What does it take to shine in a crowd of 25,000 performers? Just ask 15-year-old Ishaaya Chand, a multi-talented local star whose voice and musical passion have won hearts—and first-place trophies—at one of Logan’s most beloved cultural traditions: the Quota Beenleigh City of Logan Eisteddfod.
With a voice that effortlessly glides between Classical, R&B, and pop, and the skill to match on both the piano and clarinet, Ishaaya is the kind of performer who leaves a lasting impression. “I can’t remember when I started singing—I’ve always just sung,” she says with a modest shrug. But her recent achievements tell a different story: she’s not just singing—she’s soaring.
In 2024, Ishaaya took home 1st place in the prestigious Songbird Bursary section, along with two more firsts in Musical Theatre Vocal Solo and Pre-2000 Popular Vocal Solo, plus a 2nd place in the Post-2000 Modern Solo Vocal category. Her secret? A love of learning, and a willingness to take on new challenges.
“Performing in the Eisteddfod was totally different to my regular performances,” she says. “It wasn’t just about entertaining—I was competing. I got valuable feedback from the adjudicators, and I had the chance to see how I compared to others in both my age group and in open categories. It really helped me grow.”
But it’s not all scales and arpeggios for the St Johns Anglican College student. When she’s not practising music, she’s playing soccer or tennis. “I’m not sure what I’ll do in the future yet,” she says. “But I know music will always be a part of it.”
Her advice for anyone considering the Eisteddfod? “It’s a great experience—don’t miss out.”
That sense of opportunity and encouragement is exactly what has powered the Quota Beenleigh Eisteddfod for nearly 40 years. What began in 1985 with just three days of performances at the local Senior Citizens Centre has grown into a 33-day artistic extravaganza that now spans professional venues like the Logan Entertainment Centre and Crete Street Theatre.
Quota Beenleigh Club President Karen Murphy has been part of the journey from the start, watching performers grow from nervous first-timers into confident artists on national stages. “I remember going to a show at Jupiter’s Casino with one of our founders, Moya McKeon,” Karen recalls. “She’d point out performers and say, ‘That’s one of ours.’ That’s the legacy—we’re helping build careers.”
Over the decades, the event has evolved from cassette tapes and handwritten envelopes to digital uploads and online schedules. But what hasn’t changed is its heart: a community lifting up young performers like Ishaaya, giving them a stage to shine on and the confidence to dream bigger.
With its extraordinary growth and enduring community spirit, the Eisteddfod remains a cultural cornerstone in Logan. And as long as there are young talents ready to take the mic, its future looks as bright as the spotlight on centre stage.
For more information, visit:
Quota Beenleigh City of Logan Eisteddfod Website
