Bands ready to do battle

CHRISTOPHER O’LEARY

AN investment in young people is what the Golden Plains’ Battle of the Bands is for the region, the Shire has said.

Teesdale’s Turtle Bend Reserve will play host to a range of the region’s finest young musicians on Saturday 21 March.

2025 winners The Apples will headline, while competing bands include The Bypassers, Caught in the Crossfire, Venus Half Shell, Grumble and Gatling. Soloist Lucy Grazules will open the event.

Golden Plains Shire mayor Cr Owen Sharkey urged residents to attend the free ticketed competition.

“Events like this remind us how vibrant and creative our region truly is, and they give our emerging artists a chance to shine on a bigger stage,” he said.

“It’s always a pleasure to see our community come together in support of local performers, and I look forward to sharing this fantastic night with you all.

“Each year, the competition gets bigger and better, and we can’t wait to welcome our local bands to battle it out on the centre stage.”

The Battle of the Bands event is an initiative of Fuse, a group of young Golden Plains residents.

Supported by the Victorian Government’s Amplify program, Fuse offers young people aged 12 to 25 the chance to organise fun, inclusive and local events.

A council spokesperson said the event was more than entertainment.

“A local youth concert like Battle of the Bands creates connection, builds confidence, and shows young people that they belong right where they are,” they said.

“It brings the community together, highlights local talent, and opens doors to new opportunities.”

There will be Giovanni’s Gelato Cart, and Bannockburn Men’s Shed will host a sausage sizzle.

The Battle of the Bands will run from 4pm to 7pm. Tickets are available through Eventbrite.

More information and registration at goldenplains.vic.gov.au/events, by emailing [email protected] or by phoning 5220 7111.