The Choir of Fire project will tour to a number of small communities that have been impacted by bushfire. A well-known musician will lead the community in a collective sing-along, performing well-known songs to which the community will be provided lyrics and asked to join in.
A number of well-known Australian singers (Paul Kelly, John Williamson, Kasey Chambers, Guy Sebastian, John Farnham, Troy Casar-Daley, Beccy Cole, Fanny Lumsden, Daryl Braithwaite) will be invited to participate. The performers will sing their most famous songs, as well as perform much-loved classics that are intended to lift and inspire the communities, building not only their self-confidence but also their resilience.
The event will be held in the early evening and consist of:
- A collective sing-along lead by a well-known musician
- A BBQ
- Socialising and connecting with friends
The Choir of Fire tour is designed to provide critical relief for communities struggling with the impacts of bushfire and drought. While the evening is designed as an entertaining night out, at the core of the event is the delivery of mental health messages in a way that is entertaining, immediate and highly relevant.
A nurse at each venue will provide health checks consisting of blood pressure, pulse (heart rate), blood glucose level (diabetes check) and body mass index. Where applicable, referrals will be made to GPs for medication review and mental health assessment.
The Rural Financial Counselling Service Northern Region (RFCS-NR) supports eligible farmers and small related rural businesses who are suffering financial hardship, and who have no alternative sources of impartial support, to manage and adjust to the challenge of industry and climate variability. Counsellors provide referrals to appropriate professionals and information on how to prepare for discussions with experts.
Prior to each performance, the community will enjoy a free BBQ and the opportunity to socialize with friends and engage with service providers. The opportunity for the community to come to together to share a free meal is a vital component of the tour, providing the catalyst to bring people together, while allowing the much-needed chance to relax and socialise without the barrier of any financial outlay.
Bringing communities together through the collective power of song can be therapeutic and cathartic. Over the past decade, music therapy has emerged as a creative art form that has been used to address stress and coping with survivors of trauma.
We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land we live and work, the Bundjalung, Arakwal, Yaegl, Gumbaynggirr, Githabul, Dunghutti and Birpai Nations, and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to elders past, present and future.
