Words of Wisdom

Nostalgia | October 15, 2026

By Lachy Halliday

Richard was born in Melbourne in 1953 and spent most of his professional life as a choir master and teacher at Melbourne Grammar. Now retired and living in Box Hill, Richard passes his time by getting involved in the local community.

These are his words of wisdom:

What is one lesson that life has taught you?

 If you have the opportunity, you should give back to the community.

How have you implemented that in your own life?

I have made sure to get involved in community matters for many years, and across the various different communities that I have lived in. I think that engaging with the locals is a duty of every resident. Doing so, I believe brings people together and makes for an overall stronger and friendlier community.

When I give back, I try to use my strengths. I spent years as a teacher which has left me with an expertise in organisation, for both admin and events. If the holidays weren’t stressful enough, whilst a choirmaster, I would organise the Christmas recital. I use this experience to put on the community concerts.

A few times a year I host a concert at the old train station in Mont Albert, for the Hamilton Street community. It is the perfect event for people to get together and have a bit of fun, sing and dance together, and unwind. It also gives local youngsters the chance to perform in front of a crowd; most of them for the first time. It’s important to nurture the talent of young musicians in a positive arena like this, it gives them the confidence to continue pursuing their passions. Being a part of a good, involved community is perfect for that.

What do you want the reader to take away from your words of wisdom?

 Wherever you live, you should get out and connect with the community.