This week sees some organised Island action to support the communities struck by Cyclone Larry. Sunferries have begun their Innisfail Appeal collection on board the ferries and, at the weekend, is the return of reBUILD the charity fundraiser concert, begun last year for Tsunami victims by local musician Malcolm Hamilton. That night glowed with great good will and the best music Islanders were making. This year, following Cyclone Larry, the needs are much closer to home and the opportunity to have a big Island night of music, that also helps our neighbours, seems irresistible.

ReBUILD 2 is the last Aussie performance by Elena (Higgins) - who emerged as a professional musician on Magnetic Island and is now turning on audiences in Australia, Canada and the US, performing with the likes of Missy Higgins and John Butler - before she returns to the US to tour and record in Nashville. But Elena will be right at home with the mix of mostly Magnetic resident performers as well as the power of the Townsville/Magnetic combined Aquapella Choir.

Elena emerged as a professional musician on Magnetic Island.

Sunferries and Sunsea Cruises, who are supporting reBUILD 2, have also started a collection to for the Cowboy's Appeal. Managing Director, Mark McKeon, told magnetictimes.com, "Sunferries have committed to give a percentage of our weekly revenue to the Cowboys' Appeal, and also raise money on the ferries. We intend to dedicate the week starting on 1 April. We would ask all of our passengers to dig deep to place a gold coin in the tin".

Mal Hamilton with the reBUILD poster
and tickets which are now on sale.

ReBUILD 2's Mal Hamilton told magnetictimes.com, "This year reBUILD was originally going to be for the Pakistani Earthquake victims but now we will pass on the ticket money to that appeal and use the great offers, local businesses have thrown in, to get the raffle tickets disappearing by the book for Cyclone Larry aid".

One senses that the musicians are really keen to do all they can for reBUILD with the combined Townsville/Magnetic Aquapella World Music Choir practising together this weekend at the RSL Hall and braving the hot afternoon sun of Alma Bay for their first combined publicity photo shoot at Alma Bay.

Malcolm, who was motivated to do another reBUILD , "because last year's went to well" will also be performing his, craftily arranged, original songs with Nelly's Picnic who include Phil Honey and Renatta Mitterlechner.

The very soulful Sara Shaw will also appear with the not-to-be-missed combo of Chris Blyth, Josh Johnson, Nils Koelman and Nial Bowden.

To take it away with a techno twist Christian Biko, Magnetic's hot DJ from Full Moon Party fame will be in the house.

But, for those who want to taste the fullest flavour of an Island music night, there will be nothing better than to arrive early and join Albert Salvador's Drum Circle at 5.30pm to fire up the night with rhythm.

Malcolm has already received strong support from local businesses but leaves open the invitation businesses people or individuals who want to join the rest and contribute a hot or cool prize, to email him at mha46334@bigpond.net.au, come on the night and get in touch.

ReBUILD officially starts at 6pm, Saturday April 8, in the Cleveland Room of the International Resort and tickets are available on the Island from the MI Pharmacy and the Magnetic International Resort in Nelly Bay, Picnic Bay Hotel, Arcadia and Horseshoe Bay Foodworks, and in town from Mary Who Bookshop in Flinders Mall and Sunferries' Breakwater Terminal.

Pre-paid tickets are $10 and $7 pre-purchased and $15 and $10 at the door. This is a community event and to encourage families all kids under 12 years will be admitted free and those between 13 and 18 years $5.

Story & photos: George Hirst