Small towns aren’t usually known for going viral — but the Flinders Ranges town of Quorn is currently doing just that, in a community-led push to bring Aussie pop star Tones and I to town.
After the Dance Monkey singer announced earlier this year that she’d returned to Australia and would host $10 concerts in five small towns which “went the hardest” to get her attention, Quorn locals didn’t waste a second.
SA’s Premier Joins the Push
A Facebook group, Get Tones and I to Quorn SA, quickly gained more than 2,300 members — about double the town’s population — catching the attention of Premier Peter Malinauskas, who wrote to her management backing the campaign.
“Despite its modest size, Quorn possesses a strong and resilient community spirit,” Mr Malinauskas wrote. “In recent years, the town has faced significant challenges, particularly through prolonged drought. Throughout this period, residents have demonstrated remarkable unity, optimism, and pride in their community.
“We firmly believe that Quorn offers a unique, welcoming, and memorable setting that would make a Tones and I concert truly special, not only for local residents, but for visitors from across regional South Australia and beyond.”
Local MP Eddie Hughes has also thrown his support behind the grassroots campaign, writing to Tones’ management to advocate for Quorn as a concert location.
Quorn’s Track Record of Getting Things Done
For those who think nothing exciting ever happens in small towns, Quorn has long proven otherwise.
Back in the 1970s, when the now-defunct railway line to Port Augusta faced removal, the community stepped in. This led to the creation of the Pichi Richi Railway, which remains a major drawcard for visitors more than 50 years on.
When heritage restrictions ruled out traditional silo art, locals pivoted, securing grant funding to create the country’s first silo art projection — positioning Quorn as an overnight stop for travellers exploring the national silo art trail.
The town has also played host to major film productions over the years and welcomed big-name musical acts including Eskimo Joe and Birds of Tokyo. Homegrown talent like Nashville-based musician Jedd Hughes has also taken the town’s creative spirit onto the world stage.
Now, with radio interviews, media coverage and social media momentum building, Quorn’s campaign continues to gain traction — with the Facebook group recently surpassing 3,400 members.
Regardless of whether Tones and I makes the trip to the Flinders Ranges, the campaign has already shown what a small town can achieve when it backs itself.
But if all else fails… surely the Premier still has Katy Perry’s number!
Click HERE to join the group – Get Tones & I to Quorn.
