David Gillespie (Lyne, National Party) Share this | Hansard source

The newly constructed Manning RiverStage came alive last Friday night with its first concert to celebrate its opening. The river stage was a project of the combined service clubs of Taree and the Manning Valley. Congratulations go to the Lions and Rotary members who drove this project with the assistance of funding from the MidCoast Council and the Nationals MLA member for Myall Lakes, Stephen Bromhead. Friday night's concert was in aid of the Australian Children's Music Foundation and their work in my local community. I'm proud to inform the House that over $45,000 was raised on the night. Acts on the night included all local talent: Darren Jack, Cass Alyson, Matty Zarb, Jake Davey, Scott Greenaway, Michael Eyb, Kalin Woods, Brad Bunyan, Keanu Jai, James Johnston and students from Wingham Public School, Taree Public School and Chatham Public School. I'd also like to thank Uncle Russell Saunders for his welcome to country and the didgeridoo performance. It was all streamed live on Facebook by Pluto Entertainment, which is a great digital asset for the Manning Valley. You have to see this river stage to believe it. On the river banks of the mighty Manning River are carved wooden pillars with Indigenous motifs and a semicircular arch—it was absolutely fantastic. (Time expired)

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