Bushfire 2019: Corporate Australia lends a helping hand

Corporate Australia, including Australia Post and News Corp, has thrown its weight behind appeals to help communities devastated by the bushfires. HOW TO DONATE.

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Corporate Australia, including Australia Post and News Corp, has thrown its weight behind appeals to help communities devastated by the bushfires.

In partnership with Red Cross, Australia Post has announced the public can make over-the-counter donations at its outlets nationwide to the Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund.

The money is going towards Red Cross volunteers providing psychological first aid, working at evacuation centres and helping to connect loved ones.

Motorists on Sydney’s northern beaches preparing for bushfires. Picture: John Grainger

Dale Palmer, 71, prepares his property, which is nestled into the Khappingghat Nature Reserve south of Taree, for bushfire activity in the Mid North Coast region of NSW. Picture: Darren Pateman

The Chronicle made donations to two bushfire relief appeals:

$25,000 to the Red Cross fund supported by Australia Post and News Corp’s Pride of Australia awards which recognise inspiring community service by everyday heroes, and; $25,000 to The Woolworths-supported Salvation Army Disaster Appeal.

To donate to The Salvation Army appeal, go to salvationarmy.org.au, call 13 SALVOS (13 72 58) or donate at any Woolworths’ checkout

News Corp Australia’s community ambassador Penny Fowler said she hoped the contribution makes a difference to those affected.

“This is an extremely devastating time for many across our community and we hope this contribution makes a difference in these tough times,” she said.

“I encourage you all to share your support and donate.”

Australian Red Cross Director of engagement and support Belinda Dimovski.

NSW Rural Fire Service crews in Llandilo, west of Sydney. Picture: Dan Himbrechts

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Australia Post is also matching employee donations of up to $200 per annum.

Australia Post executive general manager Nicole Sheffield said: “Australia Post has a large presence in rural and remote Australia and I want to recognise and give my heartfelt thanks to our people on the ground who are playing a critical part in supporting their communities.

Other businesses raising their hand to help include Woolworths with a $500,000 to The Salvation Army’s appeal, the NRMA and Crown resorts, which also donated $50,000 to the Australian Red Cross.

With #bushfire conditions expected to continue across NSW, it’s important to #getprepared in case you need to leave home quickly. Get a pack together and check on your neighbours in case anyone needs help #NSWbushfires https://t.co/DCTCxmgCmF pic.twitter.com/hDo0bs5pEv

— Australian Red Cross (@RedCrossAU) November 12, 2019

The St Vincent de Paul Society has also thrown its support behind helping those directly affected by bushfires, by providing food, clothing, financial assistance and essential items to people who have had to evacuate or lost their homes.

The team is also raising money through its Vinnies Bushfire Appeal and welcomes donations over the phone (13 18 12) and through its website.

More than 4392 Australia Post outlets nationwide – 2551 being in rural and remote areas – are now accepting donations over the counter.

Australian Red Cross director of engagement and support Belinda Dimovski said the funds raised would go towards Red Cross volunteers providing psychological first aid, working at evacuation centres and helping to connect loved ones.

An Australian Red Cross specialist personnel helping a woman in need.

The partnership follows the organisations working together to provide relief to those affected by the drought last year, which had Australians donate more than $135,000 through Australia Post stores.

Ms Dimovski said Australia Post also supported the team by distributing flyers on behalf of the Red Cross to the farming communities during the drought appeal.

“The great thing about working with this team is knowing how embedded they are in communities affected by the bushfires,” she said.

“Their teams and staff are affected by the same circumstances, and the organisation is very aligned with ours, so it is great to have Australia Post on board as they understand the important work we do.”

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Currently, 110 specialist personnel have been deployed to help bushfire affected communities in about 21 evacuation centres across Australia.

These areas include the Forster area, Clarence Valley, Nambucca, Port Macquarie, Northern Rivers, Kempsey, areas in Queensland and Port Lincoln in South Australia.

“We help the communities cope and recover after the event, and we work with them to understand what it is that they need to recover long term,” Ms Dimovski said.

“This takes months and even years, so we want to make sure we’re there for as long as the affected communities need us.”

Bushfires around Australia mean our centres in Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie, Taree and Byron Bay mobile donor centre are currently closed. Our thoughts are with our colleagues and the community affected by these fires. We’ll update you when we can re-open the affected centres. pic.twitter.com/f5oTyd8xj7

— Red Cross Blood Au (@redcrossbloodau) November 12, 2019

Ms Dimovski advised Australians wanting to know how they can be better prepared for ongoing bushfires and other emergencies to download the Get Prepared app.

For those in bushfire affected areas wanting to let others know they are safe, or for friends and family who are concerned about loved ones in these areas, they are encouraged to use the Register. Find. Reunite service. More details are available on the Red Cross website.

“One of the most stressful things in a disaster is not being in touch with loved ones,” she said.

“You might not know where or how they are, and we have the resources to locate and link families.

“Registering is free, and our website and app are also great to make sure you’re prepared for bushfire season.

“Going to redcross.org.au/prepare can help you establish a plan and network so you can ask for help when you’re in an emergency.”

Australia Post is a key partner with News Corp Australia’s Pride of Australia awards, which celebrate everyday heroes in our communities.

Originally published as Bushfire 2019: Corporate Australia lends a helping hand