Narrandera Shire Councillor and community stalwart Tracey Lewis was successful in gaining a $10,000 grant to start a With One Voice choir in the Riverina.

Tracey will be working with Western Riverina Arts under the guidance of the With One Voice mentorship program to achieve a sustainable local choir.

With One Voice is an inclusive choir that welcomes anyone who wants to be a part of this movement.

“I am so excited to hear our voices come together in song,” Ms Lewis said.

She is now taking names of all interested people from around the Riverina interested in taking part and there has been considerable interest since announcing her success in obtaining a grant at the weekend.

With One Voice movement is about strengthening communities and inspiring individuals to find their voice.

They believe empowered individuals and supportive communities are better placed to solve society’s big challenges, including cross-cultural integration, unemployment, mental illness, skills shortages, loneliness and isolation, family fragmentation, homelessness and more.

The movement is more than just singing with a local community choir.

It’s an opportunity to create real connections between the diverse people in the community and building bridges between those who are experiencing disadvantage and those who are more fortunate as well as creating opportunities for people of diverse backgrounds and situations to learn from one another and help each other.

The choirs are led by professional conductors and meet weekly, followed by supper.

In addition to singing and eating together, the choirs also include an innovative Wish List program whereby choir members request and grant wishes to one another.

Wishes can be anything a choir member needs or has to offer, such as a free music lesson, assistance with learning a new language, writing a CV, finding a job, help with moving house or computer tuition.

To date, over 3500 wishes have been granted to choir members.

People interested in taking part in the choir or taking on roles are urged to contact Ms Lewis on 0427 204 176.