15 Years – 15 Stories of Belonging - Bluegum Qigong

Since 2011, Qigong with Adrienne Roberts (now known as Bluegum Qigong) has been a cherished part of life at The Place — a space where movement, wellbeing and meaningful connection come together.

For many participants, Bluegum Qigong is much more than an exercise class. Through gentle, mindful movement and breath, people improve strength, balance and flexibility while also building friendships and a strong sense of belonging. Week after week, participants gather not only to support their physical health, but to connect, share conversation and enjoy being part of a welcoming community.

Before finding a home at The Place in 2011, the group had been linked to the TPI Association and practised Tai Chi and Qigong at TPI House in Newcastle. When the building was condemned and the group lost its venue, the future felt uncertain.

“We became homeless,” Adrienne recalls. “We approached a number of places but were unable to secure a venue until one of the ladies heard about The Place at Charlestown. We had found our new home.”

At the time, the group was run by a number of women who were war widows, with Adrienne as the instructor, and all were deeply committed to keeping the community together. The Place proved to be the perfect fit.

“All the ladies who had previously come into town by bus were still able to get a bus to Charlestown and the group was able to stay together, which was very important to them,” Adrienne says. “The group was supported magnificently by all the staff at The Place.”

That continuity and connection mattered deeply — and still does today. In fact, a couple of members from that original group continue to attend classes more than a decade later. As the years passed, Adrienne took over managing the group and the classes evolved into what became known as “Qigong for a Healthy Life,” reflecting the focus on maintaining and improving health through accessible movement practices.

“The Place is a great venue for enabling people with diverse mobility and health issues to come and engage in the Qigong classes,” Adrienne says. “Once you are in the venue everything is available and there are no stairs. The latter has been a big factor for some people.”

Eventually, another name change followed — Bluegum Qigong — inspired by both the Australian landscape and the connection between Qigong and nature. “I wanted a name that reflected both our connection to nature and practising Qigong in Australia,” Adrienne explains.

Today, Bluegum Qigong has grown to include three classes: Beginners, Intermediate and the more advanced Wild Goose Qigong class. The heart of the group remains the same — creating a welcoming space where people feel supported, included and connected.

“What a wonderful home we had found,” Adrienne says. “Thank you to all at The Place for your continued, fantastic support all these years."

At The Place, we know wellbeing and belonging go hand in hand. Bluegum Qigong is a beautiful example of how community spaces can support not only healthy ageing, but also friendship, resilience and connection. We're so grateful to have had this wonderful group at our Centre for all these years.

Find out more about Bluegum Qigong’s weekly classes here