Georges River Council has expressed its condolences to all who have been affected by the ongoing bushfire crisis across the eastern coast of NSW and more broadly across Australia.
Georges River Council Mayor Kevin Greene said that the efforts of those on the front line has been tremendous, and has captured the hearts of people across the country and around the world.
"What we have witnessed on television and social media, and for some people in person, has been utterly devastating," Councillor Greene said.
"The loss of human life, the impact on our animals and bushland, and the loss of homes and businesses, is simply overwhelming.
"There is clearly much to be done to aid in the response and recovery efforts across the country both in the immediate future and the weeks and months ahead.
"Many residents want to help, and we would like to share the advice which has been disseminated by the key organisations involved in coordinating appropriate responses to assist both the people and the animals affected by the fires.
"Currently, the advice is to stop sending physical supplies - the logistics of storing and distributing items in disaster-affected communities is often not practical.
"The most effective thing people can do right now is donate to the appropriate organisations, so that the right people get the support they need, and we urge people to give generously," Cr Greene said.
To assist the thousands of people in evacuation centres and recovery hubs people are encouraged to donate to the Australian Red Cross via redcross.org.au
Foodbank is also taking cash donations as its first preference, but also accepting good-quality tinned food (with ring pull), UHT milk, and items that are easy to 'grab and go' like muesli bars, cereals, biscuits and pantry staples.
Foodbank also accepts pet food and personal hygiene products. Do not donate clothes, razors, medicine, alcohol, clothes or bedding.
Drop off between 10am-5pm on the weekend, and between 9am-5pm during the week.
The Salvation Army would also prefer cash donations: www.salvationarmy.org.au as
would St Vincent de Paul Society: www.vinnies.org.au
For people who would like to support the firefighters, you can donate to the NSW Rural Fire Service at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/volunteer/support-your-local-brigade
Additionally, the NSW Rural Fire Service has set up a donation portal for the families of Samuel McPaul, Geoffrey Keaton, and Andrew O'Dwyer, who were
volunteer firefighters killed in action this season: www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/news-
WIRES is accepting donations to its emergency fund to help rescue wildlife affected by drought and bushfires: www.wires.org.au/donate/emergency-fund
The World Wildlife Fund is accepting donations for conservation efforts, with specific focus on koalas.
Any money you give can help with emergency koala care:
The Port Macquarie Koala Hospital is also accepting donations via a GoFundMe
To assist animals and wildlife more generally, the RSPCA has started a bushfire
appeal to help protect pets and livestock from Australian fires, and you can donate
to it here: www.rspcansw.org.au/bushfire-appeal
