John Farnham to headline special concert for farmers in need

He performed on stage with Celine Dion in Melbourne just last week and it looks like Aussie music legend John Farnham wants to use his talent for good.

The 69-year-old singer has announced he will be headlining a drought relief concert later this year to help farmers across Australia who have been devastated by the drought plaguing the country. Hay Mate: Buy a Bale – A Concert For The Farmers is set to take place at Scully Park in Tamworth on October 27, according to The Sunday Telegraph.

Farnham is set to take to the stage with an array of Australian singers including Adam Harvey and Guy Sebastian, with more guests to be announced closer to time. According to the report, Farnham’s manager Glenn Wheatley is organising the event. It is also believed the concert will air live on TV, with viewers at home given a chance to not only watch the wonderful performances, but phone in donations.

Money is expected to help the farmers most in need through the Rural Aid charity.

Read more: Unseen footage shows the emotional moment Celine Dion met John Farnham

“We haven’t got the full bill locked in but Wheatley is working around the clock to pull this together,” the ‘A Touch of Paradise’ singer told The Sunday Telegraph. “It’s fairly short notice for most of us, but it will be a great event.”

Farnham said he wanted to make a difference and that if every Australian donated just $1, it would make a hell of a difference to the farmers.

Fans on Facebook praised Farnham for his decision to help the farmers.

One wrote: “It’s sad day when we have to rely on the kindness of our singing and acting stars to the job that our politicians should do. I take my hat off to Farnesy and co for the wonderful thing that you are doing and I will remember this come election time.”

Another said: “Back in the early ‘90’s John did the same thing. It was call ‘the best for the bush’ Ray Martin hosted the show, also a telethon on the night, the THEN government match the $$ raised. How about that Malcom?”

A third added: “What a guy! It only takes one voice (in this case THE voice) to make a difference and to rally support and much needed funds for our farming community. John you represent the heart and soul of Australian mateship.”

More details about the concert, performers and tickets are expected to be released soon.

What do you think? Are you a fan of John Farnham? How have you helped support Australian farmers in the drought?