The National Construction Division of the CFMEU has called on the building industry to step up and match its $100,000 donation to the bushfire recovery effort, and commit to help rebuild communities devastated by the fires ravaging Australia.
Nigel Davies, Acting National Secretary of the CFMEU Construction and General Division, said the CFMEU has been ‘shocked and saddened’ to see the devastation brought by the bushfires across the country and offers their deepest condolences to those who’ve lost friends, family and loved ones.
“The CFMEU executive has today committed to donating $100,000 to help with the immediate bushfire recovery efforts. This figure is only a start and we will do more to support our members and people in affected communities,” Mr Davies said.
“Today, we’re calling on others in the construction industry to match our commitment to the immediate recovery effort and start planning the long-term support that will be needed in the months and years ahead.”
Mr Davies says the construction industry will play an important role in the rebuilding and recovery effort, and right now the most important thing they can do is donate money to aid communities in immediate need.
“The industry needs to open their wallets as well as their hearts and donate generously today,” he commented.
For those interested in supporting fire-affected communities, and the efforts of the Australian firefighters, here are some helpful links:
- Victoria’s Country Fire Authority (CFA) and the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) are running their own donations for those wanting to support the firefighters. Donate to the CFA here and the RFS here.
- The Victorian Government has partnered with Bendigo Bank and The Salvation Army to establish the Victorian Bushfire Appeal – donate here.
- The St Vincent de Paul Society is assisting people by providing food, clothing and other basic essentials such as blankets, clothing and toiletries to give comfort and dignity – donate here.
- The Salvation Army has launched a Disaster Appeal and is offering a range of services and assistance measures to help those who have been impacted by the devastating bushfires in Australia – donate here.
- Food Bank is providing essential supplies to support the work of first responders and emergency services as well as giving ongoing assistance to affected communities during the months and years it takes to recover – donate here.
Chris Dickman, a professor of ecology at the University of Sydney, estimates that more than one billion animals have been impacted by bushfires nationally.
- WWF Australia is raising money to help provide emergency care and medicine for injured koalas affected by bushfires – donate here.
- Port Macquarie Koala Hospital is rescuing and treating sick and injured koalas – donate here.
- RSPCA inspectors are protecting animals in threatened or affected areas – donate here.