May 3, 2013
Who would have imagined back in the early 1980s that the lead singer of one of Australia’s most politically outspoken bands, Redgum, would one day be the welcome guest speaker at a breakfast in conservative Kingaroy?
But the cause of promoting mental health in rural and remote communities is so important that it brings all sorts of people together, including former Redgum singer John Schumann and LNP Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington, who hosted the breakfast.
These days John Schumann – who is possibly best known for penning the Vietnam War anthem “I Was Only 19 (A Walk In The Light Green)” – has teamed up with another former Redgum member, Hugh McDonald, to tour with a new band, the Vagabond Crew.
The musicians have been working closely with the Australasian Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health to promote community health and well-bring in rural and remote communities.
John, Hugh and the Vagabond Crew put on an extremely successful concert in Kingaroy in February last year (see SBBiz, February 17, 2012).
A crowd of more than 500 sang and clapped along as the band performed on the Town Hall steps, and Glendon Street was closed to allow displays from a range of health providers.
John told this morning’s breakfast that possibly two or three lives were saved by this event, and the knowledge there was no shame in asking for help.
Afterwards one person handed over a piece of paper to a support worker saying “here’s my suicide note, please make sure I don’t use it”.
Another couple who had refused to leave their farm for months after the death of their son were enticed back out into the community.
John, Hugh and the Vagabond Crew will be returning to Kingaroy on Sunday, May 26, for a reprise of their “It’ll Be Alright In The Long Run” concert.
They’ll be appearing at the Kingaroy Town Hall Forecourt from 5:00pm.
There will also be free buses running to Kingaroy from several South Burnett towns. To book a seat on the bus, phone (07) 4162-5439.
