Thank you for being part of Belloo’s 2025

Yes — this is another end-of-year wrap-up post. And we know you’ve probably seen a few of these already. But before the year disappears in a blur of out-of-office replies, we wanted to take a moment to say something simple and heartfelt: thank you.

Everyone at Belloo is deeply grateful for the generosity, care, belief and encouragement we’ve received throughout 2025. From collaborators and communities, to partners, presenters, funders and audiences — this year has reminded us just how much can be achieved when people show up for each other. For a small but mighty company, it has truly been an epic year.

Back to Bilo was the heart of our year. Premiering at Queensland Theatre Company as part of Brisbane Festival, the work told the true story of the Nadesalingam family and the small regional town of Biloela’s fight to bring them home after a dawn raid by Border Force. Four years in the making, this project held so many hearts, stories and responsibilities along the way. To experience a sold-out season, generous reviews, powerful community nights, a mentorship program, and confirmation of a future tour to Darwin Festival in 2026 was both humbling and deeply moving. We are so proud of what this work became and of the community that carried it with us.

Earlier this month, Belloo — alongside Barb Lowing and Roxy McDonald — had the pleasure of visiting Hymba Yumba Independent School for a school showing of Rovers, followed by a yarning circle with the jarjum. Sharing the work in this context, and hearing students’ thoughtful questions and genuine curiosity, was a real highlight to close out the year. Our heartfelt thanks to Hymba Yumba for their generosity, care and openness in welcoming the work.

Throughout the year, Producer Kristen Maloney travelled extensively, attending the following international performing arts markets: BIPAM in Bangkok, PAMS in Seoul, YPAM in Yokohama, and undertaking a three-month Producer Fellowship in Taiwan, supported by the Lord Mayor’s Creative Fellowships (an initiative of Brisbane City Council) and The Ian Potter Cultural Trust Emerging Artist Grants. This was alongside many local markets and gatherings across Queensland. These moments of connection, both locally and internationally, are essential to Belloo’s practice: they allow us to exchange ideas, deepen relationships, and ensure the stories we make in Australia are part of a broader, global conversation.

Closer to home, Kathryn Kelly (Chair & Dramaturg) and Caroline Dunphy (Co-Artistic Director) travelled to Cairns to join JUTE Theatre Company’s 4 on the Floor. A room buzzing with playwrights, directors, actors and dramaturgs, thousands of script pages, and four bold new works taking shape.

And all of this, of course, unfolded alongside the million unseen tasks it takes to run a small-to-medium arts organisation: the emails, budgets, rehearsals, applications, late nights, early mornings, and quiet acts of care that hold everything together.

As we pause at the end of the year, we want you to know how much your support matters to us. Belloo’s work exists because of community, and we don’t take that lightly.

The Belloo office will be closed from today to Monday 12 January, as the team takes a much-needed break before the year ahead.

Wishing you rest, joy, and a gentle close to the year.

With gratitude,
The Belloo Team

[Image: The Back to Bilo cast and creatives with the Nadesalingam family on opening night. Photo by Josh Moore Media.]