Randwick City Council's signature Coogee Carols event on Sunday 22 December at Coogee Beach will become a major fundraising event for the victims of the bushfires which are currently affecting a significant part of New South Wales and Queensland.

Randwick Mayor Danny Said says Council is donating $5,000 to the bushfire appeal along with $10,000 already pledged to the drought-affected communities of Temora and Narrabri Shire Councils.

In addition, all funds raised at the Coogee Carols will go to the bushfire appeal.

“The fires raging across significant parts of NSW and Queensland have been devastating for so many communities. Our thoughts and sympathies are with everybody who has lost loved ones, property and livestock.

“I believe it’s important that we all come together at times like this and look after each other and support other communities as much as we can.

“Christmas is a time of giving and I think those of us in a position to support others affected by natural disasters should dig deep.

“Our signature Coogee Carols event, hosted by Amanda Keller, will be an opportunity to donate to the bushfire appeal. We will kick off the donation ourselves and ask everybody who can to contribute whatever they can to help those affected by bushfires.

“The Salvation Army has generously volunteered to help collect donations on the night for the bushfire appeal. In addition, all proceeds from the sale of glow sticks and Santa hats will also go direct to the bushfire appeal.

“There are lots of other ways we can support bushfire affected communities too, I encourage people to consider planning a future trip to a regional area and consider buying goods and Christmas gifts from local farmers and artists.

“I encourage everybody to attend the Coogee Carols and come together as a community in solidarity to show our support for those affected by bushfires,” says Mayor Said.