The voices of wives, daughters and sisters of ADF personnel converged in the courtyard of Russell Offices in Canberra last month.
The Australian Military Wives Choir met on October 23 for their annual workshop and performed for all to enjoy.
Co-founder and national artistic director of the choir Cath Parsons said it provided a network for women across the country.
She said the support and mental health benefits of singing and being part of a unique team could not be understated.
“Singing releases endorphins and all kinds of feel-good hormones, which often change the way women talk about their lives,” Cath said.
With a network of 13 locations nationwide and 176 members, rank and service are set aside, with the focus on singing and forging connections and friends.
Members in other locations take part remotely.
New Zealand choir member Korina Murray first discovered the group when her husband – in the New Zealand Defence Force – posted to Adelaide.
The Adelaide branch of the choir was performing at an open day when Korina first heard them.
“I said to my husband, ‘I want to join that’,” she said. “I went along and they became my best friends.”
Now that she and her husband have returned home to New Zealand, she participates in choir practice fortnightly online.
“There’s a lot of laughs, a lot of support, even from a distance,” Korina said.
Choir directors, coordinators and singers are all voluntary roles.
‘Music is the vehicle, but the women and girls are the purpose.’
The choir is sponsored by the Family Support Funding Program, Defence Bank and RSL Australia, which keeps members’ fees low.
Mother and daughter Jenna and Miley Gibson sing in the choir’s Wagga branch.
“It’s something nice we get to do together,” Jenna said.
Seeing Miley connect and perform with other young women in the group is Jenna’s favourite part of being in the choir.
Last year, Miley surprised her mum on stage.
“I didn’t know that was happening. The next minute I see my baby up on the stage doing a solo,” Jenna said.
Cath said the women were transformed when they participated in choir practice.
“It demonstrates the therapeutic benefits of singing,” she said.
“Music is the vehicle, but the women and girls are the purpose.”
Next year the choir will celebrate its 15th anniversary. Women who are interested in joining are encouraged to do so. No auditions are required.
“You just have to love to sing and have an ADF connection and you’re in. That’s it,” Jenna said.
