Halfway between Melbourne and Mildura, Charlton is home to an annual summer gathering for live music fans, known as OK Motels, that prides itself on bringing visitors and locals together.
But in a twist on its usual format, Charlton will soon welcome a trainload of visitors as part of a new event combining music, arts and community spirit – all geared towards supporting Victoria’s flood-affected regional towns.
Fully restored steam train City of Melbourne will transport guests part of the way to Charlton for October’s Sound Tracks, combining a weekend away with live music, and the state government’s plan to revitalise regional tourism.Credit: Nicole Patience
Kate Berry, founder of OK Motels, said the new event, Sound Tracks, will see a fully restored steam train depart Southern Cross Station and make several stops along the way, including Ballarat and Maryborough before arriving in Charlton at sunrise.
Ticket holders will enjoy a barbecue brekky cooked up by the local Lions Club upon arrival in Charlton, live entertainment at the bowling club and dinner at Charlton Shire Hall.
“We wanted to include as many of the local community groups as possible,” Berry said. “It’s the people of Charlton that we’ve become quite connected with through OK Motels, and a lot of people in town are also involved with the train.”
OK Motels was first held in Charlton, population 1095, in 2018 after business owners supported Berry’s plan to stage a live music event. Last year’s event was cancelled due to summer floods.
Sound Tracks ticket holders will travel to Charlton, halfway between Melbourne and Mildura, in comfort and style.Credit:
“Sound Tracks is a great way for people to spend some time in the town, enjoy some great live music ... and it’s a nice new way to come into Charlton,” she said.
Matt Lucas, a volunteer who runs heritage train trips throughout the state, said Sound Tracks was perfectly suited to his organisation, 707 Operations in Newport.
Sound Tracks and OK Motels co-organisers Shaun Adams and Kate Berry.Credit: Nathan Kaso
“Our whole business model is around sharing the state’s rail heritage, and regional development,” he said. “This fits really well with us because it’s supporting regional development, tourism, and sharing the state’s rail heritage with a whole new audience.”
Built in 1938, Charlton’s Art Deco Rex Theatre will also host live entertainment, and ticket holders will stay in Charlton overnight before returning by train the next day. Performers include Harvey Sutherland, Glass Beams, Jumo Mamba and Maple Glider.
“Sound Tracks is a wonderful way to celebrate, and honour the resilience of the people in these places who have been impacted by flooding,” Music Victoria’s chief executive officer, Simone Schinkel said. “And who doesn’t love a good sing-along?”
Music Victoria has partnered with OK Motels to deliver the program.
“Considering how hard the music industry and these communities have done it, coming together to overcome adversity is something we’re really excited about,” Schinkel said.
“We know live music can make a really big difference to a local economy, so this is a really fun way to bring some top-tier talent into these places and have them side-by-side with local artists.”
Minister for Creative Industries, Steve Dimopoulous, said Sound Tracks would help boost tourism in regions impacted by flooding across the state last year.
“Incredible music, stunning scenery, a steam train – it all adds up to a one-of-a-kind experience,” he said. “We’re backing Sound Tracks as part of our work to strengthen the state’s music industry, and our commitment to supporting recovery in flood-impacted communities.”
Sound Tracks runs from October 6 to October 8. Tickets are now available from sound-tracks.au
The Booklist is a weekly newsletter for book lovers from books editor Jason Steger. Get it every Friday.