Rockin’ for a good cause

THE boys are back together and ready to rock in a one-off Easter Sunday concert.

Rock bands from the 80s and 90s including Darkcide, The Rockin Donkeys and Do Wah Diddy Bros are tuning their guitars for the Bendigo Rocks Easter concert, raising funds and awareness for mental health.

Rod Fawcett of The Rockin Donkeys said the idea of a charity concert, organised by radio guru Bryan Coghlan, was something that had been brewing for some time.

“We’ve been workshopping it and tossing it around for a little while now and Bryan Coghlan approached us and said would you be interested in doing something in Easter,” he said.

“Everyone’s been rehearsing feverishly trying to see if they can pull some of the old magic back together and hopefully we can do it on Easter Sunday.”

The concert will raise funds for Let’s Chat, a charity created by Bryan Coghlan that aims to break down stigma regarding mental health through conversation.

“It’s one of those non-judgemental things where Bryan gets people on each week and they discuss issues and they just try to open avenues for people, let people know that there’s always people there to talk to,” Mr Fawcett said.

“You know, Let’s Chat, it’s always a good place to start.”

The Rockin Donkeys performed throughout regional Victoria and Melbourne for 25 years and Mr Fawcett said the original line-up hasn’t missed a beat.

“The original four have got back together and it’s like riding a bike,” he said. “We got back on, everyone hit their harmonies, everyone knew their part and I walked away with the biggest smile on my face I’ve had for 25 years.”

Bendigo Rocks Easter is selling out fast and tickets can be purchased on the City of Greater Bendigo website.