Val Fisher and Tania Verocchi-Penberthy are part of the newly formed Melton Singers Group.
They tell Sumeyya Ilanbey about the mental health benefits of singing.
What’s your connection to Melton?
V: I came out from London 16 years ago – I came straight to Melton. I love it. I also run a women’s support group at the community centre.
T: I was born in Melbourne then I moved to Mildura – I lived there for about 17 years. We came to Melton … probably about 1.5 years ago.
What’s your favourite thing about living in Melton?
V: The community – there’s so much going on in Melton. We’ve got Woodgrove (shopping centre), doctors – everything you really need is in Melton.
T: There’s everything here so there’s no need to go to the city. I didn’t realise how big Melton was until I moved here.
What would you change about the area if you could?
V: A hospital would be fantastic – that’s the only thing we’re missing.
T: I think there used to be a hospital.
V: And through the counselling I do, I know we have one psychiatrist in Melton for three hours a week. When you think about how many people there are in Melton – there are people who have mental health issues and there just isn’t the support.
T: I’d agree.
Where’s your favourite place to hang out in Melton?
V: When we’re singing, wherever we are.
T: Our places.
Please tell me about the Melton Singers Group.
V: Anybody is welcome to the group. We specifically try to draw in people with health issues – not just mental health, but, you know, any sort of issues, because singing is so good for all of us. Doesn’t matter how good or bad they are, not a problem at all, as long as they enjoy singing. We go to aged-care facilities now and you see them sitting there.
T: And they’re dancing.
V: Even the physically disabled ones are tapping away.
T: We had a lady last week who was bedridden and the carer must have wheeled her out, she had her arms up [in a hoist] and I saw her do this [clapping hands] and that’s what we love. Just seeing that from them makes it all worthwhile.
What are your plans for the future?
T: Still doing what we’re doing but maybe a bit bigger group. If we could get some funding, that would be fantastic. Expanding to other aged-care [facilities] and other events that might be going on in the area. We want to also stick to the Melton area. But it would be great if we had a major sponsor on board financially supporting us.
The Melton Singers Group meets every Tuesday from 10am-noon. For more information, call 0418 667 150.
