Video submissions have finally come to a close! 🙁 We will miss receiving all the lovely videos, but now it’s time to pick the 2016 winners!

Keeping in mind video submissions are closed, but you can still keep donating! We are announcing the winners at our big end of year sing so keep donating if you want you’re favorite to win!

We have had some great last minute entries that you all must check out!

Caeleb & Mia – We're a Couple of Swells: https://t.co/FhpeftsPdY via @YouTube

— CreativityAustralia (@CreativityAust) November 20, 2016

Melbourne People's Choir – He's Got The Whole World: https://t.co/DQUD3xVnPB via @YouTube

— CreativityAustralia (@CreativityAust) November 21, 2016

(Don’t miss the cute little Dog!!!) 

HubHello Pty Ltd – Always Look on the Bright Side of Life: https://t.co/t575OEgzUL via @YouTube

— CreativityAustralia (@CreativityAust) November 18, 2016

The With One Big Voice Sing for Good Finale is on Tuesday 29th November at 6:30pm. Former Premier Ted Baillieu and Alan Fletcher of Neighbours will be announcing the winners and the With One Voice choirs will be leading the festivities. Come along and bring your friends! Register at Eventbrite. We will be announcing the winners of Sing for Good at our event and we would love to see you and your friends there. Special guests will include Sing for Good ambassadors, Former Premier Ted Baillieu and Alan Fletcher of ‘Neighbours’. Also attached is a flyer and image of the event you can share with friends and family.

There are only 7 days left of Sing for Good 2016!! It has been wonderful to see all the fantastic entries and generous donations this year. Most importantly it is so delightful to see how much fun people are having in their entry.

Only one week left to #donate to all your #favorite entries! Keep sharing all the wonderful #videos and help us reach our goal! pic.twitter.com/gXm1TOHZwY

— Sing for Good (@singforgood) November 10, 2016

We want to keep spreading this joy and all entries as they deserve to be seen. In these 7 days think about your community, think about your friends think about your neighbour, think about the difference you could make in your life and theirs by supporting social inclusion programs like this one.

Looking back at some entries group #Selfies Take a #snap with your fave #singing partner and tag us! Spread the joy of #singing pic.twitter.com/BoEN9EV8QM

— Sing for Good (@singforgood) November 7, 2016

Sing for Good donations goes towards running With One Voice choirs. They are community choirs that encourage people from all walks of life to come together and unite with singing. Go to our gallery and watch some of the incredible entries. You are guaranteed to have a laugh and definitely smile. Pick your favourites and donate to them. They all have a target, and some are so close to reaching it. Once you have donated a share, the videos with your friends and family.

Who likes watching the X Factor?

Just imagine instead of watching it from your lounge, you can be there in the audience #OMG

Sing for Good is offering a prize of 4 tickets to attend the live results show on Monday 14 November 2016. For your chance to win all you have to do is donate now to an entry. Once you have done that share it and tag Sing for Good on Facebook!

We are giving away 4 tickets to attend the @thexfactorau live results show. For more information on how to win visit https://t.co/So2dDye8w8 pic.twitter.com/DKsZLdzYqR

— Sing for Good (@singforgood) November 4, 2016

Terms and conditions 

1. To be in the running you must donate to a Sing for Good campaign and share the entry with your friends.
2. Prize does not include flights or accommodation and winners must make their own way to Fox Studios in Sydney for a 5:30pm start time.
3. Winners must be over the age of 18, or if over the age of 12, one of the tickets is for an adult supervisor.
4. Winners will be notified by email and phone by 4:30pm, Friday 11 November 2016.

Happy Donating

It has been an exciting few months for Sing for Good. So much has happened and we are so thankful for the support we have received so far.

We are so excited to announce our newest Sing for Good ambassador Mark Vincent! Such an amazing talent and his Sing for Good entry will be arriving soon which everyone should be excited for.

#Introducing the #newest Sing for Good Ambassador Mark Vincent! Can't wait to see the #amazing entry! 👀🎉

A photo posted by Creativity Australia (@singforgood) on Oct 11, 2016 at 8:55pm PDT

We have received incredible entries so far which need everyone’s support. They are so inspiring and entertaining you wont want to stop watching them.

Have you watched our latest entries yet? They are #fabulous! Show support by voting and donating! #VideoChallenge https://t.co/15JZI82SJ6 pic.twitter.com/rOxz80RlZZ

— Sing for Good (@singforgood) October 7, 2016

Some entries are so clever and very funny!!

Sing Like you mean it! #Vote #Share #Donate https://t.co/jDkxYYilYBhttps://t.co/MNVjWpfROV

— Sing for Good (@singforgood) October 4, 2016

Some are incredibly adorable, with some very moving stories.

Most adorable Entry!! @svrcviceduau #Vote #Donate https://t.co/vo0ArBgENq https://t.co/CQSsDKDUyU via @giphy

— Sing for Good (@singforgood) October 4, 2016

It is so important to get behind all of our fantastic entries.

Donations change the tune for people in need through the #WithOneVoice program. Donate now to your favourite entries https://t.co/tUBXSj4zye

— Sing for Good (@singforgood) October 11, 2016

To really make a difference and create happier and healthier communities we need to keep supporting all of our entries.

Donate now.

Advice from the best in the business and Sing for Good’s newest ambassador.

Have you added us on Snapchat? If not then get on it!! @Sing4Good.

Sing For Good is now on Snapchat #Yayy 🙂
Follow @sing4good and send us some fab singing videos! #SingForGood pic.twitter.com/k4GWKEP8eH

— Sing for Good (@singforgood) July 28, 2016

You may have spotted our Sing For Good Snapchat Team in Melbourne CBD recently. We headed out to get to the good word out on Sing for Good and inspire some entries.

Come and hang out with the snaphat crew just exploring the #NGV pic.twitter.com/DZxF2KfxPJ

— Sing for Good (@singforgood) August 16, 2016

It was so much fun that the mascot from Boost Juice joined in too.

@boostjuiceoz and @singforgood come and get a photo with us and get juicy!! pic.twitter.com/l1Q19Ckfwu

— Sing for Good (@singforgood) August 16, 2016

It was fantastic to talk to everyone and hear what they think and also hear a little singing.

We are also running a mini Twitter challenge called 30 seconds of fame.

Have you entered yet? Time to get #Creative #SingforGood https://t.co/em4bYMuyy2 pic.twitter.com/XyRXuRJlOC

— Sing for Good (@singforgood) September 1, 2016

Here’s your chance to get creative with an original song by Scott Johnson , called Sing for good! This challenge requires a small 30-second video showing your interpretation or cover of the song. The most creative will get a free Sing for Good tee and a special feature on our web page. Check out our Twitter for more details!

Maybe once you have finished reading this you should go tell your neighbour, everybody needs good neighbours… our ambassador Alan Fletcher (aka Dr Karl Kennedy) would love you to!

Check out this very special message from our ambassador @doctorkk on the set of @neighbours https://t.co/j3ALHWwRxC

— Sing for Good (@singforgood) August 23, 2016

Everyone’s favourite TV Docc has sent in a video to share why he loves singing and why Sing for Good really is GOOD! His not only challenging you all but very soon he will send in his very own entry from the set of Neighbours with some of his lovely friends from Ramsey St.

So keep an eye out you definitely don’t want to miss this.

It has already been an epic start to Sing for Good 2016, the team have been super busy in making sure everyone involved gets the absolute most out of it!

TEDx Melbourne Sing for Good

We started off with a great surprise for the audience at TEDx Melbourne.

#singforgood largest comp entry @tedxmelbourne#tedxmelbourne#adventurousminds#TEDxAdelaide #Metamorphosis2016 pic.twitter.com/bHhVfLysvA

— TEDxAdelaide (@TEDxAdelaide) August 3, 2016

The combined With One Voice Choirs thrilled the audience with a flash mob performance filling the Melbourne Convention Centre. Making it the largest ever sing for good entry! Not bad for breaking records on the first day!

Nothing like a room full of people singing to kick off the day! #TEDxMelbourne #AdventurousMinds #singforgood pic.twitter.com/DwULZjlcXK

— Chatterbox Marketing (@chatterboxmktng) August 3, 2016

Melbourne Town Hall saw hundreds of diverse voices raised in song, and the winners of global community singing project Sing for Good announced, at the With One BIG Voice Gala Concert yesterday. Winners are listed below.

Donations raised through Sing for Good help create positive outcomes for people experiencing depression, anxiety, loneliness, disadvantage, unemployment or homelessness through Creativity Australia’s With One Voice program. About the cause. So far, Sing for Good has inspired more than 120 entries and $70,000 in donations.

Due to popular demand, Sing for Good will be extended ‘til 25 December. Further winners may be announced in early 2016. During this period, we also encourage you to unleash your inner rock star through our Legends of the Southern Land project.

The festive period is the perfect time for a singalong, and this extension will allow the many last minute entries to get votes and donations. Creativity Australia hopes to reach its target of $100,000 by Christmas to help change the tune for people in need. Please visit the gallery to support your favourites.

Together, we can change the world… one voice at a time.

WINNERS 2015

SCHOOL AWARDS

Most Inspiring School Sing
Latrobe Special Developmental School – The Cool Song

Best High School Sing
Eltham College MAC Boys Choir – Lean On Me

Best Primary School Sing
Blackburn Primary School – Count On Me

Best Multi-Age Group School Sing
Harmoni Choir – Better Is One Day

Best School Choir
Wantirna College Choir – Wayfaring Stranger

GENERAL AWARDS

Best Family Sing
proudly supported by Ritchies
Fierce and Fabulous (Nkandu Beltz and daughters) – Out Of Africa

Best Kids’ Sing
Guide Dogs Victoria’s Confident Kids – I Can

Best Blokes’ Sing
Ted Baillieu and Friends – O Danny Boy

Best Women’s Sing
Salvation Jane (the Janes) – Travellin’ Shoes
VECCI Events Team – We Go Together

Best Healthy Ageing Sing
proudly supported by Leading Age Services Australia
With One Voice Altona Meadows – The Ballad of Joe
City of Playford (SA) Silver Beat Rock Choir – Feel Good Medley

Sisi Kuimba (SEE-SEE koo-IM-buh)
Best Foreign Language Sing supported by the Victorian Multicultural Commission
Friendship Bridge – Life Is So Beautiful
Celebrate India Inc – Chale Chalo

Best Original Sing
Isabelle and Elizabeth – Hero

Best Workplace Sing
APRA AMCOS – Friday On My Mind

Best Ministerial Sing
Team Min Fin (Minister for Multicultural Affairs Robin Scott) – Two Little Tigers

Best Non-Profit Organisation Sing
beyondblue – Don’t StopAND
CASPA (Child and Adolescent Specialist Programs and Accommodation) – Lean on Me

Best Small Workplace Sing
National Music Therapy Research Unit – Titanium

Best Allied Health Sing
Melbourne Osteopathic Clinic – Dem Bones

Best Joint Fundraising Sing
Muscular Dystrophy Association – Bohemian Rhapsody

Best Regional Community Sing
The Undeniably Noisy Project – Viva La Vida

Best International Sing
Playing for Change – Cotton Fields

Biggest Sing
Sydney Eisteddfod sing-a-long – I Vow To Thee My Country

Best Surprise Sing
The Liberators – Over The Rainbow

Best Love Song
Sing for Joy Choir – True Colours

Best Community Choir Sing
Mawarra Community Choir – Zip-a-dee-do-dah

Best Choir Sing
Melbourne Gay and Lesbian Choir – Marry Me
Melbourne Singers of Gospel – I Can Go To God In Prayer

Best Sing Celebrating Diversity
Magic of Music – In Harmony & Rainbow Connection

Best Sing Celebrating Inclusion
With One Voice Brisbane – Try A Little Kindness

Most Creative Sing
The Clinical Notes – The Glove Medley

Most Entertaining Sing
Dr Charlie Teo’s Brain Cancer Warriors – I Will Survive

Most Inspiring Sing
Wayside Chapel – Three Little Birds & All The Stars That Shine

Most Donations Raised
With One Voice Geelong – Life In A Northern Town

Dolly Diamond in full swing at Federation Square.

Federation Square’s amphitheatre played host to a choir made up of With One Voice members from around Victoria on Friday, 23 October.

The choir, supported by Neighbours favourite Alan Fletcher, and interactive experience from DekDrum’s David Kirsner, treated the audience to a sneak peak of the gala event, With One BIG Voice, to be held at Melbourne’s Town Hall on Sunday, 8 November. Master of ceremonies Dolly Diamond delighted those in attendance and kept them in stitches as passers-by were treated to such favourites as ‘The Lion Sleeps Tonight’, ‘Singin’ In The Rain’, and a Beatles medley to name but a few.

The hour-long performance offered a taste of what guests can expect at the Town Hall, which also acts as the climax of Sing for Good campaign.
With One BIG Voice Gala Concert
Sunday 8 November, 3.00PM – 5.45PM
Melbourne Town Hall, cnr Swanston & Collins Streets

Sing for Good aims to get communities singing for joy in every postcode of Australia and beyond. Families, workplaces, schools, sports teams… everyone is welcome. Donations raised help people in need through Creativity Australia’s With One Voice program.

Every week, Creativity Australia’s 14 With One Voice choirs inspire people from more than 40 nationalities, aged 9 to 90, to sing side-by-side. Age, race, language, religion, disability and disadvantage fade away. Everyone is welcome.

Creativity Australia believes unleashing a community’s collective creative potential can achieve incredible social and economic outcomes. When diverse voices sing together, people can more easily connect to whatever they need in life… friends, mentors, wellbeing, new skills, self-esteem, employment and more.

Those in the audience at Friday’s Federation Square singalong were heard to comment that the choir sang “with such a beautiful spirit”, and that “it’s events like these that make Melbourne the world’s most liveable city”. While many joined in with the singing, even those that couldn’t stop commented on the abundant joy and passion in the voices.
The With One Voice program builds bridges of understanding between diverse people, and complements specific intervention programs of other charities and organisations.

“Neuroscience proves singing connects the neural pathways in the brain differently and releases endorphins, making people healthier, happier, smarter and more creative. From this position, people are more capable of asking for, receiving and giving help,” Founder and Chair, Tania de Jong said.

“Empowered individuals and supportive communities are better placed to solve society’s big challenges, such as cross-cultural integration, unemployment, mental illness, low economic productivity, skills shortages, loneliness and isolation, family fragmentation, homelessness and more,” she said.

“This is why we’re the passionate leaders of a singing movement… to strengthen communities, improve wellbeing and change the world, one voice at a time!
Creativity Australia is a charity.  All donations are fully tax-deductible.

When we received a Sing for Good entry all the way from London we were excited to connect with people from across the globe. Even more inspiring was the song entrants Tus and Natasha wrote titled ‘Border Door’ in support of breaking down barriers and welcoming refugees. The song aims to motivate others to change, act and heal as their message to ‘open up the border door’ plays in the minds of listeners. We asked Tus to share some of the highs and lows of her singing journey, how she came to Sing for Good and her new found confidence in singing every day for a year.

Where did you first hear about our singing project Sing for Good? 

I came across Tania de Jong’s talk “How singing together changes the brain” from TedxTalk. I tried to find her contact and sent her a message right away to express how much I was inspired by the talk. Listening to her speech, I felt very motivated to sing with other people more often and to set up a WithOneVoice London. Tania replied to me and also let me know about Sing for Good. I entered right away, such an awesome way to raise awareness and fundraise for people in need.

How long have you been singing?  

I have always been singing and humming since I was little. I performed sometimes in special school events. I have always been quite shy about my singing ability though. I went through depression 3 months ago because of many different reasons. During that depression phase I was very critical of myself, I had zero self-esteem and I could not sing, even just for myself. Then I met Melanie Garside (Maple Bee) who is a music therapist, musician. She offered me weekly music therapy sessions which changed my life totally. I was able to overcome depression. I started singing again and enjoying life much more. I now see life full of hopes and possibilities.

What sparked your interest to write the song “Border Door” to raise awareness about the refugee crisis? 

Here is what Natasha Gilbert wrote: “After holding a fundraising event for refugee support projects, I became very passionate about the future of those stuck between borders. I wanted to write a song that has a simple calling: ‘open up the border, open up the border door’. We hope that it will echo in the hearts of listeners  growing their empathy to the point where they are ready to read more , donate and volunteer for refugee services. Singing has the power to motivate others to change, or to act, as well as to heal. We can do this best as a community, which is why Tus and I came together to sing this.”

You are also singing one song a day for a year and sharing it on social media. How many songs have you recorded so far? And how has this helped you become more confident in your singing? 

I have been singing every day for 42 days now! In the first week, I was very shy and nervous when I posted a video, I thought a lot about whether I sang well enough, what people were going to think of me and now I’m not worried anymore! It has been so awesome! Lately, I have also been feeling much more energized and creative every day! I am a full time art student and singing has enabled me to have more ideas in my art practice. My friends have been noticing the changes in me and ask why I am so excited these last few days!

Where can we hear more of your beautiful songs to share with others?

Check out Natasha Gilbert music and follow Tus on her amazing Sing for 365 day project.

_

We wish Tus all the best for the year ahead of singing, which will no doubt have a happy, healthy and positive impact.

Watch Tus and Natasha Sing for Good here and support them in their hope for opening the border door and welcoming refugees.

David from Dekdrum is performing at Federation Square Ampitheatre for our Sing for Good Community Singalong this Friday 23 October. We chat to David about his exciting career as an interactive percussionist, his favourite performance and the African inspired beats you can expect to hear on the day.

1. How did you start your career as an interactive percussionist and entertainer?

I started playing drum kit in primary school and added percussion when I was 14. At my first percussion lesson my teacher, David Hewitt, wouldn’t let me touch the bongos until I could dance salsa with him. I enjoyed the music and the atmosphere the drums created. I also loved African “djembe” drumming and found that drums moved people. I found it fascinating how drums were so central to African culture and how they were used as part of their language and for all kinds of tasks including hunting, ceremonial use and entertainment.

While at school, I played in both a stage band and a classical orchestra with Melbourne Youth Music. I’ve been in a diverse range of bands, including rock, Latin and calypso and have learnt heaps from other musicians.  I studied music full-time at JMC Academy. I had a number of formal lessons from various specialist teachers on percussion, teaching me special instruments like darabuca, Latin percussion and Indian percussion. I remember having a lesson on Balinese percussion from a man who spoke no English – it was amazing to converse with him in musical terms only – showing music is a powerful language!

2. What do you love most about playing the live percussion?

I love the energy that the drums give off. I love how my drums are also an instrument of one’s self, meaning, I can express the sounds and my thoughts through the instruments. Much more fun (and creative) then hitting a pillow, too for stress relief! I love making others happy, teaching them new rhythms and I particularly enjoy the challenge of  involving people who may not have seen themselves as drummers before. I want to bring world music and beats to the forefront of popular music and hope to educate on their sounds. I love getting into “the zone” as a drummer – when in that zone, you feel like you can play whichever beat you want – a very natural and entrancing state where I feel free!

3. Where is your favourite place you have performed and why?

I have performed overseas in Thailand. I really enjoyed performing there as it’s so picturesque and the weather is fantastic – I played at some amazing festivals including one in Thailand to over 10,000 people. I have also toured Australia. I really enjoyed playing at The Hard Rock Cafe as part of a corporate tour which was one place I have always wanted to play as a child! I really enjoy seeing the world through my music as I love to experience different cultures and meeting new people!

4. We are excited you to see your perform at our Sing for Good community singalong on Friday 23 October. What can sort of beats we expect to hear on the day?

I look forward to playing some African rhythms including North African beats. I am so excited to be playing for Sing for Good as singing with one’s voice is similar to singing with our instruments. Drums were originally used as a communication tool. We pass on information, tell stories and learn lessons via singing and drumming. I will also be involving the audience on the drums AND using our choir to join in singing some African chants.

5. Do you rehearse before a show or improvise on the spot with the DJ’s?

Rhythms come from the heart. All the rhythms that I play when performing with DJs are improvised. I try and create sounds that work well with the genre of music played. I sometime mimic what is on the track or play different beats which form part of a “remix” of the track. I do spend a lot of time in the rehearsal studio coming up with new riffs. Once I find something I like, I am able to include that sound in my repertoire and solos. I highly recommend ongoing practicing, no matter your level or ability. At this stage of my career, I do not do any rehearsal with a DJ and the music is made up, on the fly!

6. How many hours can you perform before your hands and wrists give way?

I once performed alongside DJ Promo who attempted the Guinness world record for the longest DJ set. He performed at Federation Square for 87 straight!! I performed with him for 10 hours!! I don’t recommend playing that long!! I use a lot of stretching techniques and I use Shea butter on my hands to keep my skin in good condition.

7. Can you play any other instruments besides the percussion (singing included!)?

I can sing a little however I really need a few more lessons. I am a professional MC and love to encourage my audience to have fun and engage them. I also play recorder, a little piano, bass guitar and tuned percussion. I also started on the drum kit and still love to give it a bash!

Join Dekdrum, our With One Voice choirs and Sing for Good Ambassadors Dolly Diamond and Alan Fletcher between 1-2pm on Friday 23 October at Fed Square Amphitheatre.

Click here for more info about our Sing for Good community singalong. 

By Aimee Heckel on Daily Camera

Scott Johnson imagines uniting the entire world with a common language: the language of singing.

That’s why the Boulder man started World Singing Day in 2012. It took him a few years to incorporate as a nonprofit and get the momentum rolling. This year, he’s finally bringing his idea public: to the Pearl Street Mall in front of the courthouse.

On Saturday, six local choirs will gather on the mall for two hours of a public, social sing-along of popular songs (ranging from Katy Perry to The Beatles), as well as classics such as “America the Beautiful” and a simple song that Johnson co-wrote titled “We Sing.”

On the same day, people in countries around the world will sing that same song, and others, in honor of the day.

He knows groups will be participating in New Zealand, Australia, Senegal, the Philippines, India, Canada, Europe and the United States.

Read More

Creativity Australia is proudly participating in World Singing Day with a community singalong at Federation Square on Friday 23 October. Join us between 1-2pm for an afternoon of music, joy and entertainment. Click here and singalong. 

Sing for Good is calling on more schools to take part in our singing project, with prizes on offer for winning performances!

This isn’t a talent quest or a search for the best voice or school choir. It’s about having fun singing in a group, building friendships, inspiring others and being creative.

There are a number of categories for schools to enter such as Best School Sing, Most Creative School Sing and Best School Choir. The song possibilities are endless!

The winning schools have the chance to win $500-$1000 and percussion instruments to assist their music programs.

So far we have seen a number of talented primary and high school students take on the challenge and get involved with entries from Wantirna College, Eltham College, Latrobe Special Development School and the super cute kids from St. Francis de Sales giving us their rendition of ‘Flashlight’ from Pitch Perfect.

“We sing because it makes us feel good. It gives us a way to express our emotions, and most importantly, it shows who we are.”
– St. Francis de Sales Primary School singers

Check out the rockin’ entry below and let the MAC Boy’s Choir from Eltham College inspire you to grab a buddy, sing a song and have some fun.

Click here to find out more information and enter your school today. Entries close 31 October 2015.

By Dr Sharon Woolf for vicdoc

As a GP, I see patients with complex conditions seeking solutions for healthier and happier lives. While doctors can provide treatment for diseases, becoming active and creative within one’s community on a regular basis is a powerful tonic.

I believe group singing is a very effective way to enhance wellbeing, charging up hearts, lungs and minds for better health and brighter futures. Many people have been told that they cannot sing, or they feel self-conscious and afraid of making mistakes. Their voices have been silenced and they are missing out on excellent health benefits.

I am involved with the inspirational With One Voice social inclusion program. Each week, their choirs unite people of all ages and backgrounds for singing and supper. They bring together CEOs, doctors, lawyers, teachers and retirees with migrants, youth-at-risk, job seekers and those suffering from depression and disabilities.

Read More on p. 28 of vicdoc 

Hey Australia!

You are invited to…

Star in the next big Aussie Rock Anthem, Legends of the Southern Land.

Legends of the Southern Land is new song by Aussie music legends, John ‘Wonder World’ St. Peeters, John (Swanee) Swan, Marty Rhone, Ray Burgess, Tommy Emmanuel and composed by Michael Yule. They are calling on all Australians to join them in singing this uplifting song.

Think you can’t sing? Don’t fret.

This isn’t a talent quest. We’re seeking people of all ages, cultures, faiths. Professional artists, shower singers… everyone is welcome.

It’s as easy as one, two, three.

Simply enter a video through Sing for Good singing along to the Aussie Rock Anthem. The song will be split into four sections over the month of October with mp3 and lyrics released weekly on Sing for Good. Enter one section, or as many as you like!

You can feel good and do good

We’re seeking 1,000 videos from around Australia and donations raised through Legends of the Southern Land go towards helping people in need through Sing for Good.

But wait there’s more…

Winners will star in the official Legends of the Southern Land music video and appear live on stage during the 2016 national tour.

Are you ready to rock?

Make you mark, make a difference, be the best that you can.
You’re the future of the southern land.

Enter here

In recognition of Mental Health Week and World Mental Health Day on Saturday 10 October we are asking you to take the next step towards acknowledging your own mental health and wellbeing. #mentalhealthbeginswithyou

As the stigma around mental illness reduces, more people are recognising the benefits of participating in activities which create a more positive psychology. And one of the best ways to feel happier, healthier, smarter and more relaxed is by singing! Whether you sing in your car, sing with friends or in the shower, taking five minutes out of your day to sing it out will put you in a better mood both mentally and physically.

When we sing, we create new neural pathways and release oxytocin, the hormone responsible for love and bonding. Singing also fires up the right temporal lobe of the brain and releases endorphins, “feel good” chemicals that trigger fun, enjoyment, happiness and relaxation.

Not only is singing a great way to improve your mental wellbeing, but singing in a choir or group is proven to be an even more valuable resource for those in need. Regularly singing with others in the community allows you to build strong networks and this is especially beneficial for those who don’t have strong family or community supports in their lives.

World Mental Health Day is a global day to raise awareness and advocacy for mental health issues worldwide.

This year WMHD has three objectives:

• Encourage help seeking behaviour
• Reduce the stigma associated with mental illness
• Foster connectivity throughout communities

By simply having a singalong, encouraging others to sing, connecting with the community and raising awareness about mental health you can help achieve these goals and improve you own mental wellbeing.

De-stress your life and do something good. Do it for you and those around you. Join us in song and enter Sing for Good. #dogood #feelgood  #WMHD

A mutual love of karaoke and a background working in mental health inspired our leading Sing for Good entrants The Clinical Notes to take to the stage and have some fun! We decided to find out how this success entry came about, the reason for the (G)love and the hours spent perfecting their love song medley.

1. Tell us, how did you form the group The Clinical Notes and what inspired the name?
   This was actually the last thing we came up with – as we were all sitting around the dining table having a meal together.  We were interested to show that we had a clinical background, and we couldn’t resist a good pun!
2. What is the significance of wearing the Glove?
   Just a bit of silliness really.  We were planning to go all out and wear some glitter but it was all a bit last minute so a glittery glove was as far as we got.  Plus, it adds a clinical dimension to it.
3. Your performance is smooth and rehearsed. How many hours did it take to get the (G)love Medley ready to shoot?
   Sumitra had the idea one weekend after reading about it in the Big Issue. The following weekend, after many text messages and singing sessions over the telephone we were ready to give it a go. Everyone had a great deal of enthusiasm, and we were lucky to have some help from our friends Gwyn and Lynn.  It was a blast.
4. What is your favourite song to sing in karaoke?
   How can you make us choose just one???
5. Working in the mental health sector, what are some of the benefits you feel both physically and mentally when singing in a group?
   All of us have sung in choirs at different times in our lives, and we all enjoy the sense of companionship and camaraderie that it provides.  It is also great to be able to express ourselves in a creative way.  It’s essential to let loose and have a bit of fun!
6. What do you think the world would be life if everyone sang together (in perfect harmony)?
   We think variety is the spice of life, so an odd note here and there is great.
7. Besides karaoke and singing, do The Clinical Notes have any other loves?
   Well, we all like lots of different things, but we have a common love of eating!

The Clinical Notes are truly inspiring and have received an outstanding amount of support and donations. We hope this inspire others to add some spice into their life and give it a go!

Watch their entry here and donate or vote to show your support.

This is a story about a man named Joe and his quest for love.

Joe leaves his hometown, becomes a locomotive, travels to Persia and ends up finding his one true love in the romantic country of Italy.

But this isn’t just a love story…

While Joe travelled far and wide, he was never alone in his search for love as the members of With One Voice Altona Meadows choir at Benetas St. George’s were always there singing by his side.

This musical story and creative Sing for Good entry provided the choir members with more than an afternoon of entertainment.

It allowed the members to embrace the joy of singing, engage with each other and step into a loved fuelled world. It was a fun adventure as they sang, acted and filmed a beautiful love story (with a happy ending).

The entry features a medley of five storytelling songs, opening with “Bye Bye Blackbird” and ending on the popular Italian song, “Arrivederci Roma,” where Joe reunites with his love before saying goodbye to Rome.

Every Wednesday at Benetas St. George’s aged care facility residents look forward to choir practice and other members of the community are invited to sing-along.

Through the choir’s open door policy we are able to engage with a diverse mix of people from the broader community who share the joy of singing and by doing that together with our residents it has the added benefit of providing a great sense of social inclusion.

– Siusan MacKenzie, Manager Community Engagement, Benetas

Donate and vote for the With One Voice Altona Meadows choir and help get them closer to winning the Best Healthy Ageing Sing, which is proudly supported by Leading Age Services Australia. 

There are plenty of categories you can enter. Join in the love story and Sing for Good.

Creativity Australia has teamed up with Benetas, a leading aged care provider in Victoria, to bring you With One Voice Altona Meadows.