Community
29 April, 2024
Heroes honoured at Reef concert
MORE than 100 local heroes of Cyclone Jasper and the subsequent flooding were honoured by Savannah Sounds on the Reef involving high-end Australian artists Sheppard, Lee Kernaghan, Max Jackson and Kairos Kin.
Performers Sheppard, Kernaghan and Jackson used the opportunity to announce they would be returning to the region later in the year to play at Savannah in the Round from October 11 to 13.
They’ll be joined by the newly announced Darlinghurst, Caitlyn Shadbolt, Melanie Dyer, Roadtrippers, Black Image (Looking Forward/Looking Back), Route 33, Lane Pittman, Joan & The Giants, Denvah, Viper Creek Band and Jeremy Fletcher. These names join an already stellar lineup including headliner Kip Moore, The Living End, Hoodoo Gurus, Vika & Linda and many more.
Queensland-born indie music legends Sheppard have been an important voice in the
Australian scene since they broke out with juggernaut single “Geronimo” in 2014, earning them ARIA Awards for Song of the Year and Best Group.
Now one of the nation’s most beloved musical exports, the group say they were ecstatic to perform the event that was unlike any other.
“It was an unbelievable privilege to perform for these legends today. And at Moore Reef, the jewel in the crown of the Great Barrier Reef, no less,” they said.
With over 30 years in the industry, country music star Lee Kernaghan is a multi-award-winning artist known for his authentic storytelling across many chart-topping albums, including The Outback Club and Spirit of the Bush.
His contribution to Australian culture earned him the title of Officer of the Order of Australia in 2004.
Kernaghan's unwavering dedication to his craft and his country makes him a cherished icon.
“It’s a real privilege to meet and sing a few songs for some amazing local heroes at Savannah Sounds on the Reef. And coming back to beautiful north Queensland for the incredible Savannah in the Round Festival in October will be a highlight of the year.”
Set in the idyllic seventh wonder of the natural world, the musicians used the unique
backdrop of the Tropical North to reward 100 of Australia’s local heroes, each nominated by their community and awarded a ticket to the concert via a nationwide competition, with the concert of a lifetime.
Savannah Sounds’ local heroes represent the nation’s finest stand-up citizens - from Brett “Magoo” Little, who piloted a rescue helicopter during the floods, saving 16 people from the roof of the Lions’ Den Hotel, to Charlie Erlewein, who at just 12-years-old is saving our turtles and marine life by lobbying to local councils and businesses about the harmful effects of single use plastics and raising thousands of dollars for wildlife rehabilitation centres.
The event has heightened anticipation for the upcoming Savannah in the Round, heading to Mareeba in October. Punters can buy tickets to the festival via
Here are some of the 100-plus heroes who were willing to be identified:
Brenda Oats
Brett "Magoo" Little
Fran Lindsay
Jonathan Bell
Melissa Akmentins
Stuart Yendle
Zarah Budgen
Claudia Wiegel
Bruce Morwood
Tracey Green
Brian Scott
Danni Bruch
Craig Thornton
Karen Weston
Lisa Nichols
Molly Steer
Perry Gould
Ros Woodward
Suha McCartney
Eric Webb
Craig Hargraves
Lisa Hollander
Travis Davenport
Ben Johnson
Nicole Smith
Catherine Le Sueur
Jim Wark
Dave Mason
Norma Moloney
Tanya Murphy
Lucy Karger
Sammy Philps
Charlie Erlewein
Eric Webb
Gary Mckay
Kelly Turner
Suzi Cray
Sonja Harrip
Tanya Davey
Drew Brauer
Baden Le Sueur
