By Mikayla Van Loon
While not many people knew the name Josh Hannan before his appearance on the new season of Australian Idol, most of the Mount Evelyn township was cheering him on for the grand finale.
From day one, the town came out with signs of support, particularly the Mt Evelyn Garden Centre and Tram Xpresso Cafe, following his journey every step of the way.
Olivia, from Tram Xpresso, said she met Josh when he came into the cafe after getting through to the top 50.
“His father has come several times to the café since then with Josh’s grandma,” she said.
“Since then we have put up supporting signs during his sensational journey with Australian Idol. Our staff, loyal customers and other Mt Evelyn residents are so proud of his achievement to date.”
As a lover of singing and wanting to support Josh in every way possible, Olivia and the team from the Mt Evelyn Garden Centre decided to put signs out on the road for everyone to see.
“I really appreciate a good voice and the effort that Josh must have put in to get to the top 50.
“When I met Josh at the café he had a very outstanding personality and I thought at that time he could really win Australian Idol.”
This rally of support also spread to Heart and Soul Cafe on Wray Crescent, with Shirley getting a call from Josh’s mum asking her to organise a gathering to show the community getting behind Josh.
“I didn’t know anything about it until Monday (20 March) when his mum rang. Once I knew, I wanted to do what I could to help,” she said.
Bringing in the help of Mitch and Tramaine to coordinate a group and film the occasion, locals with their homemade signs met out the front of Heart and Soul last Monday.
“It [was] an opportunity to get out there and bring the community together because we don’t normally come across situations where there’s a singer in our town that’s gone onto the Idol,” Tramaine said.
“I thought, well, someone needs to get involved in trying to get something going here in the town.”
Olivia said the town was super excited to watch Josh in the final, hoping he would take home the prize to continue his career in the music industry.
“The whole community is buzzing with the excitement of a local young man making it to the final of Australian Idol. I often hear our customers talking about how good Josh’s voice is,” she said.
“We obviously [hoped] Josh [would] take out the winning position of Australian Idol. His songwriting ability, sensational voice and his knowledge of musical instruments will spearhead his forthcoming musical career.”
Despite coming runner up in the grand final to Royston Sagigi-Baira, Olivia said celebrations would continue with free hot drinks on Tuesday 28 March and she would always be proud to have supported Josh on his Australian Idol journey.
“When Josh came to the café I got a great photo of him and me with the famous 1942 tram in the background. I will always treasure that.”
