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SA Bushfire Appeal

Tuesday, 14 January 2020

The South Australian Government has launched the SA Bushfire Appeal to raise funds for people directly affected by the Cudlee Creek and Kangaroo Island fires.

Financial donations are the best way to help disaster-affected communities recover, as this lets people buy exactly what they need and spend locally.

Every contribution, no matter how big or small, can make a difference to those most affected by this tragedy.

Every dollar donated goes directly to those impacted by the fires, with the South Australian Government to absorb all administration costs.

How to donate

You can make a tax-deductible donation online, via cheque, or in person at any Commonwealth Bank branch:

  • Cash – go into any branch of the Commonwealth Bank and donate over the counter giving the details: BSB 065 266, Account 10020160
  • Cheque – send to SA Bushfire Appeal, Donations, QA Finance, GPO Box 292, Adelaide SA 5001

FAQs

Where will the money go and who decides how it will be spent?

All funds will be paid into the State Emergency Relief Fund and used to provide financial relief to people directly affected by the Cudlee Creek and Kangaroo Island fires.

The State Emergency Relief Fund is administered by an independent committee who will ensure all funds are distributed fairly to those most in need.

No donations will be spent on administration costs – every dollar donated goes to those who need it most.

How is this appeal different to all the other bushfire appeals?

Donating to this appeal means your money stays in South Australia and helps those who need it most.

All funds raised will be paid exclusively to people who suffered injury or loss due to the Cudlee Creek and Kangaroo Island fires in South Australia.

Every dollar donated will go to the people affected by the fires, with the South Australian Government to absorb all administration costs.

Can I direct my donation to Kangaroo Island only/Cudlee Creek only?

No. Donations are paid into a central fund (the State Emergency Relief Fund).

The State Emergency Relief Fund is administered by an independent committee who will ensure all funds are distributed fairly to those most in need.

(Note: All donations received prior to 8 January 2020 will be expended on financial relief for the Cudlee Creek fire only. The appeal was promoted as the ‘State Emergency Relief Fund - Cudlee Creek Fire Appeal’ up to this time.)

Is my donation tax deductible?

Yes. All donations over $2 are tax deductible. If you require a receipt for taxation purposes, please email DHSdonations@sa.gov.au.

I can’t afford to donate money. Where can I donate my clothes/goods/foods?

We don’t encourage the donation of goods as they often don’t match the needs of the community and can pose real challenges to store, administer, distribute and dispose of.

If you still wish to donate your clothes/goods/foods we recommend:

  • St Vincent de Paul Society (Vinnies) for clothes and household goods
  • Foodbank SA for food and grocery items
  • Livestock SA for fodder and livestock needs
  • South Australian Veterinary Emergency Management (SAVEM) for wildlife needs
  • Volunteering SA-NT to donate your time and skills

If you can afford it, financial donations are the best way to help disaster-affected communities recover as this allows people to buy exactly what they need and spend locally.

Please do NOT use emergency relief centres or recovery centres as drop-off points for donations. Dealing with donations diverts staff away from helping the people who need their support.

I’ve been directly affected by the fires. How do I access funds from this appeal?

If you have been directly affected by the Cudlee Creek or Kangaroo Island fires, you may be able to receive financial assistance from the State Emergency Relief Fund.

More information on how to apply for assistance will be available soon.