MORNINGTON has proudly become home to one of four thriving branches of Pop Choir, now recognised as Australia’s largest community singing group.
With more than 1000 members across Melbourne and 100 million views on TikTok, Pop Choir has become a social media sensation, even earning praise from international stars like Miley Cyrus, Teddy Swims, and Alex Warren.
The Mornington group began three years ago in the heart of Main St before moving to its current venue at the Peninsula Community Theatre on Wilsons Rd.
Sessions are held every Tuesday evening, with two time slots of 6pm and 7.30pm to accommodate the growing numbers. The local chapter alone welcomes over 300 singers each week.
Recently, some of Mornington’s members took centre stage in the recording and music video for Pop Choir’s latest single, “Stronger Than Blood.” More than just a performance, the project was part of a powerful campaign to raise funds and awareness for Shake It Up, a foundation supporting Parkinson’s disease research.
The moving anthem was written by Sharon’s husband and Pop Choir co-founder, Darryl Moulton, and received a high-profile launch on Channel Nine’s The Today Show, followed by a live performance at Federation Square.
Stokes said she wanted to honour the memory of her father, Len Stokes, through the song.
Len was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2011 and passed away in 2017 from complications due to Lewy Body Dementia. An estimated 50 to 80 per cent of sufferers eventually succumb to some form of dementia.
Parkinson’s is the world’s fastest growing neurological disease and funds are needed particularly for research into understanding contributing environmental factors – pesticides, chemicals etc – and developing strategies to reduce their impact.
One in five sufferers are under 50, and ten percent are diagnosed before 40.
“Watching Dad struggle was heartbreaking,” Stokes said. “Since sharing our story, many choir members have told us of their own experiences. Spreading awareness is important to us.”
The Mornington group also plays a vibrant role in the local arts and culture scene. They’re familiar faces at events like the Mornington Winter Music Festival and seasonal celebrations, including last year’s Mt Eliza Christmas Market.
The community can catch the choir spreading holiday cheer once again at the Mornington Christmas Festival on 13 December.
To support the “Stronger Than Blood” campaign or learn more about joining Pop Choir, visit: www.popchoir.com.au
First published in the Mornington News – 30 September 2025
