City connects seniors through songs and stories

Published on Thursday, 14 November 2024 at 10:48:02 AM

The City is thrilled to announce the launch of the Albany Song Stories project, a heartwarming initiative funded by the State Government’s Age Friendly Communities Connectivity Grant and in partnership with SongStory Project.

This unique program invites Albany's senior residents to share personal memories connected to cherished songs, which will be brought to life by local choirs, community groups, and schools.

Albany Song Stories aims to bridge generations, strengthen community connections, and reduce social isolation among seniors, particularly those living alone—a significant demographic in Albany.

According to the 2021 Census, 13.8% of Albany's seniors live alone, compared to 9.4% in Regional WA, reflecting the City’s higher proportion of older residents.

Through a series of song chats, seniors in residential care, independent living, and in-home care services will be interviewed by community and school groups, sharing memories tied to songs that hold special meaning for them.

These recorded song stories will be transformed into performances, celebrating each senior’s unique life experiences through music.

Mayor Greg Stocks highlighted the project’s positive impact on community.

"Albany Song Stories is more than a music project—it’s a way for us to celebrate our seniors, reduce loneliness, and connect our youth and community groups with older generations,” Mayor Stocks said.

“These are songs that hold deep memories, and through this project we are giving a voice to those stories.

“We know Albany has a high proportion of seniors living alone so it is crucial to create opportunities like Albany Song Stories to reduce isolation and celebrate the unique stories of our older residents.”

Once collected, the song stories will be performed by a blend of community choirs, school choirs, and orchestras at concerts that provide seniors and their families a chance to join in.

This project underscores the City of Albany’s commitment to an age-friendly community, where every story and song matters.

Interested residents can register their interest in being part of the City’s Albany Song Stories Project at https://www.albany.wa.gov.au/forms/albany-song-story/171.

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