Sponsorship from Defence Housing Australia (DHA) is helping the Australian Military Wives Choir (AMWC) tackle the tyranny of distance, covering travel expenses so the group’s National Music Director can attend rehearsals across three states to train members.
DHA first became a major sponsor for the choir in June 2015 and continued this relationship recently in March providing funds to support the community group that has a unique family connection to Defence members.
The AMWC currently has choirs in Brisbane, Canberra, Sydney city, Sydney west, Sydney east, Townsville and Adelaide, which provide an opportunity for military wives to forge relationships and find support while enjoying rehearsal. The choirs also raise awareness of Defence families among the community when performing at public events.
In 2015, sponsorship from DHA was used to plan and implement the inaugural choir conference for the group. The two day event was held in Canberra and culminated in the choir performing at the Australian War Memorial. The second conference is planned for October this year.
Since the AMWC was founded four years ago the group have made approximately 12 public performances. These have included special events at the Australian War Memorial and performing for the Governor General at Admiralty House, the NSW Governor at Government House and the Chief of the Defence Force at Royal Military College Duntroon.