TEG’s massive bushfire relief concert raised over $10M

Before the coronavirus pandemic, over 75,000 music fans arrived at ANZ Stadium in February to witness a historic day of live music for Australia’s bushfire-affected.

Initial figures indicated the Fire Fight Australia concert raised $9.5 million, but promoters TEG Dainty and TEG Live have a final count. And its better than projected.

Organisers now tell TMN that $10.7 million has been shared among a number of rescue, relief, recovery, rehabilitation and rebuilding efforts.

The final number means another $1.2 million was raised since the event on February 16.

TEG’s chief executive offer, Geoff Jones, local communities are still on the long road to recovery.

“From all of us at TEG, I also send our deepest thanks to everyone who supported Fire Fight Australia by buying tickets, merchandise, food and drink and by making donations,” he said.

“The money you have raised is helping rural and regional Australian communities that are still on the long road to recovery from the devastating bushfire season of 2019/20.

“As we face another huge challenge for our country with the coronavirus, it is a great reminder of the Australian spirit that always shines through when we face tough times together.

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Local acts to play included Amy Shark, Baker Boy, Conrad Sewell, Daryl Braithwaite, Delta Goodrem, Grinspoon, Guy Sebastian, Hilltop Hoods, ICEHOUSE and Illy.

TEG has also confirmed exactly how some the funds were distributed.

All corporate and website donations during the Channel Seven and Foxtel telecast, totalling $3.4 million, went directly to a dedicated fund set up by the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal.

Donations collected at ANZ Stadium, totalling $5,900, went to the RSPCA Bushfire Appeal.

All profits raised from the auction of Fender guitars and merchandise signed by performing artists, totalling $20,100, went to the RSPCA Bushfire appeal.

“Once again, our huge thanks go to the 23 Acts and the 1,500 suppliers and volunteers who helped ensure that we were all able to achieve this result by providing their services,” said Jones.

According to OzTam data, a peak audience of just over one million Aussies watched across the five metro markets for the prime time evening session on Seven.