James Packer to donate $5m to Australia’s bushfire crisis

Billionaire James Packer and Crown Resorts have lifted their donation to support bushfire relief to $5m.

James Packer said the additional funds would be donated to volunteer fire services in NSW, Victoria and WA and to charitable organisations providing relief to affected people and wildlife nationally. Picture: AAP

Billionaire businessman James Packer and his family have lifted their donation to $5 million to help support the nation’s gallant volunteer firefighters and save wildlife amid the ongoing bushfire crisis gripping the country.

A sizeable $4 million donation, split between the Packer Family Foundation and the Crown Resort Foundation, would be paid this week so that it could be put to use with immediate effect – and comes after Mr Packer already pledged $1 million to support the NSW Rural Fire Service in November.

Mr Packer said the additional funds would be donated to volunteer fire services in NSW, Victoria and Western Australia – all states in which Crown has resorts – and to charitable organisations providing relief to affected people and wildlife nationally.

“Australians are digging deep to support each other in these tough times, it’s truly inspiring. My family and Crown are eager to do more and the best way we can help, is to significantly increase our donation,” Mr Packer said.

“We hope these funds play a small part in helping our firefighters, and easing the suffering of people who have lost their homes and the poor wildlife caught up in the blaze. We just want to do our bit.”

Mr Packer’s sister and foundation chair Gretel Packer said the nation owned a massive debt to the ongoing dedication of the gallant volunteer firefighters who had foregone their summer holidays to fight to protect their local communities.

“Just like every Australian, we are so grateful to the extraordinary men and women who are fighting these fires,” she said.

“Their courage and heroism are breath-taking and inspiring; and the damage done to people, communities, animals and our wonderful country in the wake of these infernos is utterly heartbreaking.

“Our donation will be directed to firefighters, and those caring for affected communities and wildlife. This crisis is far greater than any one contribution but, like so many others, we wanted to do what we could to support everyone facing these fires.”

Crown Resorts Foundation chair Helen Coonan said that, in addition to the donation, they wanted to give full credit to all emergency service personnel and charitable organisation for their hard work and commitment in the face of tragedy.

“On behalf of the Crown Resorts Foundation, we are pleased to be able to announce the Foundation will be donating together with the Packer Family Foundation $5 million to support the firefighting effort and recovery,” Ms Coonan said.

This has been and continues to be a tragic event and we are incredibly thankful for the hard work and sacrifice of our nation’s firefighters, emergency services and charitable organisations. We encourage all Australians to give generously to assist those that have lost their homes and livelihoods, and to support our wildlife and firefighters risking their lives in the field.”