Big sing raises thousands for crisis accommodation

ACU’s Big Sing for a Big Cause has raised more than twenty thousand dollars for Australians experiencing homelessness.

The two concerts, held in Ballarat and Melbourne, were attended by more than 650 people along with more-than 600 livestream views.

The inaugural event raised money for ACU students experiencing hardship and Peplow House Crisis Accommodation.

“My experience with organisations like [Peplow House Crisis Accommodation] is that it’s direct services, so you’re not paying for overheads,” said conductor Dr Kathleen McGuire.

“They have crisis accommodation and my understanding is that involves providing food and shelter to people who are in urgent need and them helping people get out of their cycle of homelessness.”

Free tickets were provided to people experiencing homelessness and organisations which support the homeless community.

“We don’t just want to be doing an event and raising money, we want people to know that they are valued and seen and appreciated,” said McGuire

“This type of activity is incredible moving, and it can be a way to sort of find emotional release whether someone is participating, performing or in the audience.

“The more that we can bring the community together, the more we can find healing.”

The international choir included more than 150 singers accompanied by a community orchestra and marked the 10th anniversary of Street Requiem, composed by McGuire along with Andy Payne and Jonathan Welch.

The piece is a tribute to people who have died while experiencing homelessness.

“The idea of Street Requiem is honouring people who died on the streets while also trying to promote awareness and advocacy around issues of homelessness,” said McGuire.

“I thought that aligned perfectly with my work at ACU and that’s sort of how the idea came together.”

McGuire said she hopes to continue the initiative next year with a focus on positive mental health.