Whiddon Moree (formerly Fairview) residents were treated to a special performance on Wednesday, when the Australian Army Band Newcastle visited as part of its community benefit tour.
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In a bid to boost spirits and help take people's minds off the drought, bushfires and now floods, the historic military band teamed up with Rotary and has been travelling around the region putting smiles on people's faces through music.
"It's just to give back to the community," Warrant Officer Dick Cutler, the band Sergeant Major, said.
"We want people to know that people on the coast, and the ADF, actually care.
"Music always lifts people's spirits. We perform a variety of styles, so there's something for everyone. People think of us as a marching band, but we play rock 'n' roll, big band and pep band styles."
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The Australian Army Band visited Moree on Wednesday, and a small pep band entertained the residents and staff at Whiddon Moree in the morning, before travelling to Croppa Creek to play for the school and town, as well as at a combined Rotary meeting that night.
Whiddon Moree director of care Fiona Lysaught said the band was "fantastic".
"The fact that they wanted to come out here because of the drought is fantastic," she said.
"There were lots of smiling faces here today."
About 80 people were expected to attend the dinner meeting at Croppa Creek on Wednesday night, including members of Moree, Moree on Gwydir, Warialda and Goondiwindi Rotary members.
The Australian Army Band Newcastle, which has existed since 1861, is very active in community development and support.
Band members are drawn from the local community and in addition to their normal employment, are talented musicians employed on a part-time basis by the Australian Army.
