Randwick Mayor Danny Said has been in contact with the Mayors of Bega Valley Shire Council, Eurobodalla Shire Council, Snowy Valleys Council and Shoalhaven City Council to discuss the best, most effective ways that Randwick City can help in the relief and recovery of those affected by bushfires, he announced today.

Randwick City's ‘Sense of Community’ has shone through in support of communities affected by the devastation of the bushfires that continue to spread across Australia. Many have made financial donations, collected food and goods for affected communities and offered their own personal support towards those affected by the fires.

“I am really proud of the community here in Randwick City, the way groups and individuals have rallied together in support of those who are suffering. It is heartening to know that volunteers supporting the emergency include a number of our own residents who are members of our local surf lifesaving clubs,” said Mayor Danny Said.

Randwick City Council will continue its support of bushfire affected communities through the newly established disaster recovery co-ordination service which was announced by the Office of Local Government. This service will co-ordinate in-kind support such as staffing and equipment from non-affected local councils such as ours.

“Already, a number of staff from Randwick City Council have offered their support if needed,” said Mayor Said.

The Mayor reached out to bushfire affected communities to let them know that the Randwick City community is behind them and that Randwick City Council is here to support wherever we can.

“People in many rural regions of New South Wales are currently suffering and need our help. Lives have been lost and homes and property have been destroyed during this crisis. Businesses will suffer for years to come. This has left many Randwick City residents wondering what they can do to help their fellow Australians.

“I’ve asked the Mayors of fire-affected regions what they need by way of support now and how we can continue to assist them as they journey towards recovery in the coming months. Overwhelmingly, the response has been to make financial donations to charities that are supporting the emergency response and recovery.

“In the meantime, I encourage our residents to donate to their preferred charity, if they’re able, or start to plan holidays in many of the regions that are currently suffering. Once the fires have stopped is the time to start spending. Tourist dollars will go a long way towards helping these communities to rebound and get back on their feet.

“I heard firsthand from the Mayor of Snowy Valleys of the devastation and loss suffered by this community. To be honest, it brought tears to my eyes. The loss of livestock and native animals is incomprehensible. It will take years for the famous Batlow apple orchards to recover, not to mention the 30,000 hectares of softwood timber."

From Tuesday, 7 January 2020, Randwick Lions Club members will be at the Royal Randwick Shopping Centre collecting money for the Australian Lions Foundation Bushfire Appeal. These funds will be distributed through local clubs directly to affected communities. Donations over $2 are tax deductible.

Collections will also be arranged for activities planned for Maroubra Beach on Australia Day, Sunday 26 January 2020.

Support for NSW firefighters

NSW RFS Donations Page

Make an online donation to the NSW RFS Trust Fund or a participating brigade

Support for NSW firefighter families

The NSW RFS has created dedicated bank accounts to collect donations for the families of volunteer firefighters who have been tragically killed while on duty this fire season.

Firefighter Samuel McPaul

Firefighters Geoffrey Keaton and Andrew O'Dwyer

Support for victims

There are a number of funds that have been established to support those affected by the bushfires. These include:

Australian Red Cross Disaster Recovery and Relief

Salvation Army Disaster Appeal

St Vincent de Paul

Lions Club of Australia

Support for injured wildlife

These charities look for and rehabilitate injured wildlife

World Wildlife Fund

WIRES

Port Macquarie Koala Hospital

RSPCA