This summer has been a tough one for many Australians. The long period of dry weather has seen unprecedented bushfires level vast areas of bushland and destroy hundreds of properties.

There has been a worldwide outpouring of financial support in response to the fire, but a group of local musicians want to make sure we don’t forget about our farmers who are still suffering through this extended drought.

“We had a group of musos here and we were saying what could we do to benefit the drought and the fires,” said Rocky Rochelli.

“But then we thought the drought is affecting farmers locally and they are having a hard time at the moment.”

“Yes,” added Cecelia Rochelli. “We saw so many funds going towards the firies, but people are doing it tough out here and they have been doing it tough for a while.”

So, calling on their friends and peers, Cecelia and Rocky are helping put together a concert to make sure our local farmers in need get a helping hand.

And they have chosen a theme to perhaps bring a little joy in these dry times.

“Then we thought of the idea of let's do rain songs; just songs about rain,” said Rocky. “It will be a variety of performers and a mixture of genres. We are still working through all that and still working through songs, but it will be a big production.”

The ‘Let it Rain’ drought fundraiser will be held at the Orange Ex-Services Club on Friday 6 March and is being supported by a number of local businesses.

Numerous local performers have donated their time including: Robbie Mortimer, Kyle and Holly Manning, Gabe Middleton and Mal Keys, Georgia Patterson, Pat and Kelly O’Donnell, Melissa Stanford and Catherine Litchfield, Cecilia and Rocky Rochelli, Will and Andrew Ferguson, Matt Arthur and Hughie Brown, and Barry Patterson.

“So we are going to have fundraising activities up there at the club during the concert as well. There'll be lucky door prizes and a silent auction,” said Rocky

“And if anyone wants to give donations, we'll have a Facebook page ready fairly shortly.”

Ticket will be available from the Orange Ex-Services Club and are now available www.oesc.com.au/SHOWS OR phone 63622666

No tickets available on the night you must buy before hand  ticket price $40 plus a booking fee

All money raised will be distributed to farmers in the Central West.