TROY Cassar-Daley, one of Australia’s best-loved musicians has declared that the Mid North Coast is the best place to be on Australia Day.
He says there’s no place he would rather be to celebrate the day, than back in his home country at the region’s Saltwater Freshwater Festival.
Troy is proud to have been a patron of the event since the inaugural 2010 festival in Coffs Harbour.
Recently returned from the US, Troy believes that you just can’t beat Australia and particularly the Mid North Coast for sheer natural beauty, variety and friendly people. Originally born in Grafton, Troy’s roots are in the Mid North Coast and he relishes any opportunity to get back here and play to the loyal fans, family and friends who have supported him from the very beginning.
With a Bundjelung grandfather and a Gumbaynggirr grandmother, Troy is looking forward to joining the celebration of Aboriginal heritage and culture at this year’s Saltwater Freshwater festival in Kempsey. Troy is delighted that his music brings together people of all ages and backgrounds and is excited about the positive, inclusive celebration that the festival brings as part of a modern Australia.
“The tide has turned and I see the salt and fresh water as black and white people coming together as one to celebrate this amazing country as first nations people or first fleet people,” Troy said.
“We all have saltwater and freshwater in us now as we move towards a positive and united nation that we all call our home and feel that we belong to. That is what the Saltwater Freshwater festival is all about – it has such a special atmosphere.”
The festival is an alcohol and smoke-free event and will be held at Kempsey Showground from 10-4.30pm on Sunday 26 January – free entry. The full festival program and information about the free festival buses is available at www.saltwaterfreshwaterfestival.com.au
