At the same time, she wasn’t ready to leave her.

The conundrum lead to the establishment of the MaCapella Singers, a singing group that encourages mothers and their children to enjoy music together.

“I was thinking about doing a children’s nursery rhyme-type class until one of the mothers asked if I could do a class for them,” Ms Flinn said.

“So I combined the two ideas and went from there.”

The classes started in Castlemaine with a few mothers meeting up before more than 20 joined the group.

The popularity and success of the group led to a group being established in Kyneton and plans for a Bendigo group to start next week.

“Slowly but surely more joined with about 20 regularly coming to the Castlemaine group,” Ms Flinn said.

“The mums sing for themselves but can bring the littlies along to benefit from the music.

“We have tambourines, drums and other things in the centre so the kids can express themselves with rhythm. Others are held by their mum and feel the vibration of the music that way.”

Ms Flinn said a lot of positive feedback has shown how much the mothers enjoy the classes.

“A couple mums have said how much love it and how great it is for lifting the spirits,” she said.

“Some have said they haven’t done something for themselves for ages.

“It’s such a great thing and really unique, there’s nothing else like it for mums (in central Victoria).” 

Ms Flinn has been singing all her life thanks to a mother and father who loved performing and an uncle in 1970s rock band The Mixtures.

“I know for myself, singing is in my blood, I’ve been singing since I can walk and talk,” she said.

“It’s a relief that when I feel sad, happy, angry or whatever, I can sing and release that emotion.

“Its’ therapeutic and after talking to other mums, I realised I wasn’t alone. That socialisation and release of emotion, is a bit like exercise.”

Depending on the success of the new Bendigo group, Ms Flinn also hopes other mothers will help expand the MaCapella Singers further.

“We’re starting Bendigo next week and am hoping to lock down a venue this week,” she said.

“We will see where it leads. I’m hoping it can continue it on and go further to places like Ballarat or Melbourne.”

The Castlemaine MaCapella Singers meet on Friday mornings. The Bendigo group is planned for Tuesday mornings.

For more information log on to www.facebook.com/MaCapellaSingers