An Orana region community refusing to give in to drought is set to host a night of live music on Saturday featuring Golden Guitar award-winning singer Fanny Lumsden.
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When Tooraweenah Public School's second teacher was put in jeopardy due to falling enrolments stemming from the prolonged dry, the Parents and Citizens Association (P and C) got creative.
It took its plight to ARIA-nominated Lumsden, and she threw her support behind the cause.
The singer put Tooraweenah on her Country Halls Tour in an event that will help raise funds to keep the school's second teacher, as well as stimulate the village's economy.
P and C treasurer Jamee Wykes said with families having to move away to find work because of the drought, the school had been left with 14 students, down from 27 a couple of years ago.
Lumsden's response to their approach for help has been a huge boost.
"There's lot of excitement because the kids are going to do a performance... which they're absolutely chuffed about," Mrs Wykes said.
There's lot of excitement because the kids are going to do a performance... which they're absolutely chuffed about.
- P and C treasurer Jamee Wykes
"It's just nice it will be something positive for us to do in the community, and to have someone of that calibre come to Tooraweenah is pretty cool."
The community has been working together.
"We want to stimulate the local economy, the CWA are involved and the Lions Club, as well as the school and the golf club, everyone in the community is lending a hand to get it off the ground, so it's fantastic," Mrs Wykes said.
The mother of four encouraged everyone from Dubbo to Tamworth to come along.
"It's imperative for us to keep two classes to give the best education to our kids so they have the same opportunities as kids in bigger areas..." Mrs Wykes said.
"It's a beautiful little school and really unique... and very special for our kids, so we want to do what we can and with people like Fanny helping us, it's just amazing."
It's a beautiful little school and really unique... and very special for our kids, so we want to do what we can and with people like Fanny helping us, it's just amazing.
- Jamee Wykes
Lumsden grew up at Tallimba, where the local hall was "the centre of everything". Her experience has motivated her to help.
"I went to a small school as well, and when I was in Year 3, we lost our second teacher and all ended up in the same room," she said.
I know what it's like for communities to come together and try and get the best for their kids...
- Singer Fanny Lumsden
"So I know exactly what they're going through... and I know what it's like for communities to come together and try and get the best for their kids, because these small schools are so special and should be absolutely maintained if we can because I really value the fact I went to a small school and had those opportunities."
There will be markets and activities from 3pm and the doors to the show open at 6.30pm. Ticket information can be found on the Country Halls Tour website.