April 23, 2018
Kingaroy’s Anzac Day Dawn Service on Wednesday will have a new addition this year.
Members of Sing Australia South Burnett will be performing three songs during the service, continuing the singing group’s long-standing connection with Anzac Day commemorations at home and abroad.
“Many of our Sing Australia groups right around the country play some part in the commemorations on or near Anzac Day,” South Burnett co-leader Sharron Coughlan said.
“It has been an important part of Sing Australia’s annual performances since the first group started 33 years ago.
“Sing Australia members sang at the Gallipoli Anzac Day services from 2005 to 2011 and have also sung for special services at Fromelles (Pheasant Wood), Villers-Bretoneaux Military Cemetery, VC Corner and Menin Gate.
“Other members have sung at Hellfire Pass and at the memorial in Vietnam that commemorates the Battle of Long Tan.
“This year, we’re very pleased our local branch can add to our own region’s Anzac Day commemorations, and we’re honoured Kingaroy RSL have included us in their Dawn Service.”
Locally, Sing Australia South Burnett have been running for nine years and this year branch members celebrated the group’s birthday with a short performance at Kingaroy Shoppingworld.
On Saturday morning, a dozen members delighted passing shoppers with several numbers before they adjourned to Gloria Jeans for morning tea.
“We have a lot to celebrate,” Sharron said
“Sing Australia have established a major network around Australia to encourage people to sing, and over the years since the first branch was formed, members have given about 22,000 performances in the Australian community.
“We have also held 25 national gatherings, 60 regional gatherings, 32 overseas tours and 15 tours around parts of Australia, and about 14,000 people have been, or currently are, members.”
A big part of the group’s attraction is that it makes no judgements about a person’s voice.
“We think everyone can sing,” Sharron said.
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The South Burnett branch of Sing Australia meets on Monday nights from 7:00pm to 9:00pm at the Uniting Church Hall in Alford Street, Kingaroy (except public and school holidays) and is always looking for new members.
The group also gives performances at local nursing homes and to support other community events.
Sharron said the branch currently has 25 members, and most meetings attract between 6 and 18 singers for a two hour get-together followed by a tea break.
“Attendance at meetings is not compulsory. Members come when they want to and if another engagement pulls them away, we all understand,” she said.
“It’s all about getting together, singing and having fun.”
If you’re interested in joining or finding out more, phone Sharron on 0431-816-071.
