Concerted effort for victims

By Tania Martin
MUSICIANS, actors and locals have band together in a massive line-up of benefit gigs to support Black Saturday’s victims.
Proceeds from the Spooky Men’s Choral, Men in Suits, Sweet Sassafras and Voicemale’s one-off-gig at the Burrinja Gallery on Friday, 20 February will be donated to the CFA.
Music director Chris Riseley said the proceeds from refreshments and raffles would be donated.
“CFA members of the choirs will be taking donations on the night,” he said.
“It’s important to recognise and support our volunteer brigades at their greatest time of need.”
Tickets are now on sale and cost $15 for adults and $8 for children under 12.
Doors open at the Burrinja Gallery, 351 Glenfern Road, Upwey, from 6pm.
Boronia Aquarium in Dorset Road will host a sausage sizzle, auctions and raffle on Saturday 21 February from 9am to 5pm.
Half of the shop’s takings for the day will also go to the appeal.
Director Chris Rout said that donation alone was likely to top $2000.
The cash will go to the Red Cross Bush Fire Appeal and Help for Wildlife.
Boronia traders have also got behind the appeal, offering goods, services and vouchers for the raffle and auctions.
The aquarium will also act as an unofficial drop off point for pet food, animal bandages and bedding.
A web site has been set up for online donations at www.boroniaaquariumbushfireappeal.com.au.
Belgrave Swimming Pool staff have organised a giant pool party to raise cash for the appeal.
The family fun day will be held on Saturday 21 February from 1pm to 5pm at 69 Best Street, Belgrave.
There will be something for everyone, from raffle draws to a giant pool inflatable, a jumping castle to keep the kids entertained and a barbecue.
Entry is $5 per person and will be donated to the appeal.
At the Hallam Hotel an all-star line up of acts will take centre stage on Sunday, 22 February at 241-245 Princes Highway, Hallam.
The entertainment includes Melbourne retro cover band, Scat, and the Robbie Williams Tribute Show with Louie and the Party Boyz.
Stand and Deliver will also keep the crowd entertained, along with a line up of DJs, including Lee Davies, Scotty Erdos, Disco Dave and Andrew McClod.
Tickets are now on sale and cost $20, with all the proceeds to be donated to the bushfire appeal.
Donations will also be collected in a barrel at the hotel.
For more information on the night, call the hotel on 8786 0200.
Members of Gemco Players Community Theatre have also pulled together to organise a benefit concert and auction on Saturday 28 February.
There will be two different events: an auction from 3pm to midnight and a concert from 7.30pm to 11pm at Emerald’s town hall.
Mt Dandenong’s Alex Legg is also organising a number of gigs across Melbourne to support the appeal.
He is calling on more than 80 musicians and bands to take part in a 200-hour music marathon over two weekends.
Each gig will feature eight acts and will run from 1pm to 11pm at ten venues across Melbourne.
The first of the shows will be held at Mt Dandenong Hotel in Olinda on 29 March.
Entry to the gigs will cost $40, which includes a double CD put together by the artists.
Collection buckets will also be passed around during the gigs, with all proceeds going to the appeal.
Those interested in joining one of the gigs should call Mr Legg on 0401 937 884 or send him an email at alexlegg@internode.on.net