The night is young, the wine is flowing and drifting out from the main stage of the Coonawarra Soldiers Memorial Hall is the sound of twelve singers belting out the classic Let’s Put the Rooster in the Stew.

“We’re pretty rough and ready – definitely one of a kind,” said Coonawarra Community Choir Leader and Joanna resident Anne Woodard, with a laugh.

Raising the rafters of the old hall every third Friday night, Coonawarra’s version of a ‘pub choir’ brings together a colourful crew from around the district and beyond.

There are no egos on show here.

Self-professed ‘shower soloists’ share the stage with professionals of 25-years experience, such as Music Director Rod Ennis, who has arranged for Australian artists Pete Murray and Guy Sebastian.

As many members have lives and careers wrapped up in Coonawarra’s famous wine industry, practice frequently kicks off with a glass or two of locally sourced Dutch courage… but just a touch.

As Anne explains wryly, ‘we don’t want you at Jimmy Barnes level’.

Anywhere from six to twenty-six singers could show up for practice and there’s an open-door policy for newcomers, says Choir Coordinator Maria Weinberg.

“What I really like about the choir is people say, ‘I feel really good after it’, so if you’ve got someone visiting, bring them along,” Maria said.

Back in 2015, a friendly relaxed singing group was the concept floated by Maria, as she chatted with her regular crew of ladies over a casual wine at a local vineyard.

“We’re the tennis ladies who don’t play tennis anymore and all of our kids went to school together,” she said. “I thought wouldn’t it be great to get a community choir together?”

A local resident had died by suicide, prompting much soul searching throughout the tight knit community about how such a tragedy could have been prevented.

The loss of a neighbour and friend was the catalyst to move the idea into action.

“It was the impetus for me to think – where else can people gather and connect?” Maria said.

“Especially for new people, who don’t have kids at school or don’t play sport. I felt there was space there for a welcoming group – an avenue for people to experience joy.”

Discovering and signing up the vivacious Anne Woodard, who trained with the Southern Heritage Singers under the late Pamela Walker OAM, to lead the choir in regular practices was the final cherry on top, said Maria.

There’s ‘no rules and no pressure’ at practice, but always a lot of laughter.

“It just makes you feel good,” said choir member Rosemary Cornish, simply.

“There’s such a good sense of community and friendship, plus we’re helping the club, and the club is helping us.”

Tonight, there’s an extra air of confidence about the group, as they debut smart new branded shirts, courtesy of a 2023 Stand Like Stone Foundation (SLSF) grant.

“I say, aren’t these dashing? We look like a real group now!” announces one member proudly.

Watching on from the audience is former SLSF Director Rhett McDonald, who has been part of the foundation’s Penola Coonawarra Wellbeing Sub-Fund committee for ten years.

Rhett and the committee were touched by the choir’s application for funding, simply titled ‘Singing for our Supper’.

“Reading their application was like a little novel, it was full of heart, warmth and spirit,” Rhett said.

“What gets you enthusiastic is when you come across a grant that is classic grass roots and wants minimal money for something that appears small but has a big impact.”

The committee, whose job it is to advise the board on grant applications, were unanimous in their decision to award funding.

“The choir is the very definition of the foundation’s vision, which is to strengthen communities,” Rhett said.

Awarded $4k in funding, the group were able to buy much needed song books, a music stand and sheet music, hire a vocal coach, and get a logo designed for their new uniforms.

Now, the choir has joined a list of many successful groups and individuals in the Penola Coonawarra region to benefit from local funds.

The foundation’s first major funding push into the region was prompted by a serious weather event in 2010, that generated national news headlines.

Ripping through the town overnight, a small tornado caused millions of dollars in damage to buildings and infrastructure in the small community of just 1,300 people.

Recognising that responsive and flexible support was direly needed, a Tornado Appeal was created by the foundation, quickly generating $14k in rapid relief funding.

It was a ‘beautiful and much-needed step’ into the community by the foundation, Rhett said.

Since that event, funds have been steadily flowing into the region, thanks to a proactive and dedicated sub-fund group, who actively promote and fundraise for the foundation through regular film nights and pop-up fashion events.

As for the choir, it’s all about practice, practice, as a public performance looms on the horizon.

Sharing the stage with a number of far more experienced choirs for the Millicent Choral Society’s Golden Jubilee Concert in October, the choir is practising a four-song repertoire, featuring Elton John’s Don’t Go Breaking my Heart and Simon & Garfunkle’s Cecilia.

Towards the end of tonight’s practice, there’s a touch of anxiety about the upcoming performance, just a few weeks away.

Ever the pragmatist, Anne smiles and finds the right words of encouragement for her crew.

“It’ll all come together,” she says, “and if it doesn’t, we’ll just get up there and have fun.”

This story is part of Stand Like Stone Foundation’s 20 Years of Giving Back project.