Mayor Wendy Waller said the latest funding boost was in addition to $2,300 raised at the Light Up the Lake, New Year’s Eve celebration. She said a collection will also be held at celebrations for Australia Day on January 26 and added:
“We are extremely grateful to the NSW Rural Fire Service for their support during one of the most difficult bushfire seasons we have ever experienced.”
She urged residents to donate to the Rural Fire Service, which was being manned by firefighters who risked their own lives to battle the flames and protect residents. Volunteers who are also working hard and giving up their time to fight fires can also benefit from donations.
Flyer printing has also been undertaken by council to circulate advice to residents in bushfire-prone areas on the best ways to protect their properties and families. The tips included in the Be Prepared For Bushfire pamphlets range from cutting trees back to clearing gutters.
The NSW Rural Fire Service has also provided a handy assessment tool to combat bushfires near homes on its website, while residents can also access special apps such as Get Prepared and Fires Near Me.
Mayor Waller said the threat of bushfires is a time when people needed to come together as one.