We grew from a project of the Brisbane Combined Unions' Choir, a like-minded mob with whom we maintain a strong bond. Originally we sang for reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. Our attention broadened after performing at Woodford Folk Festival in 2000/2001 ~ and our formative focus remains ~ we actively support Indigenous causes ~ we seek land rights, a formal apology for stolen generations, reimbursement of stolen wages and equitable resources for Indigenous health. We deliberately sing to redress the many crimes and injustices perpetrated by successive and contemporary white governments and agencies against Indigenous peoples and their ancestors, the first Australian nations.

In 2001, the choir was moved to champion social justice and environmental concerns across the board. We sing for the universality of human rights. We sing for the peaceful resolution of conflict. We're there for the welfare of asylum seekers and their families. We seek responsible custodianship of our planet's biodiversity ~ we sing for the recognition of our innate oneness with the world in all its manifestations.

Musical Directors and Conductors ~ originally, there were three conductors. They were Torres Strait Islander, Lexine Soloman, Mark "Marko" Shortis and Ruth Apelt. Ruth stayed for a term before Lexine nurtured the mob with Marko's co-leadership. When Lexine left Brisbane to further her singing career in '98, Marko took charge. His co-conductors since have been Cavel McIntyre, 2 years and Leo McGovern, 1 year. Today, we have the added pleasure of being led also by Sharmilá Nezovic.

Marko's our dedicated conductor. We love him and we think he's a hero.

Our repertoire ~ is driven by our core values ~ reconciliation, social justice, peace and envirosanity,. Our songs are chosen democratically ~ there's strength in numbers!

Gigs ~ several hundred since '96 ~ we sing at Invasion Day rallies, Sorry Day, NAIDOC and reconciliation meetings. We're sought for peace and social justice gatherings and for community and cultural festivals. Our own Annual Showcase Concert at Musgrave Park is always a major event for us.

Uniform / Colours ~ the very first uniform was all black, with an orange ribbon, the original symbol worn by those opposed to One Nationism. Today, we wear any combination of black and orange, any which way we choose. These colours may be thought of as representing our links with Indigenous peoples, with the land and with activism.

Patrons & Incorporation ~ 2003 was a definitive year for songlines. We incorporated as a not-for-profit association in March and in the same month, Sam Watson was welcomed as our first Patron. In August, Patron Saba Abraham was welcomed into our midst.