Published on Thursday, 21 May 2026 at 12:13:47 PM
To celebrate National Volunteer Week, we have featured one of our regular volunteers, musician Jake Minear. Read his story about volunteering for Neighbourhood Link below
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It is a sunny Wednesday morning, and a warm sunlight pours through the windows of the recently renovated Tricolore Community Centre on Wauhop Road.
Inside, the unmistakable sounds of a guitar and a strong voice impersonating Elvis bounce through the space. A comforting wave of nostalgia spreads across the room as the music lingers in the air, echoing memories and melodies.
A chorus of seniors sing along, their song books in their hands, full of energy and engaged. Smiles spread across the room. Shoulders sway and feet tap.
The song ends and the contagious lyrics of Neil Diamond’s Sweet Caroline fill the room.
This is Neighbourhood Link’s monthly music hour with Jake Minear, held as part of the Wednesday Day Centre activities.
The activity follows morning tea, and before Wu Tao relaxation exercises. Music becomes more than entertainment. It conjures memories and encourages shared connection and community.
In 2025, local resident Jake Minear answered a call in the Town’s newsletter, for local musicians to volunteer their time once a month to support Neighbourhood Link.
After 15 years of volunteering in aged care, Mr Minear was seeking a new opportunity when he saw the advert.
“The advert combined my interest in this type of volunteering with my love of music and seemed like a great opportunity,” he said.
“It is always fun and rewarding playing music in front of an audience and the Neighbourhood Link group is cheerful, inviting and engaged.
“They are a wonderful group of people and there is always a great energy, which is at the heart of great community programs.”
Mr Minear’s Wednesday performances for Neighbourhood Link draw many people to the Centre. Participants enjoy his fun approach and love the chance to sing, play percussions and dance.
In between songs, he engages with the crowd through music, stories and chats about life.
In less than a year, the group has learnt over 20 songs.
“Everyone is always open to learning, and we are really proud that we have grown our collective repertoire,” Mr Minear added.
Music has been part of Mr Minear’s life since childhood. Growing up in East Fremantle, he learnt the piano, before picking up the guitar in his early twenties when he joined a band.
“I always felt more comfortable holding a guitar when I started lead singing,” added Mr Minear.
While singing covers of Neil Diamond and other famous artists may seem like an obvious crowd pleaser, Mr Minear also sings original music.
Four years ago, he achieved a lifetime goal of recording his music with a band at a recording studio in East Fremantle.
“I love the fact that there is always more to learn, and that every songwriter is always searching for that ‘perfect’ song,” he said.
“Quite often one finds that ‘simplicity’ is the most important ingredient when writing a great song.”
Neighbourhood Link provides Day Centre activities at Tricolore Community Centre each Wednesday. Attendees are served morning tea before activities begin.
Activities change and include seated Wu Tao Relax, seated ballet for wellbeing and seated pilates.
Mr Minear said the program was professionally organised.
“This is critical to any organisation that influences and positively impacts people’s lives,” he said.
If you, or someone you know, is interested in joining Neighbourhood Link, visit the Neighbourhood Link page or please contact the team on 9339 9381.
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