Joined in the chorus

THERE can be no better sound than one hundred and sixty-two voices singing together in celebration of Australia-wide participation in Sing Australia’s National Day.

Two Ballarat Sing Australia groups hosted others from Ararat, Bendigo, Geelong and Warrnambool and were also joined by about 40 community members who came along to share the joy and fun of singing.

In welcoming everyone to the event Ballarat Leader of Sing Australia, Carolyn Priddle, said she was overwhelmed to see so many people who had made the journey.

“This is such a special occasion and we have received messages of support from our Patron the Governor General Sir Peter Cosgrove, Catherine King MP, the Federal Member for Ballarat and Cr Samantha McIntosh, Mayor of Ballarat,” Carolyn said.

Sir Peter’s message aid that singing is peaceful, relaxing and inspiring and that singing with others is a great way to meet new people, make friends and share in harmony, a common purpose and endeavour.

Cr McIntosh acknowledged the many civic functions in Ballarat where the two Sing Australia groups perform and how much she enjoys hearing all their beautiful voices.

While Catherine King MP said communities like Sing Australia don’t exist by accident but are there because people actively work to build connections around them.

“I know that Sing Australia Ballarat has done much for the community and its members, bringing together different people to support each other and to develop new skills,” Ms King said.

She also noted that not everyone is able to hold a note, but everyone is able to make an effort.

The conductors from the Ballarat and Geelong Sing Australia had the opportunity to lead the singers in familiar songs that for some of the visitors proved to be very emotional.

Many of the visitors commented on how they were made to feel so welcome and that the atmosphere in the venue was truly amazing. The joy of singing together is to enable performers or listeners to them feel connected, appreciated, compassionate and part of a wider community.