Three Australian Brightonians organise bushfire benefit concert

Far from home, but worried about recent events in their home country, three Australians have organised a Brighton benefit concert to fundraise for the bushfire response.
Australian trio Paris Yacoubian, Karly Sawyer, and Rachel Wagner, met in Brighton and decided to move to the city.Australian trio Paris Yacoubian, Karly Sawyer, and Rachel Wagner, met in Brighton and decided to move to the city.
Australian trio Paris Yacoubian, Karly Sawyer, and Rachel Wagner, met in Brighton and decided to move to the city.

The three Australians, Paris Yacoubian from Sydney, Karly Sawyer from Albany, and Rachel Wagner from Melbourne, originally met at Baggies Backpackers Hostel.

After ‘falling in love’ with Brighton they decided to stay in the city.

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Now, the trio have organised a live show on January 31 at the North Laine Brewhouse to benefit Australian charities responding to the current bushfires; The Bushfire Disaster Appeal and Wildlife Victoria.

“As Aussie expats, home often seems a lot further away than just a plane ride,” organiser Paris Yacoubian said.

“When we saw the coverage of the bushfires and heard the stories from our friends and family, we felt overwhelmingly helpless.

“We couldn’t attend our cities’ fundraisers, or join knitting parties to make joey pouches, or help with food collections, but we wanted to do something.

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“When the Aussie media announced that what was really needed now was money, Rachel suggested we hold a fundraiser in Brighton to send some of that much needed cash back home.

“As big fans of the Brighton music scene and surrounded by talented musician friends, we decided to host a live music event in order to raise money.”

Bushfire Beats will take place at the North Laine Brewhouse, 27 Gloucester Place, Brighton.

The line-up currently includes singer-songwriter Matty P, Melbourne artist Villah, Brighton born R&B artist, Boudicca, and Moth, a Brighton 5 piece.

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“Australia is on fire. There are over 130 fires currently burning around the country right now and on January 4 parts of Australia were recorded as the hottest places on earth,” Paris said.

“Thousands of people have been forced to flee their homes, the death toll is at least 28 people with over a billion animals estimated dead and many more injured. “More than 20 million hectares of our land is burnt. And we’re not even half way through the summer.”

A special ‘Kanga Brew’ beer, brewed by Laines Brew Co., will be available at the event with all sales going to the cause.

“This is our call to action: support Australia, she needs your help. If you’re feeling hopeless like we were, come on down to the North Laine Brewhouse on January 31, Have a beer, listen to some ripper live music, and help our mates having a rough time. It’s what Aussies do best!” Paris said.

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The Bushfire Disaster Appeal supports communities most in need and provides meals for evacuees and front-line responders.

Wildlife Victoria helps to rebuild wildlife shelters, enclosures, and equipment lost to the fires.

More information can be found on the Bushfire Beats Facebook page or at Eventbrite.

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