The Lamplighters were themselves celebrating funding to help the choir expand to assist men aged between 66 and 91 years stay socially and mentally active.

The choir received $3110.

Members meet weekly to practise complex two, three and four-part harmonies.

The choir also performs regularly throughout the Illawarra and often takes part in state and national events.

It is the only Australian Association of Male Choirs member choir that meets during the day, enabling singers who cannot travel at night to take part.

Several Lamplighters choir members live with a disability and are supported by their fellow members in the choir, which has been performing for more than 15 years.

The choir will expand its performance repertoire with new songs and revamp performance uniforms with the funding.

Performing new numbers is costly for the choir, requiring the purchase of copyrighted music for each of the 70 members.

The Illawarra Festival Chorus - another funding recipient - also performed at the IRT offices for the announcement.

Its members will use their grant for music equipment and uniforms.

Each IRT Foundation investment of between $1000 and $20,000 to local initiatives and projects is made to provide practical solutions to achieve age-friendly communities and improve the lives of older Australians.

IRT Group chief executive Nieves Murray said, overall, 20 projects would be funded across IRT's geographic footprint which includes the Shoalhaven, Eurobodalla, Canberra, Sydney and south-east Queensland.

Ms Murray said the funding would be used in many areas of digital technology and connectivity, intergenerational co-operation, social inclusion, multicultural celebration, music and dance, and recreation and fitness.

"They will all have a positive impact on the health and quality of life of older Australians," she said.

Other 2015 Community Grants Program recipients in the Illawarra region were Coomaditchie United Aboriginal Corporation - Capturing Culture program http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/3282951/funds-for-capturing-culture-program/; Italian Social Welfare Organisation of Wollongong; Shellharbour City U3A; U3A Network NSW; U3A Northern Illawarra; and William Beach Day Club.

The IRT Foundation is managed by Illawarra Business Chamber's 2014 Young Business Executive of the Year and former Cancer Council regional manager Toby Dawson. 

2015 IRT Foundation Community Grants

Arcadians Theatre Group – Arcadians Lamplighters Male Choir Expansion of music repertoire and upgrade of performance uniforms. The Lamplighters Male Choir is made up of 70 retired senior men ranging in age from 66 to 91.

Coomaditchie United Aboriginal Corporation – Capturing Culture Capturing Culture will involve Aboriginal children and young people working with Elders to record and illustrate their stories and wisdom. A selection of works will be published and displayed at a public exhibition and a range of products will be produced for sale.

Illawarra Festival Chorus - Musical Equipment and Uniforms Update of musical equipment and uniforms. Members are mostly seniors and perform in aged care centres, retirement villages and day respite centres in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven.

Italian Social Welfare Organisation of Wollongong – Be Happy, Be Healthy Dance and music classes for seniors with a public final performance A video resource will be developed to increase wellbeing and cultural integration and encourage active ageing.

Shellharbour City U3A – Lifelong Learnings Classes in computer use and/or social media for senior members to enhance social interaction.

U3A Network NSW – Brain Games Project Develop resources to conduct regular U3A classes to encourage mental agility in older people through exercises to stimulate different parts of the brain.

U3A Northern Illawarra – Technology Improvements Computer upgrade to allow for speakers’ requirements and additional microphone to allow members to better hear presentations and debates.

William Beach Day Club - Expanding Horizons for Dapto Seniors This grant provices assistance with costs to transport seniors to meetings and events. The William Beach Day Club provides a non threatening environment for social interaction for Dapto Seniors who are lonely, have a disability or have problems with mobility, are isolated, housebound or whose carers need a break.

Alzheimer's Australia NSW – Aboriginal Dementia Yarn Ups This project will give local Aboriginal Elders culturally sensitive information about how to reduce the risk of dementia. Resources providing a greater understanding of brain health and reducing dementia risk will be promoted through tailored events and the Alzheimer’s Australia memory van.

Eurobodalla Meals on Wheels Cooperative – Shade for ‘Out & About’ Expansion of the ‘Out & About’ program to include outdoor activities – currently not feasible due to lack of shaded area. The ‘Out & About’ program aims to reduce social isolation in older people.

Narooma Community Choir – Music Library To acquire copyright licensed music/lyrics to ensure inclusiveness of older members with memory retention issues or learning difficulties.

Lions Club of Batemans Bay – Lions Den Access Project To install an access ramp, make repairs and install security lighting at Batemans Bay Lions Club’s meeting rooms, to ensure all members can fully participate in activities. Almost 90% of members are over 55 and will benefit from a meeting place that is accessible and functional, encouraging social interaction and community participation.

The Probus Club of Batemans Bay – Purchase of Laptop, Projector & Screen This project is important in delivering the speaker’s message at monthly meetings and essential to IT volunteers teaching seniors to reconnect with communities via electronic devices. About 90% of the club membership is aged 65 or above and many feel left behind by the digital revolution and disconnected from their community.

Lake Tabourie Ratepayers & Residents Association – Lake Tabourie Seniors Recreational Scenic Walking Pathway Creation of a 'scenic walking pathway' for seniors and senior walking groups by enhancing the pathway along the lake foreshore recreational reserve. Both seniors and young people will volunteer on this project encouraging an intergenerational transfer of skills and respect.

Ulladulla & Districts Senior Citizens' Social and Welfare Club – Carpet Bowls Mats Replacement of four carpet bowls mats, to allow the Club’s activities to continue. 85% of the Club’s membership are over 60 years of age and carpet bowls encourages social participation and an active lifestyle.

YMCA of Canberra – YMCA Seniors Sports Carnival 2015 To conduct a one-day sports carnival of modified sports for people, mostly aged 80 to 100+, who are residents of aged care centres or attend age care day programs.

Australian Pensioners & Superannuants League Caloundra – Fun Walk for the Over 50's Families and Friends This annual Fun Walk and Information Forum encouraging social inclusion, community volunteering and active ageing for the over 50's is a one-of-a-kind event on the Sunshine Coast.

iDcare – iDcare Intergenerational Socialisation Tool iDcare's Intergenerational Socialisation Tool is a dedicated project that will build and deliver an online service to help educate and inform older people on internet access and security. Partnered with University of the Sunshine Coast the project will connect students with seniors to improve quality of life.through social inclusion, knowledge creation and confidence building.

Campbelltown Senior Cyber Seekers – Seniors Helping Seniors To continue providing 40+ club members with training in electronic communication to help them use digital technology to stay in contact with family, friends and necessary professionals.

Gymea Community Aid & Information Service – Multicultural Seniors Activity Club To develop a club in Sutherland Shire for seniors from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to engage in activities that promote active and healthy ageing and community participation.