Bunbury Men of Song are calling on the region’s men to help form a new pop-up choir to tackle domestic violence.
The group is forming the Men Against Domestic Violence choir and need 40 men to lend their voices for a concert in December to raise funds and awareness to combat domestic violence against women.
The Bunbury-based project will see Men of Song collaborate with community organisations who provide services to tackle the issue and encourage change.
Music director Greg Ross said recruitment had begun to prepare for the event to be held at the Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre.
“The aim will be to recruit a wide range of men from all walks of life and cultural backgrounds,” he said.
“The group will meet weekly from 6pm to 8pm starting September 6 to September 20 and then October 11 to November 29 to rehearse.
“Each rehearsal will commence with a 15 to 20 minute presentation from a professional involved in the field of domestic violence, followed by a 15-minute discussion, which will include food and drinks.
The agencies involved will include Waratah, Harbour, WA Police, and Choose Respect.
Mr Ross said all participants in the program, piloted in 2017, reported an increased awareness of the types and nature of domestic abuse.
“We saw an increase in their ability to recognise the signs of DV and an increased ability to confront their fellow men who displayed unacceptable behaviour in this regard,” he said.
On December 6, the new choir will join those in the Bunbury Men of Song and local singer/songwriter Imogen Pinelli.
Community organisations who support the cause will have stalls to raise awareness and funds in BREC’s foyer and all profits will be shared among local agencies.
Source Agencies
