Divas set to rock Bendigo
By Anthony Radford

Bendigo’s own Australian idol will return to help the region
THE Young Divas, headed by Bendigo’s Australian Idol sweetheart Kate DeAraugo, will perform at the Schweppes Centre in June to raise money for drought-affected communities.

The group will headline a Rural Pay Back Time concert on June 2, that will also feature well-known Bendigo band The Monotones.

Kate launched the event at the basketball stadium on Monday.

"It really is a thrill for me to come back with the Divas and hopefully make a good contribution to what Rural Pay Back is trying to do and that’s help people affected by this drought," she said.

"Even though I’m not back in Bendigo that much, it is really evident what impact the drought is having in this region."

Rural Pay Back spokesman Mel McGovern said the concert would give the cause a boost and help a lot of people.

"We are genuinely excited to announce the Young Divas will be coming to Bendigo to perform at this major concert," he said.

"To have an act of this quality coming to Bendigo will ensure we attract a large crowd and all profits from the concert will go directly to drought relief for rural and smaller regional communities."

Some of the 2500 tickets will be given to children from drought-affected areas to boost their spirits and give them an experience of a lifetime.

Tickets are $39 and are available at the Schweppes Centre.

"We know this is going to be a real success," Mr McGovern said.

Rural Pay Back Time encourages and facilitates other groups to raise money to help people fight the drought.