2010 - present

The Sunshine Singers are a free singing group for seniors. It is one of three programs that has been a part of Waverley Council’s outreach music program for over 30 years.

Meeting for two hours every Monday morning in the High Tide room of the Pavilion, the group enjoys learning new songs, including rounds, which they sing in three parts. After a coffee break, they are asked to nominate any song they would like to sing, usually popular songs from the 1930’s through to the 2000’s. A number of people often get up at the back of the group and dance to the music, thereby adding to the general enjoyment.

Local Waverley musician, Cassy Bartolomei, took over the running of the group in 2010. She renamed it The Sunshine Singers in 2015, celebrating the joy shared by the group in their weekly singing sessions. With more than 50 members, any given Monday you will find over 30 singers coming together. Since COVID lockdown the class is also available on Zoom for those who prefer to experience the session from home. These zoom sessions began as an experiment during COVID. The decision to offer classes online was made by the leader, Cassy Bartolomei, who realised a number of them lived alone and many would have been stuck at home. She admitted she wasn’t sure how well the participants would handle accessing the zoom sessions, but was delighted with the results. Although they couldn’t hear each other, they could see people and watch them singing.

In 2020 The Sunshine Singers were featured on the ABC TV’s The Recording Studio and in an SMH article A Force for Good: how the coronavirus is sweetening our collective tune.” One participant commented: “I’m alone and lonely. This has just lifted my day.” Another said her smile was back. “My body is tingling. I’m getting emotional. Sing on, Sunshine Singers.”

Many supportive friendships have been formed over the years as the group enjoys outings together outside class time.

Besides their weekly gathering, the group enjoys performing at various local civic events, such as Christmas Carols, and where possible Nursing Homes.

All are welcome to join this community group. It is free, and people can drop in anytime for a sing and sometimes even a little dancing!