Melbourne Award 2016 Winners – Contribution to Community by a Community Organisation

Loneliness is the epidemic of our times. Unfortunately more than two in five people feel socially isolated and unheard. This leads to anxiety, depression and unemployment.

Creativity Australia’s With One Voice programs meet weekly to unite and empower thousands of people from all nationalities, improve health and wellbeing, and create supportive communities that look after each other. Led by professional conductors, they use the neuroscience of singing, supper and an innovative Wish List program to break down barriers and connect participants to wellbeing, friendships, mentors, networks, skills and employment.

A Swinburne evaluation demonstrated 98% of With One Voice participants experienced less stress, 91 per cent improved social bonds and 66 per cent feel less depressed.

The choir brings fun, joy and creativity to Melbourne through regular performances at the Australia Day Parade, Harmony Day, lunchtime Christmas concerts, World Singing Day and an annual With One BIG Voice concert.

Other initiatives by Creativity Australia include ‘Sing for Good’ – a national online video fundraising campaign for all charities using group singing to support disadvantaged people; and ‘MyChoir’ – an innovative social franchise model helping deliver their program across Australia.