The 2018 bushfires that devastated Tathra on the Far South Coast destroyed 65 homes and 1250ha of bushland along with many vital services.
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Sergeant Jennifer Cooke, a musician from the Australian Army Band who has long-running ties to the South Coast region, was moved to help local heroes from the Rural Fire Service (RFS).
To support the vital work of the RFS and raise much-needed funds, the Band of the Royal Military College Duntroon is touring the South Coast this month performing a variety of evening concerts.
“We are so pleased to be able to do our bit and help out these hard-working and selfless firies,” Sergeant Cooke said.
The shows in Bermagui and Tathra will showcase a wide variety of music from swing, pop, jazz and military band favourites.
In addition to the fundraising concerts, the band will be also be visiting a number of local schools.
“Running workshops and sitting alongside local students in their school bands is one of the highlights of the job as an army musician," Sergeant Cooke said.
"The band loves school visits and we’re always impressed with the high calibre of music from the students.”
The performance dates for the band are:
- Bermagui Country Club, Bermagui on Friday, March 15 at 5.30pm. Donations to the RFS will be collected on the night; and
- Tathra Beach Bowling Club, Tathra on Saturday, March 16 at 2pm. Entry is by donation.
There will be a presentation to the NSW RFS of all the proceeds that the Royal Miltary College Band have raised over the last week at the end of the Tathra concert on Saturday afternoon.
Since its formation as an official army unit in 1954, the Band of the Royal Military College has been equally at home in the concert hall as it is on the parade ground.
The band is a professional symphonic wind ensemble providing musical support to defence establishments in the ACT including the Corps of Staff Cadets at Duntroon.
The band performs music for a diverse range of ceremonial, social and cultural activities as well as all regal, vice-regal, diplomatic and state functions held within the nation’s capital.
Recent overseas engagements have also seen musicians in the RMC Band performing in tattoos and displays in Edinburgh, Switzerland and Japan, as well as providing ceremonial support in countries such as Tonga, Malaysia and France.
If you would like more information on any of the performances or school visits contact Corporal Andrea Clifford-Jones on andrea.clifford@defence.gov.au or 6265 9441.