To celebrate National Reconciliation Week, Hobsons Bay council hosted a dedicated story time event with the help of the Willin Wimmin Choir.
‘Voices For Reconciliation’ was held at the Newport Community Hub on Monday, May 27, kicking off the week which ran from May 27- June 3.
Choir director Steph Payne said the choir was pleased to perform this year’s themed song Blackfella/Whitefella by Warumpi Band, with the help of neighbouring choir, One Voice Hobsons Bay.
As part of this year’s Voices for Reconciliation program, Reconciliation Australia called on singers across the country to come together in song to contribute to National Reconciliation Week 2024.
“The special thing about that song is that it was part of the Voices for Reconciliation project, which saw over 400 choirs participate,” she said.
“We sang the arrangement which we learnt for that video.”
Ms Payne said it was a delight to perform in front of a younger audience than they are used to.
“We performed in a packed room of toddlers and families which was quite a different experience,” she said.
“It was a delight to perform in front of the cutest audience ever and quite a lovely gig for us to have such a gorgeous audience.”
Before the main performance, Ms Payne said the event kicked off with a digital welcome to country, followed by the entrance and performance of the 20 choir members.
“We came out and sang two songs, one was ‘We Honour The Land by Laura Brearley’, and of course Blackfella/Whitefella,” she said.
“The first song has actions to it, so everyone joined along performing the actions to the songs.”
To conclude the even,t Ms Payne said the kids enjoyed singing and dancing as well as participating in arts and crafts.
“It was a fantastic experience, everyone had a lovely time.”
Jennifer Pittorino
