Choir to boost cancer research

THE Choir of Hard Knocks is coming to Ballarat to headline a concert on Sunday 2 March in support of the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute.

The Sharing Our Voices concert has been organised in conjunction with local FECRI fundraising group Jimmy’s Licorice Allsorts, which is taking part in the Murray to Moyne Cycling Relay from Echuca to Port Fairy in April.

The Sebastopol Lions Club has also been involved in arranging the concert, which will be hosted by St Patrick’s College at its new, state-of-the-art Performing Arts Centre.

Sharing the stage will be a combined Ballarat Schools Children’s Choir comprising students of St Patrick’s Primary School, Siena Catholic Primary School, and Lumen Christi Primary School.

Choir of Hard Knocks president Laura Beckett described the group – now in its 19th year – as an iconic story of humanity, connection and celebration in the face of adversity.

“The choir is credited with being the only artist in Australian music history to have won a Logie, ARIA and Helpmann award in the same year,” Ms Beckett said.

“Most importantly, the ongoing and regular contact the choir provides to its members has had a profound effect on their lives.

“We are a family and continue to support and care for each other.”

Jimmy’s Allsorts founder and primary organiser of the concert, Jim Waight, said the concert will support two dedicated organisations engaged in transformative, hope-filled work.

The concert will run from 2pm to 4pm. Tickets are $20 adults, $15 concession and free for under-16s. They are available at trybooking.com/events/landing/1335380 .

The Murray to Moyne ride, to be held for the fifth time, has raised more than $200,000 for the institute. This year’s target is $50,000.

Jimmy’s Licorice Allsorts’ motto is ‘Fighting Cancer on Two Wheels’ and the 2025 team has riders aged 18 to 73.

The choir’s official website is choirofhardknocks.org.au and the page for the Jimmy’s Licorice Allsorts’ 2025 ride is at jimmyallsorts2025.gofundraise.com.au .