Rachel McKay and good friend Andrew Wishart discuss the upcoming festival.
Photo by
Barb Love
The broader Cobram community, including Yarroweyah, Muckatah and Katamatite, will come together in a powerful show of support and gratitude on Saturday, April 11 for the Fire Relief Festival and fun day at Cobram Harness Racing Club.
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The event is dedicated to all emergency service workers — front-line responders from the CFA, SES, police force and paramedics who put their own safety on the line while doing their utmost to not only save lives but protect homes, farming properties and livestock.
The event, organised by Cobram Barooga Business and Tourism, working together with a small group of community-minded folk led by Rachel McKay, has received amazing support from local business people.
Sporties Barooga, the festival’s major sponsor, has generously provided a significant donation, while Cobram Pumping and Irrigation, Cobram Bolt Supply and the CED Group’s generosity has enabled the special day to go ahead.
“We have been delighted with the amazing support from Sporties Barooga and the generosity of the three businesses, all of whom have been made it possible to hold the day,” Cobram Barooga Business and Tourism president Nikki Goldsworthy said.
Andrew Wishart with Sporties director Marcus Fry, major sponsors of the Fire Relief Festival.
Photo by
Barb Love
Gates open at 1pm and the fun begins at 2pm, featuring a lively program with local musicians offering great entertainment well into the evening.
Among the great musical talent are Paul Vitullo, Jackie Lee and Doug McKean, Ray Macartney and Melbourne singer-songwriter Andrew Wishart, who was runner-up in the X-Factor in 2011 and has gone on to build a strong career.
He is regularly booked at various locations in the region and regarded as one of the most powerful and talented singers performing today.
Boozy Creek Cruisers and Cobram Cruiser members will compete in a Show and Shine event.
Dutch Thunder Wildlife Shelter will attend, bringing a selection of rescued animals for the children to pet and learn about.
There will also be an ice-cream van, face painting, jumping castles and loads more entertainment, with SkillZone Sports providing lots of fun with a terrific range of activities.
For everyone who enjoys good food, there will be a delicious variety supplied by several food trucks, and a Rotary Club will host a barbecue and the Apex Club will operate a fully licensed bar.
Proceeds from the day will be distributed through Cobram Community House to those most in need.
State Member for Ovens Valley Tim McCurdy and Federal Member for Nicholls Sam Birrell have each purchased a VIP ticket in support of the event.
There is free entry to the festival for first responders — they just need to show their badge at the gate and enjoy the day.
Everyone else can come along and enjoy what promises to be a fantastic day out.
