THE 2026 SOCIAL JUSTICE OF THE SAPPHIRE COAST ANNUAL FUND RAISING CONCERT FOR THE HOMELESS PEOPLE OF THE BEGA VALLEY

“IT’S STILL UP TO US”

Everybody in the Bega Valley is aware that the Valley remains in the midst of a major homelessness crisis. The crisis continues to worsen. More and more people, mostly women and children, many of them victims of domestic violence, are approaching the Social Justice Advocates seeking crisis accommodation.

YOU CAN HELP! The easiest and most enjoyable way to assist the homeless people of the Bega Valley is to come along to the SJASC’s annual fund raising concert. The SJASC’s annual fund raising concerts are renowned for their fantastic vibe - a spirit generated by the awareness that everybody in the room is united in their willingness to lend a hand to the people in the Bega Valley who really need help.

Our 2026 concert will be presented on October 18, at Club Sapphire Merimbula. It will run from 4.00 until 8 pm. Doors open from 3.30

The headline act for 2026 is that super popular folk-rock combo “Things Of Stone and Wood”. Support acts are Garry Carson Jones’ ‘Harvest’ show, and Melanie Horsnell. See details of the featured artists below.

THINGS OF STONE AND WOOD formed in Melbourne in the early 1990s.

They were a self described “ rag tag bunch of folkies”, who stormed to fame off the back off the back of their top 10 single ‘Happy Birthday Helen’. They achieved national success, international tours, and a gold album ‘The Yearning’. They became one of Australia’s most loved Folk- Rock bands. Their imaginative use of organic instruments set off an acoustic/folk movement that paved the way for the likes of John Butler, The Waifs and Angus & Julia Stone.

Their live show has always been full of energy and passion and whilst they’ve won many an industry award, including an ARIA and APRA Songwriter of the Year for Greg Arnold, it’s on stage that they demonstrate why they are so loved.

GARRY CARSON JONES ‘HARVEST’

Super popular local act Garry Carson Jones performing songs from his new album “Mogareeka Moon”, backed by musicians Colleen Brown, Dean Gray, Jackson Fisher, Julian Gonzalez and Shayne Jones.

MELANIE HORSNELL is a Candelo based singer-songwriter. Melanie first picked up a guitar at the age of five. Since then she has travelled the world playing to appreciative audiences.

Melanie is a consistent crowd pleaser who has released six solo albums and five EPs.

SJASC’s wonderful supporters, the Bendigo Bank Pambula and District have generously agreed to cover all concert expenses, so ALL ticket proceeds go directly to housing the homeless in the Bega Valley.

So don’t miss out. Tickets are available now from the Sticky Tickets website, or via the Club Sapphire website. Google ‘Sticky Tickets’ and search for Things Of Stone and Wood. Get your friends together, create your own party and get in early while the best tables are still available.

If you can’t make it to the concert, remember that tickets make great gifts. Or you can make a tax deductible donation via the SJA website.

Tonight, and every night, the Social Justice Advocates provide more crisis housing in the Bega Valley than all three levels of government combined. Our own community makes this possible by donating and volunteering. The Social Justice Advocates have provided accommodation for over 500 homeless people, providing over 12,000 ‘bed nights’ for people in crisis.

NOBODY DOES MORE TO SUPPORT THE HOMELESS IN THE BEGA VALLEY THAN THE SOCIAL JUSTICE ADVOCATES…………ALL MADE POSSIBLE BY YOUR GENEROSITY.