The toll on the Eurobodalla to date has revealed that, following 85% of the assessments (as at 8th Jan 2020) carried out by RFS teams a total of 416 homes have so far been destroyed in the Eurobodalla, including 70 facilities and 630 outbuildings with a further 204 homes have been damaged, including 22 facilities and 191 outbuildings.
Added to this toll is the present and continuing MASSIVE economic loss to our community of much needed wages earned by our predominantly under-employed who rely on summer to improve their nest eggs to get through winter. Included in these financial woes are our tourism facilities, our accommodation providers, our cafes, restaurants and small businesses who are also considerably down on their incomes.
We have a new refugee in our shire - an economic refugee
And while we are advised that "fortunately we are safe in a life raft and not on a cruise liner" for many in the "life raft" they have nothing in their wallets and mounting debts.
Presently there are hundreds of millions of $$ dollars being raised for "Bush Fire" victims with no indication of how victims might access these funds or who those victims might be. The fires have devastated many homes however the fires have decimated our local economy. What criteria will people need to put up in order to qualify and who will determine those criteria.
The message going out from the Eurobodalla to all of those Australians who want to donate to the Eurobodalla is that
"it’s important to only donate things that are actually needed by our impacted communities."
"Our evacuation centres have been inundated with donations of clothing and household items - which can fill up community spaces and take volunteers away from other important tasks."
"The best way you can help is by donating money instead to one of the many charities or appeals that have been established."
"Money gives people the choice to buy things they need and support local businesses that have also been impacted.
The official instruction from Eurobodalla Council is:
💵Donations
Eurobodalla has been overwhelmed by the generosity and kindness of people from around Australia donating items for our fire affected residents. NSW Government agencies along with charity partners and local community organisations are helping provide emergency shelter, food and water. NSW Disaster Welfare Recovery is now asking people to reconsider how they can best support those impacted. Money gives people choice to buy the things they really need, empowers them to make decisions about their future and lets them support their local businesses by spending locally.
Please do not donate physical goods such as toys, furniture and clothes at this time. They are usually not needed and fill up community spaces, while taking volunteers away from other important tasks. If you have unwanted goods please consider selling them and donating the proceeds instead.
Consider donations to Salvation Army 2019 November Bushfire Appeal, Red Cross Relief and Recovery, St Vincent de Paul Society Bushfire Appeal, Wildlife Rescue.
The problem with this OFFICIAL EUROBODALLA COUNCIL instruction is that the above charities cover all of Australia including Queensland, Northern NSW, Victoria and more recently South Australia.
But there is NOTHING that is specific for Eurobodalla that would ensure any money donation remained in the Eurobodalla for Eurobodalla such as exists with the Bega and Shoalhaven Mayoral Funds.
Mayor Liz Innes was asked at both the Narooma and Moruya meetings as well as ON Air with Jen Hunt of ABC South East replying "it is just too soon - we are still in getting ahead .. with logistics and power".
The Beagle spoke with several (unnamed) councillors who were somewhat surprised at this off the cuff response, that was repeated at both the Narooma and Moruya community briefings, as they felt the setting up of a Eurobodalla Community Disaster Relief Fund was a very simple administrative task and if it required an Emergency Council meeting to resolve to establish one then they were fully supportive to call for one.
It is understood that, as at 6:00pm Thursday 9th January, 2020 no such call has been made.
Above: Bega Mayor Kristy McBain Council staff have opened a Disaster Fund for Bega residents. To our north Shoalhaven City Council Mayor, Amanda Findley, also has Mayoral Relief Fund that is open in response to the Currowan Fire Emergency that has impacting the southern Shoalhaven.
As there is NO specific localised Fund that would see donations directed to our own residents and businesses The Beagle suggests that anyone wishing to specifically donate to a Eurobodalla charity look these known fundraisers
Mobilising for Mogo Mogo Public School
Mogo Community Bushfire Fundraiser Fundraiser by Dolly Nye
RSPCA Eurobodalla Volunteer Branch Call 0424228425
WIRES mid south coast branch BSB 062-170 Acc. 10040871 (be sure to write Mid South Coast) in the description
Your own Fire Brigade - To make a donation directly to your local brigade, simply contact your local brigade or the Eurobodalla Fire Control Centre. You can also use the credit card link HERE for many brigades. If your local brigade isn't listed, contact the Eurobodalla Fire Control Centre.
Animal Welfare League NSW - Eurobodalla Branch
If you can recommend any other Eurobodalla charities that WILL ensure donations remain in the shire please email us at beagleweeklynews@gmail.com
