Who We Are
Sing Out Choir began in 2021 when Dementia Counsellor and Registered Nurse Anne Gemmell witnessed something powerful — when music played, people living with dementia who struggled with speech began to sing.
In 2022, after securing three Government grants, Anne established the first all-inclusive dementia choir west of the Blue Mountains, alongside Camilla Ward and Sharon Simons.
In 2025, Sing Out Choir became a registered charity.
What began with 25 members has grown to over 170 weekly singers, supported by 30+ volunteers. We are more than a choir — we are a community built on melody, dignity and friendship.
Leadership
Anne Gemmell
Founder
Anne Gemmell is a Registered Nurse, Dementia Counsellor, and the Founder of Sing Out Choir, an award-winning, all-inclusive community choir supporting people living with dementia, their carers, families, and the wider community.
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In 2021 when Anne began her role it quickly became apparent there was a need for such a program and Anne knew she could make a positive impact to help people connect through the power of notes and harmonies.
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Anne spent many hours researching the benefits of music and singing and the positive impacts they can have on the dementia brain. In 2022 Anne successfully gained three Government grants to establish the community choir.
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Not long after successfully gaining funding, Conductor Camilla Ward and Accompanist Sharon Simons joined Anne and together they created the Sing Out Choir, the first all-inclusive dementia choir west of the Blue Mountains.
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Since its inception, Sing Out Choir has grown into a thriving, award-winning charity that has enriched the lives of thousands of people across regional New South Wales. Anne continues to lead the organisation with a commitment to innovation, inclusion, and ensuring that every person has the opportunity to experience the joy, connection, and hope that music can bring.
Camilla Ward
Conductor
Camilla Ward is the Founder/Owner of the Creative Voice Studio, specialising in singing and performing arts across the Dubbo region for over 17 years.
Camilla was awarded the Dubbo Electorate local Woman of the Year Award in 2019 for her contribution as an arts educator and advocate in the region.
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Camilla has inspired children and adults of all ages to bring out their creative voices, using unique techniques developed over many years working with communities and organisations in Australia and overseas.
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She has been a founding youth theatre director and arts producer, a vocal teacher in singing and speech, an MC, radio host, performer and a classroom specialist teacher.
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Camilla is delighted to be involved with the Sing Out Choir as Founding Conductor, sharing her passion for singing for wellbeing and community connection, with a dash of humour.
Sharon Simons
Accompanist
Sharon Simons has contributed to the Dubbo region creatively and musically for over 50 years as a pianist for various choirs, banks, churches, orchestras and productions.
A lifelong resident of Dubbo, Sharon grew up listening to her mother Dawn Whiteley playing old dance tunes on the piano.
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Sharon has been a piano teacher, restaurant pianist, curator and MC of concerts, recording artist and radio announcer. She is currently a member of the Tin Roof Big Band and has been the Sing Australia Choir Accompanist for 20 years. Sharon has also served the community by hosting sing-a-longs in nursing homes for decades.
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A firm believer in the power of music, the joy it brings and the positive impact it can have, Sharon is thrilled to be the Founding Accompanist of the Sing Out Choir - it remains the highlight of her week.
The Science Behind Music & Dementia
Research shows music can:
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Ignite memories, even in advanced dementia
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Improve mood and emotional well-being
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Reduce anxiety and agitation
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Enhance cognitive function
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Strengthen connection
Even when words are forgotten, melodies remain.
Music is medicine for the brain and for the soul. We witness this every week.
Our Community
Each session is filled with laughter, movement and shared moments that extend far beyond our rehearsal time.
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