Soup Arts and Health is where Cath expresses her passion and commitment to the intersection of creativity and well-being. Under this banner Cath has been creating programs with a variety of communities for nearly fifteen years, however this has been a major interest for most of her working life.

Cath has received an International Award for Arts and Health in Public Programs for her partnership with VicHealth and Nillumbik Shire Council in the 52 Flashmobs in 52 Weeks Project, which was designed to educate the public about the many health benefits of arts participation. She has also received an Award for her part in Symbols of Loss and Recovery; again with Nillumbik Shire Council which was a Community Recovery Exhibition post Black Saturday. She has been acclaimed by the state government for her innovative art in schools recovery program in fire affected communities.

Cath leads choir in performance. Photo credit Stephen Reynolds

Photo: Stephen Reynolds

Resilience Choir Project

  • Climate distress events, such as floods and bushfires, can have profound and long-lasting effects on the communities that experience them. Resilience Choir Project is a music initiative designed to help individuals and communities recover from these traumatic events and build resilience for the future. By harnessing the power of singing and community choirs, this program aims to foster healing, connection, and preparedness in the face of climate challenges.


    At the heart of Resilience Choir Project is a three-pronged approach, including in-person visits to affected towns, a suite of online workshops, and specialized training for music leaders and educators. The aim is for Cath to build confidence and skills so that local music leaders can facilitate an inclusive choir, with ongoing support from Cath. Keeping it local is paramount.


    With her extensive experience in arts in disaster recovery programs Cath recognizes the importance of meeting communities where they are, both geographically and emotionally. The program's flexible format, combining in-person and online components, ensures that it is accessible to a diverse range of individuals, regardless of their location or personal circumstances. Additionally, the emphasis on community helps to create a supportive environment where people can connect with others who share their experiences, fostering empathy, understanding, and healing.

    To discuss this further or to book the project for your community please get in contact via the contacts page.

  • Research on singing and resilience:

    https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/blog/stonewall-strong/202107/how-music-heals-and-inspires-us-in-challenging-times

    https://theconversation.com/if-you-want-your-child-to-be-more-resilient-get-them-to-join-a-choir-orchestra-or-band-190657 description

    https://research-repository.griffith.edu.au/handle/10072/56662

    https://www.resilience.org/stories/2022-12-07/why-movements-need-to-start-singing-again/

All Directions Community Choir

  • Cath has led this inclusive choir for more than five years and together they have created a music theatre piece “Inside My Head” about the experience of living with mental ill health, an original 5 song EP “Songs and Stories from the Deep” (link below) and performed for local community and aged care centres.

  • Links to BCO and the CD.

    https://www.bcokew.org/

    https://alldirectionscommunitychoir.bandcamp.com/album/songs-and-stories-from-the-deep

    (all proceeds go towards arts programs at BCO).

Photo: Mike Wilkins

Ukelovelies

  • Cath leads this group every Tuesday as they build on their repertoire of fantastic Ukulele music and songs. Ukelovelies also performs regularly for the local community.

  • For more information on this or the choir please go to:

    https://www.bcokew.org/