Following devastating bushfires in the region around Tingha and Tabulam in February of this year, Tingha residents and community leaders organised a Tingha Plateau Disaster Concert for Saturday 4th May. Many locals musicians and ensembles from around Tingha and Inverell gave their time to be part of a special three-hour concert to raise awareness of the hardships faced by residents in that part of New England. NECOM’s resident String Ensemble, Con Brio, performed a selection of light Classical and film soundtracks for the appreciative audience. Under the direction of Head of Strings Joanna Fairs-Wu, the ensemble’s performance was warmly received by the enthusiastic crowd, which included local Federal Member, Mr Barnaby Joyce, and the Emergency Service Personnel who risked their lives to keep local residents safe. NECOM thanks Joanna and the loyal team of musicians for taking part in this important community event, and would invite interested local musicians to contact us if they would like to be part of this popular string group.