by Tanya Outridge

Get ready to be swept away by the sounds of the esteemed Melbourne Staff Band as they make their way to Nambour for the 60th anniversary celebrations of The Salvation Army’s Red Shield Appeal.

The iconic brass band will grace the stages of the Nambour Salvation Army Hall and Suncoast Christian College Church, and also perform at the Nambour Rummagers Market on Sunday May 19 in the Council Forecourt, Currie Street.

Nambour Salvation Army Captain David Donaldson was excited about the band’s visit.

He said it was an opportunity to raise vital funds for local social programs while enjoying world-class musical performances.

“Having a brass band of this calibre performing for us over the weekend is extremely exciting,” Captain Donaldson said.

“This band tours nationally, and also internationally, and they have performed with James Morrison.”

Established in Melbourne in 1890, the band was made up of a small group of officers and employees brought together under the leadership of Staff Officer Jeremiah Eunson to assist in meetings conducted by Army leaders and to campaign in the area.

“From very humble beginnings, the Melbourne Staff Band has evolved to become one of the most accomplished and respected brass bands in the country,” said Captain Donaldson.

The Melbourne Staff band will be playing on Saturday the 18th of May at the Suncoast Christian College Church.

“The afternoon of music will begin between 3pm and 5pm on Saturday 18th May, when there will be a concert; ‘Bands in the Round’, from four bands at Suncoast Christian College, and it will be followed by The Melbourne Staff Band performance between 6pm and 7.30pm.

“On Sunday the 19th of May, the Nambour Salvation Army 9.30am Morning Worship will be led by The Staff Band and at 1pm that afternoon there will be a ‘Sunday of Praise’ Meeting.”

As an added bonus, the band will be performing for free to the public at the monthly Nambour Sunday Rummagers market between 10.30am -11am.

“This is a chance for the general public to see the band performing in Nambour, and also an opportunity to come into town and donate to the annual Red Shield Appeal,” said IamNambour’s Rhonda Billett. “It was a wonderfully unexpected bonus to learn that both events were happening on the same day.”

Captain Donaldson said the Salvation Army in Australia helped someone in need every 17 seconds. This was largely thanks to their Red Shield Appeal which enabled them to provide shelter, safety and support.

“Over the last year, The Salvation Army has assisted over 250,000 people in a variety of ways and has dispensed financial assistance worth almost $25 million dollars to those impacted by crisis, disaster and hardship,” he said.

• Tickets for the formal concerts are available at https://www.trybooking.com/CPSJZ