I first wrote this early November – I did not think I would have to update in January 2020.
Six million hectares have burned and continue to burn with no end in sight. People have lost their lives, homes, towns and have no access to water, food, power, or safety. Tens of thousands of people have fled from the fire-ravaged regions around Australia.Half a billion animals have died, the level of biodiversity loss is still unknown but scientists are fearing the worst. Firefighters are risking their lives every single day under impossible conditions.
Now is the time to be generous and help those in desperate need of our support.
Donate to:
The Salvos have launched a disaster appeal to support the communities affected by the devastating bushfires. To donate to the disaster appeal, you can call 13 SALVOS (13 72 58), donate at any Woolworths checkout, or donate online here.
Foodbank is delivering emergency food relief and water to East Gippsland, helping firefighters and local communities caught up in the bushfires. – You can donate here.
The Australian Red Cross have launched a joint disaster appeal with the ABC to support the communities affected by fires – You can donate here.
The Rural Fire Service @nswrfs – Support the people on the frontline fighting these fires – Donate here
WIRES Emergency Fund @wireswildliferescue – Many of WIRES volunteer rescuers and carers are inundated with animals and are stretched with their already limited resources. – Donate here
The St Vincent De Paul Society is also running a bushfire appeal, to help those affected rebuild their lives with food, clothing, furniture, other essentials, and funds to pay bills.
They explain exactly where your money could go:
- • $50 “can provide food for a family who have been evacuated from their home.”
- • $150 “can help with bills and unexpected expenses for a household recovering from a bushfire.”
- • $300 “can provide clothing for a family who’ve had to leave their belongings behind.”
- • $1,100 “can help those whose homes have been damaged or destroyed to set up again with bedding, furniture and appliances.
- You can donate at any Vinnies store or head here.
Port Macquarie Koala Hospital – There are fears as many as 350 koalas have perished and any surviving koalas will be brought here for assessment and treatment. – Donate here
GIVIT Goods For Good Causes @GIVIT – They’re coordinating donations and goods for Queenslanders affected by the fires – Donate here
If you have any to add to this please share in the comments.
Get activist
Scott Morrison has ignored some pretty clear warnings and attempts to meet with former fire chiefs and emergency leaders so @fuckgiver has launched a campaign to get @scottmorrisonmp to give a shit and give more than his “thoughts and prayers” to what’s happening right now – as fires spread throughout the country – releasing even more carbon we can’t afford to pump into the atmosphere. You can add your voice to this message by taking two simple steps:
- Sign this petition @changedotorg and hit ‘Share’
- Use the hashtag #attnscottmorrison when you post images of the current fire emergencies across Australian states, along with the petition link
Learn
Both Scott Morrison and NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said we should not be talking about climate change, instead showing compassion for the people affected by the fires. The link between rising greenhouse gas emissions and increased bushfire risk is complex but the science is clear. Climate change is making a bad situation so much worse. We absolutely need to be talking about climate change right now. If politicians want to show compassion for the victims of bushfires, they should talk about the link to climate change and what needs to be done (like not approving a giant coal mine for starters). If you’re a little unsure of the links – the below articles are great explainers.
@theguardian – What are the links between climate change and bushfires?
@abcnews_au – The causes of unprecedented bushfires are complex but climate change is part of the puzzle
@theconversationau – Climate change is bringing a new world of bushfires
@sbs_australia – Scientists say the NSW mega-fires are linked to climate change. Here’s why
NSW Gov – Understanding bushfires
