In Mossman, a youth-led music event is helping young people rebuild confidence, find their voice, and reconnect—one performance at a time. Music teacher Linda Irvine is behind Next Gen Noise – “The Future Sounds Like This”, a showcase set for August 8, designed specifically for teenage musicians who are passionate and skilled—but often too young to access traditional performance opportunities.
More than just a gig, Next Gen Noise – “The Future Sounds Like This” is about giving young people ownership of the entire experience. Participants, many aged 15 and 16, take the lead on event planning and logistics, graphic design and promotion, securing sponsorship and raffle prizes, producing videos and photography, and working alongside professional sound technicians.
“They’re completely involved in organising the event,” Linda says. The result is a hands-on, real-world introduction to the creative industries—one that builds both practical skills and confidence.
Standing on stage in front of a live audience can be overwhelming—but that’s exactly where growth happens. “These workshops and the performance itself are so important for their confidence,” Linda explains. “They’re terrified at first—but afterwards, they’re so proud and happy.”
The event is supported through the North Queensland Resilience Program – Community Resilience Arts and Wellbeing Funding, helping communities recover following significant challenges. In Douglas Shire, those challenges have included Ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper, the closure of the Mossman Mill, and broader economic pressures.
“It gives people something to look forward to,” Linda says. “And it gives young people a voice—through their music, they can express what they’ve been through.”
In the months following Cyclone Jasper, Linda saw firsthand how deeply young people were affected. “Around a third of my students’ families had water through their homes,” she recalls. “Many were moving between temporary accommodation.” Even those not directly impacted felt the anxiety. “Their whole world had changed.”
During that time, music became something more than a lesson—it became refuge. “For the first six months, I kept everything light and consistent,” Linda says. “The music room became a safe place—nothing changed.” It took about six months for students to regain their confidence and sense of normality.
After more than a decade teaching in the Douglas Shire, Linda estimates she has worked with around 500 students. “It’s amazing to watch them grow,” she says. “They become confident, capable young people with a real sense of community.”
With Next Gen Noise – The Future Sounds Like This set for August 8, the event is shaping up to be more than a concert—it’s a celebration of resilience, creativity, and the strength of young people finding their voice again.
This initiative is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements and administered by the Douglas Shire Council.
