Western Downs residents in need, how you can donate and support Tara fire victims

Dangerous and life-changing fires that have been described as ‘Armageddon’ have forced many families out of their homes and into evacuation centres. Here is exactly what they need, where you can drop donations off to and what funding the state government is offering those impacted.

The Bougoure's deliver firefighting foam to fireys at Tara airport as they work to fight the blaze with water bombers. Picture: Sophie Bougoure

For many people and families across the Western Downs, the last four days have been nothing short of devastating as many fires have swept through the region, destroying anything in its path.

More than 300 evacuees from Tara, Weranga, Kogan and Wieambilla have been transferred from the Tar Evacuation Centre to Dalby Events Centre, Dalby Showgrounds and Chinchilla Showgrounds.

Wildlife rescuer and Wieambilla resident Chris Mansell shared her shocking story after she was evacuated from her home of 14 years Monday night, with four dogs in hand and moving quickly to escape the inferno that threatened her property.

The woman after looking for a pillow at Lifeline in Tara with plans to sleep in her car, was invited by a “perfect stranger” to stay at her home while she waited to be allowed back to her own which remained under threat.

For many others, they are residing in evacuation centres in Dalby and still require food and medical supplies to keep them going.

To see how you can help support those impacted by the fires, we have listed businesses and non-for-profit organisations accepting donations below.

Note: Western Downs Regional Council has asked for donated goods not to be taken to the evacuation centres.

Tara Neighbourhood Centre

The team at Tara Neighbourhood Centre which is located on 49 Day Street said they are accepting toiletry items and towels only, due to storage limits.

Those impacted by the fires and in need of toiletries and towels can go to the centre to pick up, with opening hours between 9am to midday and 1pm to 4pm.

Lifeline, Tara

For all other items such as clothes, tents and bedding items donations, people can donate to Lifeline in Tara which is located at 7 Fry St and is open from 8am to 3:30pm weekdays and 8am to 2pm on Saturdays.

B3ars Animal Rescue, Goranba

The non-for-profit organisation B3ars Animal Rescue has been conducting welfare checks on animals that owners have had to sadly leave behind due to the bushfires, and taking the animals that need medical attention back to the animal rescue at 774 Goranba Lane to treat them.

For those who wish to donate items to the animal rescue, the team is accepting blankets, puppy pads and “anything animal related” according to the owner Bryanna Carter.

“Any help we can get is appreciated,” she said.

She said for those who want to donate money online they can send to the animal rescue account:

B3ARS Animal Rescue

BSB: 084-034

Account: 325181129

Helping Hands Outreach Project, Dalby

Late Wednesday the outreach project, Helping Hands announced they were accepting donations of games and puzzles for children that they were taking to the families at the Dalby Evacuation Centres.

The team is also accepting large bouncy balls (not tennis balls) such as soccer balls as well as outdoor games for the evacuees.

Those who wish to donate can drop items off to the store at 48 Cooper Street, opening hours are from 10am to 2pm.

St Vincent de Paul, Chinchilla

Residents in the Chinchilla area who wish to donates clothes, food, tents and other items can take them to St Vincent De Paul located at 120 Heeney St and Mayne St.

Vinnies business hours are between 9am and 4pm weekdays.

GIVIT, online

GIVIT has captured exactly what is needed by those impacted by the bushfires and helps fills the requests by those who donate using the website.

The donations and requests can be accessed here.

If you are a business who is accepting donations to provide for those impacted by the Western Downs fires and would like to be added to this list, please contact [e-mail]

Western Downs SES work to fight the blaze on Weitzels Rd in Tara. Picture: Western Downs SES

On Wednesday morning the state government activated bushfire disaster support for impacted residents in the Western and Darling Downs.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt said those impacted can now access assistance through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements to help them recover from the fires.

“A range of assistance is available to support community recovery such as immediate personal hardship payments to cover the costs of essential items for individuals and families, as well as funding for impacted councils for operational response activities,” he said.”

Deputy premier and minister of Queensland Reconstruction Authority Steven Miles listed the regions where they are offering support.

“Activating assistance is part of the support the Queensland and Australian Governments are providing for Captains Mountain, Cypress Gardens, Forest Ridge, Millmerran Downs, Millmerran Woods, Goranba, Kogan, Tara and Wieambilla residents whose properties have been damaged by these bushfires,” he said.

What is being offered:

• Individuals can apply for $180 in emergency assistance, with up to $900 available for a family of five or more.
• Personal Hardship Assistance grants are available to cover the cost of essential items like food, clothing and medicine.
• Support up to $5000 per household is also available to help uninsured residents reconnect damaged essential services.

To see if your eligible, visit the disaster help website.

Originally published as Western Downs residents in need, how you can donate and support Tara fire victims