In the recent wake of the North Coast Floods, one north coast musician , the exceptionally talented Heather Rose, has taken the aussie spirit to the next level, coming up with a unique way to help.
Heather knew that older women are the highest growing population of homeless people so decided to help one woman who had lost everything in the floods would be the recipient of 100 % of funds raised on the day.
And so, the 2 hour feast of music called ” Women for Women of the Big Wet” was born.
News of the Area, Karen Gribben spoke to Miss Rose who said, I really wanted to help everyone but upon reflection decided that 1 person would really benefit from this idea of playing music together.
After contacting Corakai Pharmacy, she found Tilley, a woman who had lost everything.
Before the doors even opened Heather had raised $1600 from around Australia as people who heard what I was doing started donating generously.
” We received raffle donations from all over Australia” Heather said.
” I was blown away by the response, I even had people coming up to me in the streets and making donations.
The event raised $2831.30 with 100% going to Tilley.
“The best thing was that after talking to Tilley, the money was transferred to her account instantly!”
Heather would like to thank all of the people who attended, bought raffke tickets and made donations.
Thank you also to Rob Tourelli who kindly offered his venue for free and doing sound and lights and lots of things in the background.
“Thanks also to all 14 businesses who donated items to be raffled”
A big thank you to Wild Women From Anywhere Beach group, Claire on concertina, and Karen Braidwood playing beautiful classical guitar.
I also played and sung on piano and was the MC for the day.
Tilley wasn’t told about my efforts until after the event. It was quite an exciting time when I phoned her, via the Pharmacy, and told her what had been happening in her honour.
The theme for the concert was ” we have not forgotten you.”
I don’t think I really had any idea about what a big impact this idea of mine had on one persons life.
Tilley didn’t stop crying when I told her all about it on Friday the 13th!
” I love helping people through music”
Article by Karen Gribben.
A small list of other people hHeather has raised funds for over the past 2 years is:
Blaize Aid…busking on the saxophone.
Ron : a friend who had emergency open heart surgery
Ken : A musician brother who also had emergency open heart surgery
The Salvo’s Christmas Present Run : Presents donated by the audience at last years Art Council concert that I performed.
Note : Heather has been fundraising through music for the past 25 years.
The HonkeyTonk Woman and her Big, Bad Handsome Men Band
Bruce Mathiske Support Gig
Heather’s band the Red Hot Jazz Katz.. piano & Vocals, Violin, clarinet and drums 2016
Heather playing piano to a silent movie. Great audience!
Mother’s Day at a winery with her band on the south coast. Heather’s fan come in all age. They were inviting her out for dinner
at her residency at Uluru.2016
Playing a classical concert 2020
The singing sax birthday greeting, anytime, anywhere
A poignant moment with a fabulous audience
Kind of blue with her band
Some guitar and sining at a country afternoon
Sax and Piano!
A litte tour with Greg Sheehan on percussion.
Playing Original Tunes
A great live concert by Heather.
Let’s have some fun! Auidence participation is the go!
Playing sax with a band.
Retaw & Heather. 2016
Sharing the bill with these amazing guys. Ian Date and Nigel Date, 2018,2017 pre covid.
The Wandering Sax Chickie…great for your festival!
