Community
16 April, 2026
Regional talent giving back
A SOUTH west resident will be joining a band performance in Warrnambool tonight (Thursday), with a special gift to farming families and young people.
Performer Demby McKenzie, who has strong family ties to Terang, will be bringing his show Demby McKenzie and His Perfectly Sized Band at King’s College for a single-night show, with 50 tickets for the show gifted to young people and farming families facing financial pressure.
Mr McKenzie said, through partnerships with Rural Financial Counselling Service and Brophy Family and Youth Services, 50 people will be able to enjoy hits from Bobby Darrin, Michael Bublé and Josh Groban.
“While the drought is starting to ease, there’s still a lot of pressure on families, especially with rising costs like fuel,” he said.
“I’ve seen it all around our community.
“We’ve got the space, we’ve got the show, and it just felt right to open it up and give people the chance to come along and enjoy a night out.
“The south west has always backed me, and this felt like the right time to bring something home.
“And importantly, it’s about creating an experience and making sure everyone can be a part of it.”
The show celebrates both the strength of regional talent and the importance of bringing high quality arts and music back to the community.
Rural Financial Counselling Services regional lead great south coast Sarah Moncrieff said the initiative would also provide a welcome break for farming families.
“Coming together off-farm gives us the chance to reconnect, share experiences and remind each other that we’re not navigating these challenges alone,” she said.
“Whether it’s seasonal pressures, changing weather or the impact of natural disasters, supporting one another and strengthening those local connections is what helps farming families stay resilient.
“These moments matter – for our wellbeing, our communities and the future of our regions.”
Regional Arts Victoria south west regional manager Stacy Barnes said seeing local, homegrown talent producing shows in the region was “incredibly inspiring”.
“Supporting artists to create, perform and connect with their communities is vital – when we invest in regional artists, we’re investing in the cultural life and vibrancy of our communities as well,” she said.
Mr McKenzie encouraged Terang residents to come along and enjoy a night of music.
“This community backed me when I was still figuring it out,” he said.
“This is about showing them what that support helped create.”