Published on Wednesday, 14 December 2022 at 2:28:19 PM

A community Christmas choir will sing and present carols in sign language as part of a festively-themed outdoor movie event in Burekup on Saturday, 17 December.

The Southern Ports Festive Auslan Choir is a Shire of Dardanup project designed to build community participation, connection, accessibility and inclusivity.

In preparation for the performance a group of 21 community members aged between 8 and 70 years old have been attending an 8-week AUSLAN course facilitated by Kelly Hope from CODA (Child of Deaf Adult) Services. Participants have learned the signing of basic words, fingerspelling and signing of six Christmas songs.

The Auslan Choir will join with Vocal Fusion Youth Choir for their 6.30pm performance at the Movies by Moonlight event in Burekup as part of the Fuel to Go & Play Summer in Your Park Series. 

Additional pre-movie entertainment will include games of laser tag and an exciting silent disco prior to the outdoor screening of ‘Home Alone2’.

The event is free-to-attend with healthy food and drink options available from food vendors attending the event.

Dardanup Shire President Mick Bennett thanked project sponsor Southern Ports for its support of the project.

“This is a shining example of the Christmas spirit – bringing our community together for a collaborative project with so many important and positive social outcomes,” Cr Bennett said.

Southern Ports Regional Manager Lee Smith said: “Nothing says Christmas quite like carols, so Southern Ports is proud to partner with the Shire of Dardanup and Hope CODA Services to deliver this initiative over the coming festive season.”

“It’s part of Southern Ports’ commitment to investing in activities that help our regions thrive, and the Auslan Choir is certainly an initiative that enriches our community in many positive and inclusive ways.”

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