PAUL Kelly will headline a special charity event in Dirranbandi on June 2, aimed at specifically supporting the South West Queensland town’s school students.
The famed singer-songwriter is again donating his time to help people in rural Australia suffering the lasting impact of ongoing, extreme drought.
Local farmer Frank Deshon said the concert would help raise funds for a program all about connecting kids to agriculture and building career pathways.
“We started the agriculture studies program because we recognised families were moving out because of the drought and the negative impact of the Murray Darling water buyback scheme,” Mr Deshon said.
We recognised families were moving out because of the drought and the negative impact of the Murray Darling water buyback scheme.
- Frank Deshon
“We needed to give kids exposure to the skills and knowledge so they could see they had a future out here. What we’ve found in the past two years is that all of the students enrol in the program and that all of the those students complete the school year.”
The modules offered at the Dirranbandi P-10 State School include beef cattle and sheep production, dryland farming, irrigation systems, and soil science. The modules include two farm visits each term.
Event organiser Danny Sheehan said he hoped the concert would serve as a boost for not just Dirranbandi but also for the entire region.
"Everyone, including every business, is invited to be involved in the Paul Kelly and Friends concert," Mr Sheehan said.
"We really want to see every town and business in the region benefit from the influx of population. Get organised to get to Dirranbandi because this is going to be eight hours of entertainment and one great night."
Alliance Airlines managing director Scott McMillan said his company was extremely pleased to be involved in the event.
“We have strong link with regional Queensland and we’re really pleased to be able to supply two planes between Brisbane and St George specifically for the concert,” Mr McMillan said.
Up to seven acts are expected to perform on the night. Visit paulkellyandfriends.com for more information. Tickets are on sale now through Outback Tickets.