This Mothers Day community members are invited to join Mullum Music Festival and Brunswick
Valley Land Care in a tree planting at Durrumbul Hall. With a delicious BBQ and music by Aine Tyrell
and Andrew Morris, this is the perfect family activity for Sunday! And you give your Mother Earth a
little something as well!
Musician Andrew Morris spoke with The Echo about the importance of grass roots events like Mullum
Music Festival.
Why do you think the tree planting is an important part of the Mullum Music Festival’s contribution to
the community?
I think it shows the spirit of the Mullum Music Festival where it’s a very community-based festival,
where everyone involved benefits, including local businesses, the artists and of course the audience.
The tree planting is a great contribution by the festival to give something else back to the community.
And planting local native trees is a win win for all including the environment. I’m a keen native
gardener and only plant natives on my property so I give this my 100 per cent support. Not only are local
native trees suited to our climate and conditions, they provide for the local wildlife and they are also
extremely beautiful in their truly unique way.
How has the festival impacted on the creative community do you think over the past decade?
I think it has really put Mullumbimby (and the northern rivers) on the Australian music map, as its a
very well regarded and respected music festival that has stood the test of time. Its a great platform to
showcase local talent and to also share with our community artists from further afield.
Have you formed any friendships or creative alliances on the back of MMF?
Yes definitely from the actual festival organisers, to fellow musicians, such as Ben Wilson who I have
worked with on his forthcoming debut album. It’s also a great catch up with mates from interstate.
Always good to have a beer with Jimmy Dowling too!
What do you enjoy most about events like MMF? What is different to other festivals?
Having played quite a few larger festivals that are housed in massive tents in large paddocks, I really
appreciate the fact that Mullum Music Fest is presented in all the local venues and halls. It allows a
more intimate appreciation of the music as opposed to standing with 10,000 people in a tent squinting
at the artist on stage. It’s also run by a super friendly and helpful team of organisers.
It feels like audiences are seeking out less mainstream acts these days, is this your experience too?
It’s always a joy to discover some hidden musical gem and it’s places like the Mullum Music Festival
where you can do this – you may take a punt and go see an artist you’ve possibly never heard of and
be blown away
What should we expect for your gig at The Planting?
I haven’t played solo in a while so I’ll probably have my concentrating face on, ha. Dare I say I’ll lean
upon the Wilson Pickers catalogue quite heavily as I’ve been out on the road with them a fair bit
lately.
Planting commences at 9am until 10am. Music and refreshments from 10.30am to 1pm.
Durrumbul Hall site, Main Arm. Bring drinking water and wear gloves, long sleeves and long pants,
with protective footwear. Trees will be provided and laid out ready for planting at the site.
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