It’s no secret that farmers are doing it tough.
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To show they have Wagga’s support, a free music festival has been organised to bring the rural and city communities together.
Justin and Dionne Crook, from Deja Groove, said it was important for the community to stick together.
“In regional Australia, our survival depends on us being together, always,” Mr Cook said.
“It’s our point to step up for the farmers.”
Ms Crook said Wagga can expect a whole lot of fun from their performance.
Alan Brown, chairman of the NSW Farmers Association, said it’s a good way to get people off the farm and enjoying themselves.
“We would really like to see them bring groups of people along so they can enjoy themselves,” he said.
“If people are prepared to donate, that’s great because the money is going north of here where the real problems lie.
“The drought is creeping south and creeping towards the east.”
Wagga Mayor Greg Conkey said he felt the city people could show their support in these tough times by organising a musical event.
“It’s to show we are thinking of them and to show them support,” he said.
“The day is not so much to raise money but to bring the rural and city communities together for a variety of music at the event in the middle of the city.
“We really appreciate the fact that the community has gotten behind this.”
Councillor Conkey said a number of local musicians had thrown their weight behind the cause.
“We want people to turn up,” he said.
“There will be food and coffee outlets, but people can take their own food so come on down and enjoy a picnic.
“Join in a way that we can show our support.”
Dale Allison, from Groove Factorie, said he was pleased to see the mayor organising something constructive.
“I was more than happy to help for a worthy cause like this,” he said.
“It should be a very pleasant afternoon and it doesn’t happen very often.”
Mr Allison said it was a great way for the community to come together and enjoy the spring weather, all for a good cause.
The ‘Tough Gig for Tough Times’ event will take place from 1pm on September 23 at the Victory Memorial Gardens.
Entertainment on the night includes performances from Groove Factorie led by Dale Allison, Australian Army Band Kapooka and other local acts.
It is free entry, but concert-goers are encouraged to make a donation on the night to support the NSW drought appeal.