Crowds were kept entertained at the Dubbo Showground on Monday when Australian singer Shannon Noll sang a range of hits as part of Channel Nines drought relief appeal.
It was caught on film by a Narromine local and the video went viral, causing Shannon to issue an apology via his Facebook page.
But it seems Shannon has put all that behind him.
Originally from Condobolin, which is also being ravaged by drought, Shannon knows just how dire things are becoming for farmers.
“Its really dry out there (at Condobolin) … and its right across the board at the moment which is really tough,” he said.
“The only thing that can fix it is rain, and a bit more rain and then maybe a bit more rain after that. It would be good.”
Shannon said the great part about the Farm Aid Telethon was the awareness it is building on the drought for people in the city.
“Im really thankful for the Today Show to come out here,” he said.
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“Even all the people coming out who are part of the (Channel Nine) production team can actually see whats going on with their own eyes which is very important I think.”
Shannon said while you can see footage on television, it is very different once you get out on the ground and see the drought first-hand.
“Driving out here you realise how dire the situation really is,” he said.
Shannon said it was great the government was providing support for farmers and that national media were shining a light on the drought.
“Its really gaining some momentum…” he said.
“Because thats the most important thing, building awareness so people can understand the situation and then hopefully do whatever they can to help.”
Dubbo and the wider central west community took the opportunity to come out for the day to meet the celebritys and participate in a range of family-fun activities.
Shannon said it was great to see people turn out in droves for the event.
“Its great for the community as a whole to see this thing happening in town, because it just shows that people do care and people are aware (of the drought) and want to do something to help,” he said.
“In saying that too, it lifts the spirits hopefully of the locals as well and keeps their chin up… and lets them know there are people out there who are thinking of them and trying to do whatever they can.”
The song will be available to purchase on iTunes on Friday, but as of Monday it can be pre-ordered.
Shannon has dedicated the song to all of the volunteers and farmers to let them know people are thinking about them.
This story Shannon Noll performs at Dubbo for drought relief telethon | Video first appeared on Western Magazine.
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