Tyler Redway
MOUNT Gambier/Berrin band Fat Pony managed to score a supporting act gig at the Woolstore Brewery last Saturday for this year’s Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb.
Fat Pony, composed of lead singer Max Grubb, bassist and keyboardist Gabriel Strachan, drummer Oliver Stevens and guitarists Flynn Stevens and Bryan Van Zyl, managed to help raise a total of more than $900.
This total contributed towards the SA Country Fire Service (CFS) Compton Branch’s combined goal of $10,431.
The 2024 Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb aims to raise a grand total of $750,000 to fight against cancer, depression and suicide, particularly within the defence and emergency service industries.
Firefighters involved in the fundraiser will travel to the Melbourne Crown Casino where they will tackle 28 flights of stairs in full protective gear and breathing apparatuses.
Compton CFS volunteer and Mount Gambier/Berrin event organiser Matthew Grubb said although the Melbourne Stair Climb’s website already listed a total, the Compton brigade was already aiming for a total of about $30,000 in fundraising efforts.
Mr Grubb said he had a “proud dad moment” seeing his son Max on stage with his band giving their all for a good cause.
“For younger guys like Fat Pony, it’s so great to have a venue like the Woolstore Brewery bringing them in and supporting them,” Mr Grubb said.
My son (Max) is in the band, we are always looking for gigs for them and we are regulars here at Woolstore, so it all made sense to try and build something out of that.
“Anything we can do to build the music scene in Mount Gambier is huge, music is a massive part of my life so if we can do anything to help support these bands, then the bigger the better.
“We do have a great facility in the Railway Lands which I think is a bit underutilised, so I’m big not only in supporting anything local, but also the junior development side of things to give young people something to aim for.”
Fat Pony Lead singer Max Grubb said it was a privilege to be able to contribute to the Compton CFS’ cause while also being able to express themselves on stage.
“We have performed at the Woolstore Brewery before, they are very welcoming and we are pretty good friends with the owners,” Max said.
“It’s lovely to have an opportunity to add to that music scene in Mount Gambier which we sort of lack a bit.”
Max said support for both the event and the band was incredible to see, which also encouraged them to put themselves out there more often for events like the fundraiser.
“I don’t know if it is the same for the others, but I really like engaging with the audience and knowing I am doing a good job because I am usually very anxious on stage,” he said.
“It is good to get some feedback from the audience because then we know our endless hours of practice are being put to good use.
“It’s simple, we are a bunch of teenagers and no one really expects grand musical talent from us, but it is a really good creative outlet and it really encourages you to process feelings and the manner you present yourself.”
