The Music to Stop Nuclear Waste benefit will take place at the Published Arthouse on October 7, with a mixture of acoustic and electric acts including reggae-roots group Local Revolution, Cal Williams Jr, Ben Searcy Trio, Chica Chica Electrica, One-Way Ticket and Mobius X.

Event organiser and musician Charles Maddison says all funds raised will be donated to the Conservation Council SA’s fight against a proposed nuclear waste dump.

“I’ve long been opposed to the use of nuclear power, and aware of the problems with its waste,” he says of his motivation for organising the event.

“I was watching the demonstrations of the protest build around this campaign, and I was scratching my head thinking, ‘What can I do?’ This was the best way, as a musician, that I knew how to help.”

Maddison hopes the benefit will help to raise more awareness of the issues involved with nuclear waste.

While the Federal Government is looking at Wallerberdina Station, north-west of Hawker in the Flinders Ranges, as one of six possible sites for a national low-level radioactive waste dump, the State Government is currently considering the Scare Royal Commission’s recommendations regarding housing a high-level international nuclear waste repository in South Australia.

Maddison is concerned about the potential impact of such a facility on both the environment and Indigenous communities, with whom he doesn’t believe there has been enough consultation.

“My strong belief is that people probably don’t know enough about the risks, and don’t know enough about what would really happen,” he says.

“South Australia is such a beautiful place, and it doesn’t deserve this.”

He says he received a quick and positive response from musicians willing to donate their time for the pop-up fundraiser.

The music will all be original and will span a variety of genres, from reggae and blues, to rock, jazz and solo cello (played by David Rose).

“It’s an opportunity for us to express some solidarity … to connect, build momentum, help people network, and have a good time for a good cause.”

The Music to Stop Nuclear Waste music festival will be held at the Published Arthouse, 11 Cannon Street, from 5.30pm on October 7. More details here.