About Us


Honeybee Creative

(Established 2015)

We are a Not For Profit Company By Limited Guarantee ACN: 651942513

Encourage . Enable . Empower

Honeybee Creative is a daily program of musical, performing and creative arts therapy workshops for those with varying disabilities. We are Project based, focusing on personal and group goals.

Our program is available to self managed and plan managed NDIS packages. There are lines applicable including Core Support.

In 2019 we produced a puppet extravaganza performing it live at the Majestic Theatre Pomona.

In 2020, despite the pandemic, we released a CD of original songs that the Honeybee Crew wrote, recorded and performed themselves, and staged our annual performance at Long Flat Hall.

In 2021 we wrote, recorded, played, experimented and built our strengths and eventually shared it with everyone at “Bee Creative Dayz”. A two day public event supported by Gympie council and RADF showcasing all-abilities empowerment through creativity.

In 2022 we were recognised nationally for our work winning the APRA Art Music Award for Excellence in Music Education. Refusing to rest on our laurels, we made videos for two of our self-produced songs.

In 2023 we moved to Honeybee Wellness Resort in Kandanga in the beautiful Mary Valley, retrofitted a farm shed as a recording studio and are continuing to champion all-abilities arts and creativity…

The Honeybee Creative Facilitators Team are:

James Warner  (Monday  –  Friday)  is an educator, composer, performer, producer, and event manager. He has been work-shopping with adults with varying disabilities since 2012, has Certificate IV Training & Assessment, and over 40 years experience in the music industry. Founder of Honeybee Creative programs, he has a passion to see challenged adults living life to the full, enjoying and finding themselves “outside the square” through creativity and performance. / Cert 4 Training And Assessment

Kerry-Dee McDonald  (Thursday)  has a Degree in Social Work and Visual Art & Design and many years working in the therapeutic arts and theatre craft field (including 6 yrs at Playback Theatre)

Lisa Horton (Monday Online Yoga + available for one-on-one sessions) Lisa is a Physiotherapist, yoga teacher, musician, dancer, Pilates Instructor, and circus enthusiast. Lisa has been working with NDIS participants  for the past two years and loves to work with people of all abilities and special talents. Lisa can help you to identify and achieve your goals around mobility, strength, balance, and movement in general. Lisa can also supply detailed NDIS reports to support your plan reviews and assist with a diverse range of equipment prescription. Check out Lisa’s website here – www.mondomoves.com

Stephan Beattie  (Monday – Thursday)  has over 20 years experience in live and studio music production, live performance, song writing, stage management, visual art and graphic design. BA Computer Based Design / 4 times highly commended in the QLD Music Awards

Jay Furness  (Tuesday)  has over 20 years experience in live and studio music production. Dip Music Industry Technical Production / Cert 4 Training And Assessment

APRA Art Music Awards 2022

Winner ~ Excellence In Music Education
Judges Report

“A thoroughly deserved winner who has championed the creative development of people with disabilities in the Gympie, QLD region and beyond. Moving to working online during (Covid) lockdowns, Honeybee Creative hosted their song writing and music creation sessions successfully through online mediums. The facilitation work by the faculty to take the creative thoughts, desires and actions of neurologically diverse people and lay it out in a form that everyone can understand is commendable. It is great to have this type of program operating within a regional area and the project outcomes demonstrate why art and music is so valuable for the community”.