In tune to create a concert legacy

Each year, campers and backpackers of all ages migrate to the small town of Kununurra in Western Australia's East Kimberley region to enjoy an award winning festival - the Argyle Diamonds Ord Valley Muster.

Since 2005, Rio Tinto's Argyle Diamonds subsidiary has been the event's major sponsor. The two week festival kickstarts the tourist season and showcases the East Kimberley's unique landscapes, indigenous culture, businesses and community.

Argyle chief operating officer Kevin McLeish recognised the need for an increased indigenous profile and raised the idea of hosting a free family concert to showcase the region's indigenous musical talent, naming it the Argyle Diamonds Barramundi Concert.

The event draws over 1,500 locals and tourists who relax to cultural dancing by the local Mirrima Dancers, and blues and rock music performed by local Aboriginal artists.

Barramundi concert stage manager Chaz Garnett conducts development workshops in towns and indigenous communities throughout the East Kimberley over a three week period leading up to the event. These workshops allow bands to record their own songs and fine tune their musical techniques.

Argyle Diamonds is making arrangements to hand co-ordination and fundraising of the event back to the local community to take ownership and further advance the event beyond the life of the mine.