AN upcoming event aimed at raising funds for the region\u2019s returned servicepeople experiencing post-traumatic stress injuries is set to bring eight local acts to Burrumbeet Racecourse.<\/p>\n
Next month\u2019s Mates Day concert marks the return of the annual event after a four-year absence.<\/p>\n
Proceeds will go towards veterans\u2019 support group Military Brotherhood Motorcycle Club\u2019s Western Victorian chapter.<\/p>\n
Organiser, Chris Wilson, said it\u2019ll be a fun, relaxing way to give back to those who fought for their country.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt starts at midday with some acoustic acts then we go to a softer band then an Irish group to get your toes tapping and get everyone out of their seats and dancing,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a general good day where people can get together, sit down, relax, have fun, and donate for a good cause.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not a ticketed event either. It\u2019s donation only.\u201d<\/p>\n
Acts include Shane Gilbert, Mid Life Crisis and Co, Deluxe, White Line Fever, The Shorts, Old Melbourne Road, The Aliens, as well as performers Steve, Rach, and Georgie.<\/p>\n
A family barbecue and food trucks will also feature.<\/p>\n
With more than $10,000 raised for the Military Brotherhood Motorcycle Club, Mr Wilson said the event averaged about 1000 attendees annually since starting in 2016.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt grew out of a personal party I had with about 500, 600 people,\u201d he said. \u201cThe first was an accident concert I had at Camp Street which grew from one band to six.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople were throwing money at it and we wanted somewhere for it to go.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr Wilson said the wellbeing of returned servicepeople is an important cause to support.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey\u2019ve fought for our freedoms so it\u2019s important to raise awareness about what some of them are going through,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s a silent disease, something you can\u2019t see.<\/p>\n
\u201cI know a few of the boys personally who\u2019ve come back and struggled a bit so that\u2019s why I wanted to funnel the funds to them.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Mates Day event will run from 12pm to 10pm on Saturday 11 November.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
AN upcoming event aimed at raising funds for the region\u2019s returned servicepeople experiencing post-traumatic stress injuries is set to bring eight local acts to Burrumbeet Racecourse. Next month\u2019s Mates Day concert marks the return of the annual event after a four-year absence. Proceeds will go towards veterans\u2019 support group Military Brotherhood Motorcycle Club\u2019s Western Victorian […]<\/p>\n