10 August 2025
At Regis Dandenong North, the choir brings residents together in song each week. With at least eight core members from different wings of the Home, the choir is an initiative that welcomes anyone who wants to sing. Lyrics are printed and shared so that residents, volunteers and families can join in. It’s not uncommon to see 20 or more voices filling the room.
The Lifestyle Team sings alongside residents, encouraging participation and helping create a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Song choices are guided by residents or selected to suit seasonal themes such as Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Australia Day, ANZAC Day, Easter and St Patrick’s Day. At Regis Dandenong North, residents are encouraged to express their identities in ways that feel meaningful to them through music. During cultural events, residents have sung in English, French, Greek, Italian, Serbian and Spanish, sharing songs that hold personal meaning. One resident shared, “I feel I’m back to the time of when I was young while I sing.”
The choir performs several times a month, often aligning with celebrations. Highlights include the Regis Dandy Choir Special featuring dances like Nutbush and Bollywood, Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea and Christmas in July. Residents sometimes sing solo or in groups in their own language after the main set. As one resident said, “I am happy I can sing in my language. I feel I am me and I am at home.”
The Lifestyle Team shared, “When they sing, they are happy and in high spirits. You can see their happiness from their smiling faces.”
The Regis Dandenong North Choir continues to be a valued part of life at the Home. It brings joy and a sense of belonging to residents, families and team members alike. Whether singing a favourite tune or discovering a new one, the choir offers moments of celebration, reflection and shared happiness.
