THOUSANDS of people flocked to Longwood on Saturday night as the small town hosted a sold-out bushfire relief concert aimed at supporting communities affected by recent fires across the Strathbogie region.
Held at the Longwood Recreation Reserve on March 7, the event raised funds for the Strathbogie Disaster Relief Fund while bringing together residents, visitors, and emergency services for a night of music and community spirit.
Organised by a local community committee, the concert was designed to help fire-impacted towns recover while also drawing visitors back into the region.
Australian singer-songwriter Tones and I headlined the event, performing for a packed crowd. She was joined by local support acts; Swim State and Kaitlin Keegan.
Local resident and Bushfire Relief Concert Organising Committee member Renae Vercoe said the night was a proud moment for the town.
She said: “Longwood might be a small town, but it’s full of heart. Being able to host Tones and I at the Longwood Recreation Reserve is a huge moment for our town – it’ll bring people into the region, showcase our community, and give those touched by the bushfires a positive night to share.”
“This funding will make an incredible difference to the success of the event, allowing us to deliver it safely and maximise the funds raised on the night for the broader fire-impacted community.”
Beyond the music, the event offered a range of food trucks and stalls, creating a festival-like atmosphere as families, friends and visitors gathered to support the cause.
Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes said the event was a strong example of communities coming together to support recovery efforts.
“I’m pleased this event can be delivered because of the support from the Labor Government. It’s a great example of community-led recovery efforts that will help the community bounce back and attract thousands of visitors to the region,” Ms Symes said.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos said: “We are proud to support this event which will provide a much-needed boost for a community that has had a really tough summer.”
With strong attendance and overwhelming community support, the Longwood Bushfire Relief Concert has been hailed as a major success, demonstrating the resilience of regional communities and the power of music to bring people together in difficult times.