Brightbird Espresso ready to help those affected by St Patrick's Day bushfires

On Thursday the Liebig Street business is holding a south-west bushfire relief benefit event, with thousands of dollars worth of auction items up for grabs. 

There will be live music from the Find Your Voice All Abilities Choir, Tom Richardson and DJ Tuff Juan.

Brightbird owners Mark and Katrina Brightwell said all proceeds from the night would be donated to the Victorian Farmers Federation to help those in the community who had been affected by the devastating St Patrick’s Day fires.

Brightbird will also offer burgers, cocktails and beer on the night, with all proceeds going to the VFF.

Brightbird staff and volunteers are also donating their time. Another big contributor to the event is Lovelock Studio’s Sinead Murphy, who has designed the auction website and posters. 

Ms Brightwell said the live auction included an “incredible” range of local goods and services.

“They were all very kindly donated,” she said.

“But, if you can't make it to the auction, you can submit an early bid and we'll bid for you on the night.”

Auction items include artworks by south-west artists Liam Murphy and Jimmi Buscombe, a fully installed air-conditioner from Cri-Tech and AB Electrical, a coffee table from Slow Life Designs, an accommodation package from the Lady Bay Resort, a mid century armchair upholstered by Inner Space, a $500 Designing Spaces voucher and a couple will from Taits Legal. 

To make an early bid go to www.brightbird.com.au/bushfire-benefit/ and the auction page to find out more.

Ms Brightwell said they had been “absolutely overwhelmed” with donations.

“We're holding a silent auction as well,” she said.

“You can bid on these items through the auction page, or submit your maximum bid on the night.

“There will also be raffle of epic proportions – hampers exploding with more kindly donated goods and services.”

There will also be an AFL football ticket package from Warrnambool Toyota up for grabs, as well as thousands of dolalrs worth of gift vouchers from south-west businesses. 

Tickets for the raffle are available from Brightbird now.

Ms Brightwell said if people couldn’t make it on the night but would like to make a donation, they could leave one in exchange for a donated Jane Dough hot cross bun all day on Thursday.

The event will kick off at 6pm.