Bushfire update

To help the community which has been affected by the bushfires Disaster Welfare officers are asking the generosity of the broader public and corporate field be focussed in a helpful way to assist those in need.

Allison Rowlands, NSW Director of Disaster Welfare said that past experiences show that the public is extremely generous in their willingness to donate.

“To help us help the affected communities and to reduce the amount of unsuitable goods being donated we ask that the following be considered.”

“Goods donated are often expensive to sort, store, distribute and dispose of. Donated goods also disadvantage local businesses as they reduce the need to purchase locally.”
“We know from those past experiences that donations of money are much more useful than goods as they provide choice and independence to affected communities,” Allison Rowlands said.

If members of the public feel generous and can afford it then money should be donated to the advertised account. Members of the public who wish to donate are asked to do so via the Salvation Army donation appeal on www.salvos.org.au or call the Salvation Army on 137258

Please don’t organise appeals for donated goods, you might be left with them if no one wants to take them.

Allison Rowlands said the community must remember that recovery takes a long time and we will ask for your assistance, but first we have to assess the needs of the affected communities.

“With your help we will help them,” Allison Rowlands said.

Members of the public should contact their insurance companies if their properties have sustained damage or have been destroyed. The Insurance Council can be contacted on 1800 734 621.

For further details visit www.insurancecouncil.com.au
Members of the public in the bushfire affected areas who need immediate assistance should attend an evacuation centre in their area, or contact the Disaster Welfare Assistance Line on 1800 018 444.

The Disaster Welfare Assistance Line can be contacted if you are uninsured and have sustained loss or damage to your home.