The Regional Centre for Culture program, run throughout June, has seen people from all over the region taking part in free singing workshops while bringing some of the regions most remarkable public halls to life. 

The workshops have been led by four artists; Tara Flinn, who leads accapella workshops, Merrin Torpy, who teaches vocal technique, Dja Dja Wurrung Traditional Owner and storyteller Rebecca Phillips and choir director Eva Popov.

Ingleton said she had participated in two of the workshops.

“The workshops have been beautiful… And the artists are so clever. In an hour and a half you’ve suddenly learnt a song!

“There’s a lot of laughter too. Some people sing out of tune... but that’s okay. There’s no barriers,” she said. 

“Just like the saying, sing like nobody’s listening and dance like nobody’s watching. When you let your body be free and nobody is judging you- that has been very powerful for people.”

She said the workshops had also allowed people to discover small towns off the beaten track when visiting their halls. 

“People have been travelling to places they normally wouldn’t. Why would you travel around the back of some paddock to get to a little hall when there wasn’t anything on in there anyway? 

“The pay off has been fantastic in terms of getting to know our own central Victoria and also getting to meet up with people and take it further. For example, I want to join another choir now. 

“It has been a great experience, especially with connecting to yourself, the land and other people,” she said.

The final three workshops will take place in Creswick, Clunes and Talbot this Saturday, June 30.

That evening, Ingleton will host the final free community singing experience at the program’s finale in Maryborough at 7pm.

The finale will include stand up comedy from Ingleton as well as performances from the four artists. 

To register for the final three workshops or for the finale, visit: http://rcc2018.com/program-highlights/