News Corp gives $1m to fire-hit communities

News Corp Australia will donate $1m to bolster mental health services for bushfire impacted communities.

News Corp Australia will donate $1m to charity Rural and Remote Mental Health, part of an ongoing commitment by the company to drive the ­revival of bushfire affected communities impacted by the Black Summer bushfires. Picture: Getty Images

News Corp Australia will donate $1m to bolster mental health services for bushfire-impacted communities, in a major investment in regional Australia that will see resources funnelled into mental health literacy and suicide prevention training.

The grant has been awarded to charity Rural and Remote Mental Health, which focuses on tackling lower mental health outcomes across regional Australia through early intervention strategies and training to reduce stigma and ­encourage conversation.

The investment forms part of an ongoing commitment by News Corp Australia, publisher of The Australian, to driving the ­revival of bushfire affected communities impacted by the Black Summer bushfires, and brings the company’s total donations to $4.2m.

News Corp Australia community ambassador Penny ­Fowler said the latest grant would provide a lifeline to those who are still struggling with the fallout of the bushfires, after many have moved on to focusing on the ­pandemic.

“Droughts, floods, bushfires and a global pandemic have dealt relentless devastation and hardship, unleashing a storm of community challenges ranging from basic human needs for shelter, food and survival through to the silent killers lurking in the ­shadows,” she said.

“News Corp Australia has ­extensively supported the ­immediate recovery but communities were telling us of a greater ­challenge.

“While many Australians have moved on from the ‘forgotten ­crisis’, those in rural and remote communities are constantly ­reminded of the trauma and devastation of those horrific months, causing significant impacts on mental health.”

RRMH chief executive Joe Hooper said many areas ­impact­ed by the bushfires were still struggling almost two years on from the horror bushfire season, which saw millions of hectares burnt and claimed hundreds of lives indirectly.

“As we head into another fire season, rates of mental ill-health and trauma are likely to rise,” he said.

“Early identification and ­intervention are critical to saving lives of people who are struggling mentally or emotionally.”

News Corp Australasia executive chairman Michael Miller said the company was committed to investing in rural mental health, with this ethos reflected in the work of its journalists.

“I am proud of how our teams at News Corp have stood with the local communities to assist their recovery,” he said.

“Our journalists continue to shine a spotlight on, and advocate for, the issues that matter.”

The project will launch early next year and will identify bushfire-affected communities that are most at risk for increased rates of trauma, poor health and suicide.

A pilot program will begin in Gippsland, in Victoria’s east, in April next year.