Choir of Hope and Inspiration

Choir of Hope and Inspiration is an incorporated association (registered as Melbourne Street Choir, Inc) formed in March 2009 under the Associations Incorporation Act 1981 (Victoria). CHI is based in Collingwood, Melbourne and is the community choir formerly known by the name "The Choir of Hard Knocks" (which is the main performing choir) and (ii) the "Morning Bells" choir. Together the choirs comprise a total of approximately 70 singers, staff and volunteers.

CHI is governed by a voluntary Committee of Management (Board) comprising Father Jeff O'Hare, Peter Wallbridge (Secretary), Liliana Sanelli, Tricia Olsen and Maureen O'Reilly. Former president Anthony Palmer is the MSC's pro bono lawyer. The board has a broad range of skills and capabilities suited to the CHI including disadvantaged and welfare sector experience, marketing, events management, business affairs and fundraising. The board is now focused on supporting and promoting the unique needs and talents of the singing members and securing the Choir's future security and viability. Jonathan Welch is also a committee of management member and the CHI's inaugural director of music.

The CHI is currently engaged in a detailed consultancy process to determine new governing rules, procedures and policies with the choir, staff and volunteers. Following the conclusion of this process (currently anticipated at the end of July 2009), the choir body, staff and volunteers will formally become members (as defined under the Associations Incorporation Act) of the CHI and adopt new rules.

The CHI has a Deductible Gift Recipient status and not-for-profit status with the Australian Tax Office and has now commenced fundraising activities. The CHI's (registered as Melbourne Street Choir, Inc's) corporate registration details are located at www.business.gov.au [3].

The main performing choir made their inaugural performance at the 2009 Melbourne International Jazz Festival at Hamer Hall, Melbourne on 29 April.

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