Wayne Kilbourne a 47-year-old father of four, suffered a devastating blow earlier this year when he was diagnosed with terminal bowel cancer.

Doctors told him he would be lucky to make it to Christmas  –  but his family hope he will live much longer.

The family is attempting to raise $35,000 to send Mr Kilbourne to Europe for ground-breaking treatment unavailable in Australia.

So far they have raised $11, 753 through a gofundme page online.

In two weeks they hope to have reached their target.

A four-day celebration – Weekend for Wayne  – will see the shire transformed into a hive of activity.

The main event at the Old Hepburn Hotel will involve dozens of bands from as far as Geelong.

Daughter Rose Kilbourne said her father loved music and had spent many years in a band.

“He’s drummer, so there will be musicians and an art auction with artwork that has been donated,” Ms Kilbourne said.

The family hope to get Mr Kilbourne to Europe as soon as possible – once they have raised the money the treatment can begin immediately.

“Obviously we want to get him there as soon as possible,” Ms Kilbourne said.

“As soon as we have the Weekend for Wayne we hope we have enough money – the doctors are waiting to go ahead with the treatment.”

Ms Kilbourne said her father’s condition had dramatically deteriorated in recent months, which was incredibly difficult for his family to cope with.