Plea to stop donating food and clothes for bush fire crisis
In the wake of the weekend’s recent bush fires Wingecarribee Shire Mayor Duncan Gair is urging residents wanting to help during the crisis to give money rather than food and other goods.
“I know a lot of people feel helpless and want to help following the two fires which have struck our Shire in recent weeks,” he said.
“But we’re now at capacity in terms of accepting clothes and other physical donations.
“The emergency relief effort is being managed by a number of experienced organisations and they no longer have the space to sort or store donations.”
“If people want to give, we recommend monetary donations,” he continued. “That way the money can be given direct to those impacted families and they can make their own decisions on what is their most pressing necessity.”
The Mayor suggested people wishing to donate to give money to the Mayoral Bush Fire Relief Fund set up in the wake of the initial Green Wattle Creek Fire in December.
“Donations can be made online, at any branch of the NAB or in person at Wingecarribee Shire Council’s Customer Service Centre in Moss Vale,” he said.
Mayor Gair said that monies donated had already been making their way to local families in Balmoral, Buxton, Wingello and Bundanoon.
“This crisis has shown just how generous and supportive Southern Highlanders are,” he said. “But more is needed to help these families back on their feet.”
“We’ve had some most generous donations in recent days including those from Southern Rural Traders and the Springett family.”
Council opened the account with $50,000 and another $30,000 has since been donated via public pledges.
“Regardless of the amount every dollar is greatly appreciated.”
Online donations can be made through a dedicated account organised via the National Australia Bank (NAB) at:
Account name: MAYORAL RELIEF FUND
BSB: 082-135
Account number: 20 118 3392
Requests for donations will NOT be undertaken via door-knocking.
For more information, including how to apply for assistance, visit www.wsc.nsw.gov.au or contact Wingecarribee Shire Council via their dedicated Bush Fire Recovery phone line on 1800 316 500.