Canterbury Bankstown PCYC, schools send truckloads of aid for NSW fire victims

Huge relief efforts change ‘negative’ perceptions of western Sydney as residents dig deep for NSW bushfire victims.

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Canterbury Bankstown residents and businesses are digging deep to help the many communities affected by the devastating fires in northern NSW.

Wiley Park Public School, PCYC Bankstown, Lighthouse Community Support and Human Appeal Australia are among those who have trucked food and other essential items for people in Wauchope, Taree and Wingham.

Deputy Mayor Bilal El-Hayek, the youth co-ordinator for Bankstown PCYC, said it was very emotional meeting the victims during their visit to Taree last Friday.

Students from Wiley Park Public School sent more than 100 bags of food items for victims of the bushfires.

In just two days, PCYC and Lighthouse Community Support collected three truckloads and two vans full of food stuff in addictions to personal hygiene and children’s items.

“People were crying because they were overwhelmed when they saw that the Canterbury Bankstown community had sent them,” Cr El-Hayek said.

The tiny village of Killabakh has been hard hit by the devastating bushfires. Picture Gary Ramage

“At least two people told me that they had only heard negative things about Canterbury Bankstown and that our help has changed that view forever.

“When we put out the appeal last week, one gentleman called me and offered me three trucks with drivers to transport the goods free of charge.

Food being handed over in Taree.

Bilal El-Hayek, right, with one of the residents in Taree.

“We had an unbelievable response and thank our very generous community for their support.”

Hundreds dropped off the stuff at the PCYC centre and many volunteers, including some from GWS Giants, helped them pack and transport the stuff.

Wiley Park Public School helped the effort sending more than 100 bags of food.

The Human Appeal Australia team with victims of the bushfires in Taree.

“Working with Lighthouse Community Support, this food drive was our school’s way of showing those affected by the bushfires that we’re thinking of them and that we care about them.,” principal Rene Demos said.

Their drive was done over three days and all food collected was dispatched to the Taree Showground Disaster Relief Centre.

Taree residents thanking the Canterbury Bankstown community for its help.

“The response from the school community, from both the staff and families was incredible.”

Human Appeal, based at Lakemba, distributed packages of food, water and daily necessities in Taree and Wingham last week.