Lalor Neighbourhood House has released a cover of USA for Africa’s We Are The World, a Refresh Project music video celebrating the organisation’s recent laneway upgrade and the Lalor community as a whole.
The two-fold project has seen the laneway transform into a thriving community space, with street art created by Bushra Hasan, Amanda Rodgers, Iidiko Kormanos, Alex Kerr, and Halime Alpogut adding some much-needed colour and vibrancy to the once lifeless lane.
Upon completion of the first stage, the project then employed Thomastown Neighbourhood House’s Liz Skitch to direct and showcase the transformation through song and moving image.
Beginning with an Acknowledgement of Country, the music video opens with singer Anna Struth and guitarist Cam Prestipino walking down the May Road arcade, passing by local businesses.
As they walk through the marketplace, unassuming customers leave their shopping to join the musicians, waving a sea of red and yellow ribbons above.
Cutting to the crosswalk nearby, other residents, both young and old and of all abilities, are seen swaying their arms near the Lalor Library, showcasing the town’s diverse community.
As the music builds and the final chorus begins, the film then transitions to the newly revitalised laneway, where local children, families, and residents gather around Ms Struth and Mr Prestipino to sing ‘We are the world, we live in Lalor. We are the ones who make a brighter day, so let’s start giving,’ in unison.
A wholesome and inspiring song, the changed lyrics put Lalor on the map and show how even a single moment of generosity can brighten someone’s day – including Ms Skitch, who expressed delight at being chosen to direct the project.
“The experience of working with videographer Jason Cheetham, musicians Anna Struth and Cam Prestipino, together with seeing the whole community in Lalor get involved was one of those inspiring moments where community plus creativity equalled community development at its most potent and powerful,” she said.
The Lalor and Thomastown Neighbourhood Houses would like to thank all those who participated in the project, including all those who joined on the day to paint, sing, and dance.
To view the music video, search ‘We Are the World – Lalor Version’ on www.youtube.com.
Awesome! Such a beautiful project!!