MOREE residents hit hard by the big dry will get a rare chance to have a laugh, and keep their wallets in their back pockets, when one of Australia’s hottest comedians returns to town next week.
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Kevin Kropinyeri launches his ‘Drought Drubbing’ tour of North Western NSW on October 28, coming to Moree for a free show next Wednesday.
It will be the third time the comedian has performed in Moree, having twice done a routine for the Vibe Alive festival here, and Kevin said he was looking forward to spreading some cheer among familiar faces.
“Western NSW towns like Walgett, Bourke and Moree require a lot of cash flow,” he said. “[The drought] is hard on everyone, in particular small rural towns that are isolated.”
While Kevin said he couldn’t bring a “magic wand” he was keen to do his bit to make a real difference.
“You always feel good after a good laugh, just like you always feel good about having a good cry,” he said.
“Laughter is healing; science proves laughter is good for you. These farmers and these communities are having a tough time and I’m here to bring the funny. So come along and have a giggle. You don’t know what to expect, it’s a free show and you’ll walk away feeling better.”
Kevin said the tour was particularly meaningful, given his own personal struggles.
“I’ve experienced the dark side of depression in years past, to the point where I tried to take my own life,” he said.
“But what I learnt was the importance of weathering the storm and moving forward with the help of love and laughter from those around me.”
Moree Plains Shire Mayor Katrina Humphries said it was “wonderful” to have a visiting comedian coming to Moree.
“Life in North Western rural communities is pretty tough at the moment and the opportunity to have a good laugh should never be missed,” she said.
“Laughter, when you can get it and sleep, when you can get it too, are often the best medicine.”
Community mental health support service provider Richmond PRA and Australian Red Cross organised the tour not only for a bit of light relief, but to raise awareness of the support services available, both financial and personal, for drought-hit communities.
Richmond PRA CEO Pamela Rutledge said many people simply weren’t aware of the assistance available.
“Given that Kevin is an extremely talented performer and a rising star of the comedy scene it dawned on us that we should ask him to bring some cheer to other drought affected areas across NSW,” Ms Rutledge said.
“The added bonus is that it provides an opportunity to make communities aware of assistance funding and supports that are available for farmers and other people struggling with drought.”
The shows are being funded by the Commonwealth Government’s Targeted Community Care (TCC) Drought Assistance Package.
Kevin exploded onto the comedy scene in 2008, winning the Melbourne International Comedy Festival’s ‘Deadly Funny’ comedy competition.
A Ngarrindjeri man from Raukkan in South Australia, Kevin is now based in Swan Hill but is a prolific tourer and a fixture on the national comedy circuit.
He said the ‘Drought Drubbing’ tour would be a highlight of a busy schedule, which has seen him travel all over Queensland, up to Darwin and down to Sydney already this month, and will see him head to Melbourne this weekend to perform at the Victorian AIDS Council gala alongside the likes of Tom Gleeson, Fiona O’Loughlin, Tom Ballard and Hannah Gadsby.
Kevin kicks off his tour at Bourke next Tuesday and will put on shows at Narrabri, Collarenebri, Walgett and Coonamble.
He’ll be performing in Moree on October 29 from 6.30pm to 9.30pm at the town hall.
