Local Government Web Network

Help victims of the bushfires in Victoria

By Diana Mounter : February 11, 2009 | In General | No Comments

On Monday morning I switched on the TV and was presented with images of absolute devastation. As the images flashed before me I began to have some idea of the true horrors of the Bushfires in Victoria. Everything I did that day seemed so utterly pointless when there were people waking up without homes, knowing they’d lost family members, or not knowing. That was Monday, and the tragedy is still unfolding.

Police fear that that the death toll may rise to 300. Thousands of people are without homes. Many are still waiting to hear whilst the coroner continues the heavy task of identifying bodies. I cannot begin to imagine the agony all these people are going through.

This is a devastating tragedy that will call on the good will of the Australian people to help heal, and around the world.

If you are affected by the bushfires or concerned about existing fires visit: ABC Meblbourne Bushfire Help Page and keep and eye on the BOM weather warnings page.

Here are some ways you can help

• Donate to the Red Cross Victorian Bushfire appeal: Call 1800 811 700 or make a donation online. They are experiencing a bit of an overload on their website and phone system, so please be patient.
• Donate to the Gipsland Emergency relief fund.
• Donate blood to help the burns victims.
• To volunteer visit the Go Volunteer Victoria website or call the Volunteering Australia Hotline on 1300 366 356.
• If you are based in Sydney there will be a special dawn chorus this Sunday at the Opera House.
• Check he ABC Melbourne How Can I Help page for lots of other ways to show your support.
  
• There’s also a huge list of links for ways you can help on OurCommunity.com.au.

The web community like many others are doing their bit to help:

• SitePoint are having a book sale until this Friday and donating 100% of the donations to victims of the bushfires.
• And here’s a nice idea from John Allsopp at Web Directions to gather your mates and donate what you can in the spirit of St Valentine.

More information

There’s many ways to follow the story unfolding online. Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube are obvious places to look, but I’ve also listed some interesting and useful links below.

Photos

• See The Big Picture with these stunning and very sobering photographs.
• ABC Your Photos – Victorian Bushfires.
• Victorian bushfire photos on Flickr.

Maps

• Map of current fires across Victoria.
• ABC Bushfire map showing latest news, human costs, and current threats.
• SMH Map showing epicentre of the fires and number of victims claimed.

Media coverage

• ABC Bushfire Community site – useful information for those affected and stories from the community.
• ABC Bushfire emergency site – news coverage.
• The Australian – news coverage.
• Sydney Morning Herald Bushfire coverage – news coverage.
• Herald Sun – interactive photo gallery and news coverage.

I am also pleased to say the the Local Government and Shires Associations of NSW have offered Victorians affected by the tragedy any assistance that NSW councils can provide.

Please donate now or help in whatever way you can.