WHEN PEOPLE think of Kevin Anderson, images of a well-dressed politician generally come to mind.
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But, a lesser known fact about the Member for Tamworth is that he’s also a front man for Splashpool, a popular cover band.
And, make a splash they will, at the Flying High Charity Ball that will raise money for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.
“We’ve been together about seven years now, I play rhythm guitar and sing a few songs as well,” Mr Anderson said.
“I’ve always been involved in bands whether it’s playing drums, playing guitar or singing, it’s always been a great past time of mine.”
The band plays a broad range of crowd-favourites, including hits from the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s until today.
Their first time playing in Armidale, the band is looking forward to getting ball-goers up and moving.
“You want people to hear the first few chords of a song and go, “Aw yeah, what a cool song,” as long as they’re favourites and people can sing to them or dance to them – that’s our motto,” Mr Anderson said.
“We’ve been involved with Westpac for a number of years, we’ve done a couple of their balls at different venues but it’s out first time in Armidale and we’re very excited.
“So much so that we’re actually going to stay overnight – so look out.”
Mr Anderson also sits on the advisory council for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.
He became involved more than 20 years ago, when a crop-dusting accident resulted in his friend, Hamish McLaren, losing his arm.
“Hamish was a man who lost his arm at an incident in Walcha,” Mr Anderson said.
“If there was a helicopter in the mid-90’s it would have saved his arm, that’s what started the fundraising for the helicopter back then because Hamish is a good mate of mine.”
In the New England region, volunteers raise nearly $900,000 a year.
Volunteers are crucial to keeping the service running, Mr Anderson said.
“If we did not have the volunteers for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service we would not have a service, it’s as simple as that,” he said.
“They are the ones who raise the money to keep the helicopter flying and ultimately help save lives.”