Band Together has raised $160,000 to support families affected by the recent bushfire in Tathra. 

The bushfire relief concert’s organisers announced the final tally on Sunday, when they presented a check to Bega Valley Shire Mayor Kristy McBain to be put towards the Tathra and District Bushfire Mayoral Appeal Fund.

Event coordinator Darren Jones said in the end the concert held on May 26 did not just become about raising money, but about bringing the community together. 

“It’s good to know if one part of the community needs help then another part will stand up and help them,” he said. 

He said the concert provided families affected by the bushfires “a line in the sand” from which to move forward. 

“It gave them something to look forward to,” he said. 

“They were very appreciative of what we did, more so than focusing on how much money was raised.” 

Mr Jones said while $200,000 was the gross amount raised by the concert, there were a few bills organisers had to pay, such as to security. 

“We are still really happy with the amount ultimately given. It is still the biggest single donation [to the Mayoral Appeal] so far,” he said. 

Mr Jones also used Sunday’s cheque presentation to announce Band Together Two, which will be brought forward from May to March or April next year when the weather is warmer. 

He said the Mayoral Appeal Fund will run for two years, after which the aim is for the concert to support a general disaster relief fund for the region, so in the event of a future disaster council can access funding immediately to support local families.

Cr Kristy McBain said she was excited by the money raised from Band Together. 

“I was really impressed how everybody was there with the same goal in mind, which was to raise money,” she said. 

“This included the businesses that donated their time and goods, the musicians and most importantly all the people that came far and wide to try and assist people in our community.”