Flood relief fundraiser ready to give to Northern community

ART lovers and generous Surf Coast and Greater Geelong residents will be at Bells Beach Brewing next Friday to raise funds for flood-affected communities in Northern New South Wales and Queensland.

The Torquay-based brewery will host an evening of art, live music, food, drinks and good times as the works of more than 40 local artists will be on display for purchase to help fundraise for the floods up north on April 8.

Every person who buys a ticket for the event will also receive a raffle ticket upon entry for a chance to win goodies donated by local businesses and brands, again with all proceeds raised from the sales going directly to those who are flood-affected.

Ocean Grove-based artist and coordinator of the Surf Coast Flood Relief Fundraiser Jessi Muir approached Bells Beach Brewing co-owner Adam Smith to hold the event at just the right time, as Mr Smith and his team were already looking to host a fundraiser for the floods.

“We had been looking to do something for the relief effort and bring the community together, so when Jessi approached us, it was kind of a no-brainer,’ Mr Smith said.

“When the fires were on up in Gippsland, we did an event similar to this one and we pride ourselves on doing community-focused events.

“Last year in October, we held an event centred around mental health where we ended up donating $1,000, so for anyone who wants to bring the community together we are more than happy to help out.”

Ms Muir’s original idea to coordinate the fundraiser was sparked by her desire to help others, she even explored options to head north to help in-person.

However, when the idea became logistically impossible, she needed to find an alternative way to help.

“I have a lot of friends up in that area that have been impacted by the floods, so heading up there was the first idea that came to mind,” Ms Muir said.

“I think a lot of people on the Bellarine and the Surf Coast saw what was happening up there and are looking for ways to help where they can, so in helping create this event I’ll be giving those people an option to do just that.”

Each ticket to attend the fundraiser event is $30 and can be purchased at www.events.humanitix.com/surf-coast-flood-relief-fundraiser.

Bells Beach Brewing Torquay is located at 2/22 Baines Cres, Torquay.