How to help in the current bushfire crisis.

With devastating bushfires raging across our sunburnt nation and heartbreaking images and stories flooding media outlets and social media platforms... You'd be forgiven for feeling completely overwhelmed and at a loss about how to help, as we are engulfed in what is looking like our worst fire season in decades.  You no doubt know people who have been directly affected, such is the widespread reality of the crisis facing so many.  Then comes the confusing process of wading through all the appeals, trying to avoid the fraudulent ones (seriously??? we hear you ask... yep seriously), and wondering if you really can make a difference, as one person, in this time of emergency...???

The answer is most definitely YES!!
Whether it be funds, goods, services or your time, there are multiple ways of being part of a wider community response ~
If you'd like to donate to causes close to home, here is a list of 3MDR community members who have been directly affected (which we will update):
Joshua Collings has set up this fundraiser for his home town Cudgewa & Surrounds
Riley Catherall has shared this fundraiser for his family
We have spent some time researching a broad range of options and have compiled a list (which is by no means comprehensive, but it's a place to start):
Red Cross Donate
Red Cross Volunteer
GIVIT Donate (goods & funds)
WIRES Donate (wildlife)
AirBnB Open Home (offers of accommodation)
First Nations Communities Donate
BlazeAid (rebuilding)

AND PLEASE STAY SAFE.
Download the Emergency Vic app to your phone and have the website open on your PC, there have been fires in urban areas already this season... None of us are immune to the risk.  Make sure you have a bushfire safety plan and communicate it with your family, friends and neighbours and stay tuned to ABC radio for regular updates.
Be alert, but not alarmed... Stay vigilant and support each other.

Team 3MDR