How To Help Australia’s Bushfire Victims

Here’s what you can do.

Bushfire threat has continued to intensify today, with the Premier of Victoria Daniel Andrews extending the state of disaster by 48 hours.

An emergency warning has been issued for Vivonne Bay on Kangaroo Island's southern coast, and South Australian fire authorities are warning that tomorrow’s conditions will also be difficult.

Earlier this week, BBC reported that almost 2,000 houses have been destroyed in the recent bushfires. With so many residents being told to evacuate, and losing their personal belongings, people all over the world are banding together to help.

Mining billionaire Andrew Forrest announced he would spend $70 million on a bushfire recovery package for fire-affected communities, and Elton John pledged to send $1 million to assist relief efforts at his Sydney show on Tuesday night.

As reported by the ABC, other generous donors have been sending items such as clothes, toys, and furniture. While these donations are well-meaning, they’ve started to pile up in fire zones, and there’s nowhere to store them.

Taking to Twitter, Premier Andrews said that relief organisations do not have space to sort them.

Instead, the Premier reiterated that donating money is the best way to help bushfire victims.

So, where do I donate?

If you want to donate towards Australia’s bushfire recovery, you might want to consider giving directly to organisations and charities that can help victims.

Australian Red Cross

The Australian Red Cross provides disaster relief and recovery in the short and long-term to people and communities impacted by bushfires. Donations can be made on their website.

The Salvation Army

The Salvos are providing meals, frontline assistance and strategic long-term support. They’ve also launched a disaster appeal to support communities affected by the bushfires. You can make a donation by calling 13 SALVOS (13 72 58), at any Woolworths checkout, or on their website.

NSW Rural Fire Service

By donating to the NSW Rural Fire Service, you can assist volunteer firefighters. Just contact your local brigade or donate on the RFS website.  

Victoria’s Country Fire Authority

The CFA Is a volunteer and community-based fire and emergency services organisation. If you’re looking to donate to a fire service in Victoria, head to their website.

South Australian Country Fire Service

If you want to support volunteer firefighters in South Australia, you can donate to the CFS on their website. The CFS serves communities by delivering professional fire and rescue services to outer metropolitan, regional and rural SA.

Additionally, The Australian has put together a comprehensive list of organisations that you can donate to. 

How do I make sure I'm not scammed?

As reported by the ABC, there has been a rise in reported bushfire-related scams. These types of scams include people impersonating relatives of victims requesting money, calls or websites impersonating charities, and doorknockers asking for money for loved ones. 

To prevent yourself from being scammed, make sure you search for the organisation on the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission website, to ensure they are registered.

You can report scams to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission here. 

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