Amy Merle Crouch was born in Ballarat in 1916, at the early age of 14 she began her involvement with entertaining others voluntarily, both solo an in choirs, when she took over training of the Sunday School Anniversary Choir. This was the beginning of many years of service and involvement in the community through music.
Amy married in 1943 to W.H. Keith Young which consolidated a musical partnership which enriched the lives of many. In 1950 Amy took over the YMCA Choir of Ballarat, which would later change its name to the Ballarat Y Choir in honour of Amy’s surnames. She was conductress of the choir for more than 45 years, in which more than 300 women have sung under her baton. Amy along with volunteering with the choir, provided entertainment at various places including “Happy Hour” at the Queen Elizabeth Home, Eureka Village and Pleasant Homes. For more than 30 years, Amy was involved in presenting weekly programs for residents, giving parts of her Saturday afternoons for the pleasure of others. She also raised thousands of dollars for many local charities and causes. Keith and Amy spent their lives together promoting music and choral work in Australia and overseas, helping put Ballarat on the musical map.
In recognition of her service Amy received a Medal of the Order of Australia in 1989, was awarded Citizen of Year in 1996, received a certificate of appreciation for voluntary service in 2001 from the Victorian Government and was made a patron of the Ballarat Arts Foundation. Amy stopped her volunteer work in 2007 at the 91 reluctantly due to problems with carpel tunnel.
Amy passed away in September 2009. Amy is buried in the Ballarat New Cemetery, Private F, Section 5/4, Grave 6X.
In her own words “It’s not only what you give people, it’s what you receive back. You get a lot of happiness performing for people.” |
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