Member Comments
Many members of Sing Australia claim that being a part of the Sing Australia network really has changed their lives for the better. They have made lots of new friends, they have been traveling around Australia and overseas, they feel fitter and healthier and they look forward to their singing nights every week. Many say that being in Sing Australia has been of enormous support to them through difficult times.
"I joined Sing Australia in June 2010 after a marriage breakup and was at a loss of what or where to go from here.
When I joined I met the most amazing group of people, that I am now very proud to call my friends. They have taken me under their wing and have helped me through the most terrible time in my life.
To go to singing every Monday night and feel and hear the joy of singing surrounded by these incredible people has made an incredible difference in my life.
I call Monday night my cleansing night.
Thank you very much to everyone in Sing Australia"
Jo Evans, Sing Australia Gosford, NSW 25 May 2010
"I love singing in the Sing Australia group at Wangaratta and it was beaut to have some Canberra members join in for our first birthday in March (2010). Thank you for the pleasure Sing Australia gives to so many people - a fantastic therapy music is, eh!" Judy Howard, Sing Australia Wangaratta, Victoria.
"It is wonderful to share the gift of singing with everyone and have people singing along with you...It is my privilege to be the leader of such a wonderful group who are willing to help each other and me".
Joi Wilkinson, Leader and Conductor of Sing Australia Albury/Wodonga group
“Thank you for your visit to Kimba (last night) and for your ‘genuine encouragement’ for our small group of singers, which was very much appreciated, and we hope more people will consider joining us in the future. I believe it has been beneficial to members, many of whom live alone, as it lifts ones spirits to join others and be able to sing together. Also I believe it lifts the spirits of those who have been suffering the drought years that have occurred for up to 5 years or more in our district. It gives them a new way of ‘letting go’ and enjoy the company of others” Relda Beinke, Sing Australia Kimba, South Australia.
“I have experienced first hand the benefits that Sing Australia brings to the community – not only for the singers but also for the people who hear us. It forms an important role in our town and district. Congratulations Colin on the whole concept of Sing Australia and may your dream of seeing Australia as a singing nation continue to come true” Rosemary Haeusler, Conductor, Sing Australia Cummins, South Australia
“I find the philosophy of Sing Australia quite wonderful in a society that has been encouraged to value individualism rather than community connections” Erica Jolly, Sing Australia Glenelg, South Australia.
“I am enjoying being involved with Sing Australia in Port Pirie. Your inspiration to encourage all Australians to enjoy singing is a wonderful concept and I’m sure there are hundreds of people from all walks of life who have benefitted in joining a Sing Australia group.” Lynette Clyde OAM, Sing Australia Port Pirie, South Australia
“I often give thanks for our choir, its leaders, pianist and conductor and the joy it has brought to Beth and myself, it has certainly opened new horizons of inner joy for us, and I’m sure for all choir members” Norm Chapman, Sing Australia Peterborough, South Australia
“Last year I was diagnosed with breast cancer and hence had a tough year. I had surgery, chemotherapy and ray treatment. Fortunately now I am in remission. Had it not been for my connection with our wonderful singing group here in Albury/Wodonga, led by Joi Wilkinson, I’m sure my journey wouldn’t have been the same ( as easy).” Margaret Bryant, Sing Australia, Albury Wodonga
“When you first started the drought choir (in Dunedoo) I was really struggling with depression, would totally avoid any group situations and certainly would not be up on a stage. Through Sing Australia my self-confidence and self-esteem have greatly improved, groups are no longer confronting, I enjoy performing and am really enjoying life again. Which has brought a lot more fun, laughter, and enjoyment back into our family life. I can’t thank you enough for the difference you have made to myself and my family” Wendy Goodridge, Sing Australia Dunedoo, NSW.
On Sat 4th Oct 2008 a wonderful party was held in Edenhope with Sing Australia members, family and friends from Horsham, Nhill, Donald, Ballarat, Sea Lake, Warrnambool and Edenhope with Colin Slater leading the evening. I cannot begin to describe how fantastic it was. We have had so much positive feedback from the choir and our small local community who attended. One lady said it was the best night out she’d had in 20 years! And even our local mayor took part in the singing and dancing. (something not often see apparently!)Adrienne Caldow, Sing Australia Edenhope, Victoria
“(Sing Australia) has lifted me from a severely damaged victim of a car smash accident. I had lost my singing voice with throat damage, but once I began singing with the Sing Australia choirs here in Hobart, my voice gradually came back to some degree. The more I sing now, the more it improves, and certainly it is enough to be a part of Sing Australia once again and I value that beyond words.” Linnea Short, Sing Australia Kingston, Tasmania.
“The Peterborough Sing Australia Choir has been in operation since June 2006. We have 30 choir members ranging in age from 16 to 94 years. We have members who are having cancer treatment or are in remission, also several people off farms and members who have lsot partners. The farmers have just had the worst season for cropping in this area on record after several bad seasons. All these people look forward to choir nights and when we go into recess for school holidays to give our conductor and pianist a break, they count the weeks until we start again. We also hosted a Sing Australia choir gathering in our town hall with members from other Sing Australia groups, Glenelg, Gawler, Burra, Laura, Pt Pirie, Pt Augusta and Peterborough to which you (Colin) brought a men’s choir from Canberra conducted by you. Our choir members wish to thank you for organising this event. It brought us much pleasure and enjoyment. Once again our choir has been nominated for an Australia Day event of the year award.” John Sandland, Co Leader, Sing Australia Peterborough, South Australia.
“I am writing to say what a wonderful thing it is that Sing Australia has come to Corawa.The benefits of singing are well known and you just have to look at the faces of the choir members to know we are having a great time together. As a primary school teacher I know the joy children receive when singing together. I have been inspired by Sing Australia to use music more in my classroom as our children too, are directly affected by the drought. Thank you for your inspiration and enthusiasm.” Judy McNamara, Sing Australia Corawa, NSW
“During the past year my husband has been very ill, and I have been extremely depressed, but having been involved in Sing Australia has kept my sanity. I have also seen so many members of our group grow in confidence, and at least once a week we can put the drought behind us and share our enjoyment with the residents of the local retirement hostel and nursing home. Your constant support of our group and others in this Mallee area have contributed to a renewal of confidence and happiness to significant number of people, and I thank you with you with all my heart.” Janine O’Callaghan, Sing Australia Sea Lake, Victoria.
“It (Sing Australia) has brought people together, so that neighbours are getting to know each other. People are making friends outside their normal circle of acquaintances. The fellowship over supper is an added bonus to the pleasure and well being found in the actual choir singing time. This choir would not have happened without Sing Australia.” Dorothy Lincoln, Leader, Sing Australia Peak Hill, NSW
“When does a dream come true? Surely when someone like me writes to tell you this – God bless you Colin for bringing back into the lives of so many. Something we had forgotten we cannot live without. That is, to express ourselves – to relieve built up tensions and ongoing concerns and worries. BY SINGING! – not only alone, but ALL TOGETHER – regularly. I do hope and pray you are able to continue along the road of your dream – which has now become the dream of many” Joy Koop, Sing Australia Nhill, Victoria.
“I am writing this letter to tell how much I enjoy being part of the Sing Australia family. Everyone I have come in contact with have been so friendly and welcoming it fills your heart with pride to be part of such a group. Happy men and women who get so much pleasure by getting together and using their voices to spread a little joy” Alice Williamson, Sing Australia Echuca-Moama, Victoria
“Just thanking Sing Australia for its friendship and fun. I look forward each Tuesday night for my weekly therapy with the Deniliquin group. With years of prolonged drought and reduced income now retired, I enjoy it greatly. I hope you go on forever” Margaret Grundy, Sing Australia Deniliquin, NSW.
“Since joining the Sing Australia Barham choir I have learnt to sing new songs and rediscover the old ones. I come home feeling happy and elated- and continue singing.” Lyn Sheldrick, Sing Australia Barham, Victoria
“I have been a member for 8 years now and have seen such wonderful results of the singing and fellowship which is so much a part of it. So many people find they no longer need medication to “ help them through the day” after a night of singing with our group. Your wonderful programme incorporating the severely drought affected areas has been truly amazing and touched those who needed it most.” Sue McMillan, Leader and conductor, Sing Australia Deniliquin.