Jonathon Welch, this year's Local Hero award winner, has been in the spotlight for more than 20 years - appearing in various musicals and operas across Australia.

But it was his participation in the Choir of Hard Knocks series on ABC television last year that touched the hearts of millions of Australians.

The series documented the power of singing in building and renewing lives, with Welch as the choirmaster.

Welch brought together a group of people who had reached desperation in their lives through homelessness, depression and addiction.

He helped them work through their problems by bringing music into their lives and made them feel part of a "family".

The Choir of Hard Knocks is just one of the community projects Welch has been involved in.

Others include Geelong Pop Kidz, the Australian Pop Choir, the Sydney Street Choir, and the Melbourne Gay and Lesbian Chorus he was also Music Director of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Choir.

Welch grew up in Melbourne, where he still lives, and has spent a 30 year career in the music industry.

Tags: gay australia, glbt community, jonathon welch