Yarra Valley community members are invited to a free event to sing songs for peace, unity, community and equality.
Catherine Nolan is organising an event Sing For Unity in Healesville.
Sing For Unity is a worldwide musical movement for unity, peace and community on UN International Day of Peace.
Ms Nolan said people all around the world will sing songs that they like, about peace or that bring people together at 2pm and create a sound wave constantly for 24 hours.
“Obviously, all the world leaders aren’t going to stop wars immediately but what they’re going to do is create positivity amongst individuals and groups,” she said.
“When people sing, they create endorphins, dopamine, the feel good hormone, and that makes people feel positive, and positivity increases peace and less conflict.”
On Sunday 21 September, voices from every corner of the planet will sing to send a powerful message, ‘We are one world, one people and we stand together in unity and community’.
Ms Nolan is asking people to arrive at the Healesville Senior Citizens Hall at 18 Green Steet by 1pm to learn the songs in different languages; a Yiddish Song Hashi Venu, an Arabic song Asalaam Aleikhum by Veda Murti (Sufi chant), Imagine by John Lennon and Blowin’ in the Wind by Bob Dylan.
“When we sing in different languages, we can develop a tolerance and appreciation of other people, and at this time with everything that’s going on in the world, it’s good to be embracing different languages and different cultures,” she said.
“That’s why I’ve chosen those songs, but other people around the world will sing songs that resonate with their own group, choir or community.”
The participants are going to sing the songs at 2pm and then take a short street parade.
After that, they will return to the Senior Citizens Hall and have afternoon tea and a concert of local performers.
Artists who are performing in the concert are Robbie Grieg, Aaron Burton, Hoel Durand, David Johnston, Cinderella a cappella, Peter Nolan and more local artists.
It’s a free event but gold coin donation is appreciated.
“It’s accessible to everybody in the community, including wheelchair access,” the event organiser said.
“People of all ages are welcome to attend but they just need to register with me on my email address.”
If you have any enquiries, contact Ms Nolan via email on catherinenolan@bigpond.com
