Concert to raise funds a big hit

THE Tones and I concert in Longwood has been a big hit, with more than $190,000 for the Strathbogie Disaster Relief Fund.

Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland said the event was a powerful reminder of the resilience and generosity of regional communities following the devastating summer bushfires.

“This concert did not happen because it was easy. It happened because a group of locals looked around after the bushfires and decided they had to step up for their community,” Ms Cleeland said.

“Behind the scenes was a mammoth effort. From securing permits and managing logistics, to increasing water supply capacity, telecommunications, traffic management and emergency planning, this was an enormous undertaking driven by volunteers and community leaders determined to make a difference.”

Ms Cleeland helped secure a tourism activation grant to provide financial certainty for the event and ensure the maximum amount raised could go directly back into the community..

The Strathbogie Disaster Relief Fund has raised more than $575,000 and supported 167 households directly in their recovery. It has also distributed nearly $250,000 in support payments to those impacted by the devastating Longwood bushfire in January.

“This is what recovery looks like, and it is coming directly from our community,” Ms Cleeland said.