It was a “rocking” great time for people with disabilities at the recent Kooty Country Bash.
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Singer Jim Hermel was one of the performers and said the concert drew a vocal and enthusiastic audience from across the north west region.
“The place was rocking,”Mr Hermel said.
A 300-strong crowd attended with busloads from Moree, Narrabri, Gunnedah, Armidale, Barraba, Quirindi and Tamworth.
A couple of folk even drove their mobility scooters to the show.
Jim was joined by partner Virginia Coad and a bunch of artists who volunteered their time for the annual shindig.
First-timers Shelley and Lawrie Minson were swamped after their rockabilly set.
“You are the best dancers at the festival,” Ms Shelley said during her spot.
Singer-songwriter Paul Bonner Jones emceed, provided the PA and opened the show to a rowdy crowd which kicked up its heels in high spirits.
“Are we partying for a Monday morning or what?” Mr Bonner said after singing La Bamba.
Even Mr Bonner’s four-year-old daughter Matilda joined in for a few tunes on stage with dad.
Regulars, the Locomotive line dancers boot-scooted all day with some dancing out the door as they left.
Jackie Goodhew said the event was the brainchild of James Charles, a former GoCo senior case manager for people with disabilities.
“He thought of the idea and along with his nephew Steve Charles developed it to what it has become today,” Ms Goodhew said.
Mr Bonner-Jones, Patricia Cruzado and Carolyne Morris all performed at one of the first shows initiated seven years ago.
Adam Harvey and Beccy Cole performed that day along with Tamworth locals Steve Charles, Wendy Wood and Jo Lavelle.
In the second year Bill Chambers was a special guest.
Due to Mr Charles’ retirement, Claire Hartley of the Tamworth Community Centre and former disability worker Patricia Cruzado, decided to continue the event.
“We’d just like to acknowledge Mr Charles’ efforts since without him, this event would not have happened,” Ms Cruzado said.
“To see all the happy faces was well worth the effort.”
Concert organisers thanked Northcott Tamworth which provided the barbecue lunch with helpers from the Tamworth Community Centre. Thanks also went to Kootingal Bowling Club for donation of the venue.
The concert formed part of the festivities for the 45th Tamworth Music Festival.
