Pinery funds ready to go

The appeal funds - managed and distributed by the independent State Emergency Relief Fund board – will be distributed from next week. 

The first three rounds of payments will go to the families of the two deceased, those who are seriously injured and people who lost their homes. 

Communities and Social Inclusion Minister Zoe Bettison said more than $1.8 million has so far been donated but she urged South Australian businesses and individuals to consider donating. 

“In terms of property loss, the Pinery fire destroyed almost four times the number of homes that were lost in the Sampson Flat fire in January,” Ms Bettison said.

Ms Bettison reminded people impacted by the fire to fill out the confidential relief appeal form which is available online or from council offices in the fire affected areas. 

“I remind people that they need to fill out the form even if they have registered at one of the recovery or relief centres,” she said.

Pinery fire recovery coordinator Vince Monterola thanked the South Australians and people interstate who have already donated. 

“I’d particularly like to thank BHP who generously provided $250,000 to the fund, as well as other corporate donors who have made significant contributions including the Australian Professional Firefighters Foundation, CBH Group and Oz Minerals,” he said.

“There are many people who have been affected by the fire and they are really suffering. And while these are not the best of times for many, I urge people to dig deep to donate whatever they can to help those so terribly affected and in need.

“The money will be distributed as a gift from the people of SA and not as a replacement or supplement to insurance arrangements or other forms of compensation people may be entitled to receive.” 

The application form can be found here.