Manly hotels provide free accommodation to RFS volunteers after long battle with bushfires
Manly MP James Griffin announced an initiative which has seen a number of local hotels offer free accommodation to NSW RFS volunteers as a way to help them find relief and recuperate after a long battle against bushfires.
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Free accommodation, gifts and restaurant vouchers are being handed to NSW Rural Fire Service Volunteers by Manly businesses as the bushfire crisis continues.
Manly State Liberal MP James Griffin thanked the community. He said the idea is to help volunteers find relief and recuperate after a long battle against the bushfires.
“The road to repair for many RFS volunteers will be a long and lonely one, so we look forward to having them staying with us when they’re ready,” Mr Griffin wrote on Facebook.
“It’s heart-wrenching to watch communities being destroyed, and volunteer RFS firefighters still in the field, even though some have lost their own homes.”
A combined 40 hotel rooms will be made available by Novotel Manly Pacific, The Sebel Manly Beach, Quest Apartments Manly Wharf and Q Station Manly.
He told the Manly Daily it was organised in just one night.
“Within a few hours of contacting local hotels along with the Manly Business Chamber, they got back to us and said they would help in any way they can.
“Even though we’re here in the relative safety of the northern beaches we can offer something unique, a beautiful place to stay.
“There was a desire from the northern beaches community to make a meaningful contribution. While it’s not going to assist the thousands it can go to those who need it most.”
Manly Business Chamber vice president Tracey Mietzke said she hopes when the RFS volunteers stay they won’t have to dip their hands in their pockets.
“We want them to have a lovely arrangement of products and vouchers when they arrive,” she said.
“We’re reaching out to our members to try and get food vouchers, drink vouchers and things that will make their stay more enjoyable like bike vouchers and sunscreen and we’re getting some really good responses already.
“Meanwhile, the hotels are offering 20 nights each of accommodation which will hopefully mean we’ll be able to offer 40 packages of two night stays.”
RFS acting director of corporate communications Anthony Bradsheet thanked Manly.
“We have been humbled by the amazing support and extraordinary donations they’ve made to our members at this time,” he said.
“Once the fires have eased we’ll be doing what we can to support our members. However, at the moment our focus remains on the ongoing bushfire emergency.”
Residents can find out about the best way to donate here.