Gumbuya gets groovy

Vanessa Amorosi captivates the crowd. Pictures: GARY SISSONS 201891_58

By Mitchell Clarke

Over 3000 people from across Victoria pulled out the picnic blankets and put on their dancing shoes as they took to Gumbuya World for the park’s first ever live music event on Saturday 30 November.

The Sounds of Nature spectacular featured an array of Australian music, with Phil Ceberano opening proceedings before the likes of X-Factor sensation Reece Mastin and pop rock band Thirsty Merc got the crowd going.

Locally born and bred, Vanessa Amorosi, who is described as one of the country’s most iconic female voices, belted out hits ‘Mr Mysterious, Perfect and This Is Who I Am’ before strolling through the mosh pit and up the hill to ensure ‘Absolutely Everybody’ was getting involved in the action.

Former lead INXS and Noiseworks singer Jon Stevens treated the crowd to a jam-packed set which saw those young and old up on their feet, singing classic hits like ‘Never Tear Us Apart’ and ‘New Sensation’ as the stars appeared.

But it was the final act who everyone was hanging to see, with iconic legend Daryl Braithwaite serenading all with his anthemic hit ‘Horses’ rounding out the night.

Gumbuya World CEO Ron Weinzierl said the all-age event was truly a “unique” Australian music experience and a great way to celebrate the start of summer.

“We were thrilled to have welcomed thousands of live music fans to Gumbuya World to sing and dance along to some of the greatest names in Australian music on Saturday at Gumbuya Sounds of Nature,” he said.

“This was the first of many live music events that we will host over the coming years.”