Neerim loves Lumsden
What does quiet Neerim have in common with Andamooka in South Australia, Ungarie in western NSW and Gympie in Queensland?
They all love award-winning female country music artist Fanny Lumsden.
Fanny and her band “The Thrillseekers” captivated the audience in Neerim Memorial Hall earlier this month. They gained a rousing reception from the estimated crowd of 170 people, with the hall filled to standing room only.
The music proved just as popular with the Neerim district audience as it did with those who came from afar - Bairnsdale, Berwick and even Williamstown.
Also appearing were local singing artists Meg Doherty and Andrew Swift of Berwick.
Describing the Neerim performance, Fanny said the audience was wonderful and interactive. “We had a hoot,” she said. The spotlight was on Fanny Lumsden and her supporting musicians, with community volunteers - including neighbours and local service clubs - putting in to get everything ready for the big event.
Neerim Memorial Hall was recently upgraded, with support from the Latrobe Valley Authority and other agencies, and is available for hire.
Organisers said the event’s success showed many months of planning and construction were justified. As one member of the hall committee observed, the “gig was not just fantastic entertainment, but an opportunity show off the much-needed improvements to the facilities”.