Adam Harvey will headline Muster Up Delungra on Saturday, May 3, inviting farmers and families from Delungra and surrounding districts to down tools and enjoy an evening of music, food, and community connection.
The Golden Guitar-winning artist will perform at the Delungra Bowling Club in a free event designed to give locals a chance to relax, catch up, and take a break from daily stresses.
Local volunteer group Muster Up Delungra organised the event to create a welcoming, relaxed space where people, especially those on the land, can reconnect.
“Delungra is only a small place, and we don’t have a lot of community events,” organiser Leah Bennett said.
“We’re trying to get people to reconnect to give the farmers something to come out for, catch up with others who share the fence line, and be more interactive with each other.”
Thanks to funding from the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR), the event will include a free barbecue dinner for the first 250 to 300 people through the doors.
Leah said the FRRR support was “absolutely amazing” and said the event would provide a much-needed boost for the Delungra Bowling Club, which has faced tough times in recent years.
“Socialisation is a massive part of mental health – especially in these small towns where people are often doing it on their own,” she added.
Adam Harvey said he looked forward to visiting Delungra for the first time and strongly supported events that encouraged rural communities to come together.
“The farming game’s pretty isolating,” he said.
“People can go a long time without talking to anyone or getting a chance to socialise like we do in the music business.
“It’s a great initiative – a bit like a mental health day for farmers. It’s a chance to get together and forget about the problems of the world. Just chat with your mates and leave your worries behind for a while.”
Adam said music played an important role in mental wellbeing.
“There’s so much doom and gloom in the world right now, locally and all over the world,” he said.
“Music is great therapy. We use it to get through the hard times, and we celebrate the good times with it too. I’ve always encouraged my kids to play an instrument – it’s great therapy for them, and it’s the same for me. You just get the guitar out and play.”
Local singer-songwriter Larissa Uebergang will open the night with a set of original songs drawn mainly from her debut album, Never a Pearl, and new songs from her next album that is currently in production.
Larissa will return to the stage to wrap up the event with local cover band 3 Days To Friday.
“As a farmer’s wife and a country music artist, I’m thrilled to be a part of this event in my local rural district,” she said.
The event follows the success of Muster Up Delungra’s Comedy and Dinner Night in October, which featured Kath & Kim favourite Peter Rowsthorn and received overwhelmingly positive feedback. Organisers are already planning another comedy night for later this year.
Leah said neighbouring towns had offered strong support and encouraged people from across the region to come along.
“We want people to come along, have a day off, and let their hair down,” she said.
“That’s what it’s all about.”
Everyone is welcome and doors open at 5pm on May 3 at the Delungra Bowling Club.
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