SUNRAYSIA businesses, community groups and events will show some true “Aussie spirit” this Australia Day long weekend, as they raise money for bushfire-affected communities.
Among them will be a motorcycle event, the Bushfire Relief Ride, departing Lock 11 on Saturday from 1pm, with proceeds from ticket sales at $20 to be donated to bushfire relief and recovery.
Also on Saturday will be the Side Tings event at The Setts, where rap fans can enjoy performances from Mildura’s Jimmy Lewis, alongside other Sunraysia and national acts, as well as Melbourne-based headliner Jae.T from 9pm.
The event has been in the works since last November, with Mildura DJ Veezy Bombay putting the call out to artists to come together for the cause. All door cover charges will be donated.
Businesses getting involved include the Coomealla Fuel Station, which will host a community day on Sunday, between 9am and noon, where the Dareton Fire Brigade will be in attendance and there will be a charity car wash, silent auction, face-painting and a sausage sizzle.
Fossey’s Ginporium will follow suit, with all takings from Sunday donated to bushfire relief and a limited edition, specially labelled “Aussie Spirit” gin available for purchase.
On Sunday, Woodsies Gem Shop will donate 100 per cent of takings from gem and jewellery sales to the Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service for animal rescue efforts, while Thai-Riffic and Seoul Chicken and Beer will open especially for Australia Day and donate all takings to the Victorian Bushfire Appeal.