Most Australians are struggling with missing people right now. Whether you’re yearning for someone living in another state or abroad or you just don’t feel comfortable with the easing of restrictions allowing social visits just yet, it can be a difficult time. If you do see loved ones, the need to social distance can also be very painful. Some of the people hit hardest are the grandparents missing all the kisses, cuddles, and visits from their grandchildren. In light of that a team of local entertainers have formed The GrandParents Club, a social media hub where the grandparents can share their stories, jokes, and music with other like-minded people. The first song to come out of the initiative is “Hey There,” written by ARIA Award-winning performer “Poppa” Tony Williams.
“In these extraordinary times I was wondering how other grandparents might be feeling being cut off from their grandkids, and also how grandkids, who can’t see their nannas and granddads are feeling,” Poppa Tony explained. “I know personally how this feels as my grandson Max lives in Austria. So the song and emotions came naturally to me. I wanted to write a song that was heartfelt, but also uplifting; to share that this is only for a time and that things will get better.”
“Hey There”, produced by John Field and released through ABC Music, is the first of many that will come from the GrandParents Club. It’s incredibly sweet, and I think it has something for everyone right now, whether you’re a grandparent or not!