THE CRUEL SEA TO HEADLINE FUNDRAISER TO HELP SAVE 

BYRON BAY WILDLIFE HOSPITAL

Five time ARIA award-winning Australian rock band The Cruel Sea will play their first show in ten years to headline Wild Aid 2023, a fundraiser for wildlife in association with Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital and Bluesfest.

The five-piece band will play the exclusive benefit gig on Saturday 21 October at the 1600-capacity Green Room at Byron Events Farm as a warmup to their recently announced national tour.  The event aims to raise awareness and funds for Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital’s life-saving veterinary treatment, and care for sick injured and orphaned wildlife.

Acclaimed singer-songwriter, Cruel Sea front man and wildlife ambassador Tex Perkins said he was shocked when he heard that Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital had lost a $6 million funding grant announced by the NSW Government in February. Perkins contacted the hospital’s management team offering his support. 

“I’ve seen what these incredibly caring humans do to help wildlife,” said Perkins.

“Losing that vital funding was a brutal shock, and I really wanted to help,” he said.

“The Cruel Sea had started to jam again. It feels and sounds really good, the guys were keen, so playing a benefit gig made sense to kick start getting back on the road to play a bunch of shows.”

Bluesfest Executive Chairman Peter Noble OAM said he was delighted to provide the venue for the fundraiser for an important cause.

“Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital is unique in Australia, and we’re lucky to have it in the richly biodiverse Northern Rivers,” said Noble.

“We simply cannot let more wildlife suffer and die needlessly in our backyards. We’re excited to play host to The Cruel Sea’s first gig in a decade here in Byron, and to help raise much-needed funds for wildlife.”

Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital CEO Dr Stephen Van Mil said his entire team were deeply grateful for the support of such a brilliant group of musicians.

“We were left reeling after the NSW government told us they wouldn’t approve the funding they announced in February.”  

“Having the Cruel Sea play their first show in ten years to help raise money for us is mind-blowing. We’re so thankful and proud to have Tex as an ambassador.”

 The Cruel Sea will be joined at Wild Aid 2023 by solo artist and Magic Dirt singer Adalita, Loose Content and Jez Mead.

The night will be hosted by Madeleine West, with an array of live and silent auction items

Live Auction items on the night will include

Lot 1. A 9 Day '5 Star' Maldives escape for Two - Donated by Trip-A-Deal 

Lot 2. Dancing Barefoot Surfboard

Lot 3. Australian Cockatoo artwork by award winning artist, Angela Parr

Lot 4. Bluesfest 2024 VIP experience for 2 including camping in a tent motel, an escorted backstage tour and side of stage viewing for one artist of your choice - Priceless!

Lot 5. A Whisky tasting night with Tex Perkins and 3 of your best friends at Cape Byron Distillery

Silent Auction items on the night will include:

- A Flight with God, a private helicopter joy flight over Cape Byron for 3 people. Valued at $4000 Donated by John Callanan

- Brewing experience at Seven Mile Brewing for you and 3 friends. Get involved in a day of brewing. Valued at $400. 

- A Marine wildlife limited edition print by award winning photographer Craig Parry. Valued $1100

- 3 night stay at Coorabell estate, or a 2 day recording package at Rocking horse studios with a producer - Valued at $4000

- A limited edition “Kangaroo Closeup” limited edition print from Kara Rosenlund.  Valued $2140

- Australian Emu 1 Ounce Bullion Coin, Valued $3000+ Donated by GBA Group

- A set of award winning premium spirits from Winding Road Distillers in the Byron Bay Hinterland, valued at $450

Stay tuned as more to come...

Proceeds from Wild Aid 2023 will go directly to providing veterinary treatment and care for sick and injured wildlife admitted to Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital.  Ticket purchsing for 18+ only.

Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital is a registered charity licensed by the Veterinary Practitioners Board of NSW. It is the only all-species wildlife hospital in NSW outside of Taronga Wildlife Hospitals in Sydney and Dubbo and opened in 2020 after the Black Summer bushfires. Custom-built inside a 22-wheel semi-trailerit is also Australia's largest mobile wildlife hospital, capable of being deployed anywhere in NSW and interstate, providing emergency triage, treatment, and care for native animals affected by natural disasters like bushfires or floods. Their professional veterinary services are provided to native wildlife rescued by licensed wildlife carers, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service and members of the community, seven days a week, free of charge. They have treated over 4,000 animals since opening.