MUSIC FOR MORALE BY CARLIE WALKER - FRASER COAST CHRONICLE

HERVEY Bay country music singer Keri McInerney has been moved by the plight of her fellow Queenslanders.

The devastating floods that have affected areas throughout Queensland have spurred her into action and, with the help of other country music stars, Keri is hoping she will be able to help the communities and get them back on their feet.

The first step of her plan is to get into the flood-affected communities of Bundaberg, Rockhampton, Gayndah and Emerald and perform morale-boosting concerts in those locations.

She knows that in many areas the stars who want to participate will need to be flown in and she is hoping sponsors will help them bring a bit of sunshine into the lives of those who are struggling most.

The second part of her plan is to stage several larger concerts that will help with the fundraising efforts as the communities start to rebuild.

Keri said the success she had enjoyed in her career had given her strong contacts within the country music community and that had enabled her to start putting together plans for the concerts.

Several radio stations throughout Queensland are also keen to support the project, Keri says.

She is trying to secure travel assistance for the artists from Qantas and Virgin Blue.

“We are hoping we may be able to acquire helicopters to get some of our artists into the various areas to do some acoustic morale-building type shows so if anyone out there can assist in the supply of transportation to the areas, please contact me urgently,” Keri said.

Normie Rowe, Broderick Smith and Matt Walker, from the Dingoes, have all expressed a desire to support the project, along with Troy Cassar-Daley, Adam Harvey, Liam Brew, Sinead Burgess and Lance Coassin.

A huge number of artists from around the Fraser Coast had also offered their services if needed, Keri said.

“That's what I love about Australians – we are always there to help our fellow Aussies when the chips are down,” she said.

The first round of performances will start on January 11 in Bundaberg.

All money raised from the major concerts will go towards supporting the statewide flood appeal.

Leave a comment