Gaining strength through singing

By Kath Gannaway
A CHOIR which recognises the uncomplicated joy children have in singing with their friends is promoting the sharing of indigenous culture in Healesville.
The First Child Sing choir promotes the cultural strengths of respect, caring and sharing through song and also through dance and is part of the Healesville Cultural Strengthening Project.
The inclusive approach responds to feedback from young Aboriginal people wanting to participate in cultural activities with all of their friends, not just their Aboriginal friends.
Local musician Angie McMillan takes the choir through their paces, teaching songs in indigenous languages, and some in English, at the Badger Creek Hall on Thursdays.
Members of the Indigenous Hip Hop Project are running a contemporary hip hop group at the Darron Honey Centre, also on Thursdays after school.
Julie Hanman community development officer with the YMCA said the choir and dance group is funded through the Department of Human Services for three years with the aim being that the groups will become self-sufficient through performances.
Anyone interested in taking part should contact Ms Hanman on 0458 745 308.