The theme of this year’s Red Nose Appeal, ‘Get silly for a serious cause’ was embraced wholeheartedly by everyone who participated in Red Nose Day Talent Quest held outdoors in the Emmaus Home courtyard on Friday afternoon (9 August).

Talent scouts (and event organisers) Nicole Van Vledder and Jodie McLellan from the Emmaus Home Lifestyle team, cast a wide net to find a variety of very willing entrants in their quest.

Talented performers came, not only from amongst Emmaus Home residents but, also, from St Agnes’ Site (Maryknoll, Mt Carmel and St Agnes’ House) as well as students from MacKillop College and community men’s choir, Blokes Notes.

With a talented mob like this, competition to steal the limelight was fierce! There were guitar solos, singers, ensembles and choirs, dancers, a magic act… even a Sister Act!

As the different performers stepped onto the stage to entertain, the weather was gloriously warm and the audience very appreciative. The song ‘Que Sera, Sera (Whatever will be, will be)’ was a crowd favourite with everyone joining in for an impromptu sing-along.

Nicole and Jodie extend their thanks to everyone who supported the event in any way – from those who sizzled the sausages for the BBQ, the performers and their support crews, to those who helped with set up, pack up and transporting people.

Donations on the day raised $274.50 for Red Nose Day which supports research into sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

 Footnote: Red Nose Day funds raised over the last 36 years have resulted in an 80% reduction in sudden infant deaths.  Thanks to the research funded there are now six evidence-based steps all parents can take to reduce the risks for their baby.