‘Why are we still struggling?’ ask Australia bushfire victims
4 years, 7 months ago

‘Why are we still struggling?’ ask Australia bushfire victims

Al Jazeera  

People who lost nearly everything as fires tore through vast tracts of Australia say they are still waiting for help. Among other charities, the Australian Red Cross raised 216 million Australian dollars, the Salvation Army 41 million Australian dollars and the St Vincent de Paul Society 22.9 million Australian dollars. “Typically … for people to really get back to functioning in what we might call a “new normal” will take… anywhere up to … five to 10 years,” said Andrew Coghlan, Head of Emergencies for the Australian Red Cross. The Australian Red Cross, Salvation Army and the St Vincent de Paul Society all told Al Jazeera that this was not the case and that all their funds are being used for bushfire recovery. In a recent news conference, Prime Minister Scott Morrison assured Australia that throughout the COVID-19 crisis, the National Bushfire Recovery Agency and other agencies had been “working on the ground to deliver the supports that we said would be there” in response to the bushfires as well as floods and drought.

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History of this topic

Bushfire relief funding is so complex, professional grant writers are being hired to help communities apply
4 years, 1 month ago

Bushfire relief funding is so complex, professional grant writers are being hired to help communities apply

ABC  

Almost a year on from the deadly summer bushfires of 2019-20, some weary communities are having to hire professional grant writers or relying on volunteers to fill out complex grant applications. Key points: The Local Economic Recovery Fund is distributing $448.5 million in partnership between federal, state, territory and local governments Residents in Cobargo, NSW now have support from a …

Federal disaster recovery funding 'onerous' and provides no incentive to mitigate or insure, bushfire royal commission hears
4 years, 6 months ago

Federal disaster recovery funding 'onerous' and provides no incentive to mitigate or insure, bushfire royal commission hears

ABC  

The federal disaster recovery fund has been heavily criticised at the bushfire royal commission hearings today for being "too cumbersome" states to access. Key points: A Tasmanian recovery advisor says a more streamlined funding process is needed The program does not incentivise people to undertake mitigation or insure themselves Funding can't be used for environmental recovery work after a major …

Bushfire donations topped $282 million between three major charities — almost half's still in the bank
4 years, 7 months ago

Bushfire donations topped $282 million between three major charities — almost half's still in the bank

ABC  

Over the fire season, the world watched in horror as parts of Australia burned. Key points: $135 million in raised bushfire funds are yet to be spent by charities Organisations say they need to make the money last for a recovery effort that will take years Some residents are calling for more support to be offered to them People put …

Bushfire survivors say red tape is hampering recovery, but fundraisers have helped
4 years, 7 months ago

Bushfire survivors say red tape is hampering recovery, but fundraisers have helped

ABC  

Some days, Roy Annesley believes surviving the bushfire was easier than the long journey to rebuild his life in its wake. Mr Annesley spent six weeks in a Sydney hospital suffering severe burns to about 55 per cent of his body after he was trapped on his property during the Kian Road bushfire on the New South Wales Mid North …

Local councils in NSW criticised over spending of State and Federal bushfire recovery grants
4 years, 7 months ago

Local councils in NSW criticised over spending of State and Federal bushfire recovery grants

ABC  

Local councils in some of NSW's worst-affected bushfire areas are being criticised for their plans to spend recovery funding on upgrading sporting fields and preschools untouched by flames. Key points: The National Bushfire Recovery Agency says councils have broad guidelines for spending recovery funds It suggests money go towards repairing roads and community facilities, grant distribution and hosting recovery events …

Volunteers flame big charities amid claims they have BANKED millions
4 years, 11 months ago

Volunteers flame big charities amid claims they have BANKED millions

Daily Mail  

Frustrated volunteers who have worked tirelessly to help those immediately affected by Australia's bushfire crisis claim larger charities have abandoned those in need. Founder of the National Homeless Collective Donna Stolzenberg has lashed out at charities that are withholding funds from those desperately in need The National Homeless Collective delivers two full pallets of school items for kids in Victoria's …

Bushfire anger intensifies as NSW Ministers claim charities stockpiling cash meant for victims
4 years, 11 months ago

Bushfire anger intensifies as NSW Ministers claim charities stockpiling cash meant for victims

ABC  

Two more NSW ministers have expressed their frustration at the length of time major charities are taking to distribute millions of dollars in bushfire relief. Key points: Transport Minister Andrew Constance criticised three charities Since then, more senior ministers have piled on The Red Cross says it has an "absolute commitment" to getting money to victims The Red Cross, St …

Bushfire donations likely won't cover repair bill, St Vincent de Paul chief says
4 years, 11 months ago

Bushfire donations likely won't cover repair bill, St Vincent de Paul chief says

ABC  

The more than $250 million donated to charities for bushfire relief in recent weeks is "probably not enough" to repair the damage caused by blazes across the country, the head of a major Australian charity has said. Key points: St Vincent de Paul Society chief executive Jack De Groot said the amount of money given to help those affected had …

Australian government says to support tourism industry as bushfires recede
4 years, 11 months ago

Australian government says to support tourism industry as bushfires recede

Firstpost  

By Lidia Kelly and Stefica Nicol Bikes MELBOURNE/KANAGAROO ISLAND, Australia - The Australian government said on Sunday it will provide financial aid to the country’s tourism sector that’s been badly hit by long-lasting bushfires, as business owners fretted about cancellations that stretch into the months ahead. Although recent rains have brought some relief, damage to the industry from the fires …

Bushfire recovery package to tackle Australian tourism's 'biggest challenge in living memory'
4 years, 11 months ago

Bushfire recovery package to tackle Australian tourism's 'biggest challenge in living memory'

ABC  

The Federal Government has announced a $76 million recovery package in response to this summer's bushfires, with Prime Minister Scott Morrison saying Australian tourism is facing "its biggest challenge in living memory". Key points: The recovery package includes funding to attract domestic and international visitors While money has also been allocated for grants for "new attractions" in bushfire affected regions …

Bushfire financial aid 'a slap in the face' as family receives $1,280 after their Wytaliba home burned down
4 years, 11 months ago

Bushfire financial aid 'a slap in the face' as family receives $1,280 after their Wytaliba home burned down

ABC  

A bushfire wiped out Al Bacon's town and left him with serious burns two months ago, but he says it may as well have happened yesterday. Mr Bacon, who was uninsured, lost everything except some baby photos and clothes, and said he was "disgusted" by the small amount of relief funds the family had received. He said they were not …

Bushfire tourism flagged by SA Environment Minister following Kangaroo Island crisis
4 years, 11 months ago

Bushfire tourism flagged by SA Environment Minister following Kangaroo Island crisis

ABC  

Like other fire-ravaged parts of Australia, Kangaroo Island is still coming to terms with the scale of the devastation, but one MP says the problem could be part of the solution. Key points: Seal Bay has reopened after being closed for safety precautions during the bushfires Environment Minister David Speirs said the Government hopes to create a "safe corridor" through …

Why Celeste Barber's bushfire fundraiser is more complicated than it seems
4 years, 11 months ago

Why Celeste Barber's bushfire fundraiser is more complicated than it seems

ABC  

Less than two weeks after Celeste Barber launched her bushfire fundraiser on Facebook, the campaign has raised more than $51 million. But the money donated by more than 1.3 million people through Barber's campaign, created to benefit the Trustee For NSW Rural Fire Service and Brigades Donations Fund, has been in limbo for days. "I have had some pretty long …

Farmers to gain access to $75,000 grants to help with bushfire recovery
4 years, 11 months ago

Farmers to gain access to $75,000 grants to help with bushfire recovery

ABC  

Grants of up to $75,000 will be made available to farmers in bushfire-affected areas, Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced. Mr Morrison said the category D assistance, which was made available to graziers in far north Queensland following last year's floods, will be available for those in bushfire-affected regions. Mr Morrison said $100 million would be committed from the $2 …

Australia announces mental health funding for bushfire victims
4 years, 11 months ago

Australia announces mental health funding for bushfire victims

India TV News  

The Australian government has announced 76 million Australian dollars in funding for mental health services in bushfire-affected communities.Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced on Sunday that the funding would cover free counselling sessions, health consultations and rebates for 10 psychological therapy sessions via Medicare, Australia's universal public healthcare system, Xinhua reported on Monday. "We know that trauma and tragedy are deeply …

Bushfire support from Federal Government with $76 million for mental health services for victims
4 years, 11 months ago

Bushfire support from Federal Government with $76 million for mental health services for victims

ABC  

Communities devastated by this summer's record-breaking fire season will have immediate access to increased mental health services. Key points: $10.5 million will be spent on providing the affected with 10 free counselling sessions Medicare rebates will also be available for up to 10 psychological therapy sessions $3.2 million will go towards deploying bushfire mental health response coordinators The Federal Government …

‘We’ve lost everything’: Australians fleeing apocalyptic wildfires fear for their homes
4 years, 11 months ago

‘We’ve lost everything’: Australians fleeing apocalyptic wildfires fear for their homes

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “We were told to avoid the beach – you …

Volunteer firefighters may NOT receive the $50 million bushfire fund raised by Celeste Barber
4 years, 11 months ago

Volunteer firefighters may NOT receive the $50 million bushfire fund raised by Celeste Barber

Daily Mail  

Celeste Barber smashed world records after raising a staggering $50 million to help victims of bushfires and the brave volunteer firefighters saving lives. Comedian Celeste Barber started the viral Facebook fund to raise money for those affected by Australia's bushfire crisis Tens of thousands of people have donated more than $50 million to Celeste Barber's bushfire fund after watching devastation …

Australian bushfire: Hamilton pledges $500,000 to charity
4 years, 11 months ago

Australian bushfire: Hamilton pledges $500,000 to charity

The Hindu  

Lewis Hamilton has pledged to donate $500,000 to support wildlife rescue charities and Australian fire services as the country's bushfire crisis continues. Sportsmen and women from across the globe have already offered their support in an attempt to assist those affected, with Australia cricket great Shane Warne auctioning off his baggy green cap, while Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams and Roger …

Australian bushfire donations from big business worth millions but charities warn long-term assistance needed
4 years, 11 months ago

Australian bushfire donations from big business worth millions but charities warn long-term assistance needed

ABC  

Many of Australia's biggest companies and local celebrities are coughing up tens of millions of dollars to provide assistance for volunteer firefighters, emergency services personnel and fire victims. Key points: Acting CEO of the Australian Red Cross warns recovery can take years and funding support is required for the long term Warning follows several public announcements by corporate donors in …

Mining billionaire Andrew Forrest pledges $70 MILLION to bushfire relief
5 years ago

Mining billionaire Andrew Forrest pledges $70 MILLION to bushfire relief

Daily Mail  

Mining billionaire Andrew 'Twiggy' Forrest has pledged $70 million to bushfire recovery efforts. Mining billionaire Andrew 'Twiggy' Forrest and his wife Nicola has pledged $70 million to bushfire recovery efforts The same amount will mobilise an army of more than 1,200 specialist volunteers from the mining and agriculture sectors in his home state of Western Australia to help rebuild devastated …

Fire-hit town’s beer crisis averted by Australian navy
5 years ago

Fire-hit town’s beer crisis averted by Australian navy

CNN  

CNN — A looming beer crisis has been avoided in a fire-stricken Australian town, thanks to some help from the country’s navy. Due to the lack of road access, residents have been receiving supplies through emergency shipments from the Royal Australian Navy ship HMAS Choules – and beer is no exception. “The pub is at the heart of regional communities, …

NSW Government reveals $1b fire fund as RFS confirms 2,600 homes damaged or destroyed
5 years ago

NSW Government reveals $1b fire fund as RFS confirms 2,600 homes damaged or destroyed

ABC  

The NSW Government has committed $1 billion to help rebuild bushfire-ravaged communities, as authorities confirmed blazes have destroyed 1,870 homes around the state this season. Key points: The money is on top of $200 million already committed by the NSW Government It will be spent on infrastructure The NSW Treasurer said he wanted fire-impacted communities to "thrive" NSW Premier Gladys …

Tim Paine, Nathan Lyon pay visit to bushfire heroes in Southern Highlands. Watch
5 years ago

Tim Paine, Nathan Lyon pay visit to bushfire heroes in Southern Highlands. Watch

India TV News  

Less than 48 hours after celebrating a 3-0 series win over New Zealand, Australian captain Tim Paine and star spinner Nathan Lyon went straight to Southern Highlands and paid a visit to the fire ravaged communities. "Myself and Nathan, obviously with the day off, thought it would be good idea just to come out and basically say g'day and say …

Scott Morrison meets bushfire victims on Kangaroo Island
5 years ago

Scott Morrison meets bushfire victims on Kangaroo Island

Daily Mail  

Scott Morrison has returned to the front line to meet with bushfire victims after he was snubbed by locals in one of Australia's worst hit areas last week. The Australian prime minister was on Kangaroo Island on Wednesday where he pledged to provide more support after an inferno ripped through the island, off the coast of South Australia, on Friday …

Australia Fires: How you can help people, wildlife affected by the wildfire from anywhere in the world
5 years ago

Australia Fires: How you can help people, wildlife affected by the wildfire from anywhere in the world

Firstpost  

The deadly wildfires, fanned by wind and fueled by scorching heat, are raging across the southeast of the country. Australia Fires: How to help — Australian Red Cross The Australian Red Cross is accepting donations to its Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund, which has helped to send 1,285 staff members and volunteers to communities affected by the fires and to …

Australian bushfires: Chris Hemsworth and his family donate $1MILLION
5 years ago

Australian bushfires: Chris Hemsworth and his family donate $1MILLION

Daily Mail  

Chris Hemsworth has pledged $1million towards helping firefighters and residents affected by the Australian bushfires. Chris Hemsworth has pledged $1million towards helping firefighters and residents affected by the Australian bushfires 'What we need is your support and your donations. Digging deep: Chris' pledge comes after Celeste Barber's global fundraiser to help the firefighters smashed its latest goal of $40million earlier …

Australia bushfire crisis: PM Morrison announces $2 billion for relief support
5 years ago

Australia bushfire crisis: PM Morrison announces $2 billion for relief support

The Hindu  

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Monday announced an additional 2 billion dollars over two years to a new agency to coordinate a national response to rebuild communities and livelihoods following the deadly bushfire crisis. “It’s a long road ahead and we will be with these communities every step of the way as they rebuild,” Morrison, who is facing widespread …

Australia commits billions of dollars to wildfire recovery
5 years ago

Australia commits billions of dollars to wildfire recovery

India TV News  

Australia’s government on Monday said it was willing to pay “whatever it takes” to help communities recover from deadly wildfires that have ravaged the country. If more is needed and the cost is higher, then more will be provided.” Morrison’s announcement of the funds, which will go toward rebuilding towns and infrastructure destroyed by the fires, came as authorities said …

Bushfire recovery costs start at $2 billion but Government assistance can't pay the bills
5 years ago

Bushfire recovery costs start at $2 billion but Government assistance can't pay the bills

ABC  

Since the bushfires struck, Robert Provenzale's life has taken a turn for the worse. Key points: The Federal Government has pledged $2 billion — and more if required — for the creation of the new bushfire recovery agency and payments to those affected The Prime Minister remains committed to delivering a budget surplus in the current financial year The Government …

BUSHFIRES CRISIS - WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
5 years ago

BUSHFIRES CRISIS - WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Daily Mail  

At least 28 people have been killed in blazes across the country since the bushfire season began in October. Controversial ex-Footy Show host Sam Newman slams 'miserable' bushfire victims who refused to shake Scott Morrison's hand A pregnant woman and a firefighter who lost his home in the bushfire ravaged town Cobargo, on the NSW south coast, were filmed refusing …

Pink donates $500,000 to Australian fire services as deadly wildfires worsen
5 years ago

Pink donates $500,000 to Australian fire services as deadly wildfires worsen

The Independent  

Sign up to Roisin O’Connor’s free weekly newsletter Now Hear This for the inside track on all things music Get our Now Hear This email for free Get our Now Hear This email for free SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Pink has pledged to donate …

Ash Barty to donate Brisbane International prize money to bushfire recovery
5 years ago

Ash Barty to donate Brisbane International prize money to bushfire recovery

ABC  

Ash Barty is the latest famous voice to pledge support for firefighting efforts across Australia, promising to donate any prize money she earns from next week's Brisbane International. Key points: The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have posted on Instagram their support for firefighting efforts Meanwhile, a joint ABC-Red Cross appeal has raised millions for bushfire relief Nicole Kidman and …

How to help Australia bushfire victims
5 years ago

How to help Australia bushfire victims

CNN  

CNN — The devastating Australian bushfires have been burning for months and there’s no end in sight. There’s also the New South Wales Rural Fire Service, which set up specific funds for the families of two firefighters. Australian comedian Celeste Barber created a Facebook fundraiser for the Trustee for NSW Rural Fire Service & Brigades Donation Fund. The fund jointly …

Rebecca Judd and stars urge Australians to donate amid bushfire crisis
5 years ago

Rebecca Judd and stars urge Australians to donate amid bushfire crisis

Daily Mail  

Rebecca Judd urged her fans to donate to the Australian Red Cross Disaster Relief on Thursday, amid the ongoing bushfires. State of emergency: Rebecca Judd urged her fans to donate to the Australian Red Cross Disaster Relief on Thursday, amid the ongoing bushfires Taking to Instagram on Wednesday, Sunrise host Samantha Armytage expressed her relief after managing to escape the …

Bushfire relief: How you can help frontline services and what actions hinder efforts
5 years ago

Bushfire relief: How you can help frontline services and what actions hinder efforts

ABC  

Heartbreaking footage of families losing everything as bushfires rage throughout parts of the country has left many anxious to know how they can help those affected. Key points: Monetary donations can often be one of the most useful ways to help services like charities, fire brigades and animal rescue Charities like Givit can help facilitate the distribution of material goods, …

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