A SIMPLE invitation to “just turn up and sing” is bringing Port Stephens residents together, creating new friendships and helping combat loneliness.
Founded by Jen Forester and Aleta Huthnance, Sing Port Stephens was created after a community singing workshop in September 2025 attracted more than 50 people eager for a relaxed way to keep singing together.
The pair intentionally avoided calling the group a choir.
“We deliberately don’t have the word ‘choir’ in our name because it can bring back bad memories for people who have been told they can’t sing or who didn’t enjoy the rigidity and structure of a formal choir,” Jen said.
Instead, Sing Port Stephens offers a welcoming, pressure-free environment where everyone is encouraged to simply enjoy making music together.
“When we were setting up Sing Port Stephens, we tried to remove every barrier that might stop people from coming along,” Jen said.
“There’s no fees, no uniforms, no auditions, no straight lines and no expectations about your singing ability or musical experience.”
The group’s philosophy is simple: “Just turn up and sing.”
Sessions begin with vocal warm-ups before singers split into parts and work together to create harmonies, with plenty of encouragement along the way.
“We encourage everyone to let loose and enjoy their voice among the crowd,” Jen said.
“If mistakes are made, they disappear in an instant and nobody cares.”
The social connection is just as important as the music.
Members often arrive early for coffee, while many stay afterwards for lunch at Horizons Golf Resort, where the group meets every second Tuesday.
“Word spreads quickly in Port Stephens,” Aleta said.
“People hear about the laughter, good vibes and memorable musical shenanigans.
“We’ve found a way of balancing laid-back fun and friendliness with experimentation and learning, so singers of all levels can find their place.”
Looking ahead, the founders hope Sing Port Stephens continues to strengthen community spirit.
“Sing Port Stephens gives people an opportunity to be creative, enjoying a sense of unity that is increasingly hard to find in our busy world.
“It brings people together in musical camaraderie, strengthening social connections while lifting people’s spirits.”
When asked to sum up their experience with the group, one member said:
“Sing Port Stephens is like a ray of sunshine on a rainy day, a reason to get out of the house, and the highlight of my week.”
Sing Port Stephens meets every second Tuesday 11.30am – 1pm at Horizons Golf Resort.
Their next session is Tues 25th August.
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/singportstephens
For more information phone 0400 998 850.
By Jacie WHITFIELD
You can help your local paper.
Make a small once-off, or (if you can) a regular donation.
We are an independent family owned business and our newspapers are free to collect and our news stories are free online.
Help support us into the future.
