For many of us here in Australia the fires have taken on an “apocalyptic” feel. What seems clear is that these fires will have a devastating and incredibly profound and long-reaching impact. There will be long-lasting trauma and undoubtedly a system not well designed to attend to the enormity of the effects from the fires. Cities are blanketed in smoke and the fire situation is still unstable with fires expected to burn for many months. Smoke has covered parts of New Zealand and our capital city was recorded with the lowest air quality rating of anywhere in the world. Our summer has barely begun. With this comes the frightening realisation that events like this will become our new norm.
I myself have had to evacuate and my family members have left their homes. Stories abound that are devastating. Towns are pitch black in the middle of the day. People huddle on piers to escape fires. As I returned to work today I had many of my clients bring their distress about the fires and for many, they are living in a state of activation and high anxiety.
Our political landscape is peppered with urgent calls for our government to commit to effective climate change policies and resources for funding for firefighting and prevention.
The GANZ Council appreciates the support and contacts from people around the world and welcome the many ‘reaches’ towards us Down Under.
If you would like to donate directly to the state based fire services and volunteers fighting the fires:
New South Wales Rural Fire Service
Victoria’s Country Fire Authority
South Australia’s Country Fire Service
Western Australia Fire Brigades
To support people and communities affected by bushfires recover and rebuild:
Red Cross’ disaster relief and recovery service
Salvation Army Disaster Appeal
St Vincent de Paul South Australia bushfire appeal
Community enterprise foundation
WA Emergency Services Volunteers Hardship Fund
To support animals including wildlife and pets affected by bushfires
Aicha Brogan
GANZ Chair Community and Membership
On behalf of the GANZ Council