SING Australia Coffs Harbour recently gave a performance at Moonee Markets, regaling patrons with old classics and timeworn favourites, beginning with the dulcet strains of ‘Hello Dolly’.
Sing Australia is a nation-wide organisation based on the premise that everyone can sing. They offer non- judgemental and inclusive support for anyone who is interested.
The concept was developed by Colin Slater and started in 1984 after he had a stint as an opera student in Italy.
He noticed that European people seemed to enjoy singing together in a way Australians seemed to lack.
He thought the situation could be remedied with some encouragement and leadership, so he launched an initiative that became National Sing Australia groups.
When you join a Sing Australia group, you are welcomed with open arms and ears to sing in any way you are able.
They follow the adage: ‘everybody who has a voice can sing’ and approach one another in a manner that fosters connection through music, history, stories, struggles, memories and even hopes for the future.
The group in Coffs Harbour has been going for the past 24 years, welcoming all-comers to join for both rehearsal and performance.
The group, ably led by Robert Smallwood and accompanied on piano by Lucy Watson, was obviously enjoying every minute as they sang with much gusto and verve.
Robert Smallwood told News Of The Area “I began leading the group about a year ago and have had a tremendous amount of fun, such is the camaraderie. People get deeply involved and it’s a hoot”.
Sing Australia, Coffs Harbour group has been performing at nursing homes, retirement villages, Anzac and Australia Day events, Christmas Carols, Living EXPO events at the Coffs Showground, the Coramba Pub, Park Beach Plaza and Moonee Markets for more than 24 years.
They meet on Mondays from 3pm to 5pm in the Pavilion, a large entertainment hall, at Shoreline Luxury Retirement Living, at 41 York St, Coffs Harbour.
People make all sorts of happy connections with others from all walks of life through performances, gatherings, tours and impromptu opportunities to sing.
Former President Ros Hopwood told News Of The Area: “We sing for enjoyment, friendship and it is a well-known medical fact that singing is good for both physical and mental health, and over a cuppa we form new friendships”.
By KIM SATCHELL
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