Annabelle Cleeland and daughter Quinn at the Tones and I concert in Longwood on March 7.
From a single Facebook post came a night the region will never forget, with Tones and I lighting up Longwood in March at the bushfire relief recovery concert in front of almost 5000 people.
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From major infrastructure and operational support to services, equipment, logistics, safety, traffic management, printing, transport, photography and countless behind-the-scenes contributions — the event came together through an extraordinary community effort.
Bring Tones And I to Longwood social media manager Bree Mackrell said the event would not have been possible without the backing it received, all while allowing the community to come together during an incredibly difficult time.
“As we reflect on what it took to bring this event together in just four short weeks, we want to recognise the incredible businesses, organisations and individuals who backed this community in so many different ways,” she said.
“Every sponsor and supporter played a role in helping us deliver a safe, professionally run, family-friendly event for thousands of people across our region.
“And to the many local businesses, volunteers, contractors and community members who stepped up without hesitation — thank you. This event was never just about a concert, it was about community, connection, resilience and giving people a night to smile again.”
State Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland also praised the extraordinary community effort behind the event, which raised more than $190,000 for the Strathbogie Disaster Relief Fund.
Ms Cleeland said the concert 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 permits and logistics to water supply, telecommunications, traffic management and emergency planning, all driven by volunteers and community leaders determined to make a difference.”
The Strathbogie Disaster Relief Fund was established to provide direct support to those impacted by the fires, with funds distributed quickly to local families, farmers, businesses and community groups.
To date, the fund has raised more than $575,000, supported 167 households, and distributed nearly $250,000 in recovery payments following the Longwood bushfire in January.
“This is what recovery looks like, and it is coming directly from our community,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Thank you seems so small considering the generosity, hard work and compassion shown over the past few months. This is exactly what regional Victoria does best — in the middle of hardship, people roll up their sleeves, support one another and find a way forward together.”
Event manager Shona Guest said the spirit behind the event was summed up in the team’s refusal to accept that it was “too hard”.
She praised the efforts of the committee, volunteers, sponsors, locals, businesses and crew who “couldn’t say no — instead saying, ‘we will get it done’”.
“To our sponsors and donors, thank you for backing a small community with a big vision,” Mrs Guest said.
“Your generosity, support and belief helped turn an idea into something truly extraordinary.
“And to the volunteers who helped set up and pull down fencing, picked things up, dropped things off, solved problems, lent equipment, worked long hours and finished the day with an esky full of cold ones — thank you.
“It was a mammoth effort built on grit, community spirit, laughter, exhaustion, teamwork and pure determination, and we are so incredibly proud of what we achieved together. Longwood, we get it done.”
Thousands gathered in Longwood in March as Tones and I took to the stage for the bushfire recovery concert, helping raise more than $190,000 for the Strathbogie Disaster Relief Fund. Photo: James McPherson Photography.
Community spirit was on full display at the Longwood bushfire recovery concert, where volunteers, businesses and supporters came together to help deliver a night to remember for the region. Photo: James McPherson Photography.
Photo by
James McPherson Photography
