Member for South West Coast Roma Britnell has congratulated the south-west community on its generosity in the face of devastating bushfires in the state’s East.
Ms Britnell said she hasn’t been surprised by the local response with people wanting to know how they can help those who have been impacted by the fires.
“We have always been a generous community and will always look out for those who are doing it tough. We saw it during the St Patrick’s Day fires and we are seeing that generosity again now, helping our brothers and sisters in the East of the state and in New South Wales,” Ms Britnell said.
Ms Britnell urged residents to follow the advice of Emergency Management Victoria and instead make donations of cash.
“The Victorian Government and EMV have said they are overwhelmed with donations of items and handling everything is taking resources away from other important tasks,” she said.
“The best way people can help is to donate money to the Victorian Bushfire Appeal, where 100 per cent of donations will go to those directly in need to provide practical assistance.
“People can find information about the appeal and how to donate at vic.gov.au/bushfireappeal – this is the single best way people in the south-west can help.”
Ms Britnell said she has had several calls about organizing hay drives to support farmers who have been impacted.
“The Victorian Farmers Federation is coordinating fodder relief and is the best organisation to deal with those donations and they can be contacted on 1300 882 883,” she said.
“The Wannon Branch of the United Dairy farmers Victoria is also organising “cow parking” and is encouraging any local farmer who can take, feed and milk cows or can offer some labor for milking, feeding and fencing, I would urge them to get in touch with the UDV.
“Dairy farmers in the North and South east need our support. They offered support to us after St Patrick’s Day and now it’s time for us to repay the favor.”
