An attendance of 350 of all ages was entertained by George the Farmer at the Birchip Public Hall on Sunday, July 13. 

Travelling from right across the Buloke Shire, and even as far away as Swan Hill, Ballarat and Kerang, young children, parents and grandparents enjoyed the engaging concert.

The free event was hosted by Birchip Playgroup from funding provided by major sponsors; National Centre for Farmer Health, which aims to improve the health, safety and wellbeing of Australian farmers, their families and farming communities, and the Buloke Shire Council.

Carling McEvoy organised the event and applied for funding through the National Centre for Farmer Health’s “Building Farm Spirit” grant, after seeing George the Farmer at the Wimmera Machinery Field Days.

“I think it’s very important, especially living in a rural location, that we give our young people equal opportunity and expose them to live productions,” Carling said. 

George the Farmer captivated concert goers throughout the morning, reading his latest story from his new book series, and singing seven songs, which got the little ones up on their feet.

Whilst also providing entertainment, George the Farmer concerts aim to educate children on where their food comes from and inspire the next generation of farmers.

Thomas Noonan won the major raffle prize of a ride on tractor and trailer, donated by O’Connnors, and several lucky winners took home the colouring competition and door prizes which were donated by O’Connors, Sarë, Kawaii Kids and George the Farmer.

Prue and Charlotte McCredden from “The Red Caboose” provided free babyccinos for the kids, while parents enjoyed the cappuccinos and other beverages on offer. Claire Cook, from “Gourmet’s Not a Flavour”, provided free lunch funded by the Birchip Cropping Group.

Families also took the opportunity to wander Cumming Avenue, exploring the park and local businesses including the IGA, Birchip Café, the Pop-Up store, Kawaii Kids and Sarë, all of which were bustling with customers. 

Birchip Playgroup was astounded by the massive crowd turnout, which doubled its expectations.

“We (Birchip Playgroup) were so happy that we could provide a free event that was inclusive for all families to attend,” Carling said. 

The Birchip Playgroup recognised all the hard-working volunteers who contributed to the success of the event, and thanked Birchip and surrounding residents who continue to keep a small town’s community spirit strong. 

This article appeared in The Buloke Times, 21 July 2023.