Country Music Artists Unite in Support of R U OK? at Music for Mates Concert in Tamworth.

WITH a passion for country music, can-do attitudes and big hearts to boot, mates and musos, Ryan Daykin and Allison Forbes, hosted a four-hour concert to help raise awareness around suicide prevention in the music industry and in regional Australia.

Organiser Ryan Daykin said, “Suicide can affect anybody at any time,

“Allison and I have been personally affected, having lost friends and family over the last few years.

“We’ve also noticed an increasing number of suicides in the entertainment industry and know that regional and remote communities struggle with higher than average rates as well,

“You don't know what someone is going through, so it really is so important to be there for people and that was our motivation for this fantastic concert.”

Around 20 high-profile performers took to the stage to share some of the country’s best music and raise money for the charity via a rare $2800 Maton guitar, signed by over 20 artists prior to their performance at the two R U OK? concerts.

Around 130 people filled the outdoor marquee at The Albert Hotel in what was overwhelmingly agreed to be a great afternoon of music and awareness.

‘Music for Mates’ performers included R U OK? ambassadors Louise Adams and James Van Cooper, Gretta Zillar, Andrew Swift, The Weeping Willows, Natalie Pearson, Hayley Marsten, Jen Mize, Michael Waugh, Allison Forbes, Sally-Ann Whitten, Karen Page, Brad Butcher, Busby Marou, Tori Forsythe, Fanny Lumsden and R U OK? Ambassador Travis Collins, who also hosted and performed in ‘Conversations in the Park’ on Saturday, 27 January.

R U OK? Campaign Director Katherine Newton participated in a series of Q&As with talented host and performer, Allison Forbes, highlighting the signs that show someone might be doing it tough and what to do if that person needs support.

A total of $2500 was raised between ‘Music for Mates’ and ‘Conversations in the Park,’ money which will be channelled back in to the provision of R U OK? assets, research and events.

For further info and pics