Generations came together in suburban Canberra to deliver a musical performance with a message of unity, truth and hope for Reconciliation Week. Source: The Catholic Weekly.
Residents of Southern Cross Care (NSW & ACT) Ozanam Residential Care in Garran joined voices with students from neighbouring St Peter and Paul Catholic Primary School to deliver a stirring performance as part of the nationwide Voices for Reconciliation initiative.
The intergenerational choir, with members aged from just 7 to over 100, performed a powerful rendition of the iconic Aussie anthem Solid Rock, a song that speaks of dispossession and resilience.
Their voices were guided by 2023 Australian Idol winner and proud Indigenous artist Royston Noell, whose presence added a deeply personal and cultural resonance to the event.
Weeks of preparation saw the young and young at heart not only learning lyrics and choreography but also engaging in meaningful conversations about the significance of Reconciliation and the importance of closing the gap.
“This choir reminds us of the power of coming together,” Monique Reynolds, chief executive of Southern Cross Care (NSW & ACT), said.
“It reflects the beauty of our intergenerational and community programs and reinforces our unwavering commitment to Reconciliation and justice for First Nations peoples.”
St Peter and Paul Catholic Primary School teacher Lisa Gill said the stirring performance was one the students would remember for years to come.
“The students were very excited to be part of the Reconciliation Australia choir with their friends at Southern Cross Care, which doubled when they found out that they would also be singing with Royston Noell,” Ms Gill said.
“It’s been a wonderful way to lead into Reconciliation Week, fostering an excitement and curiosity and to continue to learn about the shared history, culture and achievements of First Nations and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.”
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A choir of generations in Garran (The Catholic Weekly)
