Open Day at 3pm today showcases Mount Duneed’s thriving community hub

LOCALS are invited to explore the Poa Banyul Community Hub in Mount Duneed at an Open Day from 3pm today, with free coffee, face painting and a chance to experience the programs bringing the neighbourhood together.

Among the hub’s most popular offerings is a community choir that draws 90 voices each Monday night under the guidance of singing teacher Laura Rowan.

“I knew it would be something I could do for the community, but also selfishly I wanted to do it for myself,” Ms Rowan said. “The results have been so beautiful, I get goosebumps.”

Ms Rowan, a mother of two who moved to Mount Duneed from Sydney in 2021, launched her business The Singing Collective from the hub. A week after the idea for a choir struck her late one night, she was invited by the Poa Banyul team to start one.

“It was a sign that people need community and wanted a place to come, because singing is so therapeutic,” she said.

Since its launch, the Melody Makers choir has received an enthusiastic response.

“We’ve had so many beautiful people in the community reach out and thank me for the space that’s been created for them to sing,” Ms Rowan said.

Poa Banyul Community Hub Team Leader Anthony Stary said the choir had helped strengthen the centre’s role as a community focal point.

“Our aim here at the hub is to be the heart of our community and the choir, along with our other regular bookings, has really highlighted what our purpose is here,” he said.

The hub, managed by Meli, also offers dance, taekwondo, language and fitness classes.

“What’s become apparent is how important the choir – along with all the other community activities that happen in our spaces – have become for many of the participants who are connecting with others with the same interest,” Mr Stary said.

More information about today’s event is available at meli.org.au.