Generous Victoria Market stall-holders, local shops and the Coles Supermarkets at Melbourne Central and Southern Cross Station have been providing food and support for the ‘Voices Without Borders’ choir rehearsals.

Community and AMES client volunteers have been helping out in preparing the food for the after-session lunches. This has provided an opportunity for clients to learn new skills, be active, meet others with similar interests and practice their English.

The sessions, at the Drill Hall in Therry Street, have been running on Fridays from 10.30am.

“After the singing, we all enjoy a delicious lunch provided by Coles and the stall holders,” said AMES Client Engagement Coordinator Diane Tabbagh.

“It is also a chance for us all to get together and chat about the choir,” Diane said.

“We’d like to thank all the kind food donors for their help. It’s great to see businesses supporting local community initiatives.” she said.

“We have also received some generous donations of prepared food from Aghadeer Restaurant and The Loving Hut”, Diane said.

Choirmaster and founder of the Choir of Hard Knocks Dr Jonathon Welch (AM) is the choir’s musical director.

The ‘Voices Without Borders’ initiative is a collaboration between Dr Welch’s ‘School of Hard Knocks’ Institute and AMES’ Meaningful Engagement Program.

It has brought asylum seekers from across Melbourne together to enjoy song and social activities.

The choir took part in the fifth birthday celebrations of the Melbourne Recital Centre recently.

For more information on this story, contact Diane Tabbagh on: 0437 122 086