The Gympie Music Muster presents Spirit of the Country has been heralded a success with the major concert delivery on Sunday 20th March attracting 20,000 flood affected victims, SES workers and country music fans in Toowoomba.
With rains sporadically pouring down throughout the six hour event, performances continued with the biggest country music line-up ever presented all in the hope of raising spirits of those affected by the devastation that swept across Southern Queensland in January this year.
The concert was hosted by radio and television personality Ray Hadley and featured a collection of Australia's top country acts including Lee Kernaghan, John Williamson, Kasey Chambers, Troy Cassar-Daley, Shane Nicholson, McAlister Kemp, Beccy Cole, Adam Harvey and Catherine Britt. The final delivery was a spectacular fireworks display to signify the conclusion of the event.
Whilst not taking to the stage, a special appearance was made at the concert by Prince William as part of his scheduled tour to meet with victims of flood affected communities. Whilst at the concert, the Prince met with heavily impacted victims and SES workers spending time to personally chat with them. Prince William took the Toowoomba Showgrounds balcony to wave to the gathered crowd before being presented with an Akubra Hat by country music star Troy Cassar-Daley giving thanks for his visit.
The one off event that was free to attend was made possible only through the support of major organisations, companies, local business houses, artists and individuals who donated generously to ensure the uplifting concert could be staged.
"The Gympie Music Muster presents the Spirit of the Country concert was definitely a successful event. Whilst the weather presented some challenges and there were some traffic congestion issues we are thrilled with what we delivered and the response we received. An event like this would have cost in excess of $1.2million to present if we had not received such generous support. It is because of our sponsors, partners and kind donations received that this was achievable. Our sincere thanks to all who came on board and assisted", said Marius Els, one of event co-ordinators.
Last night the winners in the CMC Music Awards 2011 were annoucned at a special event held at The Great Cask Hall, Hope Estate Winery in the Hunter Valley. 2011 was the first year that the annual CMC Oz Artist of the Year award was expanded into an award series and the winners of the four categories were voted entirely by CMC viewers. 
