In the wake of the tragedy of Black Saturday in February 2009, Damian performed shows for the Marysville & Alexandra communities. Rather than balking at the experiences these communities had so recently endured he made eye contact with the sooty elephant in the corner.

Off the back of these well-received performances, the Murrindindi Shire asked Damian to tour the region. This took him into communities directly affected by the fires such as Flowerdale, Narbethong and Kinglake and into other towns like Eildon and Strath Creek who had ably supported their neighbours during the crisis. Accompanied by the passionfruit sponge wielding assistants from the Alexandra Library, Damian performed his supper and show at 12 packed halls.