Every day is a battle for Terry Lawlor and his family as they face the unrelenting foe of a rare degenerative disorder, however this year the Inverell community has gone to great lengths to join their fight.
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The family of four have been overwhelmed as, in an effort kicked off by a local committee, the community has raised over $80,000 in a wide range of events. The funds have purchased a van to give Terry the mobility he lacks as he tries to keep up with his two young daughters, and will pay for modifications to the vehicle for wheelchair accessibility.
However Inverell’s generosity has not run out, and helmed by Letitia Kennedy, several local musicians are coming together for a band jam to modify the family home for Terry’s motorised wheelchair.
“Terry, Ali, Katie and Elise are great mates of ours and we see their daily battles and shortfalls because of Terry’s condition,” she said. Terry has inclusion body myopathy with early-onset Paget disease and frontotemporal dementia, also known as IBMPFD, a disorder which can affect the muscles, bones and brain.
“We thought that by having the band jam to raise some extra money, on top of the amazing accessible car, would help do some modifications to their house, in the hope it would make everyday easier for this beautiful family,” Letitia said.
Featured acts include country rock band Brock Mathers and the Spring Mountain Boys, local passionate singer/guitarist Theresa Hagan and versatile talent Jemima McLachlan, whose relaxed style includes a range of old and new folk, indie and pop songs.
Winner of this year’s Oz Country Down Under Blue Diamond Awards for both Female Vocalist of the Year and Song of the Year with Pay It Forward, Letitia considers Emma Dykes as Inverell’s “finest country singer songwriter”.
Also set to take the stage is Larissa Uebergang, another local singer songwriter who has co-written with the likes of Luke O’Shea and Alyce Simmons, and is set to release her debut album late this month.
Tahlia, better known as ‘Chook’ has been playing guitar and singing since the age of 12. A passion which blossomed from a young age, singing along with her Uncle Jim, family jam sessions were Tahlia’s training. Always at home with a guitar in her hands, the Warialda artist feels her music has matured, and looks forward to getting back on the stage for such a good cause.
Hard rock fans will not be disappointed, with five piece band Tabou also taking part in the jam. Fresh from high school, the local members are looking to make a name for themselves on the Australian music scene. They play a huge variety of music from heavy rock, punk and alternative, playing classic covers as well as a large list of original material.
Along with the musical acts will be a diverse auction with items donated by local businesses and a Batemans Bay store.
On sale will be a go cart, radio controlled Sky Fighter combat drones and an Eagle 2.4ghz 6-axis gyro with a HD camera, a Remington hair straightener, pack of smart band fitness trackers, a digitech audio mini Bluetooth speaker, Next IN-82BT magnet earphones and a car stereo. Holiday-makers can also bid for two nights in Yamba at Moby Dick Motel, with a Caperberry Cafe voucher and a Reflections Copeton Waters voucher.
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Letitia said it was unbelievable how generous the community is, and organisers couldn’t thank local businesses and individuals enough for their donations and support.
“The committee have worked tirelessly and have had an amazing result! We are thankful to these talented locals for their time and entertainment on the night,” she said.
“Also a big shoutout to the Australian Hotel for helping us organise this event! So grateful for everyone’s time and donations.”
Held at the Australian Hotel this Friday, October 26 from 6pm, entry to the band jam is $10. Steak sandwiches, hotdogs, t-shirts and stubby coolers will all be on sale to support the Lawlor family.
