AS more horror stories emerge from the Pinery bushfire, people across the country are looking to donate time and money to help those in need.
A SA Pinery Fire Appeal has been set-up to take cash donations to help those affected by the blaze, while St Vincent de Paul has been appointed to manage donated goods.
Authorities say cash is the most helpful donation for disaster-affected communities as it enables people to buy exactly what they need. This money can also be spent within the local community, helping the local economy recover more quickly.
With the fire decimating feed stocks and leaving paddocks bare, Livestock SA is overseeing much-needed donations of fodder and offers of agistment.
Those wanting to pitch in and lend a hand are encouraged to register through Volunteering SA-NT, rather than attending the fireground.
Croppers in the Mallee are also pitching in, with GrainFlow Pinnaroo seeking donations through grain deliveries. Funds raised from the sale of grain will be distributed to affected farmers.
If you’ve got a fundraising or assistance initiative we should know about, email jacinta.rose@fairfaxmedia.com.au
SA Pinery Fire Appeal
All of the proceeds raised will go to people affected by the Pinery fire, with priority given to those most in need.
The appeal is being administered by the State Emergency Relief Fund Committee, which is independent to government. The funds will be distributed under the direction of this committee.
Donations to the SA Pinery Fire Appeal can be made online, via cheque, or in person at any Commonwealth Bank branch.
- Electronic funds transfer: State Emergency Relief Fund, Commonwealth Bank of Australia, BSB 065 266, Account 10020160, Description 'donation' (this needs to be stated)
- Credit card: visit the State Emergency Relief Fund BPoint payment website or dial 1300 276 468 (1300 BPOINT) and enter biller code 1002359
- Cash: go into any branch of the Commonwealth Bank and donate over the counter giving the details: BSB 065 266, Account 10020160
- Cheque: send to State Emergency Relief Fund, Donations, QA Finance L2 Riverside, GPO Box 292, Adelaide SA 5001
- If you need a tax receipt, please email DCSI.SERFDonations@dcsi.sa.gov.au and ask for a receipt. Include your name, details of your bank and branch, and the amount donated.
Salvation Army
The Salvation Army Emergency Services has established a base at the Nuriootpa Oval to provide meals and refreshments to emergency services personnel around the clock.
To donate to the Salvation Army’s SA Bushfire Appeal, visit https://www.my.salvationarmy.org.au/donation/sabushfires
SA Bushfire Renewal Appeal
Bendigo Bank, Rural Bank and St John SA have joined forces to launch the South Australian Bushfire Renewal Appeal.
The appeal – which has been kick started with a $20,000 donation from Bendigo Bank’s Virginia Community Bank Branch – aims to raise funds to support the immediate needs of fire-affected communities and assist families and businesses to rebuild after losing property and livestock.
Donations can be made here: www.bendigobank.com.au/foundation/sabushfireappeal
SACWA Emergency Fund
The SA Country Women’s Association is collecting donations to support those affected by the fire in the Pinery /Barossa Valley area. State president Linda Bertram said that as the SACWA Emergency Fund was administered entirely with volunteer support, 100 per cent of donations made to the fund would be used to support those in need.
Donations to the SACWA Emergency Aid Fund can be made:
- Online: sacwa.org.au/about/sacwa-emergency-aid-fund,
- Electronic Funds Transfer: SACWA Emergency Aid Fund (BSB 105 010 and Account number 108099140)
- In person: SACWA state office, 30 Dequetteville Terrace, Kent Town.
Goods
St Vincent de Paul has been appointed to manage any goods donated during this disaster. Contact the St Vincent de Paul donations hotline on 08 8112 8777
People are being encouraged not to leave donated goods at relief centres, as these centres do not have the capacity to manage donations.
Fodder
Livestock SA is coordinating offers of fodder and agistment. They can be contacted on 08 8297 2299 during business hours.
Corporate donations
Businesses and corporate organisations wanting to donate goods, services or discounts need to contact the State Recovery Office who can promote the offer to the affected communities.
Companies wishing to provide support are asked to put the offer in writing and email to DCSI.StateRecoveryOffice@dcsi.sa.gov.au.
Details should include:
- service being offered
- eligibility requirements
- method by which affected people can access your support
- your contact details.
Volunteers
Anyone wishing to volunteer to help communities impacted by the fire should register with SA-NT Volunteering by visiting www.volunteeringsa.org.au/.
Please do not attend the affected area at this time.
You may need to wait some time for a response as volunteers are more likely to be required for clean-up and rebuilding operations in the weeks or months ahead rather than in the initial few days.
Grain donations
GrainFlow Pinnaroo is seeking donations through grain deliveries. Funds raised from the sale of grain will be distributed to affected farmers.
To donate to the GrainFlow Pinnaroo silo committee Mallala Bushfire appeal, quote NGR:13540137 Paddock: Bushfire Fund
Recovery information
For the latest Pinery fire recovery information, call the Recovery Hotline on 1800 302 787 or visit the official recovery website at www.sa.gov.au/recovery
Recovery information is also available via the SA Bushfire Recovery Facebook page at www.facebook.com/sabushfirerecovery