Ann Carameli and Ernst Hanisch of Gooseberry Hill are arranging a fundraiser for the South West fires victims.
Camera IconAnn Carameli and Ernst Hanisch of Gooseberry Hill are arranging a fundraiser for the South West fires victims. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Aussies Band Together for Yarloop Bushfire

Sally McGlewMidland Kalamunda Reporter

A LOVE of Harley Davidsons and good music is what got Ernst Hanisch a gig as DJ at the Yarloop Hotel on Australia Day in recent years.

But this Australia Day, with the hotel having burnt down, the annual gig was cancelled.

“I was devastated as I watched the fires unfold on Facebook and followed my friend’s journey in Yarloop and saw the destruction of the town and pub,” he said.

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“I wanted to know what I could do to help and tossed around a few scenarios in my head but then speaking to (partner) Ann, I decided to go ahead with the Australia Day community fundraiser, just not in Yarloop.”

Hanisch and Ann Carameli, of Gooseberry Hill, decided to raise funds for the people of the town, many of whom have lost everything.

They were offered the use of the Italian Club in Middle Swan as the new location.

The day will offer a full bar, sausage sizzle, meat pies, lamingtons, meat raffles, Australiana gear for sale and Australian music.

The couple has been inundated with donations to help the Australia Day barbecue and entertainment to go ahead.

“We are going to play $1 requests for songs and also a David Bowie tribute,” Hanisch said.

The event will be held on Tuesday, January 26, from 3 to 9pm.

Tickets are $5, with a silent auction and raffles held throughout the day.

The couple has chosen four charities to share the proceeds from the fundraiser, including Yarloop animal welfare activist Morris Stonehouse, who is tending to injured wildlife.

“This is what being Australian is all about; pulling together and helping others in times of need,” Hanisch said.

For more information about the day, go to www.facebook.com/Hyphen-Entertainment.