SO … WHAT’S THIS ALL ABOUT?  Back in March 2018 Murphy’s Pigs was roped in to perform at the Woodford Memorial Hall for a Woodford Pioneer History event, celebrating the pioneering families of the area.  The event was very successful and attendees began enquiring about a return concert.  Pressure from the locals intensified and the band returned later in the year to a sell-out crowd.  For this concert, though, it was decided that local community service groups should have the chance to come on board to feed and water the concert goers – raising much needed funds for the community.

A working group was formed and a cunning plan was devised and implemented.  Murphy’s Pigs would host the evening with a concert, the Wamuran Lions would run the BBQ, the Local Ambulance Committee would run the bar, and the Woodford & Delaney’s Creek Chaplaincy group would look after the desserts, tea and coffee.  Concert goers were actively encouraged to purchase their meals and drinks at the show to assist in raising the funds.  The night turned out to be a resounding success with the community groups making significant profits to plough back into the community.  It was determined to make this an annual event.

There was also a flow-on effect from the concert.  Supporters from outside of the Woodford District were booking local accommodation, camping at the Showgrounds (some for a few days), coming early to have a look around Woodford, and spending money in the town.  This, of course, delighted event organisers and local businesses.

2019 was an even bigger and more successful year; only COVID prevented the 2020 concert from going ahead. 

In 2021 the event moved from the hall to the Woodford Showgrounds.  These regional concerts would need a name.  The inaugural SwineSong concert went ahead in May, with the Woodford SES and Stanmore Rural Fire Brigade also jumping in to assist.  Local businesses (Peries IGA, Woodford Dominos Pizzas, Fernwood Gyms Morayfield & Noosa, and Woodford Gardens) came on board as SwineSong sponsors.  Children from the Woodford State School Choir stepped up for a rousing performance, much to the delight of parents and the audience, while Felicity Kircher and Vic Kena’s Aussie Uke Show kicked the evening off. 

The potential to repeat the format elsewhere became apparent and plans were put into place to determine the feasibility of taking the concerts further out into Regional Queensland.  It was determined to be viable.

So now, to explain it simply, the plan is this:

• Murphy’s Pigs hosts a concert somewhere in Regional Queensland. 
• Local community groups are invited to come on board to raise money through the sale of food, drinks, desserts, tea and coffee to the masses. 
• Local musicians are convinced to participate as the event’s support act.
• No commissions or fees are incurred by the community groups to participate.
• 100% of the money raised by the community groups stays with them to benefit the community. 

SwineSong returned in 2022 to sell-out concerts at the Memorial Hall in Woodford, Esk’s Somerset Civic Centre, the Stanthorpe Civic Centre, and the Maleny Community Centre.  Kingaroy was added in 2023.  Other Regional Queensland towns are now being considered.  Any ideas?  Let us know.

If you would like to come on board and join us as a sponsor, contact us – we’d love to hear from you.

SWINESONG EVENTS FOR 2024

SwineSong Esk on 7 September 2024.   A bit of information on the town of Esk here.

SwineSong Stanthorpe on 13 July 2024.   A bit of information on the town of Stanthorpe here.

 WHAT OUR COUNTRY COUSINS THINK

The SwineSong event provides a wonderful opportunity to showcase the local area and its people, promoting business and tourism, and encouraging visitors to appreciate all that is on offer in this wonderful area. 
Woodford Agricultural, Pastoral & Industrial Assn. Inc

I believe that the Murphy’s Pigs event that happens every year in the township of Woodford, is beneficial to gathering the community together. It also brings community groups and clubs together to serve our community, which in turn help us fundraise to better support those people in need.
Lisa Gourley, President Wamuran Lions Club Inc.

The Murphy’s Pigs SwineSong event provides an excellent opportunity for fostering relationships and building connections between our school and the wider community.  [As a result of their participation in the event] the junior choir developed a strong sense of pride in their value as members of the wider community, as well as the realisation they had something valuable to contribute. The event brings together a wide range of members of the community, including students, their families, and staff members … a valuable learning experience for our students.
Ronnie Hill, Principal Woodford P-10 State School

Thank you so much for the opportunity to fundraise with Murphy’s Pigs.  We all thoroughly enjoy the SwineSong nights – awesome band, wonderful audience, a great team spirit, and the opportunity to contribute financially to our station. Money raised also goes toward professional development opportunities for our wonderful officers. A very heartfelt thanks for the hard work and dedication put in to making this happen so seamlessly.
Wilma Offord, Secretary Woodford Local Ambulance Committee

Fun, frivolity, and jam-packed entertainment! Murphy’s Pigs never disappoint with their high energy shows and engaging way of keeping their crowds laughing, smiling, and tapping their toes.  Their ability to consistently entertain has gained them a huge following of people who attend their shows time and time again.  As long-time fans my husband and I were thrilled to hear Murphy’s Pigs were coming to our little country town and as the owners of the Esk Caravan Park and Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Motel we were also excited about the benefits a band of this quality would bring, both to us, and the many shops and eateries in town.
Jackie and Paul Lawson, proprietors Esk Caravan Park and Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Motel 

[SwineSong Woodford 2022] What a night of raucous, rollicking fun!  I’d heard the ‘Pigs’ were outstanding, but I didn’t expect the ‘outstanding’ to not only describe their vast musical expertise but also their engagement with their audience in a ’no holds barred’ evening of frivolity and merrymaking.’ The wonderful bonus is that every cent raised goes straight to the local community. I’ll be there again for an even bigger, better Murphy’s Pigs in 2023. 
Joy Johnston, Producer Morning Magazine 101.5fm 

We look forward to seeing you at one of our SwineSong events, supporting our friends in Regional Queensland.
Come to town early and have a look around.  Relax, enjoy yourselves and don’t forget to tell the locals why you’re there

PIG TRIVIA
People have covered vast distances to attend SwineSong concerts. 
From Malanda in Far North Queensland, and Canberra in The Australian Capital Territory.