(AM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia - Governor ...

MEMBER (AM) IN THE GENERAL DIVISION OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIAMs Jean Maxwell KELSO, Osborne SA 5017For service to the performing arts as a senior soloist, through mentoring roles, as theFounder and Director of the Hope and Harmony Choir, and to the community.Senior Soloist and Chorus Member, Opera Australia, 1985-2005; performed in over 75 majoroperatic works; mentor to younger choristers.Life Member, Friends of Opera Australia.Soloist, many concerts and recitals in and around Sydney and Adelaide.Founder and Director, Hope and Harmony Choir, since 2008.Leader, informal singing groups at a women's centre in Stepney, SA and local churches.Resident Administrator, low-cost residential units operated by the South Sydney UnitingChurch (Redfern/Waterloo area); organised free concerts and other events in the units' hall;leader in establishing the church's Eden Community Garden (run by people with HIV/AIDS);instrumental in establishing a weekly shelter for the homeless in the Church Hall; Member,Church Council, for several decades.Fundraises for charities by singing and playing the Celtic Harp; entertains at hospitals andnursing homes and encourages professional music colleagues to join her.Entertains at many Scottish celebrations including Ceilidhs, Burns Nights, Tartan Days andCaledonian concerts through song, harp playing and story telling.Awards/recognition include:Honoured on her retirement by her photo portrait being hung in the Company Centre ofOpera Australia, 2005.124