Annette McEwan loves singing and combines her passion with volunteer work as Belmont North Sing Australia Choir conductor.
BELMONT North resident, Annette McEwan, believes hitting the high notes is not the most important thing about singing.
In fact, the only pre-requisite for participation in Mrs McEwan's choir is that you are willing to have a good time and take deep breaths to let the music bellow out - however, it might sound.
For the past 11 years, Mrs McEwan has volunteered her time and energy to the Belmont North Sing Australia Choir, leading up to 100 people in song every Monday night.
The choir is part of a national movement aimed at encouraging all Australians to connect through singing - something Mrs McEwan is passionate about.
While she has no official qualifications, she believes the only criteria needed to lead the choir is bringing in a sense of enthusiasm and a desire to bring music and entertainment to the wider community.
Throughout the year, the choir performs at nursing homes, probus clubs, local shows and events as well as a number of in-house celebrations like birthdays.
"It is a really social thing to do, I just try and focus on having fun . . . everyone in the choir feels at home," she said.
Mrs McEwan said her volunteer work combined her love of singing with a passion to give back to the people of Lake Macquarie.