is aware or appreciates how much they offer the community out here.”
Mrs B brings a lifetime of experience to the program, boasting a dance career spanning more than six decades.
“I started dancing with my mum when I was three, and danced with her for 25 years,” she said. “After a short break, I started my own dance school – which I ran for 40 years.”
Now semi-retired, Mrs B still teaches adult tap classes at night, while running the dance and movement class at Benetook Farm during the day.
“I don’t think I could ever fully retire from dance – it’s been my life. I enjoy it, and it just brings joy to so many. I think I’ll dance until I can’t stand up!”
To learn more about NDIS day programs or opportunities at Benetook Farm, visit srsinc.com.au/benetook-farm or contact the team on 03 5022 1741.
Media Contact:
Vinnie Rodi – Marketing and Events Coordinator
Phone: 0439 364 781
Email: vrodi@srsinc.com.au