The Grampians tourist town of Halls Gap is hosting a live music event to raise awareness of the plight of refugees and asylum seekers living in Australia.

In its third year, Folk for Refugees will be held on May 27, with all proceeds to be donated to refugee support groups.

Folk for Refugees organiser Corinne Leahy said the live music event had been “incredibly popular” in the past two years and had raised more than $12,000.

All money raised is donated to refugee and asylum seeker support groups, Ms Leahy said.

“Musicians from the local area as well as Melbourne, Geelong and Bendigo are donating their time for the event,” Ms Leahy said.

“The event is a laid-back afternoon and evening of good tunes, good food and wine, and good people coming together to raise funds and awareness,” she said

Acts will include Alister Turrill, Death of Connie Francis, Trevor Petrie and the War of Ideas, Ararat’s Orange Whip, Beatroute and the Nang Nangs, the Recalcitrants, and possibly a few surprise acts.

Ms Leahy said Rural Australians for Refugees had been involved in the past, but this year a group of dedicated individuals were organising the event.

“We have had fantastic support from the local community and local businesses who have donated goods and services to help us run the event and we are incredibly thankful to them all,” she said.

“We are all very passionate about raising awareness of refugees and asylum seekers and we welcome anyone who wants to come along and help make the event a success again.

“We’d also love to hear from anyone who is interested in volunteering on the day, whether it’s behind the bar, on the barbecue or elsewhere,”Ms Leahy said.

Folk for Refugees will be held from 2pm-9pm on Saturday, May 27, at Pioneer Cottages, 58 Pioneer Lane.

Tickets are available at trybooking.com and if you are not able to attend, you can  donate to the cause using the same site.

To volunteer for the event or for more information, call (03)53564402.

Laurie Noweell
AMES Australia Senior Journalist