Gigs back, no quarries: Dookie rocks as live music returns

By Megan Fisher

Dec 12, 2021

Dookie quarry was filled with light, sound and people for the long-awaited return of live music on Saturday night.

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Concert-goers with camp chairs and picnic blankets were as excited as the organisers for the first Secret Garden Gig since early this year.

Event organiser Jamie Lea said the evening was “absolutely unbelievable”.

Put your hands up: Ryan Meeking entertaining the crowd. Photo by Megan Fisher

“I’m just incredibly proud of our team and everyone who has contributed,” she said.

“It really takes a small army to pull a show like this off at such a high level.

“I think it means a lot to have so many great music appreciators in the one place.

“I’m really proud of the talent that got up on stage tonight, and it’s just unbelievable to have this calibre of talent from our region.”

Goulburn Valley musician Charlie McCosh and her band kicked off the night.

Ms McCosh sang as she strummed her electric guitar alongside her band, sharing her stunning voice with the eager crowd.

“Being up on stage was just everything I hoped it would be, I felt like my set went really well and the turnout was just amazing and it made me so happy,” she said when she exited the stage.

“It’s great that Jamie and Hugh get local artists to perform, which is really important I think, for growth and community.”

Good vibes: Artist Eliott performing against a stunning backdrop. Photo by Megan Fisher

Melbourne-based band Aluka was next to perform. The trio drew in the crowd as the singers harmonised throughout the performance.

As the evening continued, the crowd and artists were greeted with pink, orange and yellow hues in the sky, filling the quarry with colour as the sun set.

With the stage lights becoming more prominent, indie-pop artist Ryan Meeking took to the stage with an upbeat performance.