12:00a.m. 21st December 2008

TAKE ME HOME I'M YOUR'S: Jaylene Farrell pictured with Arwin from the is auctioning signed cd's from Wolfmother, Silverchair to raise money for the Sippy Creek Animal Refuge Photo: Jason Dougherty/167761

It helps to have friends in high places. Particularly when, like Jaylene Farrell, you are organising a fundraiser.

The former music publicist, who traded in the hustle of Sydney life for Coolum two years ago, has called on some of her famous friends for help as she raises money for the Sippy Creek Animal Refuge.

Australian bands including Silverchair, Something For Kate, Hilltop Hoods and Kate Miller-Heidke will donate signed merchandise to be auctioned at a fundraiser at Peregian Beach Hotel on February 28.

The event – called Gme Shelta!!! Goin 2 Da Dawgs!! – will have a strong local line-up of local talent including Massey Smith, Zelus, Cleveland Blues, and David Flowers.

Jaylene said the event would combine her two passions – music and animals.

“Since I’ve been on the Sunshine Coast I’ve been amazed at the wonderful work the Sippy Creek Animal Refuge does, and they really don’t ask for anything,” she said.

“The volunteers and people who work there are wonderful, beautiful people, so being a publicist I want to use my contacts here to try and raise money and raise their profile.”

Jaylene’s CV includes a four-year stint as personal assistant and publicist to Jimmy Barnes, the Rockmelons and the Divinyls from 1998 to 2002. She said her work was how she managed to call in favours from acts such as Silverchair.

“The music industry is quite small, so you get to know everyone,” she said.

Jaylene was reluctant to share too many secrets from her time working with Jimmy Barnes, but said it was a great job for a “music nut”.

“So many fun things that happened during that time, but it was not just partying all the time – you were on call 24-7,” she said.

“My main role was to be there for him for any requests and he was an easygoing person to work for.”

Jaylene is looking for more local musicians who would like to perform on February 28. Anyone interested should contact Sodapopz Publicity & Management on 0488 926 056