General News
16 February, 2026
Music, BBQ to support January 9 bushfire recovery
A free community concert and barbecue will be held in Natimuk this March, giving bushfire-affected communities a chance to come together for music, connection, and support.
The ‘We are one’ Community Concert is designed to unite bushfire-affected communities after the January 9 fire.
The event, led by the Horsham Rural City Band on Sunday, March 15, will feature performances by the Melbourne-based Shrewd Brass Quintet and the Horsham Rural City Concert Band, offering a variety of music.
“The purpose of this ‘free’ concert is to allow the bushfire-affected communities of Arapiles, Grass Flat, Natimuk and Quantong to come together, enjoy some live music and share a meal and conversation,” Mark Radford, one of the organisers, said.
A key part of the concert will be a segment led by David Younger, a clinical psychologist and national consultant from Melbourne.
Mr Younger is familiar with the area, as he supported the Dadswells Bridge community during their bushfire recovery in 2024.
Shrewd Brass last visited Horsham in 2024 and has entertained audiences in Australia, Singapore, and New Zealand for more than 30 years.“We performed with the City Brass Band in the Wesley Performing Arts Centre, back in 2010,” quintet band leader Tom Ryan.
“[We] have been looking forward to returning to Horsham to perform with the now Horsham Rural City ‘Concert’ Band.”
Known for connecting with audiences and making their shows fun, the Shrewd Brass Quintet and the Horsham band promise a performance you won’t want to miss.
The concert is supported by the National Centre for Farmer Health, Horsham Rural City Council, Rotary Club of Horsham East, and the Natimuk Lions Club.
The event will be held at the NC2 Forecourt on Main Street, across from the hotel.
Attendees should bring chairs and arrive from 2.30pm for a 3pm start; a barbecue will be available from 4.30 pm.
Tickets are required to attend the concert. Free tickets are available from Monday, February 23, at the Natimuk Post Office or Natimuk Hotel, or online at www.trybooking.com from March 1.