City to donate to bushfire appeal

The City will make a $10,000 donation to the Lord Mayor’s Distress Relief Fund to help those affected by the recent bushfires in the Perth Hills, after a unanimous decision at Council last night.

The February bushfire started in Wooroloo and spread 126 kilometres in a north-west direction through Gidgegannup, Tilden Park, Brigadoon and Shady Hills, destroying over 10,500 hectares and 86 homes.

“Our thoughts are with all those affected by these catastrophic fires and it’s been heart-warming to see everyone come together to support one another," Mayor Penny Taylor said.
 
“Thank you to our local crew from Daglish Fire Station and to all firefighters for their courage and commitment. They have shown true strength and perseverance in the most desperate of circumstances with the Wooroloo bushfire.
 
“While we know this donation won’t bring back what these families have lost, we hope it will help to ease their financial burden and some stress during this difficult time.”

The Lord Mayor’s Distress Relief Fund was established by the City of Perth in conjunction with the State Government to provide assistance to individuals for the alleviation and relief of distress, suffering and personal hardships, brought about by any disaster or emergency within Western Australia declared by the State Government. 

The fund has been activated to raise and coordinate donations to financially support the victims of the fires, with administration costs covered by the City of Perth to ensure that the maximum amount of funds can be distributed to the victims of the disaster. 

The Lord Mayor’s Distress Relief Fund will work with the affected local governments to ensure money is disbursed to victims of the bushfire as quickly as possible and ensure that those that need help, receive help in a quick and timely manner.

In February 2020, the City donated $10,000 to the Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery fund to assist emergency teams across Australia and supported those affected by the fires in Victoria to seek shelter, psychological first aid, information and practical support.