BIG SING for a BIG CAUSE 2025 Fri 27 June

This is the first of two inspirational charity concerts supporting mental health and wellbeing. Presented by Australian Catholic University (ACU) in partnership with St Patrick's Cathedral (Melbourne) and Preston Market, led by conductor Dr Kathleen McGuire, the 2025 project will benefit non-profit health organisations Orygen and headspace.

"Big Sing for a Big Cause brings people together to experience an inspiring, international program of voices and instruments, raising awareness and lifting spirits," said Dr McGuire. "This cause affects many people, especially youth. The Australian Bureau of Statistics reported 42.9% of people aged 16–85 years experienced a mental disorder at some time in their life, and 38.8% of people aged 16–24 years had a 12-month mental disorder. (ABS, 2023).

Audiences will leave with a sense of supportive reassurance through messages like 'You Are Enough' and 'You Are Not Alone.' We are excited to raise funds for two amazing, world-leading mental health organisations supporting young people in Melbourne and Australia."

Volunteer singers, choirs and instrumentalists from Victoria and Indonesia will combine in this special international event. The music reflects and embodies the mental health theme, featuring the Australian premiere of The Mental Health Suite for orchestra by Autumn Maria Reed and You Are Enough: A Mental Health Suite for choir and orchestra by Aron Accurso and Rachel Griffin (aka "Miss Rachel"). The program also includes "This Day" by Australian musician Astrid Jorgensen (founder, Pub Choir) and stirring music from Dear Evan Hansen, a contemporary musical about social anxiety.

The Big Sing features special guests: Manado State University Choir on tour from North Sulawesi, Indonesia, with music director and conductor Professor André de Quadros, and the Pasefika Victoria Choir led by music director Rita Seumanutafa-Palala.

The performers (choir and orchestra) include ACU students, staff and alumni, plus individuals and community groups including Justice Choir Naarm and La Trobe University Choral Society. 

Tickets include free offerings for agencies and clients involved with mental health support services, and anyone who cannot afford to buy a ticket, and a special Mob Tix for First Peoples. Discounts are also available for ACU students. No one will be turned away for lack of funds.

The performances will be held at 7PM on Friday 27 June at St Patrick's Cathedral, Melbourne and 6PM Saturday 28 June at Preston Market. The Friday performance will also be available via livestream.

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Concert 1: Friday 27 June, 2025 - 7PM at St Patrick's Cathedral, Melbourne (also available via Livestream). 

Concert 2: Saturday 28 June, 2025 - 6PM at Preston Market.

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FAQs

Are the venues accessible? Please let us know of your needs when you buy your tickets and/or when you arrive at the venue. There is wheelchair accessibility at both venues. We are working on securing Auslan interpretation of the concerts for the deaf community. Also, look for our Sunflower Program signage at the concerts to find support for hidden disabilities.

How much money will be raised? The project will raise up to $25,000, distributed to the two charities. 

Tell me more about the charities and their relevance. The headspace University Mental Health Support Program provides training to Australian universities to strengthen the mental health and wellbeing outcomes for staff and students. The Orygen Specialist Program provides specialist mental health services for young people aged 12 – 25 who reside in the western and north-western regions of metropolitan Melbourne.

How are the funds being shared between the charities? The two charities benefitting from the project in 2025 are headspace and Orygen. The funds will be distributed as follows, with the goal of each charity receiving approximately the same amount. 

CONCERT 1 (27/6)

• Ticket sales/donations: headspace

• Livestream donations: Orygen

CONCERT 2 (28/6)

• Ticket sales/donations: Orygen

Note: No one will be turned away due to lack of funds.

How much are the tickets? 

Event expenses are fully covered, so ticket sales are donated to the charities after the Humanitix ticketing fees are deducted. Note: Humanitix also donates its profits to charity.

• VIP ($49 for one, or $89 for a pair)

• General Admission $29

• Concession (seniors, students, children) $9-29 (flexible - you choose)

• Family of 4 (4 x general admission): $76

• Mob Tix $9 each (recommended price)

• ACU students/staff $5 discount on all tickets. Access code: ACU (be prepared to show ACU ID at the door)

• Free ($0) for agents and clients, Homelessness Service Sector (be prepared to show relevant affiliation at the door).

Note: No one will be turned away due to lack of funds.

What are the ticketing fees?
The ticketing fee is 2.5% + $0.50 per ticket. Humanitix donates its profits to charity. Learn more about this HERE. 

How do I get the ACU discount? Go to "buy tickets" and type in the access code: ACU. You will then see tickets that are discounted by $5 each.

Will there be a livestream? The performance on Fri 27 June (St Patrick's Cathedral, Melbourne) will be available via livestream. The livestream is available as a separate item, by donation. CLICK HERE for more information.

What are MOB TIX? Mob Tix, for First Nations people, are designed to prevent financial barriers. Learn more HERE. 

How was this project funded? In 2025, the Big Sing for a Big Cause project received a grant from the Australian Government's Higher Education Participation and Partnerships Program (HEPPP).