Cleeland applauds ‘mammoth effort’ after $190k raised from Tones and I concert

Months on, state Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland has applauded the efforts, saying the event was a powerful reminder of the resilience and generosity of regional communities.

“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 securing permits and managing logistics, to increasing water supply capacity, telecommunications, traffic management and emergency planning — this was an enormous undertaking driven by volunteers and community leaders determined to make a difference.”

Ms Cleeland said she was also pleased to help score a tourism and activation grant to provide financial certainty for the event and ensure the maximum amount raised could go directly back into the community.

“I was proud to help secure a grant that gave organisers the financial security needed to deliver an event of this scale, while ensuring that money raised could go directly to the Strathbogie Disaster Relief Fund,” she said.

“When communities lead these efforts, the support reaches people faster and more effectively.”

To date, the Strathbogie Disaster Relief Fund has raised more than $575,000, supported 167 households directly in their recovery and distributed $250,000 in support payments to those impacted by the January Longwood bushfire.

The fund was established promptly after the fire to provide direct support to those impacted, with funds distributed to local families, farmers, businesses and community groups in need.

“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 that people have shown over these 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.”

Ms Cleeland also thanked Tones and I for supporting the region and helping shine a national spotlight on the recovery effort.

“To have someone of Tones and I’s calibre stand with our community during such a difficult time meant a great deal to many locals,” she said.

“The generosity shown, not just by performers but by volunteers, sponsors, emergency services, local businesses and every single person who bought a ticket or donated, should make the entire region incredibly proud.”