The Australian Bushfires

January 14, 2020

Since September 2019, Australia has been experiencing some of the most devastating bushfires in history. Fires have burned in nearly all states and territories, covering nearly 10 million hectares, and especially affecting areas along the Eastern and Southern coasts of Australia in New South Wales and Victoria. It is thought that over 1 billion native animals might have died, some to near extinction. Over 2600 homes have been destroyed, and to date, at least 29 people have died. Right now, there are still over 100 fires burning throughout the country.

The length and the extent of the fires has not just taken a toll on Australian communities and animals. The hazardous smoke from the fires has travelled across the Pacific Ocean, reaching as far as South America. Moreover, firefighters who have been fighting the bushfires for weeks, and even months, have been seriously affected.

Communities throughout Australia have been devastated by the fires. Source: Popsugar

Thankfully, since the fires have started, many people from across the world have sent money, food, clothes and other donations. Some have even given their time to share important information and to volunteer. However, there is still a long way to go. Recovery, rebuilding and repairing our environment will take a long time.

Here are some ways to help:

  • Donate towards recovery

Red Cross Relief and Recovery Appeal: https://www.redcross.org.au/support-us/donate-funds/disaster-relief-and-recovery

Victorian Bushfire Appeal: https://www.vic.gov.au/bushfireappeal

South Australia State Emergency Relief Fund: https://dhs.sa.gov.au/services/disaster-recovery/accordion-11

Western Australia Lord Mayor’s Distress Relief Fund: http://www.appealswa.org.au/

  • Donate to wildlife

WIRES (Wildlife Information, Rescue & Education): https://www.wires.org.au/donate/current-appeal

RSPCA NSW Bushfire Appeal: https://www.rspcansw.org.au/bushfire-appeal/

Wildlife Victoria: https://www.wildlifevictoria.org.au/donate/donate-to-wildlife-victoria

South Australian Veterinary Emergency Management: https://www.savem.org.au/about-savem/donate/

WWF Koala Crisis: https://donate.wwf.org.au/donate/koala-crisis/koala-crisis

Many native Australian animals have been injured or killed by the fires. Source: 3AW

  • Donate to firefighters

Victoria’s Country Fire Authority: https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/about/supporting-cfa#donate-cfa

NSW Rural Fire Service: https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/volunteer/support-your-local-brigade

South Australia Country Fire Service: https://cfsfoundation.org.au/donate

  • Donate goods/services

The St Vincent De Paul Society (NSW): https://donate.vinnies.org.au/appeals-nsw/vinnies-nsw-bushfire-appeal-nsw (Food, clothing and furniture)

Foodbank (Victoria): https://www.foodbank.org.au/support-us/make-a-donation/donate-food/?state=vic (food and water)