Popular local singers Eloise Collins, Emma Dykes and Jemima McLachlan joined duo Chris Richter and Peter Caddey, Brock Mathers and the Spring Mountain Boys and Sin and Tonic for the community-based fundraiser.

“It was a combined effort because a lot of the committee that were in the Lawlor committee were helping on the night too,” Lions president Peter Kearsey said. The committee raised $30,000 to purchase a wheelchair accessible vehicle for locals Jeff and Lisa Lawlor earlier this year.

Peter is headlining the effort, and said that AEDs, which commence heart resuscitation in the case of a heart attack, were very valuable.

The club are hoping to purchase individual machines for Varley Oval, Inverell Sporting Complex and the showground as well as one to travel between Kamilaroi Oval and Cameron Park for the minor league and cricket seasons. They also plan to place one in the care of Tourism Inverell, available for locals to borrow when they host community events. Each machine will cost around $3000.

Peter said that the club had received some criticism for purchasing the machines for ostensibly fit sporting people, but reminded that along with excited grandparents and parents on the sidelines, young people can have heart attacks. He said an AED made all the difference for one of his grandson’s coaches when he had a heart attack on the sidelines of a sporting game. 

With four heart attack survivors in the local Lions Club, he felt members understood the need for the machines. 

After raising $3000 on the night, generous donations from the Australian Hotel, community bus, Inverell Picnic Race Club and Inverell Jockey Club have put the club well on their way. 

“It’s a benefit for everybody,” said Australian Hotel owner Glenda Smith.

“Local people are so generous, you know. They do support everything locally put on to help people. It’s a wonderful community really.”

“I haven’t found a better one,” Peter agreed.

The pair were impressed by local police officer Senior Constable Heath Roberts’ indefatigable efforts towards the evening, along with the assistance of many locals.