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Sour note from Hard Knocks members

Updated: Members of the Choir of Hard Knocks have gone public with angry claims they haven't received any remuneration.

choir-of-hard-knocksMembers of the Choir of Hard Knocks have gone public with angry claims they haven’t received any remuneration from performances and CDs.

Some choir members gave a press conference at the offices of McKean Park Lawyers today to express concerns about where the money raised from CD and merchandise sales had gone. They also voiced concerns about the way they had been treated by organisers, saying they felt like “props on stage” and were often left out of decision making processes.

The choir was set up by the RecLink charity as a community program for homeless people but it was never intended to pay members to sing.

Lawyer David Brett, says, “I’m certainly not saying there’s been any misappropriation because it’s clear all monies are there, there is no problem with that.

“But the choir members should have the opportunity to participate equally in the benefits of the choir – through programs, dental or medical care, clothing benefits, things like that and there’s nothing in place to do that at the moment.”

RecLink chief executive officer Adrian Panozzo says all the money made through CD and ticket sales is being put back into keeping the choir going. He says all members have equal access to the programs and support provided through the choir.

Last month Jonathan Welch announced he was branching out on his own because of dissatisfaction with the way the choir was run.

“What is clear is that the choir has caused a huge increase in the income of Reclink but that increase has not yet been used for the benefit of those who actually get up and sing,” said Brett.

Updated: Reclink says its core purpose is recreation activities to the disadvantaged. It has provided additional support such as financing vocational and educational training to choir members. 3 years ago all Choir members signed release forms agreeing they would receive no money from their involvement in the Choir.

“We’re aware people may see the ABC documentary, Logies and CD sales and think that translates to a pot of gold. The reality is quite different,” Reclink CEO Adrian Panozzo said.

“What many don’t know is that Choir running costs amount to around $250,000 annually. This includes transport, rehearsals, food and staff costs, such as salaries of former Choir Leader Jonathon Welch, Choir General Manager and two support staff,” he said.

“In February, Reclink requested Choir staff arrange a meeting with Choir members to address all Choir concerns. These staff, who have since left Reclink with Welch, refused to arrange this meeting or facilitate communication between Reclink and Choir members” Panozzo said, “we’ve also been advised by McKean Park not to communicate with Choir members regarding these specific issues.”

Source: ABC, Herald Sun

3 Responses

  1. I hear Mr Welch has gone in his own direction becasue he was, allegedly, asking for a sizeable amount of money for his time, which the groups weren’t happy to provide.

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