What has a six-pack, an ear for music and more rattles than a billionaire’s baby?
It’s no unanswerable riddle, but the three components of a Brewing For Change event: drinks, live music and the dropping of loose change into buckets to be donated to locals and organisations in need.
On Saturday, August 31, Brewing for Change returns to Shepparton Brewery under the theme, ‘On The Road Again’.
Why?
Because the lineup consists of local three-piece band Gravel Road and singer-songwriter Appaloosa, marking their first live show in over a year.
They will be no pint-sized performances either, as both will feature new music inspired by Shepparton and its people.
However, at these events, the spotlight is always on the buckets.
Stationed at the bar, attendees are encouraged to grab a frothy with one hand and put their spare change into the donation bucket with the other.
Craig ‘Whiskas’ Veysey, the event organiser and the night’s MC, is pleased to announce that all proceeds from this Brewing for Change event will be donated to the registered health promotion charity Giz A Break.
Through adventure therapy, the charity helps young people aged 14 to 25 who are at risk of or living with poor mental health and social outcomes to reach their full potential.
“I was talking to this bloke one day about mental health,” Whiskas said.
“He was talking about his daughters, had tears in his eyes, and said let me know when you’re doing another (Brewing for Change), I want to come along and give money to the community.
“After that, I wanted to do something for youth mental health since their support organisations get little government funding.
“I gave Giz A Break a ring — he’s a good bloke having a crack — and I thought it was perfect for Brewing for Change.”
Giz A Break is sustained by a mix of small grants, NDIS service provision and donations, all of which are essential for its work in assisting young people with significant childhood trauma and extensive needs.
With worthwhile causes such as this, Brewing for Change events are known to draw crowds, and Whiskas had a message for attendees.
“Everyone pays with a card these days, especially a lot of young people who come to watch,” he said.
“Consider bringing change in your pockets to throw something in there.
“A lot of older people will whack in a lobster or a pineapple, but we only ask that you give what you can.
“It doesn’t matter what you throw in — cents, dollars or notes — cash is king, keep it rolling.”
Brewing for Change: On The Road Again is on Saturday, August 31, from 3pm to 6pm at the Shepparton Brewery, 15 Edwards St, Shepparton.
For more information, contact Craig ‘Whiskas’ Veysey on 0419 786 043 or visit the Shepparton Brewery’s social media pages.