Accolades and dreams come true for Bunbury choir

Bunbury-based Vocal Fusion Youth Choir has taken the world by storm with nine years of serving the community and earning a well deserved Australia Day award and appearances on the world stage.

The choir won the 2024 community group of the year award at the City of Bunbury Australia Day ceremony.

Founder and musical director Danielle Bond said the group was formed to connect young people from all backgrounds and walks of life with music and develop confidence and social skills they might be missing out on in day to day to life.

“It is especially great for kids who struggle to find their place in society and at school, it is amazing to see their confidence grow and they blossom,” she said.

Treasurer Belinda Evans said the City of Bunbury donated a space every week and kids come from around the South West to participate.

“The choir can be a huge confidence builder for them,” she said.

For example, at a karaoke night some of the children who have difficulty with social interaction and looking at other people in the eye were singing in front of people and brought their parents to tears,” she said.

The choir serves an important purpose for young people but also attracted international recognition when invited to sing for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and the King’s Coronation Concert, seeing their member numbers double from 20 to about 40 in the past year.

“There are so many highlights it’s difficult to just choose one or two,” Ms Bond said.

“Friendships, mentorship, safety and peace are the main benefits for the children.”

Upcoming events will include the Eaton Foreshore Festival, Choir of 1000 Voices and other regional concerts including the Dunsborough Song Festival.

The group is not for profit and operates at a low cost to encourage people to participate.

Ms Evans said community sponsorship and support was welcome and they had been recruiting more members.

“Support isn’t just monetary, donations of uniforms, musical equipment and other things make a huge difference as well,” she said.

Ms Bond said the families came from all walks of life, backgrounds and cultures.

“We make our priority the children by giving them the opportunities we give them, it is so rewarding, and an honour and privilege to serve them in this way.”

For more information follow Vocal Fusion Youth Choir on Facebook or Instagram or contact vfyouthchoir@gmail.com.