Cultural diversity finds common voice with Australian choir

MELTON, AUS — A new community choir is helping refugee women settle into Australian life.  Founder Dianne Simboro says the choir has attracted women of Sudanese, Burmese, Korean and Saudi Arabian backgrounds from Melton, Sunshine and Werribee.  The choir rehearses from 6.30pm on Thursdays at Melton’s St Dominic’s Little Catholic Church.

Ms Simboro says she wants to make the resettlement process easier for those who have just moved to Australia.  “I see music as the international language and I know what it’s like to live in a country and struggle with the language and the culture, having lived in Africa,” she says.  “Music is a non-threatening environment and a way for the women to have the chance to do something together that’s fun.  ‘The choir gives them a chance to feel a sense of home and belonging.”