Recognition for Warwick’s first Aboriginal choir

Warwick’s first Aboriginal choir, “Awakening Voices of Harmony”, has been the proud recipient of an Australia Day Cultural Award at a ceremony at Warwick Town Hall.
In announcing the awards, Southern Downs Regional Councillor Neil Meiklejohn outlined the many achievements of the group since its beginnings about 18 months ago.
Initially gathering as a community strengthening activity, under the guidance of Gomeroi Elder and music legend, Roger Knox, and with support of Warwick’s Peace Festival, the choir soon gained momentum through joining a Griffith University/Queensland Aboriginal Health Council research project, which studied the impact of music and singing on health and well-being.
Further activity came at Peace Festival time in May 2011 as the group contributed to another first for Warwick – a three-day Aboriginal Art and Music Showcase, supported by the Healing Foundation.
“Singing is something that can uplift you in so many ways – physically, emotionally, spiritually,” Mr Knox said.
He is someone who should know. After surviving two plane crashes in his 30s, Mr Knox has travelled a long road to recovery and a big part of this journey has been through music.
The group has contributed to some wonderful performances including at Queen St Mall, Griffith’s Social Inclusion Week celebrations and a number of local events.
They have also participated in some inspiring workshops with other groups in South East Queensland.
Choir members worked hard last year to raise funds to send two members on a cross-cultural tour to Uganda where participants helped at an orphanage and also sang with an African Childrens’ Choir.
They are determined to see the choir grow both for its community benefit and for the joy of it.
“Music is the best form of communication and has always been a part of our culture,” Mr Knox said.
“Some people may query the wisdom of us accepting such an award given the painful history of our culture since colonisation,” he said.
“It is true that the impact of white fella ways, diets and culture is still having a huge impact on our health and well-being.
“However we feel that if Australia Day is about celebrating being Australian, then we, as first Australians, should be acknowledged for our contribution as much as anyone.
“Aboriginal people have been great contributors to the growth and development of our country, which is often not recognised.
“This award is an opportunity to raise the profile of our local Aboriginal population and help us find a voice. I am very proud of what they have achieved.
“For us, it is also a celebration of – “We are still here!””
Other choir members agree, “this is part of our contribution to reconciliation”, regular member Norma Jean said.
New members are always welcome. For enquiries and information contact Ranald on 0447 752 162.