Australia’s Students Share Messages of Support to Those Affected By the Bushfires

"The whole of Australia’s support and love is right behind you."

Since September 2019, unprecedented bushfires have continued to ravage Australia, leaving a devastating impact on communities around the nation. Fuelled by record-breaking temperatures and drought, the destruction has been nothing short of heartbreaking.

Over the past five months, bushfire threat has forced hundreds of schools across New South Wales to temporarily shut down. Plus, the air quality in bushfire affected areas reached hazardous levels earlier this month, with tennis players in Melbourne struggling to compete due to smoke.

At least 30 people have died so far, including four firefighters, and more than 2,500 homes have been lost. It's been estimated that over a billion animals have been killed. 

In the midst of the bushfire tragedy, it has been inspiring to see Australians and people from all around the world come together to support those who have lost everything. Chris Hemsworth stepped up to donate $1 million towards bushfire relief, and Celeste Barber has helped raise more than $51 million.  

Additionally, some generous Aussies have created platforms to provide emergency accommodation to families who need a place to stay.

However, the bushfire crisis is far from over. Yesterday, three US firefighters died in the crash of their C-130 waterbombing aircraft in the Snowy Mountains, and six more firefighters were injured when their truck rolled over. 

Fortunately, we can help our brave firefighters and those affected by bushfires by donating money to organisations like the Australian Red Cross, NSW Rural Fire Service, Victoria's Country Fire Authority, and South Australian Country Fire Service through their websites. 

While we’d all love to help out bushfire victims as much as possible, not all students are in the position to donate money.

That’s why we asked our members to share messages of support to the brave firefighters, or those affected by the bushfires. It’s just a small gesture to let them know that Australia’s youth are behind them.

We received more than 100 heartfelt responses, and here are 20 of our favourites.

• Keep up all the hard selfless work you are putting in, your heroic acts of good will be remembered by the world for countless generations.
  Hamzah from VIC
• thank you for everything, we wouldn't be able to live properly if it wasn't for your efforts, a constant reminder of climate change problems.
  Ashley from NSW
• Dear firefighters, from the depth of my heart, I thank you greatly for fighting for our country and just know I’ll be praying for you.
  Maree from NSW
• Keep fighting, praying and hoping, there is always light after every tunnel. Thank you firefighters for fighting fires around Australia, never give up!
  Shania from WA
• Thank you so much for your bravery and compassion. Sorry I can't help more than donating. Please rest well after the fires are over.
  Danielle from SA
• Australia is saying thank you to all the amazing, hard working firefighters out there who risk their lives everyday to ensure everyone is safe.
  Vanessa from NSW
• Have hope and stay strong during this crisis. The rest of Australia and the world have your back and we pray this will shortly pass.
  Kathleen from NSW
• You guys are the bravest people I could imagine, stay strong, support each other and help from others will come. Hopefully this hell ends soon.
  Joshua from VIC
• The whole of Australia's support and love is right behind you.
  Si Min from QLD
• We thank you for putting your lives on the line, we thank you for showing true Aussie mateship, we thank you for all you've done.
  Sophia from QLD
• Please stay safe and I pray for rain and cooler weather for respite and my heart goes out to all the animals and victims.
  Brighton from VIC
• All of you are heroes. You are incredibly brave, strong and courageous. I am so proud of your continuous efforts and Australia loves you all.
  Ruby from NSW
• Thank you all for the time, energy and determination to assist in extinguishing the flames of destruction across Australia, despite the jeopardies of such conditions.
  Christina from NSW
• It may seem devastating where the fires are at but keep in mind that me and the boys are supporting you from Perth.
  Jason from WA
• Thank you to all the amazing firies that have helped saved thousands of lives and homes and have sacrificed time away from their families #australiastandswithyou
  Iesha from NSW
• It's really hard... but you've got to stay strong. You've come so far already. I'm sorry for the devastating effects of the fires on you.
  Eloise from VIC
• It must seem dark right now but please remember the light at the end of the tunnel and all of those who love you.
  Briar from WA
• Thank you for everything you do! We appreciate you guys and words can't explain how much you have done.
  Sophie from NSW
• We owe you everything, our Australian heroes. Stay safe!
  Alex from NSW
• Thank You for everything that you all have done to protect and save our world! We all appreciate your hard work and commitment!
  Parnia from NSW

Find out how else you can help out Australia's bushfire victims here.

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