Feel-Good Friday: Good Chooks, Good Cheer and Good Karma

The winds of weekend change are upon us. The weather is cooling down and Sydneysiders are retreating to the comfort of their cozy couches and warm living rooms, making it the ideal time to catch up on some light reading. In this week’s Feel-Good Friday, we are shining a spotlight on the unique and prosperous citizens taking up the good fight and doing good by their communities. Join us as we pay tribute to those who give selflessly.

Steggles Charity Chook

With cost of living pressures putting a strain on almost everything, charitable endeavours are probably the last thing on your mind. What’s more, you aren’t alone. New data has revealed that nearly one in three (28 per cent) of Australians are donating less to charity now than they did a year ago. This comes amid reports that of the 70 per cent of Australians who actively support charities, over a third (35 per cent) admit they don’t feel financially comfortable enough to give regularly.

To combat the issue, chicken producer Steggles has launched The Charity Chook, a new initiative in which 30c from every purchase in July will go directly to Australian children’s charities. The brand has reimagined its famous Steggles Family Roast with custom packaging created in collaboration with acclaimed illustrator Daniel Grey-Barnet. The design features heartfelt artwork inspired by three Australian families who have been supported by Ronald McDonald House Charities, and their cherished memories created around the dinner table.

“Bringing joy through illustration has always been a passion of mine, so partnering with Steggles to create the Charity Chook packaging was truly special,” Grey-Barnet said. “As a parent, I was deeply moved by the stories of Savi, Henry, and Haisley – each filled with resilience, love, and hope. It was an honour to help capture that warmth through my artwork. My hope is that every pack brings a smile to the dinner table, while also helping families dealing with hardship.”

Steggles Charity Chook will be available from Woolworths nationwide from 1 July 2025. To get involved, simply pick up a Steggles Charity Chook at Woolies throughout July and turn dinner into something truly meaningful.

Karma Drinks Hits $1 Million Donated to Karma Foundation

Fair Trade and a B Corp beverage company, Karma Drinks has hit a significant milestone this week, officially surpassing $1 million donated to its philanthropic arm, Karma Drinks’ Foundation. The charitable endeavour works to channel donations directly to its cola nut growers and their communities in Sierra Leone, delivering life-changing impact and helping to redefine ethical beverage production.

Through the Karma Foundation, the company actively supports a range of community-led initiatives in Sierra Leone, including educational programs, infrastructure development, and environmental protection projects. These initiatives are chosen and managed by the local communities themselves, ensuring that support is tailored to their specific needs and priorities.

“In Sierra Leone, we say he who brings cola brings peace. Two or three bags of cola nuts can bring some good cash into my home,” late Chief Hindowa, Boma, Sierra Leone, Community Leader said. “Then I can take care of my family. Before Karma Cola came, no vehicle entered Boma because there was no bridge, that was our obstacle. We were able to construct that bridge, so that whenever they invite the Paramount Chief, he would not fall off or go for a swim.”

The journey of Karma Drinks began on New Zealand’s Piha Beach, where three friends envisioned creating a cola that truly embodied the concept of “karma.” Their ambition was to build an ethical business dedicated to sourcing ingredients that benefit the land, the people cultivating them, and the consumers enjoying the final product. Karma Drinks has doubled its revenue in the last four years and has big plans for growth. The brand is accelerating its expansion in Australia as part of a global growth strategy, aimed at doubling the size of its business within the next four years.

Sydney Institution Surly’s is Celebrating 10 Rockin’ Years

• What: Surly’s 10th Birthday Party
• Where: Surly’s American Tavern – 182 Campbell Street, Darlinghurst
• When: Saturday, July 5, 2025 – Midday until late
• Price: Free

Darlinghurst’s favourite dive bar and smokehouse, Surly’s Tavern, is celebrating 10 glorious years of brisket, beers and big ole’ moustaches with a birthday bash next weekend. Held on Saturday, July 5, from midday until late, Surly’s 10th Birthday Party is set to transform the downtown venue into a free, country music mini-festival. The show is presented by Fireball and will be headlined by Caitlin Harnett & The Pony Boys and Andy Golledge Band; two of Australia’s most beloved alt-country acts.

Of course, music won’t be the only thing on the menu. Surly’s is also using the event to launch a new collaborative American Red Ale beer release with the legends behind Mountain Culture. And for fans of spicy wings and delicious natural wines, Doom Juice is set to host the 1st Annual Surly’s Hot Wing Eating Competition. Competitors will challenge each other for the glorious prize of a 12-month supply of Doom Juice wine and Surly’s BBQ. Throw in games and activations provided by Fireball, Coors and Grifter, as well as food specials, giveaways and DJs until late, and you’ve got one hell of a good time.

Solar Rebates Set to Boost Aussies this Tax Time

If you’ve been thinking about getting solar, this tax time might be your best option. From July 1, the Australian Government is offering a 30 per cent upfront rebate on home battery storage, meaning you could score $4,000 off a typical system, no income test required. This all comes via the new Cheaper Home Batteries Program, which is a federal scheme designed to make clean energy storage affordable.

According to Solar Choice, Australia’s only instant online quote comparison site for solar & batteries, a typical 10kWh battery could save a household around $1,200 per year on power bills and cut roughly 4 tonnes of CO₂ emissions. The solar experts have unveiled a Battery Rebate Calculator to help make sense of the new rebate, explaining just how much you may be able to save. The company’s calculator breaks down full government coverage, based on your battery size or brand. For more information, visit Solar Choice and see what you could be saving.

A Melbourne CBD Meal that’s Cheap as Chips (and Chook)

Today is a very special day if you happen to be a Melburnian because, after years of waiting, El Jannah is opening its first Melbourne CBD restaurant. That’s right, the pride of Sydney’s west, the charcoal chicken champions, the garlic sauce gods themselves, have opened a new location at 158 Swanson Street. 

To celebrate, visitors can pick up an all-day $5 Charcoal Chicken Meal Deal, consisting of that famous charcoal chicken, crispy chips and an ice-cold beverage. While you can expect an army of chicken devotees, El Jannah’s expert chicken-slinging style means you shouldn’t expect to wait too long. 

Plus, if you are a Melbourne-based chicken fan, don’t let our inter-city rivalry get the better of you. El Jannah’s arrival in your fair city is simply the next chapter in an Aussie success story fuelled by the same love of good chook we all share.