This Saturday (29 July) at the South Bank Piazza, more that 2,500 choristers from across the nation and over 4,500 individuals have signed up to participate in singing against domestic and family violence as part of the powerful You’re the Voice initiative.
Queensland Music Festival’s Artistic Director and well-known Australian singer, Katie Noonan, is calling people from across the country to join her and other Australian music icons including Kate Ceberano and Eurovision grand finalist, Isaiah, in a stand against domestic violence.
“I believe that if you can talk, you can sing. Whether as part of a choir, part of a community or on your own, we’re calling on Australians to join us at 5pm via our website and Facebook page to raise their voices and sing for change,” says Katie.
We sat and enjoyed the rehearsal of some of the performing choirs from Beenleigh State High School, MacGregor State School and St Thomas More College where we got a glimpse of what to expect on Saturday.
We asked a couple of students why they’re excited to be involved with such a significant event.
Katie, what does it mean for you to be involved with You’re the Voice?
This is a combination of 18 months of dreaming, inspired by the Not Now, Not Ever Report which was chaired by Quentin Bryce who is our event patron.
After seeing the study, I thought ‘can we do to have an articulate discussion about this difficult subject.’
Sometimes I think it’s easier to sing about something, rather than talk about things.
‘You’re the Voice’ by John Farnham has been singing out against violence for 30 years.
I think there’s nothing more powerful than the voice of people coming together.
The wider community of Queensland has embraced the initiative with choirs from all over Queensland registering to be part of this revolutionary choral event.
I’m so proud of the positive response from the Australian community and music industry in rallying together to support this initiative.
It’s a testament to the power of music being able to make a difference.
I love the idea that, no matter where you are in the country, if you sing along with us at that time, you’re singing with thousands of people, using their voices as a vehicle for change.
Katie, what do you think an event like this gives to the community?
Community singing gives you a sense of belonging and connectivity.
We’ve heard of a lot of people joining choirs and forming their own choirs, so the legacy of that will be huge.
I think most importantly, this event will help take away the stigma and shame around talking about domestic and family violence.
We hope it helps people find the strength to speak up and seek help if they need it.
Queensland Music Festival is proud to announce the You’re The Voice charity single, featuring Archie Roach, Kate Ceberano, Katie Noonan, Troy Cassar-Daley, Montaigne and Isaiah. Produced in partnership with Sony Foundation, every purchase of the single will support DVConnect who provide 24/7 crisis response in Queensland for those living with domestic or family violence. Buy it now here.