In a country where many people look to the startling defeat on the shores of Gallipoli as the start of their nation, it is not surprising that a concert to raise money for the victims of the most recent tragedy - the Victoria bushfires - would unite Australians in a way that is seldom seen.
For nearly two months fires raged across southern Australia. homes and businesses were destroyed, and thousands of people lost everything that they had. The death toll reached well over 200 and thousands upon thousands of hectares of land burned. Animals that were typically reclusive were coming to humans for help. The animals were burned, dehydrated, and lost their habitats.
March 14th saw celebrities of several nationalities come together in support of the victims. the Melbourne Cricket Grounds was the gathering place for Kings of Leon, Jack Johnson (both American), Coldplay (British), Paul Kelly, Crowded House, Split Enz, Midnight Oil, Hunters & Collectors, Kylie Minogue (all Australian) and others. Four of these bands reformed just for this concert (the lead singer of Midnight Oil, Peter Garrett, is currently the Australian Minister of the Environment). There was also an appearance via video by Princes William and Harry. People everywhere were on board.
Interestingly, there were no political speeches or sermons. Even Peter Garrett, who used to regale his fans with political speeches at every concert, let the music do the talking. Minogue led the crowd in singing "I still call Australia Home" as a way for the people to unite with a common message: "All the sons and daughters spinning 'round the world, away from their family and friends, but as the world gets older and colder, it's good to know where your journey ends. Someday we'll all be together once more, when all of the ships come back to the shore, Ill realise something I've always known, I still call Australia home." - what a fitting set of words at a concert performed by several expatriates.
The people really pulled together for this one too. the Melbourne event sold more than 78,000 tickets at $75AUD a piece, thus making it the largest paid concert in Australian history. All the proceeds from the concert went to the Red Cross Bushfire Appeal (which has so far raised $245,000,000AUD). There was a simultaneous concert in Sydney which sold thousands of tickets as well. The people were 100% behind this.
The problems from the bushfires are far from over. It will be a long time of rebuilding, and people will never regain the loved ones that they lost. But the country has been united, other countries are backing it (such as Indonesia which donated $1million USD), and the people are resilient and ready to rebuild.
Advance Australia Fair.
-jason
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