Over 400 residents came to the Central Hotel on Sunday to show their support for one of the town's favourites daughters, Tamzin Laredo, who is suffering from aggressive cancer. 

Around 30 local musos came to play and made it a Sunday arvo sesh to be remembered for a long time to come. 

Tam was at home with her Mum but was able to watch her very own 'Jam for Tam' via a 'live' Skype set up specially for the occasion. 

The fundraiser started at 2.30pm and officially finished at about 7.30pm but many of the crowd didn't notice that the music had ended and carried on regardless.  And all, of course, for a good cause.

Half way through the session, the AFL Crocs' President and long-time local, Andy Smith, performed his duties as auction master, superbly squeezing every bit of loose change, direct debits and IOUs from the assembled audience. 

Members of the crowd only had to wave at a friend and Andy counted it as a bid.  But it was all taken in the spirit of fun and support with which it was intended.

See more photos from the Jam for Tam

The raffle was also a great success with all of the prizes, as with the auction, being donated by the local business community.

The early highlight of the day was Frank Frikker's rendition, as a duet with himself, of Long Tall Texan which Karen White (of Quintessential Quirk fame) and Frank normally sing together.

Unfortunately Karen and her husband, John White, are away in the UK and were therefore unable to attend but they sent a wonderful message that when you're feeling poorly the best remedy is a good laugh.

With Frank doing his best to reach the high notes their ambition was admirably fulfilled and they promised a donation of $100 for subjecting Frank to his ordeal and Tam would have appreciated the effort once she stopped giggling!

The musos kept coming and 'sound hound' Larry Cash managed to meet all their needs which ranged from simple acoustic sets to full four and five men electric groups.  

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Each performer and group left the stage to huge applause with the crowds appreciating both the music and the performers for supporting the whole event and all for free. 

This is something in which Port Douglas has no equal.  It doesn't matter how much turmoil there is in the town regarding politics, tourist troubles, community stresses and sundry petty problems, as soon as a local is seen to be in trouble the whole town drops its squabbles and turns out in force to make sure the person and their family knows how much they're loved and helps them want for nothing. 

Port FM supremo, Michael Gabour hit the nail on the head when he took to the stage to send Tamzin, who of course presented her own show on Port FM, a simple message.

"We love you, we miss you and we look forward to having you back".

Tamzin's step father Calvin Bailey, who is a well know ex-local of Port Douglas himself, then said a big thank you to everyone on behalf of Tamzin and the family, for organising the day and a massive appreciation for those who attended and played throughout the day. 

He said he knew Tamzin and her Mum would be thrilled to see all their friends having such a great time.  And of course Tamzin would want to be with them all sharing the day.

All the monies raised on the day will be going to help the family ensure that Tamzin gets the best care possible.

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