The return of live music to the Manning RiverStage will happen in a big way.
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The Rotary Club of Taree on Manning secured $90,000 from the State and federal government's Bushfire Community Recovery and Resilience Fund to host a concert series on the stage.
Six concerts, free to the public, will be held later this year on Friday nights.
Of course there's one major hurdle to clear first. The roof of the stage was significantly damaged during last month's floods.
Once it's repaired, dates for the concerts will be determined.
Co-president of the Rotary Club Richelle Murray was excited to welcome the community back to the venue.
"The RiverStage was built as a place to bring the community together and we're delighted that despite recent challenges it will again have the opportunity to serve that purpose during the concert series," Mrs Murray said.
Aside from the official opening in November 2020, the 2021 Taree Australia Day function and a sprinkling of low key performances, there hasn't been regular opportunities to experience live music on the stage until now.
"We had a few things happen on the RiverStage but we've got bigger plans now," co-president of the Rotary Club Donna Ballard said.
"It's fabulous to have the opportunity of music for everyone to sit and listen to."
It will be a great celebration for the area again after what we've just been through.
- Donna Ballard
The Friday night time slots will allow locals and visitors to spend time in town before heading to the riverbank for an evening of live entertainment.
"They can stay on the riverbank, grab a meal, a coffee or a wine and listen to the music," Mrs Ballard said.
"It will be a great celebration for the area again after what we've just been through."
Member for Myall Lakes Stephen Bromhead said the funding program was designed to support projects that bring the community together.
"We want people to come here and heal because we've been through so much in the last year or two," Mr Bromhead said.
"This will go a long way in helping people get out and get together."
Despite the fund's focus on bushfire recovery, Mr Bromhead said the grant "couldn't have come at a better time given the floods."
"We've got so many things that have impacted our community and this will help all of us to heal," Mr Bromhead said.
Member for Lyne Dr David Gillespie sees the concert series as an example of recovery and resilience in the Manning Valley.
"It's really encouraging to see things starting to recover," Dr Gillespie said.
"It will be a wonderful venue yet again and for many years."
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