With homes destroyed, communities evacuated, and firefighters in the thick of an arduous season, many are asking the same question: “How can I help?”
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The News has compiled a list of ways to assist.
Longwood East Feed Depot
Elders Euroa is co-ordinating stock-feed donations to support fire-affected farmers.
To donate feed, contact Elders Euroa on 5736 4300.
Burton’s IGA Euroa and FoodWorks Euroa are also supporting the Longwood East Feed Depot by collecting grocery donations to accompany feed deliveries.
Donations can be made in person or over the phone.
Quote “Elders Euroa” when donating.
Burton’s IGA Euroa: Phone 5795 2004 or visit the store at 75 Binney St, Euroa.
FoodWorks Euroa: Phone 5795 1068 or visit the store at 25 Tarcombe St, Euroa.
Creightons Creek Community Centre
The Creightons Creek Community Centre and CFA brigade are currently without a generator, leaving the fire station and community hall vulnerable during power outages.
Without backup power, roller doors cannot be opened, preventing fire trucks from responding when needed.
Online donations are being accepted to fund a 15kVA generator at https://tinyurl.com/ye59ufvw
Cobram Community House
Cobram Community House is seeking donations to support families during fire recovery.
At this stage, they are seeking items such as essential household goods (please contact first), new clothing and bedding, towels, toiletries and personal care items, services or vouchers that may assist families in the coming weeks.
Donations can be dropped off at Cobram Community House, 43-45 Punt Rd, Cobram.
For guidance on what to donate or to offer a service, call 5872 2224.
The centre is working closely with Moira Shire Council to ensure donations reach those most in need.
Moira Fires Fundraiser
Moira Shire Council and Moira FoodShare have established a central donation point for both physical and monetary donations.
Physical donations can be dropped off at labelled pallets outside Moira FoodShare, 116 Karook St, Cobram.
Please ensure all donated items are non-perishable pantry goods.
Monetary donations can be made in person (EFTPOS only) from Monday 9am to 11am, Tuesday to Thursday 8am to noon, and Friday 9am to 11am.
Donations via bank transfer can be made using the following details:
Name: MHA Care Limited
BSB: 083 945
Account: 484 182 129
Reference: Moira Bushfire Appeal
Email jrouel@mhacare.org.au for a receipt.
Donations can also be made online at mhacare.org.au/food-share
All donations are 100 per cent tax-deductible and will be kept separate from FoodShare-specific contributions.
Volunteers needed – Moira Foodshare (Yarrawonga and Cobram)
Moira FoodShare is seeking volunteers to help keep food relief services running.
Help is needed with shopfront fill-ins in Yarrawonga and Cobram, and food pick-ups in Yarrawonga.
To volunteer, send a Facebook message to Moira FoodShare: www.facebook.com/Moirafoodshare
St John’s Primary School, Euroa
St John’s Primary School is supporting CFA volunteers who have lost their homes, but remain on the fire front.
Urgently needed items include toiletries and personal care items such as toothbrushes and toothpaste, deodorant, towels and face washers, body wash, toilet paper, tissues, sanitary items, baby wipes, sunscreen, lip balm, and moisturiser.
Donations can be dropped at the front door of 27-37 Anderson St, Euroa, where a collection box has been set up.
Aussie Hay Runners
Aussie Hay Runners has established a fodder collection depot at Longwood.
To donate hay, contact Linda Widdup on 0421 972 332.
Financial donations to help farmers purchase hay can be made via bank transfer:
Name: Aussie Hay Runners Ltd
BSB: 633 000
Account: 236 957 379
People Supporting People
Azem and his volunteer team have been providing meals, water and coffee to CFA members and volunteers at Longwood.
Donations to support their work can be made via bank transfer:
Name: People Supporting People
BSB: 033 254
Account: 318 837
GV Pet Adoption and Rehoming
GV Pet Adoption and Rehoming is collecting supplies to support Dutch Thunder Wildlife Rescue, caring for wildlife impacted by fires.
Urgently needed items include clean, unfragranced towels, blankets and sheets, puppy pads, disposable gloves, disinfectant and antiseptic wipes, wound dressings, gauze and vet wrap, syringes (1 to 5ml), and disposable towels, paper towels, and general cleaning products.
Contact GV Pet Adoption and Rehoming via Facebook or Instagram for drop-off points in Kialla and Nathalia, or donate at Petstock Shepparton, 1/130 Benalla Rd.
GoFundMe – Justus and Janet Hagen
Justus and Janet Hagen lost their Ruffy home, sheds, machinery and fencing in the Longwood fire.
Both are safe, and their livestock miraculously survived, but there is no remaining pasture and temporary fencing is required.
Funds raised will assist with essential living costs and recovery needs.
Donate at https://tinyurl.com/2e2su8rx
Victorian Farmers Federation Disaster Relief Fund
The Victorian Farmers Federation has activated its Disaster Relief Fund to provide immediate support to affected farmers.
Funds assist with replacing fencing, infrastructure, fodder and equipment, as well as meeting basic household needs.
Donations can be made at www.vff.org.au/donations or by cheque to VFF Disaster Relief Fund, 24 Collins St, Melbourne, VIC 3000.
Trelly’s
Trelly’s Outdoor in Bendigo and Shepparton is co-ordinating ammunition donations for stock destruction in fire-affected areas.
Donations of .22 or .223 calibre ammunition can be dropped off at 209 Corio St, Shepparton or 214–216 Eaglehawk Rd, Long Gully.
Affordable Plants
Affordable Plants is seeking community donations to support people and animals directly impacted by the bushfires, with all items delivered straight to affected properties and paddocks.
Items needed include hay and animal feed, animal medical supplies, slabs of water, canned food, and sanitary and personal care items.
Donations can be dropped off in Glenburn.
Animal feed, veterinary supplies and smaller items can also be accepted in Seymour.
For drop-off details or to arrange a donation, contact 0447 118 801.
Echuca Moama and Shepparton Plant Farm
Echuca Moama and Shepparton Plant Farm are supporting local CFA brigades through a special fundraising initiative launching on Saturday, January 17.
On the day, the businesses will release their largest and fastest-growing native trees at both locations.
Normally priced at $40 and standing up to 1 to 2m tall, the trees will be available for $20 each, with $10 from every sale donated directly to local CFA brigades.
Customers can also support the cause through an online ‘Buy a Tree – Donate a Tree’ option, with 100 per cent of proceeds going straight to the CFA.
Visit the Shepparton store at 535 Archer Rd, Kialla, or the Echuca-Moama store at 13–15 Northern Hwy, Echuca West, or take part online at echucamoamaplantfarm.com.au