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‘I’m still in shock’: Stars take to Instagram to express bushfire heartbreak

AuthorsForFireys is trending on Twitter as Australian writers join celebrities including Nick Kyrgios and Celeste Barber to rally around volunteer firefighters.

Staff reporters
12 min read
January 6, 2020 - 11:59AM
News Corp Australia Network
Devastating fate: Communities evacuated and fear weather will spark more fires

Sporting stars Ben Simmons and Nick Kyrgios are among a host of Aussie celebrities helping to raise millions for our volunteer firefighters and communities devastated by Australia’s bushfire crisis.

An emotional Kyrgios made a $4000 donation from his first match of the ATP Cup, after serving 20 aces in a win over Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff. The world No. 30 had earlier pledged $200 per ace towards fire relief.

Nick Kyrgios is doing his bit for bushfire relief. Picture: AAP
Nick Kyrgios is doing his bit for bushfire relief. Picture: AAP

In his post-match interview Kyrgios spoke of how he had been affected by the fires.

“It’s tough to go out there and concentrate on tennis … Every ace I was hitting, that was all I was thinking about. Every time I stepped up to the line, that was all I was thinking about.” he said.

NBA star Ben Simmons also wrote of his sadness at the unfolding situation.

“I’m so sad by the loss our country is currently facing. The images of the raging fires, people, families, firefighters and wildlife are nothing short of terrifying,” he wrote on Instagram.

“I am working with my family and calling on my Australian NBA brothers and any others that can, to do our part to help in this catastrophic disaster, not just for today but to support communities in their eventual rebuild when the fires have stopped. Australia is a strong and resilient country and I urge you all to be brave, kind and compassionate to each other through this extremely hard time.”

Cricketer Chris Lynn is another raising money through his sporting endeavours.

“For every six I hit in this years Big Bash League I will donate $250 towards the Red Cross Bushfire Appeal. It is special to see so many athletes from various sports getting in behind the real heroes who are fighting to save lives and properties around our country. Any players, businesses or sponsors are more than welcome to be involved – let’s do our best to help our community,” he wrote.

And Australian writers are doing their part by putting up signed copies of their books for auction under the Twitter handle #AuthorsForFireys.

Among them Julie Goodwin, Yumi Stynes and Trent Dalton, author of Boy Swallows Universe, who received a $1300 bid within hours of putting up his offer.

Benjamin Law has included a yum cha lunch in his donation.

Rebecca Makkai is adding a “bound deleted scene” in a signed copy of The Great Believers (or any of my books).

STARS RAISE MORE THAN $2 MILLION FOR FIREYS

Comedian Celeste Barber has helped to raise more than $4.5 million for volunteer firefighters with an online campaign just a day after it was launched.

More than 50,000 people worldwide has pledge money to the NSW Rural Fire Service after Barber issued a plea for donations on Facebook.

Posted by Celeste Barber on Thursday, 2 January 2020

Actress Selma Blair was among the big name donators.

Barber posted images of her mother-in-law’s house in Eden on the NSW South Coast, which has been severely affected by the bushfires.

“It’s terrifying. They are scared. They need your help,” she wrote.

A day after her plea, Barber was overwhelmed with the response.

Celeste Barber has helped to raise millions for volunteer firefighters. Picture: Getty
Celeste Barber has helped to raise millions for volunteer firefighters. Picture: Getty

“This is out of control! You are all out of control,” she wrote.

“My love and appreciation for you all is out of control.

“Unfortunately today the fires are due to get even more out of control.”

CELEBRITIES SHARE THEIR HEARTBREAK

Other celebrities have voiced their devastation about the catastrophic Australian bushfires on social media.

Actress Melissa George posted the now famous pic of a child piloting a dingy as fires raged in the background and urged her followers to donate.

Chef Manu Feildel posted a similarly famous pic of a kangaroo hopping past a burning house.

“I, like all of you have been devastated watching the fires over the last few weeks. My heart goes out to the families and businesses that have lost their homes, animals and some even family members,” he wrote and also urged his followers to donate.

The former Bondi Vet, Dr Chris Brown also shared with his followers tips about how to help wildlife affected by the fires.

Cricketer David Warner shared a photo by News Corp photographer Alex Coppel that has been reposted numerous times around the world.

The image shows a man and his dog sitting on the beach, watching the fires on the NSW south coast.

Warner wrote “I just saw this pic and I’m still in shock. When we go out to play tomorrow, not just the Australian team, but New Zealand as well, we never forget how privileged we are to live where we do and to do what we do. My heart, my family’s heart, are with you. These fires are beyond words. To every firefighter, volunteer to every family, we are with you. You are the real heroes. You do us proud.”

Naomi Watts shared a video showing the beauty of Australia’s wildlife, and lamenting the animals lost in the fires.

“This was my last eve in Byron, NSW, Australia,” she wrote in the post.

“To get a sense of how beautiful the wildlife regularly sounds … Please turn up the volume. The fires have been truly horrendous. It’s so upsetting and worrying. So much wildlife already lost. And still much of the summer ahead. My heart goes out to those who’ve lost loved ones and homes. Big gratitude to the brave firemen who literally haven’t stopped during the holidays!! Heartbroken for all the animals, plants and land … pray for rain.”

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Delta Goodrem shared an emotional song she wrote after seeing footage of firefighters battling a blaze.

She started the post writing “Let it rain today. Everyday we are all feeling what’s happening to our beautiful country, our home. I wrote this song about an hour ago after seeing yet another video of the firefighters continuing to fight the fires for us. The extremes that many families are experiencing leaves me with no words. I send all my love and I am praying everyday. Please donate to the Red Cross to help.”

Russell Crowe’s home near Coffs Harbour was affected by the fires around seven weeks ago.

In the wake of those fires he wrote “Still burning … they say a wind change might crank things up again in the valley.

“I hope wherever you are in Australia, or California or anywhere else facing bushfires, that you and yours remain safe”.

Turia Pitt posted a call for donations with the picture below, saying “it’s been a crazy time on the South Coast, with unprecedented conditions and a lot of fear and loss. But there are lots of people doing really awesome work for our community. THANK YOU!”

Rebel Wilson acknowledged the people helping the animals affected by the fires.

Shout out to @zookeeper_chad from @featherdalewildlifepark who has been helping rescue animals from the NSW bushfires and is just an all round legend,” she wrote.

“I loved cuddling our gorgeous Australian animals – and we gotta work hard to protect them and our environment x”

Actor Rebecca Gibney announced that she would be taking a break from social media in the wake of the fires.

Singer Sarah Blasko took aim at the Prime Minister’s response to the bushfire crisis. She wrote “I hope you’re not at the cricket today @scottmorrisonmp. You’ve shown yourself to be completely inept at tapping into the pulse of the people during this time of devastation in Australia. My heart goes out to everyone affected, it’s truly horrifying. Lots of love, Blasko”.

On the Australia Zoo Instagram account, Bindi Irwin wrote ““With so many devastating fires within Australia, my heart breaks for the people and wildlife who have lost so much. I wanted to let you know that we are SAFE. There are no fires near us @AustraliaZoo or our conservation properties. Our Wildlife Hospital is busier than ever though, having officially treated over 90,000 patients. My parents dedicated our Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital to my beautiful grandmother. We will continue to honour her by being Wildlife Warriors and saving as many lives as we can.”

Bachelor in Paradise star Alex Nation wrote “Thinking of our firefighters and their families as we bring in the new year.”

TV personality Lisa Wilkinson wrote “If you haven’t yet caught this heartbreaking video from @bikebug2019 watch and weep, as a koala suffering the shocking effects of Adelaide’s intense heat approaches for water.

“Reports are that we have now lost half a billion Australian wildlife – mammals, birds and reptiles – since these fires began, with untold others sick, injured, suffering and displaced. And koalas are believed to be one of the species hardest hit because of their slow pace, and their diet consisting solely of eucalyptus leaves from trees filled with eucalyptus oil, which are highly flammable.

“So if you possibly can, while we continue to count and mourn the dreadful human toll of these devastating fires, please don’t forget our animal population.

“Any donation at all that you can manage to wires.org or koalasincare.org.au will help.

“Or you can google The Rescue Collective which is collecting donations and has also issued a list of goods needed.

“There is also a Go Fund Me page set up for Port Macquarie Koala Hospital which is rescuing koalas affected by the fires – as well as purchasing and setting up automatic drinking stations to reduce further deaths from dehydration in this shocking heat.

“Whatever you can do … all of it will make a difference. Thank you”.

Lauren Brant wrote “It’s 3am and I’m sitting here awake feeling totally helpless for our country, our land, wildlife and people. I want to be able to stop anything and anything one from being hurt further. These fires have already killed and ruined so much and they aren’t stopping. I’m praying for rain. I’m praying for us a collective to be able to look after our country better. I’m praying for our fire fighters & volunteers. Im praying for those with homes & family affected and I’m praying for those animals scared and in pain. I wish I could do more. #prayforaustralia #bushfiresaustralia”.

Actor and model Phoebe Tonkin reposted some words from @2040film.

“Some heartbreaking facts about the Australian Fires.

#attnscottmorrison -500 million Animals Killed

(And the threat is not over, with wildlife rescue groups likely to be helpless in many instances.

It is largely a job of euthanasing at this stage, both livestock and wildlife,” Dr Davidson said.

They are so severely burned that there is nothing better you can do than end their suffering”-source: 9news) **If you want some happier news, google the man housing all the zoo animals in his house from Mogo Wildlife Park.**

-In total, more than 5.9 million hectares (14.6 million acres) have been burned -- an area larger than the countries of Belgium and Haiti combined. -multiple deaths and missing persons, with the number expected to rise. -A third of Nsw’s Koalas have been killed.”

Bachelor alumni Matty J wrote “can’t fathom the bravery of those who are putting their lives on the line and tirelessly fighting these fires to keep the public safe. You’re absolute heroes – a heartfelt thank you! Please help by donating what you can.”

Kyly Clarke wrote “to all of those affected by the bush fires you are forever in our minds. God bless and may we all continue to pray for rain, hope for better conditions and may you all be safe with loved ones”.

TV presenter Chris Bath asked her followers to “forgive the Instagram essay” but “like everyone, “I’ve been watching the pictures from southern NSW & Victoria in horror”.

Her post continues below.

Prison Break actor Dominic Purcell wrote “Sending love to my people. #australianfires … out of control”.

The Block judge Shaynna Blaze wrote “This is so heartbreaking to see the animals that are part of the unique make up of this country we love. Thank you for this post @fuzzyard with all the places to donate and help. The scar will be for generations for the land and animals. Please help where you can.”

Bachelor alumni Tim Robards posted “I’m halfway across the world right now feeling a little helpless but just want to say a massive THANK YOU to all of those who are putting in an unbelievably massive effort back at home is Australia. Thank you to those fighting the fires, those providing support and shelter, those helping the animals effected, everyone donating to help and my heart goes out to all those effected.

“If you’re in a position to donate to the Red Cross, the fire services or any other organisation providing help then I urge you to join me and donate, even a little bit helps!

THANK YOU once again to everyone helping our loved ones and our loved communities back at home!”

Actor Georgie Parker wished her followers a safe new year, writing “there’s no escaping the story of this summer for Australia. An insurmountable number of fires, years long drought, and water shortages. It’ll feel strange to celebrate the New Year for many Australians. So here’s hoping January gives us all some relief, and I hope you all have a safe new year wherever you may be.”

Fashion designer Collette Dinnigan wrote “as the sun goes sets here we thank our beautiful friends Gael and Francesco for taking such great care of us as we all think of those back home in Australia who have lost their homes and loved ones. We also feel a great loss for all the animals that have had to suffer such horrific deaths and for the devastation to all our native flora and fauna.”

DJ Tiger lily wrote a heartfelt post to her 607K followers

“It’s with a very heavy heart that I am sitting down to write this post, my final for 2019. ⁠

⁠”It’s been lovely watching a lot of people reflect on what they have experienced this year, their highs and lows of 2019 and the decade. However, as much as I would have liked to do the same, it’s just not possible considering the current condition of our #MotherEarth. ⁠

⁠”Right now our country and our home is burning. It’s been burning for months and is showing no sign of slowing down. Many people have been killed, volunteer firefighters too, million of hectares destroyed, and over 500 million animals estimated to be dead. ⁠

⁠”YET … Our PM @scottmorrisonmp still denies that we have a #ClimateEmergency and refuses to acknowledge that Australia has been doing a sh*tty job of looking after our country and environment. Scomo your job is to protect our country and it’s citizens, including all our beautiful flora and fauna. Seriously … what are you bloody doing!!!!”⁠

Her post continues below: ⁠

Bonnie Paine, wife of Aussie cricketer Tim, wrote “Please help. A state of emergency has been declared in parts of Australia as we face some of the most dangerous and catastrophic bushfires our nation has ever seen. 13.5 million acres of land has been burned. That’s larger than Denmark and The Netherlands — and almost three times the size of Wales. Of that, about 10 million acres of land has been burned in New South Wales alone. The death toll is rising with 18 people confirmed dead and more than 17 still missing. Over 500 million defenceless animals have perished. Tens of thousands of people have lost so much, if not, everything.

I, like so many others, feel utterly heartbroken, distressed and helpless for our people, animals and land.”

She then called for donations to charities, fire brigades and animal rescue.

Actor Isabelle Cornish wrote “GLOBAL ACTION IS NEEDED!! Australia needs your help. As a @wireswildliferescue animal rescue volunteer in Australia my heart breaks to see and rescue Australian wildlife hurt, killed and injured in the fires. Many people have also been hurt and killed during these tough times. Christmas was spent fleeing homes to Australian beaches. We need your help.”

TV presenter Deborah Knight posted a video showing the intense smoked on the Snowy Mountains Highway.

Performer Christie Whelan Brown simply wrote “I love Australia” with an image of a firefighter helping a koala in distress.

Singer and TV presenter David Campbell wrote “I don’t feel right going through my year when so many are suffering and sacrificing right now. So my family and I are making a donation to the @nswrfs for the incredible and unrelenting workload they are going through. Thank you. Here is a link if you would like to join me. See you in 2020”.

A number of tennis players are also banding together on social media, pledging to donate funds to bushfire relief each time they serve an ace at the Australian Open.

Sam Stosur posted the hashtag #acesforfirerelief with this post:

Nick Kyrgios wrote “prayers and thoughts to everyone involved. Firefighters, animals, families, don’t lose faith”.

International stars have also posted about the fires with everyone from Paul Stanley to Bette Midler commenting.

Bette Midler's tweet about Scott Morrison. Picture: Twitter
Bette Midler's tweet about Scott Morrison. Picture: Twitter

Originally published as ‘I’m still in shock’: Stars take to Instagram to express bushfire heartbreak

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Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/entertainment/celebrity/im-still-in-shock-stars-take-to-instagram-to-express-bushfire-heartbreak/news-story/3ebbc076572b64151451efb6c5a4053b