Drought and bushfires have tested the Tenterfield community’s resolve in recent months but a new event will soon bring a little more cheer into the lives of locals.
The 'Lift the Country Spirit Music Event’ hosted by Tenterfield Show Society and sponsored by a $25,000 NSW Government grant, will be headlined by leading country music artist, Brad Cox.
Federal Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce, who has been working closely with both the Show Society and the State Government to see the event come to fruition, congratulated all involved.
“I commend the Tenterfield community for getting this event off the ground and thank our State colleagues for their generous support of the project,” Mr Joyce said.
“I was one of the first on the ground following the initial Tenterfield fires, speaking with all levels of government including directly with the Prime Minister, about what assistance we could provide for local people.
“It has been a pleasure to again assist the local community with the relief effort.”
Tenterfield Show Society Entertainment Coordinator, Kim Rhodes, has been one of the driving forces behind the event.
She hoped it would offer the community something to look forward to in an otherwise grim situation given the recent natural disasters.
While the finer event details are yet to be finalised, event co-ordinators were seeking to attract as many people as possible from outlying communities to the free concert which it is hoped will also feature rides, games and activities for local children.
Federal Government assistance is still available for those affected by bushfire in the Tenterfield local government area.
The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) of $1,000 for adults and $800 for children is available. Eligibility for this assistance has changed and now includes an extra $400 for each child already in receipt of the AGDRP.
Also available in Tenterfield is the $75,000 Emergency Bushfire Response in Primary Industries Grants and the Natural Disaster Recovery Relief Grant of $15,000 for primary producers, small businesses and not-for-profit organisations to assist with the clean-up and immediate restoration expenses.
For more information about this assistance, contact the Tenterfield electorate office (02) 6736 1099.
(ENDS)