Latest News

• Add My News • Search Old News

Gippsland › Latest news › Gippsland Portal Feature

Tsunami appeal concert for Victory Park on Australia Day

Traralgon’s Victory Park will be the venue for ‘The Big Wave Concert’ Tsunami Appeal to be held on Australia Day, Wednesday 26 January.

By Latrobe Shire Council - 7th January 2005 - Back to News

The concert has been announced following a meeting of a number of interested parties with Latrobe City Council on Thursday.

Latrobe City Mayor, Councillor Bruce Lougheed, said that while all the fine detail was still being worked through, a confirmation that the concert would be taking place could now be announced.

"There is more than enough enthusiasm and expertise already pledged, to make this fund-raising concert a goer," Cr Lougheed said.

"Representatives of Traralgon Lions and the local music scene have already met with a number of Councillors and officers, and all have pledged support. The technical aspects are already being taken care of. The next stage will be to call for expressions of interest from the community for performers to take part in the concert, and for groups, individuals and businesses wanting to assist with the concert and appeal," Cr Lougheed explained.

Traralgon Lions Club spokesperson, Alan Vickery, said the concert would piggy-back on Australia Day celebrations already planned for Victory Park on Australia Day.

"Much of the infrastructure needed for the concert will already be in place for the Australia Day Celebrations. We will just plan in a much bigger way, expanding preparations to include all those things necessary to present the concert during the day," Mr Vickery said.

A representative of Latrobe’s many musical groups, Alan Wood, said networking had already revealed that there was enormous energy among local talent to stage the ‘Big Wave Concert’. "I know first hand that there are numerous groups who want to do something to help the victims of the earthquake and tsunami. These people are crying out for an opportunity to help out, by taking part as performers in a tsunami appeal," Mr Wood said.

Cr Lougheed said the overwhelming spirit of the community wanting to help victims of the tsunami was being highlighted by the many contacts made to Council with offers of assistance for whatever could be organised.

"The Big Wave Concert – Tsunami Appeal will give groups and individuals across the municipality the opportunity to pool their resources and take part in a major fundraising event for the victims of this terrible tragedy. There will be all sorts of volunteers needed to man food stalls, act as marshals and collectors, move equipment, be available to administer first aid, and in any number of roles. Volunteers will be able to register their offers with Council from mid-week," Cr Lougheed said.

"It’s important to note that the Big Wave Concert – Tsunami Appeal is being held in addition to the numerous Australia Day activities taking place across Latrobe City on 26 January including the citizenship ceremonies at Kernot Hall. These will all still go ahead as planned," Cr Lougheed said.

"The Australian response to the emergency in Asia has been quite stunning. In a way, the generosity being shown by Australians towards our neighbours is endemic of the national character and it’s quite fitting that we will be reaching into our hearts for the people of other lands, on the same day that we celebrate our nationhood," Cr Lougheed added.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

• Indigenous artist Lionel Rose Junior honoured for Warragul Station Park artwork celebrating culture, community and family legacy
  Indigenous artist Lionel Rose Junior's cockatoo design now features in Warragul Station Park, honouring Kurnai and Gunditjmara heritage, community ties, and his family legacy alongside uncle Lionel Rose's iconic statue.
• Danny O'Brien criticises Labor's fast-track renewable energy policy removing Gippslanders' right to appeal development decisions
  Danny O'Brien criticises Labor's fast-track renewable energy policy after Gelliondale Wind Farm reapplies, warning it removes Gippslanders' appeal rights, undermines safeguards, and threatens proper siting of turbines near homes.
• Latrobe City Council seeks community feedback on the future of Moe Gardens Caravan Park as lease nears end
  Latrobe City Council is inviting community feedback on the future of Moe Gardens Caravan Park, with the current operator's lease expiring in May 2026 under Crown Land Leasing Policy requirements for open and impartial processes.
• Baw Baw Shire Council meeting snapshot - Wednesday 24 September 2025
  Baw Baw Shire Council appointed Tilla Buden as CEO, adopted the Domestic Animal Management Plan, awarded Drouin streetscape contract, deferred Alex Goudie Park Master Plan, and endorsed updated delegation guidelines at its 24 September meeting.
• Baw Baw Shire Council meeting snapshot - Wednesday 24 September 2025
  Baw Baw Shire Council appointed Tilla Buden as CEO, adopted the Domestic Animal Management Plan, awarded Drouin streetscape contract, deferred Alex Goudie Park Master Plan, and endorsed updated delegation guidelines at its 24 September meeting.
• Baw Baw Shire Council meeting snapshot - Wednesday 27 August 2025
  Baw Baw Shire Council's 27 August meeting covered petitions, Warragul planning permits, Aberfeldy roadworks, draft strategies, community consultation, governance updates, with meetings live-streamed and open for public participation.