A GROUP of bankers-turned-bootscooters will be counting numbers of a different kind next week.
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Westpac Bank Tamworth branch members will toe-tap, knee-slap and hand-clap their way onto Peel Street throughout Tamworth Country Music Festival (TCMF) next week to raise money for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.
While the white-collar workers might be well acquainted with counting coins, they’ll be counting the beat when they perform a purpose-choreographed line dance fundraising for the chopper every afternoon from Monday to Thursday.
This year marks the 19th year the Westpac Bank has line danced at TCMF to raise money for the service – and staff aren’t shying away from the challenge.
Each morning before work, they have been in training for their performances with the help of Ballet Stars choreographer Kristi Cini.
Making his debut at this year’s TCMF is new Westpac Tamworth branch manager Craig Clarke, who joins the country music capital from Manly, bringing with him his wife and two young daughters.
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While he says rehearsals are going well, the jury is still out on the showtime performance.
“I’m keeping an open mind about it,” he said.
“The staff are really loving it.
“I’m looking forward to getting out and about, and embracing it.”
Mr Clarke encouraged festival goers to dig deep and throw any coins their way when they hit the street next week.
“We’re nothing without the community, and we’re nothing without the company,” Mr Clarke said.
“It’s a wonderful service.”
Staff are keeping tight-lipped on the song they’ll be dancing to, but with daily rehearsals, it’s sure to be a show stopper.
“We’ve got a special song and a special routine,” Mr Clarke said.
“The guys have been working very hard. We’ve had a few stumbles, but staff are taking it very seriously.
“More importantly, we love it. We’re encouraging everyone to come along.”
You can catch the Westpac Bank staff line dancing outside their Peel Street branch from 4.30pm Monday to Thursday. The Queens of Country Music are also expected to perform.
The WRHS now undertakes more than 1000 missions each year.
