We have seen many reports about the bushfires here down under that devastated large areas of rural Victoria in the past weeks. Many wine regions between Bendigo in the West and the Yarra Valley in the East are affected. With most fires now under control, the residents and business of these areas begin to rebuild their lives.

And it is amazing, how Australians stood up to help their fellow countrymen, millions raised throughout the country in spontaneous help. Here in the Southern Highlands I hardly know any shop, that hasn’t got a white container at its cash register collecting money for bushfire victims. There is also a large number of fund raising events in wineries and restaurants, raising much needed funds for the Red Cross Bush Fire Appeal.

I received an invitation today to join a fund-raising dinner in the Geelong region, a few kilometers west of Melbourne. On Friday 6 March there will be a charity dinner at Bellarine Estates’ Julian’s restaurant from 6.30pm for a cost of $70 for a 4 course meal, and drinks at bar prices.

To everyone reading this blog and either living or traveling in the Geelong area, this is your chance to help. Staff and Suppliers have donated their time and food so all proceeds will be donated to the Red Cross Bush Fire Appeal – good on you.

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Nachdem die meisten Braende unter Kontrolle sind, beginnt fuer die Menschen in den Brandgebieten Viktoria’s der Wiederaufbau ihrer Existenz. Unzaehlige Sammlungen haben in den vergangenen Tagen Millionen von Dollars fuer die Betroffenen zusammen gebracht. Ich erhielt heute eine Einladung zu einem Charity Dinner in der Geelong Gegend. In dem renommierten Bellarine Estates’ Julian’s restaurant koennen Sie lokale Weine und vorzuegliches Essen geniessen, die gesamten Einnahmen gehen an das Rote Kreuz. Melden Sie sich an, wenn Sie in der Naehe sind, und helfen Sie den Betroffenen in den Brandgebieten.

‘Good on you’ sagen wir hier in Australien zu Initiativen wie dieser.

Ihr Michael Brecht

Related posts:

1. Curlewis Reserve Pinot Noir – Rainer Breits Meisterwerk aus Geelong
2. Swan Bay – der Einstiegs-Pinot Noir aus Geelong
3. Vom Naturwissenschaftler zum Winzer – die Lethbridge Wines aus Geelong
4. Von schottischen Huegeln: Geelongs feinster Pinot Noir
5. Fired: volunteer firefighters sacked by Australian Beer and Wine Giant