Home » popular » Melodies spark memories

Melodies spark memories

LOCAL seniors relived their golden years during a special karaoke event in Kerang on Friday.

More than 75 senior citizens from Kerang, Cohuna, Boort and Barham gathered at the Memorial Hall to join in song with Robert and Fran Ives from Golden Memories Karaoke.

Robert roved the audience with microphone in hand, offering it up to seniors keen to sing along to the tunes of their generation. 

The event was jointly funded by Kerang District Health and Gannawarra Shire Council, with afternoon tea provided. 

“It has worked out so well that we hope to make it an annual event,” W.D. Thomas Activity Centre co-ordinator, Tracy den Houting said. 

“Seniors love to sing and a lot of them have really beautiful voices.” 

Ms den Houting said some seniors were a little shy initially, but it didn’t take long before all joined in with great gusto. 

“As the afternoon went on we had a lot of people getting up and singing and dancing,” she said. “

“One man commented that it made him feel 20 years younger.”

Golden Memories Karaoke shows are typically held at aged care facilities, but Ms den Houting said hosting the event at the Memorial Hall allowed all district senior citizens to be involved. 

“Robert and Fran usually do their shows in-care, but they were very happy with how it worked in such a large venue,” she said.

Digital Editions


  • Simply the best

    Simply the best

    AUDIENCES are preparing to be transported back in time as the critically acclaimed drag tribute show A Night with Tina arrives in Swan Hill next…

More News

  • Motown magic hits as Big Chill comes alive

    Motown magic hits as Big Chill comes alive

    A HIT film that helped revive a music empire is roaring back to life, with powerhouse voices and a live band bringing the soul of a generation to Australian stages.…

  • Cross-border crime crackdown

    Cross-border crime crackdown

    A MAN has been hit with 26 charges after police uncovered a stash of allegedly stolen vehicles, machinery, weapons and drugs during a cross-border crime crackdown at a Murray Downs…

  • Three-way Nationals race looms

    Three-way Nationals race looms

    A THREE-way contest is set to decide the next Nationals candidate for one of northern Victoria’s safest seats, with party members to choose a successor to retiring heavyweight Peter Walsh…

  • Walk in the park for Parkinson’s

    Walk in the park for Parkinson’s

    A REGIONAL Parkinson’s walk is set to bring communities together this weekend, with organisers urging locals to step out, connect and support those living with the condition. Swan Hill Parkinson’s…

  • Central Murray Football Round 2 Previews

    Central Murray Football Round 2 Previews

    Hay v Moulamein BOTH Hay and Moulamein will go into tomorrow’s all-important clash without several key players, as early season injuries begin to take their toll on both clubs. The…

  • Farmers welcome ministers

    Farmers welcome ministers

    VICTORIA’S peak farming body has welcomed a fresh ministerial line-up, declaring it is ready to get straight to work in what looms as a critical year for the sector. The…

  • Reporting issues after hours

    Reporting issues after hours

    RESIDENTS and visitors needing to report issues relating to animal-related matters or road and building concerns within the Gannawarra Shire Council can now do so via a new after-hours phone…

  • Magpies hold on to win thriller

    Magpies hold on to win thriller

    LAKE Boga has edged out Cohuna in a thrilling one-goal victory to begin their 2026 campaign in style, with the contest going down to the wire after an intensely fought…

  • Magpies win thriller

    Magpies win thriller

    A DETERMINED Lake Boga withstood a desperate Cohuna Kangas outfit in nail-biting finish, with the Magpies claiming a two-point victory in windy conditions. After a seesawing first round battle, it…

  • Low-sensory centres for accessible voting

    Low-sensory centres for accessible voting

    VOTING at the next Victorian state election will be more accessible for people who face barriers at traditional polling places with the rollout of low-sensory mobile voting centres. Low‑sensory voting…