Pop superstar Katy Perry has thrilled thousands of people impacted by bushfires at her show in Bright.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Perry was greeted by dozens of firefighters at her concert on Wednesday, saying her show was a chance to raise the spirits of those in the region.
"I just think it reminded me of home and that's why it struck a chord in my heart," she said of the fires.
Despite being thousands of kilometres away in California as bushfires burned in Australia over summer, Perry says the fires had hit close to home.
The 35-year-old, a native of Santa Barbara outside of Los Angeles, said watching the stories that came out of the North East made her want to help.
"I'm from a local little town that's like this, that went through a similar situation like this one," she said from Bright on Tuesday afternoon.
"And so I felt really close to it.
IN OTHER NEWS:
"When we were watching it from California, it seemed like all of Australia was going.
"It was like not only here in Victoria, in Bright, and in kind of the smaller areas, it was in the main cities.
"It was wild.
"It was a very apocalyptic feeling, looking from the outside."
Perry said she could have just made a post on social media or a donation.
But she wanted to do more, and help boost Bright and surrounds.
"Local communities, they really depend on tourism," Perry said.
"I think there are many places like Bright, all over Australia."
The fires were "a loud shout from mother nature" that change needs to be made, Perry said.
"There are small things that you yourself can do to make a huge impact on climate change," she said.
Stephanie Riley celebrated her birthday in a way she will never forget.
As a long-time fan of I Kissed a Girl, California Gurls and Firework singer Perry, the Whitfield-based firefighter fulfilled her dream of meeting her.
"I'm not sure how many years I've been dancing to her and partying to her songs, so it's great to finally see her in real life," the 28-year-old said.
"It was always my dream to meet her.
"It's great to have an international superstar here."
After meeting and talking to Perry backstage, Ms Riley was serenaded by a birthday performance from the singer on stage.
Thousands of firefighters, police and other emergency service workers and their families heard hits from Perry's career.
The gig was particularly popular with young attendees, many of whom had an ideal view from their parent's shoulders.
Those unable to secure tickets watched on from the Pioneer Park oval during the set.
Corryong firefighter Dara Pilli, who was also taken up on stage by Perry, said people in the region were looking at the positives.
"It's definitely been hard, but we're looking at the light at the end of the tunnel," she said.
"Our community banded together so well and we still are, and I think that's played a major part in our recovery."
Bright fire brigade captain Brett Michie said it was an "honour" for the town of about 3000 people to host Perry.
"We evacuated pretty much in a day," he said of the danger period.
"So for the business in town, it's a good pick up to have so much attention.
"Hopefully we'll get a few more tourists in town."
Mr Michie said the fires had come within about 15 kilometres of Bright and had burnt around the North East town.
The recent announcement that Perry would perform in the area had many talking.
"It's a bit weird having such an event happening in our little town," Mr Michie said.
"It's been a buzz.
"There's been excitement."