Australian bushfire support

Starting in September and continuing across the Christmas and New Year period, Australia has faced extreme weather conditions resulting in many devastating bushfires across the nation. This has taken a huge toll on our beautiful country and at ATYP, we want to do our part in helping and assisting those who need it.

At the end of week performances for our January school holiday drama workshops, we will be collecting donations towards Wildlife Rescue South Coast.

Here is a list of organisations who will benefit from a monetary donation:

DONATE TO FIREFIGHTERS

(NSW) Rural Fire Service Brigades and Donations Fund

Through their online donations page, you can choose to donate to the NSW RFS or directly to a local brigade. Donations made directly to the NSW RFS are for the benefit of volunteer brigades and are always gratefully received and are a tremendous help. All donations over $2 are tax-deductible.
Donate to the NSW RFS here.

(NSW) RFS for the fallen firefighters

The NSW RFS has created dedicated bank accounts to collect donations for the families of volunteer firefighters who have been tragically killed while on duty this fire season.
Support the families.

(VIC) Country Fire Association

Victorian Country Fire Association is providing options to donate to the Victorian Governments Bushfire Appeal (with proceeds supporting location communities in East Gippsland and North East Victoria) or to the CFA itself via the Public Fund or to a specific Brigade.
Donate to the Victorian Bushfire Appeal.
Donate to the CFA.

(SA) Country Fire Service Foundation

CFS Foundation provides financial assistance to CFS volunteer firefighters and their families who have suffered through death, injury, loss or damage of property while in the line of service.
Donate to CFS.

(QLD) Rural Fire Brigades Association Queensland

RFBAQ are largely funded by community fundraising, and additional donations will assist them in continuing to protect Queenslanders. On their website, you are able to donate to the RFBAQ or a specific brigade.
Donate to the RFBAQ.
Donate to a brigade.

DONATE TO WILDLIFE

WIRES

WIRES (NSW Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service Inc.) is rescuing and caring for as many sick, injured and orphaned native animals as possible. With an estimated 800 million or more animals affected, WIRES donations can be made here.

Port Macquarie Koala Hospital

The Port Macquarie Koala Hospital has many support options in addition to the current GoFundMe for koalas affected by the fires. You can adopt a koala, donate to the hospital, plant a koala food tree and more.
Look at support options here.

Wildlife Victoria

Wildlife Victoria has put together a fantastic list of ways you can help wildlife affected by bushfires in addition to/as an alternative to a monetary donation.
Donate and see their list here.

WWF

The World Wildlife Fund has established a dedicated campaign committed to rebuilding koala habitats in Australia. Beginning with 10,000 trees, the WWF identify what your monetary donation goes towards in the campaign.
Donate to WWF here.

SAVEM

South Australian Veterinary Emergency Management (SAVEM) has been activated to manage the wildlife rescue effort and is working with other groups in fire-affected regions. All donations go directly to fund SAVEM response actions to assist affected animals.
Donate to SAVEM here.

Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park

Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park are asking for funds to help with veterinary costs, koala milk and supplements, extra holding/rehabilitation enclosures, as well as setting up a building to hold supplies to treat animals.
Donate to Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park here.

DONATE TO AFFECTED COMMUNITIES

Australian Red Cross Disaster Recovery and Relief

Red Cross give people the support they need in disasters, whenever and wherever they happen. At this time they are unable to accept or distribute donated goods (such as food and other items) but are supporting people at evacuation centres and recovery hubs.
Donate to Red Cross here.

Salvation Army Disaster Appeal

The Salvation Army Disaster Appeal delivers crucial support when and where it’s needed and will stay in affected communities until they reach recovery. Their nominated donation amounts specify what the money is going towards – such as household essentials, or immediate food and shelter.
Donate to the Salvation Army here.

St Vincent de Paul Society Bushfire Appeal

St Vincent de Paul Society has partnered with Nine Network for their Bushfire Appeal. Donations go towards groceries, basic essentials like clothing and toiletries, and long term support to recover.
Donate to the Vinnies Bushfire appeal here.

Bushfire trauma/mental health support

Magda Szubanski and Will Connolly (better known as “Eggboy”) have set up a GoFundMe for long term mental health support to bushfire victims.
Donate to the ongoing campaign.

GIVIT

GIVIT specialises in goods donations whilst also accepting funds and services. They currently are offering support for the NSW and QLD fires and allow you to browse particular items that are required such as fuel and food vouchers.
See what’s needed here.

Foodbank

Through Foodbank, you can donate food or money to this food relief organisation. For every $1 donated, they are able to provide $6 worth of supplies to affected communities. They also list items that are in high demand, items that cannot be donated, and warehouse locations and times for dropping off items.
Donate funds or groceries here.

GoFundMe

The crowdfunding platform has many active fundraisers for individual families and communities, as well as wildlife and other support causes. Take a look at the various fundraisers here.

ALTERNATIVE WAYS TO SUPPORT BUSHFIRE VICTIMS THAT MAY NOT NECESSARILY BE A MONETARY DONATION:

Spend With Them

Spend With Them is an Instagram account launched by Turia Putt and Grace McBride that features small businesses affected by the fires. These businesses are reliant on tourist income and the recent inaccessibility is impacting these towns. Spending with them is a way to directly bring money to the people in these towns.

Buy from the Bush

Buy from the Bush was created in October 2019 to showcase beautiful things available to buy from rural communities facing drought. Supporting these businesses is a simple way of investing in the future of rural communities. Like Spend With Them, Buy from the Bush will be highlighting stores within the fire-affected communities.

#GoWithEmptyEskys

An initiative launched by Tegan Webber, #GoWithEmptyEskys encourages people to visit fire-affected communities once the fires have stopped. Individuals and groups are urged to plan a road trip with empty eskies, empty cars, and low fuel to put money back into the economies of affected communities.

Donate Blood

The need for new blood donors is rising. With donation centres in affected communities shut down, and blood required to treat those who are injured, a great way to contribute is to donate blood if you can.
See your eligibility and book an appointment.

Knit pouches

The Animal Rescue Collective Craft Guild have banded together to produce pouches, wraps, blankets and more for injured and orphaned wildlife. The linked post has full details of patterns and specifications required. If you knit or crochet, consider helping out!

Find A Bed

Find A Bed is providing community support through the means of connecting those with spare beds to those who are in need of one.
List a spare bed.

Airbnb

Airbnb Open Homes are hosting people in need of emergency housing. This service is free of charge to those who need it.
Host an Open Home.

Donations of goods are also welcome but its best to check directly with charities in your area to see what is most needed and where collection points can be accessed. Thanks for your support.