Redcliffe bar throws its support behind local causes

The manager of a bar in Redcliffe has shown he is all about giving back to others by launching two new initiatives that benefit the community.

Oli Thomson from ERA Bar and Grill has pledged to donate $1 from every sale of the bar’s new Turtle Head beer to not-for-profit marine and environmental organisations, plus collect any unwanted second-hand mobile phones for DV Safe Phone, a Sunshine Coast charity which helps victims of domestic violence and natural disasters.

Speaking to Moreton Daily, Oli said it was important to give back to others.

“ERA Bar and Grill is part of the local community, and we want to ensure that we can give back to the community that has supported us,” Oli said.

“I don’t think there is a better way for us to do that then to partner with two great charities that are making a real difference.”

Protecting the turtles

With Moreton Bay being home to a number of endangered turtle species, Oli is passionate about protecting them and ensuring their survival.

“I volunteer for a local group called Turtles of Moreton Bay which is all about protecting the six of the seven endangered turtle species that are found in our waters,” Oli explains.

“Each year, we can have anywhere between 30 and 50 deceased turtles, which is awful.

“Around 30 per cent of those deceased turtles are from boating incidents.”

After creating the beer with Hip Hops Brewers, which is set to open in Brendale soon, Turtle Head beer was launched at ERA earlier this month to coincide with Clean Up Australia Day.

“The beer has been really well received so far – we have sold more than a keg and a half,” Oli says.

“The beer is on tap for now, but we have also had some interest from local tourism operators asking if we could put the beer into cans so they could potentially put it on their boats.

“There are at least three tour boat operators who call Moreton Bay home and by having the beer on their boats, it’s just another way to raise awareness and funds for the turtles.”

Oli said he has also held conversations with other wildlife groups to potentially support in the future as well.

“Who knows, we might just have an animal line of beers,” Oli said, laughing.

“If you want to save the environment, come on down and have a beer.”

Helping victims stay connected

Oli is also asking people who have a draw full of old phones at home to drop them into the bar so they can be donated to a charity called DV Safe Phone.

The charity is committed to collecting, repurposing and gifting unused mobile phones to victims of domestic violence through registered charities, safe houses and authorities.

These phones will ensure every victim of domestic violence has access to a lifeline in their time of need.

“If you have got a draw full of old phones at home, bring them down to ERA,” Oli said.

“We do ask that the phones are factory wiped, but if you don’t know how to do that, leave it with me and I can do that for you.”

The charity also donates phones to people who have been impacted by natural disasters like floods and fires.

Show your support

ERA Bar and Grill is located at 75 Redcliffe Parade, Redcliffe.