December 5, 2023
South Burnett residents and visitors banded together in Blackbutt on Sunday to raise more than $11,000 for drought and bushfire victims.
The figure – with possibly even more to roll in – was announced by Blackbutt-Benarkin Lions Club secretary Linda Little on Tuesday.
The Blackbutt Bands Together concert was held in the Hotel Radnor’s beer garden.
It was organised by local musician Warren Gould, with help from the local Lions Club, and attracted about 200 patrons across a full day of entertainment.
The crowd enjoyed a smorgasbord of music provided by Rufus Jack, David Lynch, Lloyd Back, Keith Edwards, Ground Crew with Amos, Richie Arrowsmith and Paradox.
Dan Newland, Lea Reyes, Tony Cisneros and Claudia Mueller provided the production duties.
Many patrons also took advantage of the Radnor’s dining room and bars to top up as the music continued.
Fundraising highlights were two auctions – one for a two-night stay for four people at the Noosa Quays resort, which raised $1200; and another for a signed 2012 State Of Origin Maroons jersey, which attracted $1650.
Both auctions were conducted by Acting Mayor Gavin Jones, who encouraged the crowd to bid and bid again, helping to drive up the prices.
Cr Jones – who contributed $6700 from a Federal and State grant program to help fund the day – acknowledged cash donations from the Hotel Radnor ($500), Jeff and Dr Daphene Connor ($500) and Judy Campbell ($1000) and reminded patrons they could also make tax-deductible donations through a GIVIT page which has so far added a further $4680 to the total.
He praised the Blackbutt-Benarkin Lions Club for supporting the event, running the raffles (which added even more to the total) and enlisting aid from other Lions members throughout Districts 201 Q3 and Q4.
Max Wilkie, from Past Tense Photography, also offered a package for auction which was snapped up by Sonia McMahon for $235.
Funds from the concert will be distributed via the newly formed South Burnett Drought Support Committee, a joint initiative led by BIEDO in partnership with the South Burnett Regional Council and the Red Earth Community Foundation.
The committee will distribute the funds in the form of vouchers for use at local businesses for fuel, groceries and produce.
- Related article: Concert To Support Farming Families
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