LET’S face it, luck has not been on the side of organisers of Mildura’s first Back to Base Xmas party.
The event has been cancelled and rescheduled a host of times over the past two years due to COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions. And then, with the event set to be hosted at Nowingi Place on our iconic Murray River, a flood for the ages hits and completely inundates the joint.
But Sunraysia folk are nothing if not resilient.
So, finally, with countless hurdles overcome, the day has arrived.
Tonight, superstar Australian songstress Jessica Mauboy headlines a concert that also features the hugely popular Busby Marou in front of what should be a bumper crowd at the Mildura Recreation Reserve.
Some very generous corporate sponsors have jumped in behind the historic event, which will raise money for the Mildura Base Public Hospital foundation.
They have helped make this concert happen, but so too has the support of the local community.
Many businesses, including the Sunraysia Daily, have made the event their annual staff Christmas Party. It is a win-win where companies can support the hospital foundation and also say thanks to staff for a job well done in 2022.
That we also get to watch some great entertainers strut their stuff is a welcome bonus.
Country communities feel a deep connection with their local hospitals, so the concept of this Christmas Party ticks plenty of boxes.
Local ticket sales have also been strong from those willing to not only have a good time, but to support a worthy cause.
Earlier this year, almost $1.7 million was raised at the launch of the hospital foundation through heartfelt and inspirational generosity.
It was a wonderful coming together of local people, the business community and health professionals for a cause that matters to us all.
When the hospital returned to public management a few years back, what also returned was a sense of ownership and pride for the community.
So for those who haven’t yet bought a ticket to tonight’s concert, get along.
While you are enjoying the show, know that the money you help raise will be used to improve the delivery of health in the region. Two projects the Foundation has earmarked are Cancer Clinical Trials and the construction of Foundation House to support families who have to travel to the region for treatment.
The Foundation will also be using the funds raised to offer scholarships down the track to students wanting to study a health profession at University through its new KC Society.
It is named after the late Dr Kevin Chambers, the wonderful Mildura surgeon who saved so many lives and made so many others better during his long service to the region. The Foundation will also contine the work done by the Lucas Foundation, supporting children and their families who need to travel outside the region for treatment.
This will all be on top of grants it will now be able to provide to areas of the hospital for much-needed equipment.
Well done to organisers for dreaming up this great concept, and for your persistence and drive to make it happen despite so many setbacks.
It’s time to party.
