Speak Up Tour

In December 2018, Tom Curtain and Annabel launched the “Speak Up Tour” in Camooweal, Queensland, embarking on a significant journey with their talented musicians, support crew, and the Katherine Outback Experience animals. Over the following months, they delivered 48 performances across Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria, featuring a blend of an hour-long outback show and an hour of live music at each venue. The tour was particularly memorable for its focus on combating bullying, inspired by the tragic story of Amy “Dolly” Everett.

Tom wrote the song “Speak Up” as a tribute to Dolly and to promote awareness about the severe impacts of bullying. The song, co-written with Garth Porter and performed as a duet with Sara Storer, resonated deeply, reaching No. 1 on the Australian iTunes All Genres Chart. The tour not only entertained but also educated, as Tom and his team visited schools to discuss bullying’s consequences, with the song providing a foundation for these important conversations.

Community involvement was a cornerstone of the tour, with local youth frequently joining the stage to sing along, and the initiative raising $20,000 for Dolly’s Dream by June 2019. The tour was also an opportunity for emerging artists to shine, with guest performances by notable Australian country music artists like Sara Storer and Luke O’Shea.

Thanks to the support from various communities, councils, and sponsors, the “Speak Up Tour” was more than just a series of concerts; it was a powerful campaign that brought communities together to stand against bullying, leaving a lasting impact on all involved.