Four friends, four small business owners and leaders in their fields have joined forces, offering an exclusive luxury getaway to the magnificent Margaret River region with proceeds to be donated to the Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.
Fire Break is a one-off online auction that will see bidders vying for a chance to experience a luxury two night stay in stunning beachside accommodation, The Roozen Residence; a world-class private tour of the region with highly awarded Margaret River Discovery Co; a private dinner presented by celebrated chef Tony Howell and one of the region’s most exciting alternate winemakers, Amato Vino. To complete the experience the winning bidder can expect a special delivery of wine by Amato Vino on returning home.
It wasn’t just the memories of the fires that tore through the Margaret River region in 2011 that fuelled a desire to help, when this group of friends realised the extent of the devastation across the nation, their only consideration was to decide how they could best raise money.
“Many people have suffered, lives have been lost, and many others have lost all they own,” said Amato Vino winemaker Brad Wehr, who has seen several friends lose vineyards, wineries and homes in the latest fires.
“People are hurting. Add to this the extensive damage to wildlife, the environment and to the communities and economies in regional areas across Australia, it’s a tragic situation. The rest of us feel helpless simply watching on and wondering what we can do, so we’ve banded together to do something - that’s the Australian spirit.”
The group has offered their services, skills, and knowledge to raise funds to help rebuild communities. Collectively, the Fire Break auction is expected to achieve more than each friend could do individually.
Sean Blocksidge, a volunteer firefighter and owner of The Margaret River Discovery Company, knows first-hand how easily fire can tear a community to pieces.
“Even the most experienced fire fighter will tell you that bushfires can be scary and overwhelming. But it's after the flames pass when the real work starts, to rebuild the community. We want to help these communities on their road to recovery,” Sean said.
Brad Wehr sums it up, “We are friends, community members, business owners, and believe in the community spirit that thrives in our regions and enriches all of Australia. That’s why we’re doing it.”
Bidding opens through Gala Bid on 8am on Friday January 24th and closes 6pm (WST) on Saturday February 1st 2020. Find out more at https://app.galabid.com/firebreak/items.
Donating:
Sharon Batley, Vineyard Stories - co-ordinator
Brad Wehr, Amato Vino
Sean Blocksidge, Margaret River Discovery Co
Chef Tony Howell
Karen Siddall, Roozen Residence
Dianne Bortoletto, Pronto PR
Auction details:
- Two nights in the executive and luxurious Roozen Residence, Margaret River’s premier holiday house in Prevelly that has unparalleled ocean views from every room. Sleeps six (three couples)
- A private dining experience for six guests with one of Western Australia’s finest chefs, Tony Howell. Multi-course dining with matched Amato Vino wine
- A private day-tour of Margaret River for six guests with award-winning Margaret River Discover Co
- A case of Amato Vino wine delivered to your door
- Bidding opens 8am Friday January 24th and closes 6pm (WST) Saturday February 1st 2020
- https://app.galabid.com/firebreak/items.
All involved are donating their services free of charge.