Top praise for spirit concert

Mr Helper and Mr Delahunty told parliament about the success of the free concert, which attracted more than 20,000 people to the Wimmera Machinery Field Days site at Longerenong last month.

Mr Delahunty suggested that the concert win the Victorian Community Event of the Year award.

Mr Helper said it was a huge success.

"The concert was the biggest- ever free concert in the Wimmera and, most importantly, gave hardworking and proud farming communities an opportunity to get together, relax and be entertained by a line-up of great local, national and international musicians," Mr Helper said.

"The Member for Lowan and I were in the audience and can attest to the fact that a wonderful day and night was had by all.

"The ground was dusty, the sun was too hot for a late March day and there was no rain in sight, but the atmosphere was nothing short of fantastic, as was the support for the concert. It was nothing short of outstanding."

Mr Helper also praised the Wimmera Mail-Times and other media outlets for their support of the event.

Mr Delahunty said Saturday, March 17, would be a day long remembered in the Wimmera.

He said the concert was not only a great opportunity for Wimmera residents to enjoy the music, but for regional musicians to play in front of a large audience.

"Local artists who opened the concert included the Woodbine Dance Troupe, Andrew Mahony, Lash 78, Innovation and Wesley Carr. Big thanks also go to the 500 or so volunteers from service, sporting and community groups who worked with the event committee headed by Sharolyn Taylor," he said.

"The police, the emergency services, Horsham Rural City Council and the Department of Primary Industries all put in a lot of effort. The concert was given excellent coverage by both national and local media, including the Wimmera Mail-Times and WIN Television."