Drum beats and dancing feet

Coming from a family with strong military ties, LACW Emily-Rose McLauchlan kept the tradition alive by joining the Air Force straight out of school.

“My brother was in the Navy and my uncle was in the Army, and with a strong passion for working with animals, my mum asked, ‘Why don’t you join the military as a dog handler?’,” LACW McLauchlan said.

She took her mum’s advice, but within her first year of service, she dislocated her shoulder and later suffered a foot injury. This excluded her from becoming a dog handler and instead she ended up in Air Force Security.

“It was distressing to see the dream disappear, but I’m now serving with Australia’s Federation Guard at ADFA, where I play the snare drum for the precision drill team.”

In dealing with the mental impact of the physical restrictions caused by her injuries, LACW McLauchlan received support from her chain of command and rehabilitation consultants.

“While I'm slowly starting to get back into everything after almost three years, a friend named Daniel at work recommended that I join the ADF ARRTS program, which he'd completed a few years ago.”

ARRTS stands for Arts for Recovery, Resilience, Teamwork and Skills. It is a four-week live-in program held twice a year at the University of Canberra, where mentors teach music, creative writing and visual arts techniques to help participants discover new outlets and enhance their wellbeing.

“With Daniel harping on about how amazing it was, I applied and was thrilled to be accepted,” she said.

“The stream I chose was music. Even though I've never been musically inclined, I do love listening to music.”

During the program, the music mentors introduced LACW McLauchlan to a range of instruments.

“Although I play the snare drum at work, I’ve now learned the basics of playing a drum kit, a ukulele, a tambourine and even a cajón, which is a box-shaped percussion instrument that you sit on and slap with your hands.”

These new activities had a positive impact on LACW McLauchlan and even encouraged her to try dancing again.

“I used to do ballroom and Latin dancing back in high school, but since my injuries, my movements have been restricted.”

However, she was paired with another participant, Noah, with whom she developed a routine they named the 'Latin Taster'.

Every ARRTS program ends with a showcase attended by family and friends, in which participants perform music, present poetry, read stories and display their artistic creations. The 'Latin Taster' was soon added to the schedule.

LACW McLauchlan’s mother, father and partner enjoyed the showcase.

Despite being told she wasn’t a good singer growing up, LACW McLauchlan also sang.

“The music mentors had previously asked me to sing solo, which I’ve only ever done in the shower. I was much more comfortable singing with the group and doing the dance.”

After the daily sessions, participants returned to their rooms in the accommodation centre, where LACW McLauchlan chose to stay even though she is Canberra-based.

“While I tend to get anxious and nervous in new environments, the participants were so supportive that I was able to come out of my shell and socialise with them in the evenings.

“There were outings we went on where you’re not necessarily comfortable, or it’s not your thing, but you do it, and at the end of the day you’re glad you did.”

LACW McLauchlan has decided further the benefits of her ARRTS experience by taking singing lessons, as part of her journey to full recovery.

“With the fabulous music mentors being so encouraging and supportive of me singing solo, I now want to build my confidence and skills in this area.

“And thanks to Noah, I think I'm going to get back into Latin dancing.”

She said ARRTS provided a non-judgmental environment that made participants feel comfortable sharing their stories. 

“I’ve now made some amazing friends and connections that I'll cherish forever.”

The lessons she learned have made a big difference.

“You get amazing advice from people more experienced than you, and this has really opened my mind and given me new perspectives,” she said, adding that the program was “a life-changing experience” and one she recommends to others.

“I’d tell them not to hesitate and not to be scared because, while it can be daunting, sometimes in life you need to just do it."

The next ADF ARRTS program will be held in Canberra from November 1 to 27. Applications are open until September 28.

For more information, email adf.arrts@defence.gov.au, visit defence.gov.au/arrts, or call (02) 6127 6505 during business hours.