If you’re looking for a ‘quacker’ of a time, head over to the Three Rivers Machinery Duck Creek Picnic races at the Nyngan Racecourse this Saturday, July 7.
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This year the race committee are sponsoring Dolly’s Dream, a charity established by family and friends of the late Amy “Dolly” Everett, who ended her life in the Northern Territory earlier this year, after falling victim to bullying.
A message left at Dolly’s Dream says the charity was aimed at creating positive change to help others like Dolly, who were affected by bullying, and “act as a voice for those who cannot speak for themselves”.
This year racegoers are in for a unique treat with special guests singing Golden Guitar winner Tom Curtain’s tribute to Dolly, hit single ‘Speak up’.
The anti-bullying message of Tom Curtain and Sara Storer’s duet, released on June 18, has shot to the top of the country music charts, pushing Keith Urban from the top spot and has remained there for days to support the fundraising single.
The singer-songwriter, who knew the Everett family well, has been overwhelmed by support for the single, written to publicise the effects of bullying.
“The incident inspired me to write the song and then try and raise more awareness about bullying in any form,” Mr Curtain said.
“The more we’ve become involved, the more we’re learning how prolific bullying is in society. There’s no quick fix to bullying, we all have to do our bit to raise awareness, set an example and hopefully save a young life.”
“Being a father of two kids living out in the bush, it really hit home for me,” Mr Curtain said.
“Living out here, you think you are quite removed from anything like this, so to have a beautiful young girl that you’ve seen grow up, take her life and then a family ripped apart, is just devastating.”
All proceeds from the award winning musician’s single will go directly to Dolly’s Dream.
Nyngan’s Kate Cleaver knew Dolly and the Everett family through her time up North, where they were heavily involved in her touch football team.
“The Everett family are similar to one of us. They could easily be a part of our community,” she said.
“Dolly was just a normal girl that lived on a station alongside 15 others. She loved horse riding, playing sport and socialising.”
“If you ask anyone that knows the Everett family, they are quick to comment on how community minded and easy going they are. It’s wonderful to see the Nyngan community and the region backing such an important cause,” she said.
If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulty please call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Zaarkacha Marlan
Court and crime reporter at the Daily Liberal. Formerly the sole journalist for the Nyngan Observer, Narromine News and Trangie Advocate.
Court and crime reporter at the Daily Liberal. Formerly the sole journalist for the Nyngan Observer, Narromine News and Trangie Advocate.
