The primary purpose of forming the Outback Thistle Pipe Band was to fill a niche where people in the Longreach and surrounding area who wanted to learn the Great Highland Bagpipes and Drums, could do so under the guidance of 4 experienced pipers who were passionate to start a band.

The bands next reason for establishment is to perform at a good standard for the pleasure of members and listeners, while building strong social relationships.

There was no pipe band within the Longreach district, the closest one being 700 kilometres away.

The band predominantly is involved in giving adults and children who are passionate about learning to play the Great Highland Bagpipes and Drums, the opportunity to do so in a supportive and encouraging environment.

In the course of the year the band was able to play at 17 public engagements, including public marches, fetes, church services and private and compassionate functions.

In November 2006 the band was invited by scouting music directors from Brisbane, to participate in a large musical production to be held in Longreach in July 2007, playing original music scores written specifically for the production.

The band formed up in December 2005 with 4 experianced pipers, a group of eager learners and a beginner drum corp who learned to play drums under the guidance of an excellent tutor in February 2006.

Through the committment of the experianced pipers teaching the learners, and the ability of the band through a successful grant application to bring pipe and drum tutors out to Longreach from Brisbane, the band has very quickly been able to form up and play at functions and present very well.

Within 12 months the band has taken 4 learner pipers to a level where they can march and play in a public parade. The 4 learner drummers who started in February 2006, are now teaching up and coming adult and child drummers for the band.

In November 2006 while played at a school fete, the band was approached by 2 musical directors from Brisbane, who were soucing local talent for an upcoming musical production 'The Greatest Show on Earth' to be held in Longreach in July 2007. The band was invited to play in the production.