Hawke’s Brewing Co. has followed up its ‘Jab & Slab’ initiative by partnering with famed street artist Scottie Marsh to create a mural in the hope of once again driving the vaccination message, while raising funds for the hospitality industry.

The Jab & Slab promotion saw the brewer put aside 250 slabs of Hawke’s Lager to say cheers to the first 250 people living in Greater Sydney who shared proof of their first vaccination with them.

Located at Hawke’s new brewery site in Marrickville, the mural stretches across a 10m wall, which the company has donated to the inner west artist for on-going art projects. Marsh’s first piece shows a masked and freshly-jabbed Bob Hawke, with the former Prime Minister’s Band-Aid screen-printed with a QR code that directs people to a website where they can find their nearest COVID-19 vaccine clinic.

Known for his love of beer, Hawke is also seen holding a partially-filled schooner glass, which Marsh will periodically top up over the coming weeks, as the country hits its various vaccination percentages. Marsh will put his finishing touch on the schooner Hawke’s Lager when the nation reaches 80% in double vaccinations, a target that the government has suggested will give Aussies their best chance of getting back to the pub.

“It’s been encouraging to see jabs on the rise. And now, with more vaccines becoming readily available, it’s time to find another gear”, says Hawke’s co-founder, Nathan Lennon (pictured above with Marsh and Hawke’s Brewing co-founder David Gibson).

“The sooner we hit 80%, the sooner vulnerable businesses can get back on their feet, and the sooner we can all get back to living our lives – less lockdowns, more freedoms and yes, freshly-poured beers at our favourite venues. Hopefully just in time for summer.”

With hospitality one of the worst hit industries throughout the pandemic, the beer company is hoping to raise awareness and financial support for their “hospo mates”, stating that interactions with the mural on its social media will unlock up to $10,000 in donations to Tip Jar, a hospitality relief fund that raises and directs money to those in the industry that need it most. Hawke’s Brewing Co. will also be selling “Race you to the pub” T-shirts via their website, with a $5
donation from every sale going to Tip Jar.

Those who wish to unlock donations for the Australian Hospitality Relief Fund can head to the Hawke’s Brewing Instagram Page (@hawkesbrewingco) where information is detailed on the mural post.