Fab result from cabaret

A decision by organisers of Warracknabeal’s annual Fabaret to schedule the event earlier in the year has proved a financial winner.

The event raised a record $3746 for both community service organisations Woodbine and Rural Northwest Health.

Organisers decided to go early with the cabaret this year to coincide with the town’s 150-year celebrations.

Woodbine chief executive Bernie O’connor said it had made sense to get on board such a major celebration weekend to highlight the Fabaret event.

“The event started after the two services got together with the idea of holding a super cabaret and bringing a nationally renowned cover band to the town,” he said.

“The first one had Beatles cover band Rubber Soul and it sold out within a couple of weeks.

“At other Fabaret shows, we’ve had covers of ABBA and Credence Clearwater Revival and the reaction has always been the same.

“With the 150 celebrations it seemed appropriate to get an Eagles cover band and it proved to be the biggest night yet.”

Rural Northwest Health chief executive Catherine Morley said volunteer support ensured the nights were always successful.

“We thank the community for its ongoing support and for assisting both organisations to raise funds to support the work they do – but more importantly have some fun as well,” she said.

“Rural Northwest Health’s share of the profits will be shared between the wellbeing garden at Warracknabeal and the Team Outpatients Murray to Moyne cycling team who worked tirelessly behind the bar throughout the Fabaret.”

Woodbine finance and budget manage Jo Tobias said Woodbine would direct its share of the proceeds to support the participation of Warrack Warriors teams in 2017 Tri State Games.

“All of the funding will be used to directly support the athletes,” Ms Tobias said.

Mr O’connor said plans were underway for next year’s Fabaret.

“We are expecting it to be bigger and better and hopefully there will be a return of the Beatles,” he said.