Bree Mackrell is leading the charge online, calling on the community to get behind Longwood for a chance to host Tones and I.
Her voice stopped people in the street long before it filled arenas, and now she’s putting out a call to bring that energy to one lucky town in Australia.
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Yes, I’m talking about the incredible talent that is Tones and I, and if you’ve been on social media lately, you’ve probably seen the number of towns creating petition pages, each hoping to be chosen for a centre-stage performance by the musician.
The call-out is real, the competition is heating up, and right here in our Goulburn Valley backyard, these pages are being shared far and wide.
But one town has been hit hard by recent fires — and Longwood is cheering louder than most, hoping to catch Tones and I’s attention and host this very special concert event.
Bree Mackrell from Strathbogie created the Facebook page ‘Bring Tones and I to Longwood’ in the hope of lifting the spirits of her community, knowing many residents have been affected.
“It’s for the volunteers and bushfire survivors,” Bree said.
“Even though we weren’t directly affected, many of our friends and family have.
“It’s been amazing to watch people rally — neighbours helping neighbours, strangers showing generosity, and everyone just pitching in.
“The resilience and kindness in this community is inspiring.”
Bree saw the Tones and I callout in the early hours of Monday on January 19.
By 7.30am she had created the page for Longwood, and by 7.30pm that night it had already gained 1500 followers.
“That in itself is amazing and now midweek there are 1000 more,” she said.
“I’ve had people offer food vans, donate profits, even a website creator wanting to design a page for free ... people really coming together.”
Over the past week, Bree, her husband, and their four young men have been helping where they can — delivering hay to farmers, lending portable yards and trailers, and assisting with animal management.
Her children have also volunteered their time, helping with livestock, fencing, tree removal and general clean-up.
Lending a hand and making a difference — local residents pitch in to clean, clear and care for their community.
However, Bree still felt she could do more — and that’s when the petition kicked off.
“I’ve been wanting to help more, but I couldn’t get into on-ground volunteering,” Bree said.
“Creating a Facebook page was an easy way to contribute and get people involved.
“If Longwood were to win, the Longwood Football Club’s recreation reserve would be an ideal location to host the event — plenty of space and parking would make it perfect for a big crowd.”
On the Tones and I Facebook page, it was announced the winning town would be revealed next Monday on Australia Day.
The winner will receive the full band and choir, and Tones will even bring the stage if the town is small.
Bree said crises often brought out the best in people, noting that the generosity, support and connections she had witnessed were incredible, and she believed the sense of togetherness emerging would last far beyond the fires themselves.
However, a concert from the one and only Tones and I would be huge for the community.
“It’s not just a celebration, but a way to bring people together, lift spirits and show solidarity,” Bree said.
“Events like this give hope, a sense of normality, and remind everyone that even in the toughest times, the community stands together.
“Find the page, like and share it — Bring Tones and I to Longwood.”
Neighbours, friends and volunteers join forces to help restore Longwood’s bushland after recent fires, showing the power of community spirit.
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