Bendigo has come together to support Harcourt, which suffered devastating fires two months ago, by hosting the Harcourt Rising initiative. On March 8, 2024, this event featured 40 live musical acts performing across five local pubs, including The Social, The Courthouse, The Black Swan, The Deck, and Bendigo Brewery. The aim was to raise $50,000 for the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal, a certified charity dedicated to aiding Harcourt Fire Relief.
Concert-goers purchased tickets for $50, and while the initiative raised $16,705 through the sale of 330 tickets and donations, expectations had initially been higher. Peter Phillips of The Black Swan expressed that selling 1,000 tickets was a “very ambitious” goal, but he remained pleased with the turnout and the funds raised.
The event was well attended, with notable figures like Bendigo Deputy Mayor Karen Corr present. She highlighted the importance of the initiative, stating, “It’s really important, it’s a fantastic way to raise funds… but also to support live music.” The atmosphere was lively, with crowds dancing and singing along to the various performances.
The funds raised will be officially presented to Foundation member Sarah Graddie during a live segment on 106.7 Phoenix FM on March 11 between 08:00 and 09:00.
Among the performers was Emma Gleeson, a talented 14-year-old who took to the stage at Bendigo Brewing. Performing for over 50 attendees, she expressed her motivation to support Harcourt, saying, “I just felt really awful after the fire, which motivated me to do my best.” Gleeson, approached by organizer Colin Thompson, noted that friends from school had been severely impacted by the fires, further driving her desire to contribute.
Tickets were also purchased by community members like Ray and Justine Hart. Ms. Hart emphasized the dual benefits of the event, remarking, “It’s a great cause, and it’s a good opportunity to see live music in Bendigo.” For Mr. Hart, the cause was personal, as he has spent considerable time in the area and witnessed the destruction firsthand. He described driving through Harcourt, noting how certain pockets were completely devastated while others remained intact.
“It’s really random,” Mr. Hart said, reflecting on the stark contrast of destruction and survival. Despite the challenges the community faces, he observed signs of recovery, mentioning that during their recent visit, “the cafe was going really well; there were people around.”
The Harcourt Rising initiative not only provided financial support for fire relief but also fostered a sense of community spirit, illustrating the resilience of both Bendigo and Harcourt in the face of adversity.
