An outback experience comes to Heathcote

SANDRA JAMES

CELEBRATING ten years of his award-winning Katherine Outback Experience, Tom Curtain is bringing his Here’s To You Tour to Heathcote.

The Golden Guitar winner will showcase horse training and working dog demonstrations as well as humorous bush tales and two hours of live music.

Along with songs from his chart-topping album Here’s To You, there will be performances from Laura Frank, Chris Matthews, Nick Morrissey and Melanie Gray.

The event is part of a six-month tour including eight horses, twelve working dogs, four goats and Pumpkin the pony, travelling through Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria.

“Our shows are raw and real, no two are the same because the animals have their own personalities, so it’s unpredictable, funny and heartfelt,” said Curtain.

Curtain regularly visits schools across regional Australia as an official ambassador for charity Dolly’s Dream speaking with students about kindness and looking out for one another.

Curtain’s song Speak Up, written after the death of Amy ‘Dolly’ Everett, reached No. 1 on the Australian iTunes chart.

Along with related merchandise, it has helped raise more than $100,000 to support anti-bullying education and resources.

Continuing the anti-bullying message, five dollars from each sale of his debut children’s book Snow Speaks Up is donated directly to Dolly’s Dream.

“When we visit schools, I sing songs, share stories and get kids involved. It’s about showing them it’s okay to step outside your comfort zone and to look out for each other,” he said.

“The book carries that same message in a fun way, using our animals as characters.”

The Katherine Outback Experience began a small act with just one horse, two dogs and a swag into a large-scale production.

“Some of the most rewarding moments are when people come up after a show with tears in their eyes, thanking us for bringing joy to their town,” Curtain said.

“It’s more than entertainment, it’s about giving people a night out, a reason to reconnect, and a reminder that they’re not alone.”

The Katherine Outback Experience will be at Heathcote Showgrounds on Sunday 1 March.

For tickets or to order Tom Curtain’s children’s book, visit tomcurtain.com.au.