Bogans build better future

FESTIVAL

Bogan Fest 2014, Rockingham Hotel

Sunday, January 26, 6pm to 10pm

Rockingham bogans can cap off Australia Day celebrations at the fourth Bogan Fest at the Rockingham Hotel on Sunday.

Bogan and Proud owner Mark Stoner said he wanted the event to be bigger and better than July’s record-breaking fundraiser.

“The main reason we do it is to raise money for our local Make A Wish branch,” he said.

“Embrace the bogan way — good times, good fun and good people — and it’s all for a worthy cause. “It’s the ultimate way of life.

“It will be good fun with Bogarnis playing old pub rock songs from days gone by.

“It finishes at 10pm, and if you’ve had a big Australia Day you’ve always got Monday off to recover.”

Stoner said he planned to donate to a charity when he started Bogan and Proud, and was inspired to benefit Make A Wish after seeing crude comedian Kevin “Bloody” Wilson break down crying when granting a wish.

Stoner said he was grateful he had healthy children and empathised with families with sick kids.

“When you’re a parent... you know how important that is,” he said.

“You can’t control these illnesses, which would be really hard as a parent to watch your child go through.”

He said Bogan Fest had raised nearly $10,000 for Make A Wish Mandurah Rockingham and he wanted that tally to be $15,000 after Sunday’s event.

“People keep bagging bogans, but here we are showing we’re not all that bad,” he said.

Bogan Fest 2014 will include raffles, games and prizes for best dressed.

Tickets cost $15 at the door. Pre-book by emailing Paul at boganfest@gmail.com. Doors open at 5pm.