How you can help those who have been affected by the bushfires

Photo credit: Sylvia Liber

The recent devastation caused by the bushfires nation-wide has created an outpouring of support from individuals, communities and organisations. One of the biggest questions is: what is the best way to help those have been affected by the bushfires?

Recently, it has been reported that many bushfire-affected communities have reached full capacity for item donations. These items include food, hygiene products, supplies and clothing. Unfortunately, these generous contributions are now creating logistical issues for front-line workers.

Our region, the Shoalhaven, has been one of the hardest hit. The Shoalhaven City Council has said that the best way to help individuals and the community is through monetary donations.  

Photo credit: ABC News

Organisations To make a donation to

The Australian Red Cross

The Australian Red Cross Emergency Grants assists individuals who have lost their home.

Donations to the Red Cross help with disaster relief and recovery. 

This includes:

  • Supporting people at evacuation centres and recovery hubs
  • Psychological first aid to reduce trauma
  • Emergency assistance (including cash grants to people who have lost homes in these bushfires)
  • Supporting our volunteers and covering their expenses
  • Longer-term recovery programs in disaster-affected communities
  • Helping families and communities prepare for disasters
  • Essential costs like transport, office space, finance and IT systems

Click here to donate to the Australian Red Cross

NSW Rural Fire Service

The NSW Rural Fires Service (NSW RFS) has been operating since 1858, and is now the world’s largest volunteer firefighting organisation. They protect and defend 800,630 square kilometres of NSW, which is approximately 10.4 per cent of the Australian landmass.

Many local brigade relies on local community support and donations and have been the unsung heroes of the recent bushfires.

Either make a donation directly to the NSW RFS or donate to your local brigade by getting in contact with them directly.

Salvation Army Disaster Appeal

The Salvation Army Emergency Services (SAES) teams have been activated at multiple locations across the country, with a number of teams on standby ready to activate should they be required at other evacuation centres.

“Our teams are providing meals to evacuees and frontline responders, and will continue to provide whatever support is needed as the situation develops,” said Major Topher Holland, General Manager Strategic Emergency and Disaster Management.

To make a donation click here.

Photo credit: Mark Foyle

Wires – Wildlife Rescue

Wires have reported that it is impossible to estimate the number of native animals that have perished or how many more will be lost in the fires. It is uncertain of the impact that dire food and water shortages, as well as habitat loss caused by the fires and drought, will have on wild populations.

Photo credit: Taronga Conservation Society Australia

In December alone WIRES 1300 line received over 20,000 calls and volunteers attended over 3,300 rescues. They have also been desperate for volunteers to help with the recovery effort of wildlife across Australia. Donate or volunteer today.

Shoalhaven City Mayor’s Relief Fund

The Shoalhaven City Mayor’s Relief Fund has been established and maintained as a public fund for the relief of persons in Australia who are in necessitous circumstances. 

Shoalhaven City Council Mayor, Amanda Findley, opened the Mayoral Relief Fund in response to the Currawon Fire Emergency on the 6th December 2019 and has been working to support the community since this time in response to the fires.

The Mayoral Appeal Fund is the preferred method to assist the Shoalhaven towns and villages impacted.

Click here to donate today. 

Pictured: Mayor Amanda Findley

Wingecarribee Shire Council Mayor Relief Fund

Wingecarribee Shire Mayor Duncan Gair has launched a Mayoral Relief Fund to assist residents impacted by the Green Wattle Creek Fire. The fire has caused significant damage to the Shire’s northern communities of Balmoral and Buxton.

To donate click here

Pictured: Wingecarribee Shire Council Mayor Duncan Gair

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