About IYPC

In the mid-1980s, local schools faced a challenge.

The high cost of bus hire made it difficult for students to attend the Cairns junior eisteddfod, and even when they did, space was so limited that many couldn’t watch other choirs perform. Music and speech teachers needed a better option—and a local competition became the perfect solution.

That solution came to life in early 1987, when a conversation between Mrs Ailsa Moyle OAM and Mrs Joanne Pagano quickly grew into action. Within weeks, the first committee of the Innisfail Young Performers’ Competition was formed. Mrs Ailsa Moyle OAM became President, Mrs Lorna Jarvis took on the role of Secretary, Mr George Kotzas was appointed Treasurer, and Mrs Julie Brown became Patron.

The inaugural competition followed just weeks later. It ran for a day and a half, included 30 small sections, and welcomed around 40 individual entrants along with 13 choirs. Our very first adjudicators were Mrs Jan O’Donnell from Cairns (Instrumental/Vocal) and Mrs Betty Tilse from Atherton (Speech & Drama). What began as a small local event quickly became the foundation for something much bigger.

Over the years, the competition has continued to grow, with new sections added annually to reflect changing interests. School music programs have played a major role in shaping the event, sparking fresh ideas and innovation across many categories.

Today, the Innisfail Young Performers’ Competition is more than just an event—it’s a celebration of creativity, confidence, and community. In 2025 we were especially excited to introduce a choral workshop for senior choir students and teachers, building on our mission to nurture Music, Voice, and Speech & Drama in the lives of young people and their families across Innisfail.