In times like these, there's not much else to do but sing in your lounge room.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
An online singalong will be livestreamed from Cessnock arts hub Wild Learning this Saturday evening, and facilitator Emmie Hallett hopes people from all around the world will join in.
Wild Learning was set to host the third edition of Cessnock Sings - a community singalong - at the former West Cessnock Community Hall this coming Saturday.
The first two events in 2017 drew about 80 people, and Ms Hallett was hoping to squeeze in one more event before the government further restricted its social distancing measures.
The latest round of restrictions could have been the final straw, but instead of cancelling the event altogether, Ms Hallett has decided to run it online.
She has even written an original song for the occasion, one that she says can be used to "spread some good energy during difficult times".
Singers can sign up at wildlearning.com.au for a fee of $5 per family, which Ms Hallett says will be used to "help keep Wild Learning going during a time when we can't run our lovely gatherings".
Read more: Inaugural Cessnock Sings a great success
On registration, participants will receive a link to the video call, which will be broadcast via the Zoom platform from 5.30pm Saturday.
And there's no need to worry about privacy - while the singalong will be recorded, you can choose to turn on your webcam and be seen, or stay invisible.
"It's not the same thing as a live gathering - but it is something amazing. An opportunity to come together and enjoy singing, without actually being together in a room," Ms Hallett said.
Wild Learning will also be running its classes online, including art, craft, fitness and wellbeing activities.
"Luckily we are experts at thinking outside the box," Ms Hallett said.
"We are also madly, totally, completely passionate about building happy, healthy communities and finding ways to connect people with the activities they love.
"And I am personally determined to steer a path through this time of stress and bring you more laughter, wellness, creativity and kindness."
And while it's hard to replace human connection, Ms Hallett says the online version is a "very good second-best".
"We are very lucky to live an age where this is an option," she said.
"I see my job as finding ways to bring people together. This is my greatest challenge yet - and I'm going to throw all my skills at it."
Cessnock Sings will get underway at 5.30pm (eastern daylight savings time) Saturday, March 28.
Sign up at wildlearning.com.au, and check out the Facebook event page 'CessnockSINGS - now online!' or email emmie@wildlearning.com.au for more information.