Gandel family makes million dollar donation to bushfire appeal

One of Melbourne’s richest families has made a big donation to help deal with the bushfire disaster.

Pauline and John Gandel. Picture: FIONA BYRNE

One of Australia’s wealthiest families has made a $1m donation to support state-based rural fire services across the country.

The contribution by Gandel Philanthropy, the charitable arm of the Gandel family, comes amid one of the worst bushfire seasons on record.

It also follows last month’s $1m donation by billionaire James Packer’s family foundation to NSW’s Rural Fire Service, to help with equipment upgrades over the next five years.

The Melbourne-based John Gandel and his wife Pauline, said they hope the donation will encourage others to assist where they can.

“Every donation, big or small, every hour of volunteering and every donated food or clothing item can – and will – make a difference to those in need,” they said.

“The needs in this crisis far outstrip our contribution, but regardless we felt that we had to do our bit, … in the hope that we can help make at least some difference to the lives of our fellow Australians devastated by this emergency.”

The Gandels are property developers and part-owners of Chadstone shopping mall, in Melbourne’s southeast. They are ranked 10th on The Australian’s Richest 250 List with a fortune of $6.22 billion.

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The decision made by the couple and their extended family will support fire response in three distinct areas.

Donations made to volunteer firefighting units in Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria will make up the largest portion of the donation.

Funding will also be funnelled towards charitable groups such as St Vincent de Paul, The Salvation Army and The Australian Red Cross, to assist in relief activities or affected communities.

Lastly, donations will be made to help wildlife charities trying to save, protect and rehabilitate native animals.

The Gandel family made a similar donation during the devastating Black Saturday bushfires in 2009.

“We commend the heroic and brave actions of our firefighters and wish them the best of luck in their ongoing efforts,” John and Pauline Gandel said.

“We also hope that the people and communities affected by fires will have a speedy and full recovery, and we hope our wildlife organisations will be supported to successfully rehabilitate our precious flora and fauna.”

NAB donates to bushfire appeal

NAB announced on Friday it would donate $100,000 to fire-affected communities in South Australia.

The bank said $50,000 would go to local charities supporting recovery efforts and an additional $50,000 to Australian Red Cross for its ongoing emergency work.

NAB chief customer officer – consumer banking Mike Baird said the damage caused has been “extensive” with communities still facing “uncertainty”.

“Our customers are reporting significant impacts, including severe damage to wineries, grazing properties and other horticulture operations, as well as people’s homes …,” he said.

“From early next week, donations to help Australian Red Cross’ great work in these communities can be made at any NAB branch across Australia or by logging into NAB internet banking.”