The Cat Empire to Headline EMERGE Flood Recovery Event
GOTAFE and Music Victoria are excited to announce that The Cat Empire will headline the EMERGE flood recovery event, thanks to the support from the Victorian Government.
The Melbourne-based band has performed together for over 20 years and has won a number of awards, including the ARIA Award for Best World Music Album, the National Live Music Award for the Best Live Act of the Year - People's Choice and Best Live Voice of the Year - People's Choice.
The Cat Empire will be supported by local artists JB & Me, Bricky B, Tenielle McKenzie and Drmngnow.
Neil Morris is a proud Yorta Yorta rapper, dancer, artist and actor and performs under the name Drmngnow. He is one of four local artists to perform at the EMERGE flood recovery event.
“Performing at home has always got a different energy about it, and especially for events that are important to community. I have a high level of care for my own people and everyone living in the whole community of Shepparton in Yorta Yorta country,” he said.
Neil was personally impacted by the floods, his music studio in Mooroopna was inundated with flood water and is currently undergoing works to repair the damage.
"I think there is a real fragility to human nature in times of natural disasters like a flood. Seeing that fragility shows us how connected we are as people and how we can all move together, to live together in the best possible way in the community"
Local singer, music teacher and choirmaster, Tenille McKenzie will also perform at the EMERGE flood recovery event. “I very much believe in the power of experiencing music together,” she said.
“While I wasn’t personally affected by the flood, there was a call in my heart to be helpful and useful and to be there for the community because if one community member hurts, we all do,” she said.
“I’m really excited to be able to participate in the EMERGE event. This is a small way that I can positively contribute to the community as we recover,” she added.
Travis Heeney, CEO GOTAFE said “the EMERGE event is a chance for the community to reconnect and enjoy a relaxing afternoon together”.
“The Goulburn Valley has experienced unprecedented challenges over the last few years, from COVID to the recent flooding. We want to do something to lift spirits and give back to our community.”
“Everyone is welcome, bring your friends and family along for a fun day out,” he added.
The EMERGE flood recovery event will be held on Sunday 11 December from 1 – 6pm at Fryers Street Shepparton, in front of the GOTAFE and La Trobe campuses. There will be free entry for all community members.
EMERGE is proudly presented by GOTAFE and Music Victoria, supported by La Trobe University, University of Melbourne and the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria.
Find out more about EMERGE