Support Act‘s longest-running fundraising event, Music In The House, returned to The Grounds of Alexandria in Eora/Sydney last night.
Leaders from across the music industry and beyond attended the sold out event in celebration of music legends, Powderfinger, who were honoured with the prestigious Excellence in the Community Award for their contribution to music and the community.
Powderfinger said:“We are so pleased to be the recipients of the Excellence in the Community Award from Support Act. To be honoured by an association that does so much fantastic work behind the scenes to help struggling members of our music community, is a special thrill. We humbly accept this award on behalf of the incredible team that we’ve always had behind us, and all of our fans who have so keenly supported the initiatives”.
Hosted by Jane Gazzo, with the Award presented by the man who signed the band to Polydor, Tim Prescott, the night featured stunning acoustic performances of Powderfinger’s classics by Troy and Jem Cassar-Daley, Davey Lane, Sarah Blasko and Paul Dempsey.
“Hearing some of Powderfinger’s classic songs performed by artists they admire just reminded us all what an iconic band they were – and are,” said Clive MiIler, CEO of Support Act. “We were also reminded about the many causes they supported, and of course the amazing One Night Lonely concert undertaken in 2020 which raised more than $500,000 for Support Act and Beyond Blue.
“Not only did this concert raise desperately needed funds to help support music workers who were so savagely impacted by the COVID lockdowns, but the concert really lifted the spirits of so many people who were struggling at that time and was a remarkable feat of technology, performance and connection.
“We thank everyone who contributed to making this year’s Music in the House such a magical evening, including our wonderful musicians, sponsors and guests, without whom we couldn’t have made it happen.”
The night was a huge success, with ticket sales, auction and raffle proceeds raising over $150,000, which will go towards helping music workers in need of crisis relief and psychological support, and counselling through Support Act Wellbeing Helpline.
Music In The House was created in 2006 as an opportunity for Support Act to recognise someone in Australian music for their musicianship and their broader contribution to the community. Over the past 18 years, the event has celebrated many wonderful Australian artists including Marcia Hines AM, Midnight Oil, Tina Arena AM, Paul Kelly AO and the late Uncle Archie Roach AM; featured heartfelt and moving testimony from their peers regarding their influence and impact on their lives; and raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for music workers doing it tough.
