Digging deep for those affected by the recent bushfires in Toodyay, Australian musicians are coming together for the official fundraising event, Hope from Ashes - a Toodyay benefit concert.

Toodyay's Town Oval will host the concert on January 30 featuring an all-star line-up. Headlining the show is multi-Golden Guitar winner and gold album-selling country music sensation Adam Harvey who will be joined by Angry Anderson & friends, Matt Taylor, Suze De Marchi (Baby Animals), The Novocaines, Rick Steele, Richard Walley, Dave Mann, Blue Shaddy and more.

Tickets are on sale and event coordinator Heather Ham says the concert will be a celebration of life and sends a message of hope to the Toodyay community after the devastating bushfires which started late last month.

"Although 38 homes were lost and 3,000 hectares of land burnt, not one life was lost," says Heather, a Toodyay local. "This is something we want to acknowledge and celebrate. A benefit concert will not only raise much-needed money but it will also bring the community together in healing and celebration.

"As soon as people heard about the idea, we were overwhelmed by offers of support, assistance, time, energy, money and services to help this benefit concert go ahead. These offers came from far and wide - the local community and people all over the State. Everyone from the Shire Council to the local police and businesses plus people on the street have been working tirelessly to make this happen."

Toodyay Shire president Chris Firns says he continues to be amazed at the level of support shown both by the people of Toodyay and those from outside the community.

"It can't be over-stated, that the support we have received and continue to receive is absolutely fantastic. This is all about the survivors, their needs and about helping people rebuild their lives. It's also not just about helping them rebuild their homes but rebuild their spirits and the community.

"We are all looking forward to having a great day at the concert."

WA Police say they are very pleased with the community spirit shown in the wake of the fires and are delighted West Australians are showing off their caring side and rallying together for a worthy cause.

If you can't make it to the concert and still want to contribute, buy a virtual ticket through Moshtix (details below).

There is not limit to how many virtual tickets you can purchase, but they come in $35 lots, the cost of a regular ticket. Money raised goes to the Bendigo Bank's Community Enterprise Foundation Toodyay Bushfire Appeal to help Toodyay locals recover and rebuild.

Hope from Ashes is even-managed by Perth's Sunset Events, who have gotten behind the concert and along with many other companies involved in the WA music and associated industries, are giving their time and services gratis to organise and run the day.


Event details:

Venue: Toodyay Town Oval (corner Toodyay Road & Telegraph Road)
Date: January 30, 2010
Time: noon â?? 11pm (gates open 11am)
Bring chairs, picnic rug, hats and sunscreen

Tickets: $35 adult; $28 concession / pensioner; $10 child (4yrs â?? 15yrs); $85 family (2 adults & 2 children). Tickets available from Thursday, January 21 at participating branches of Bendigo Bank and moshtix.com.au / 1300 Get Tix (438 849). For those who can't attend, by a virtual ticket from Moshtix and donate it.

For more information: Hope from Ashes â?? Toodyay Benefit Concert on Facebook or www.hopefromashes.com.au.