Australian bushfires: Brisbane’s Ballistic Beer Co throws fundraiser

A Brisbane south brewery is throwing its support behind two charities helping bushfire-ravaged communities. Here’s how you can get involved.

A Rural Fire Service (RFS) firefighter conducts mopping up near the town of Sussex Inlet on December 31, 2019 in Sydney, Australia. Photo: Sam Mooy/Getty Images

A Brisbane brewery is throwing its support behind two charities helping bushfire-ravaged communities.

Ballistic Beer Co is fundraising to help fire victims and animals impacted by the blazes in the southern states via two charities, WIRES Australian Wildlife Rescue Organisation and the Salvation Army’s bushfire appeal.

The bushfire charity event will run from 1-10pm on Saturday, January 11 at Ballistic’s Salisbury location at 53-55 McCarthy Rd.

A firefighter works to contain a bushfire in NSW. (AAP Image/Darren Pateman)

Ballistic Beer Co will donate 100 per cent of the profits from the day to the two charities and there will be lucky door prizes donated by southside businesses.

There will be movies and jumping castles for the children, as well as multiple food trucks and live music on the day.

Ballistic Beer Co owner David Kitchen told the Southern Star said he had been watching the fires on the news and decided he wanted his company to do something to help.

An injured koala. (AAP Image/David Mariuz)

“My wife and I watched a news bulletin about the fires ravaging the southern states, we both turned to each other and said we have to do something about it,” he recalled.

“In Queensland, we have got off pretty light with the bushfires.

“We’re grateful to have missed out on the devastation and thought we’ve got to do something to harness the power of our local community, to assist the fire-ravaged communities.”

Head Brewer Lachy Crothers is involved in the fundraiser. (AAP Image/Richard Walker)

So, this week, Mr Kitchen and his team started to organise Saturday’s fundraiser.

“We will be donating 100 per cent of the profit from every beer sold this Saturday,” Mr Kitchen said.

“We will also be auctioning off the opportunity to brew your own beer and have it served across our bars.

“Hopefully, many of the local businesses will also buy in and support the day with a heap of prizes and giveaways.

Evan Lloyd and Lachy Crothers at Ballistic Beer Co. in Salisbury. (AAP Image/Richard Walker)

“We’ll make this a real event, with jumping castles, movies for the kids, BBQ and dessert food trucks, extra musicians and more.

“Locals can come down, buy a beer and know that every sip will benefit bushfire victims, both people and animals.

“It’s easy to sit back and feel glad it’s not us. But it’s far more meaningful if we can actually do something to help others.”