Dinner By The River – Flood Relief Concert Windsor NSW

It has been a long time between blogs, this is mainly because I have not been anywhere to write about lately. This is very unusual for me but not unsual considering the crazy Covid-19 world we are all living in. I’ve missed writing, what is more I have missed having something to look forward to and to write about.

Just before Covid-19 and the stress and uncertainty that has come along with that families and business in my local area were devastated by bush fires. Then as life seemed to be getting a bit more normal, a vaccine providing hope, the Hawkesbury area was hit by a flood and then hit hard again with a one in 50 year flood event.

Some amazing folks from Dinner By The River put together an exciting event to raise money to help the families and businesses that lost everything in the flood as well as injecting some life back into the entertainment industry. They had the ambitious idea to put together a festival of live music on the banks of the Hawkesbury to bring eveyrone together for a fun afternoon while rasing some money. Corina and I were lucky enough to be able to donate our time to capture this event and share the photos with you all. I was pretty excited to be invited along with Corina to be part of the offical photography crew for the event.

Thanks to Corina’s husband Brad for the photo of us having a blast both in our happy place photographing a live music event. Thanks also for coming along and looking after our gear.

Foggy early morning before the show all set up and ready to go… just add people and performers.

We arrived just as the gates were opening and set our chairs up in the sun next to the river just outside the VIP area so we were close to all the action. The weather could not have been better, it was a gorgeous sunny winters day. While we waited for the crowd to filter and the music to start we enjoyed relaxing in the sun.

First up were Cover Palooza. They were great to warm the crowd up with a bunch of covers of classic hits. The crowd were singing along and getting into the spirit of the day in no time.

Imogen Clark, local artist from the Hawkesbury, hit the stage next with a splash of colour in her hot pink outfit. She was lots of fun from the moment she was introduced by Dicko.

Lizard were a change of pace keeping up the energy in the crowd.

Next up was Rose Carleo Band. Wow! What a voice. Rock chick to the max. Some great originals and classic Aussie covers.

Dave Wilkins and Friends looked like they were having as much fun on stage as the crowd were. Such great energy and a bet a few sore muscles the next day. Just look at that smile on Dave’s face.

Lachy Doley Group entertained us with an eclectic mix of genres from rock to blues. His unique style is enhanced by his instument of choice, the Hammond Organ and Whammy Clavinet.

Choir Boys were on next and what a bunch of legends. These guys put the band back together when some of the acts couldn’t get there due to the snap Melbourne lock down. You would have thought they had just come off tour, they were slick on stage and put on a great show playing all the favourites.

Thirsty Merc were another crowd favourite and had everyone up on their feet rocking along as much as they did.

Dragon hit the stage next with some nostalic hits and kept the crowd on their feet.

And then the man the crowd had all been waiting for Nollsie. Headlining the event was Shannon Noll who did not disappoint. His showmanship is undeniable and the crowd all enjoyed the performance even if it was past their bed time on a school night.

The event was a fantasitc celebration for the people of the Hawkesbury who have been hit hard over the last two years with both fires and two floods including the big on in March. The park where the concert was held was completely underwater and full credit to those who organised the event to get it looking as good as it did.

A handful of people worked tirelessly to get the event up and running and to make it a success. The crowd and the performers were all so grateful to have live music back. I personally was so happy to be back in the pit taking photos it really is my special place.

Thank you to everyone who made the event possible you know who you are but a special thanks to Jarryd Faint and Dave Wilkins. Can’t wait for more Dinner By The River events. If you missed this one make sure you get along to Diesel coming up in August.

Along with the organisers there were some fabulous sponsers that made the event possible. Some of these were The Richmond Club, Sinclair Automotive, McGrath Estate Agents, Landilo Tile Trays, North Richmond Panthers, Coopers, All Occasions Pyrotechnics, Nova Employment, Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury Valley, Hawkesbury District Independent Magazine, Ste-way Electrical, McDonalds Garton Group, Emedia Campaigns, Hawkesbury Environmental Network, Organic Recycling Solutions, Hawkesbury Phoenix. If you get a change to support them please do.

There was even a guest appearance by the legendary Glenn A Baker.

It was also encouraging to see the support from all levels of Government in the Hawkesbury. From the Hawkesbury Council, Patrick Connonly Mayor of Hawkesbury, Susan Templeman MP and Robyn Preston MP.

Not to forget the hosts Dicko and The Duck who kept us entertained and informed throughout the day and evening.

And of course none of it would be possible without the wonderful people of the Hawkesbury who attended the event and pledged donations on the day. Photos below are some faces in the crowd enjoying themselves that I took between stage shots. Lots more will be available on Corina Walker Photogaphy in the next few days.