Readings
NEWS Regions want to rock the world- The Herald Sun
11/10/2006
VICTORIAN towns could host simultaneous live sites and local bands during the Make Poverty History concert in Melbourne next month.
Under the proposal put to the State Government by concert organisers, regional areas would become part of the global movement brought to public attention by U2 frontman Bono and humanitarian Sir Bob Geldof. Spokespeople from Bendigo, Ballarat, Shepparton and Geelong councils yesterday told the Herald Sun they had not yet been invited to take part, but hoped to be included. A state government spokesman confirmed funding for regional live sites was being considered, but the idea was in the early stages.
Hugh Evans from Make Poverty History said the locations would telecast the free concert at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl on November 17.
The lead-up begins on Saturday with a mass door-knock in Melbourne's east.
Mr Evans, the 2004 Young Australian of the Year, said KnockOut Poverty aimed to take the Make Poverty History message to 60,000 homes in the City of Deakin. The first 500 to sign up for the door-knock will get a ticket.
The campaign includes:
A WORLD record attempt on Sunday to "stand up" against poverty.
EXPERTS and the Archbishop of Cape Town debating global poverty at Melbourne Town Hall on November 16.
STALLS and a celebration of world music in the Alexandra Gardens on November 18.
CONVOYS of yachts, buses, planes, trains and bicycles in the campaign colour, white, will arrive in Melbourne from November 15 with regional and interstate ticket holders.
Make Poverty History co-chairman the Rev Tim Costello joined ARIA-nominated band Evermore yesterday to launch the concert.
The Hume brothers, Peter, Jon and Dann, said they were keen to lend their music to a political movement as Midnight Oil had before them.
Evermore will headline the concert alongside Eskimo Joe, Paul Kelly, Sarah Blasko, Hilltop Hoods, and the John Butler Trio.
Principal Make Poverty History sponsor is Optus, with major sponsors the Herald Sun, mX, Nova 100, MySpace and Network Ten.
