O’Donoghues Irish pub plans big rock gig to raise funds for fireys
A western Sydney Irish pub has booked one of the most popular Sydney cover bands, including former members of the Choirboys and Hoodoo Gurus, to headline its bushfire relief event.
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Steve Hart and the All Stars will rock Emu Plains next Friday to raise important funds for the Rural Fire Service.
The band, featuring former NRL presenter Hart and former members of bands such as the Choirboys, Divinyls and Hoodoo Gurus, will play at O’Donoghues pub on December 6 as part of a charity event.
O’Donoghues licensee Nixon Hamilton’s family was affected by the grass fire at Llandilo two weeks ago and started planning the event almost immediately.
“We just put it out there to get some musicians involved,” he said. “Our booking agent came through with the goods by getting Steve Hart and the All Stars.
“It’s been unbelievable seeing how many people have come to the party – we’ve got a lot of people who want to do their part.”
Mr Hamilton has been offering free meals to firefighters for the past fortnight, but said this event would raise a big chunk of money.
“We’ve organised acoustic artists before the main gig, we’ve got auction items to raise money, as well as food and beverage suppliers,” he said. “We’ll have ticket sales on top of that as well, raffle items, and there’s a lot more still to happen. What we’ve announced is just the tip of the iceberg.
“We’re looking at giving some of the funds to Cumberland Zone Rural Fire Service, but the head office is where we believe it makes the biggest difference. They need equipment, they need fuel for their trucks.
“I’m no expert, but I know they need funds.”
Mr Hamilton said the cover charge would be $10 from 8pm on, and he was expecting at least 800 people at the event.
“We’ll have the bucket out there if anyone wants to give any extra money, and everything will go directly to the RFS,” he said.
“We’re estimating $2500 from The Carriage (food truck), $7000 from door sales and another $2000 from keg sales.”
Mr Hamilton said he believed the push to raise funds perfectly encapsulated O’Donoghues’ community spirit.
“We’re family owned, and there’s a real family vibe,” he said.
“This is showing our true character, and the direction we want to take in the future.
“We all have to do our little bit – don’t not do something just because you think it won’t make a difference.”