The Hunter Signing Choir (THSC), which has been offering performance opportunities to Deaf and hard of hearing students for more than thirty years, has been honoured with the chance to perform at Parliament House in Sydney.

Donna Griffith, the choir’s Director and Itinerant Teacher – Hearing, was thrilled to be invited to perform at the event recognising 50 years’ service by those who became Justices of the Peace in 1975.

“A priority this year at the Department of Communities and Justice is accessibility, so a performance by a signing choir is a perfect fit,” Donna said.

The Justice of the Peace team is aiming to recruit more people with Auslan skills.

“The students are experienced in public performance but were still very excited about performing at such a prestigious event for an audience of 160 in such an iconic venue,” Donna said.

“We chose to perform What a Wonderful World, reinforcing the theme and the importance of continuing to grow accessibility in all aspects of life.”

The choir currently comprises 12 students from various schools across the Hunter region, aged 8 to 17, and was accompanied by the THSC mentors at the May 7 performance.