A concert to raise funds for flood-affected Dungog and Maitland residents netted about $3000 yesterday.
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The Dungog Maitland Flood Relief Concert was organised by Aberglasslyn country music artist Jason Carruthers. Mr Carruthers enlisted the support of more than 20 artists who performed in front of a crowd of about 500 at Maitland City Bowling Club.
“I’m ecstatic, amazed,” Mr Carruthers said. “It’s just people helping people.”
The concert raised money through ticket sales, auctions and raffles.
Swing dancer and Aberglasslyn resident Marie Campbell donated quilts constructed from patches contributed by women from around Australia to be raffled off.
“Women sent me patches from Victoria, South Australia, Queensland and from around the state for me to sew together,” Mrs Campbell said.
“It’s so close to my heart and I guess they were touched by the stories from Dungog too.”
“They just wanted to help, it’s fantastic.”
Mrs Campbell lost the contents of her garage in the April superstorm but said she felt she was one of the lucky ones.
Mr Carruthers told The Mercury earlier this month he had been compelled to think of a way to help the recovery after hearing of the devastation to his home town of Dungog.
“Really, our lives have been turned upside down, but I think everyone wants to help and this concert will be the place to come and do it,” he said.
“But the concert is also about getting people together to celebrate the fact we can do something to help people.”
Half of the money raised will be donated directly to the Dungog flood appeal organised through the Dungog Shire Community Centre.