Millicent is set to stage Rock on the Rails in 2024 and 2025 as Wattle Range Council has signalled it will again provide funds.
Rock on the Rails was staged for seven hours on Saturday in the former Millicent railyards and drew an appreciative audience well in excess of 300.
Rock on the Rails was a grass-roots music festival which celebrated live and local music for all ages and was a fundraiser for community radio station 5THE FM which leases the station building.
It featured seven live acts and all performers donated their time.
Ahead of the start of the music at 2pm, 5THE FM management committee chairman David Walshaw asked all present to stand for a minute’s silence.
This was to honour the memory of Brevet Sergeant Jason Doig who died on duty near Bordertown on Thursday night.
Wattle Range Mayor and retired police officer Des Noll also addressed the gathering and spoke warmly of the fallen officer who had postings to Robe and Lucindale over the past 15 years.
After a sombre start to the afternoon, guitarist/vocalist Jack Lane climbed onto the makeshift stage which was the tray of a B-Double truck.
Lane opened the outdoor concert and then was a part of the final hour on stage as a member of Oath along with Terry Bishop, Don Lucas, Chris Copeland and Ken Lane.
Pop-up food and beverage stalls were on-site and many concert goers proudly wore custom-printed “Rock on the Rails” T-shirts.
Personnel from Bowman Earthmovers prepared the ground and seating and security fencing was lent by Wattle Range Council.
Mr Walshaw said assistance came from many quarters with Stef Pulmer providing the B-Double truck along with Matt Cockrum (signage), Paul Smyth (generator and fuel) and TJF Audio.
He said a final fundraising tally was not yet known and there were significant expenses such as the hire of portable toilets.
“I think the traders did very well,” Mr Walshaw said.
“We had great support from the council and it will continue for another two years. Many members of 5THE FM helped out and three of the Oath band are also on-air presenters.
“Community radio is about bringing people together and Rock on the Rails certainly did that.”
