4th June 2025

A Language that Knows No Borders

In March, SwanCare bore witness to the joining of three incredible choirs - Voices from Within, Mackie Street Singers and SwanCare’s Allsorts Choir – who filled The Club with beautiful melodies that had everyone toe tapping and many even singing along. Residents from all four residential aged care centres, along with a number of Bentley Park residents, came together to experience the first unity of these choirs. One which we hope will not be the last.

Beautiful Melodies from Within

Voices from Within was formed in 2007 as a joint initiative between the Boronia Pre-release Centre for Women and the not-for-profit Extra Edge Community Services. This program was designed to promote teamwork, increase self-confidence, and develop musical and vocal skills. After the closure of Extra Edge in 2014, Boronia sought ways to reinvigorate the Boronia choir. After a period of time, Boronia advertised for a volunteer to direct the choir. In 2024, David Harries commenced as their volunteer Choir Director alongside other community volunteers who support the choir. Voices from Within has completed a number of performances for SwanCare, including the moving performance ‘over the fence’ during the early days of COVID-19 which are all part of the “Good Neighbours” initiative we enjoy with Boronia.

Extending Community Partnerships

David Harries has been the Musical Director, Conductor and Accompanist for Mackie Street Singers for the last five years. With the support of choir members, David runs rehearsals and performances as well as orchestrates the artistic direction of the choir, which is evidenced through the exceptional talent the group displays.

Now having enjoyed a year with Voices from Within, we asked David what inspired him to lead choirs, “I’ve been involved with community music making since childhood. It is something I have found really rewarding and fun. Also, during my career as a Music Teacher/Director in schools, I was often responsible for running the school choirs and choral programs. So, the interest and passion spilled into life outside my job.”

The Good Neighbours Program

The concert initiative at SwanCare was made possible due to the fantastic relationship between Natalie Hodi, General Manager of Community Living at SwanCare, and Susan Andrews, Manager of Family and Community Services at Boronia. Not only are the two organisations in close proximity, SwanCare’s vision is to enrich the lives of their residents and with Boronia’s pre-release program aimed at setting their residents up for success, the union provided benefits on both sides.

The ability for Boronia residents to interact and perform for their neighbours provides such a positive experience. The Boronia residents really enjoy and appreciate the connection with SwanCare. Susan said, “The residents all have a great sense of pride in performing for our elderly neighbours at SwanCare.”

The latest concert showcased the positive collaboration with Mackie Street Singers as well as Allsorts Choir. Susan added, “following the performance a Boronia resident reflected that it was lovely to be able to sing with the other choirs, and to see how happy the SwanCare residents were.”

Susan mentioned that the members of Voices from Within take great pride in entertaining their neighbours at SwanCare, with Boronia residents expressing that “seeing them so happy makes it all worthwhile.”

Similarly, the Mackie Street Singers loved being part of the concert, even though it was only for one segment. The Mackie Street Singers have supported singing in Boronia since last year, not just through shared singing experiences but also in material ways, for instance, by loaning the Boronia choir with a new digital piano.

We asked David for his highlights from the Concert. “For me, there were three highlights. First, the way the Boronia choir performed. They were amazing! Expressive, polished, courageous, and respectful. Second, the wave of positive feelings and the support from the SwanCare audience. I’m tearing up just remembering it now. And third, when all three choirs sang a segment together. The energy, shared enjoyment and equality of it all was amazing. It was really uplifting for me.”

This event was certainly a success, drawing a fantastic crowd and witnessing the deepening of a relationship that’s existed for many years. Recently, David has started an exciting journey also assisting the SwanCare’s Allsorts Choir!

Keeping Music Alive

We took the opportunity to ask David if he had any advice for those who enjoy singing. “Yes! Follow your passion, immerse yourself fully and engage with others, whether it be fellow singers, teachers, or audiences. Music is an incredible force for good in life.”

A big thank you to David, Voices from Within, Mackie Street Singers and to our very own Allsorts Choirs for sharing your joy of music with us. We are hopeful for another collaboration soon.