About the Choir
The high profile Choir of Hard Knocks program is just one of over 150 sports and arts programs Reclink provides to more than three thousand people experiencing disadvantage around Australia every month.
With the support of such Australians as Reverend Tim Costello, Father Bob McGuire and Andrew Gaze, Reclink continues to run recreational programs to help rebuild lives and provide a sense of engagement in the community.
In continuing to run the Choir of Hard Knocks program, Reclink has the 100% support of Fremantle Media who both developed the concept and own the name Choir of Hard Knocks.
As of March 2009, Reclink and Jonathon Welch have parted company.
Jonathon Welch has formed a new choir with some members from Choir of Hard Knocks and Reclink wishes them well.
Through media reports, Reclink is aware some members have been suspended from the new choir being formed by Jonathon Welch.
Reclink is disappointed by this action, and continues to keep their doors remain open to anyone wanting to sing in their community choirs or participate in any of their community programs.
Currently, Reclink and Jonathon Welch are finalizing the terms of their separation.
Some members of Choir of Hard Knocks have approached lawyers regarding the use of monies raised by COHK.
Lawyers for these individuals have stated publicly there is no question of Reclink misappropriating funds.
Reclink has provided their independently audited books and confirms all monies coming to Reclink through royalties, sponsorship and donations are used solely for the current and ongoing Choir of Hard Knocks program.
With all Reclink activities, participants neither pay, nor receive money to participate. Choir of Hard Knocks is no exception. All participants in the ABC documentary signed release forms stating they would receive no money for their involvement in the documentary production.
Reclink continues to work with the lawyers for the Choir to address any issues of Choir members regarding funds or the management of the Choir program.
For more information please contact Adrian Panozzo on 9419 6672
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Our story..
Jason Stephens and Fremantle Media Australia were the creators behind the ABC documentary series the Choir of Hard Knocks. In partnership with the charity Reclink and founding music director Jonathon Welch the choir opened its doors in September 2006. The Choir of Hard Knocks was made up of a group of 50 diverse and eclectic individuals who responded to a call to form a community street choir. Their incredible journey was recorded and broadcast by the ABC and touched the lives of millions of viewers across Australia.
Since that time the Choir have recorded 2 CDs. Their first release, Songs from the Series, has won an ARIA Award and sold in excess of 110,000 copies while their second album Songs of Hope and Inspiration was released at Christmas 2007.
About RecLink...
The Choir of Hard Knocks is a program of RecLink. Since 1990 RecLink has worked to create and co-ordinate social and recreational opportunities for people experiencing disadvantage. Disadvantage comes in all shapes and sizes and RecLink works with over 150 support agencies throughout Victoria. In 2008 RecLink Australia is proud to announce a federal expansion of its successful model across the nation into every capital city and key regional areas. For more information about RecLink Australia and to get involved check out the website at www.reclink.org or call the office 9419 6672.
