Living alone can sometimes be a bit lonely, but the Riverwood Choir is a reason for many St George Community Housing (SGCH) customers to get out and about. The choir offers a welcoming space where residents from social housing communities across the area sing, laugh and eat lunch together.
Every Wednesday, neighbours gather for choir practice. Some come because they love music. Others come because they enjoy the company, the friendships and the feeling of being welcomed by people who know them.
At the heart of the choir are Veronica and Aisea who have lived in Riverwood for more than 20 years. They’re trusted leaders and familiar faces for the entire community. Through the choir, the Resident’s Organisation at Riverwood (ROAR) tenancy group and the much-loved Friday BBQs, they have created opportunities for residents to meet each other, support one another and build stronger connections.
“The choir gives people a reason to come together, to feel like they belong,” says Aisea. This is reflected in the way residents show up for each other. For people who may otherwise spend much of their time alone, the weekly gathering provides a sense of routine, friendship and connection.
Music is a powerful part of what makes the choir special. Many of the songs are in different languages. Some even have dance moves. A familiar song can bring back memories of home, while learning a song from another culture creates opportunities for understanding and friendship.
The choir is also a place where people can participate in their own way. Not everyone feels comfortable singing, especially when they first join. Veronica and Aisea make sure there is room for everyone. Some bring their own instruments – guitars, harmonicas, ukekeles – and join in the music in a way that feels natural and comfortable for them.