Bushfires around Melbourne - what can we do?

[DaveGPz]

Hey guys - all of us in Melbourne use the roads up through the hills. Kinglake, Toolangi, Marysville, Warburton, Reefton, Chum Creek - the list goes on, and they've all been burnt out. We've enjoyed these areas and communities - what can we do to help.

Any ideas?

[ducati_paul]

Stay away! I'm in the RFS (Rural Fire Service) in NSW and it's really frustrating when people get in your way, if you are cught in the fires that's different but if you don't belong there don't go there!

[robracer]

I would suggest contact the local churches & community groups to see where donations & volunteer help may be needed no suggestion of going there either Paul .... just put the feelers out

[Smitty]

comment on the teev this morning
if you want to help
contact the Red Cross...for donations ($ clothing furniture etc)


and yes...stay away
unlike the motorcyclist who hit and killed a pedestrian this morning on the Kinglake Rd

[DaveGPz]

Not planning to go - just wondering how to help. Looks like the Red Cross is the go. Didn't appreciate sight seeing tourists when I lost my place in Cockatoo on Ash Wednesday.

[Smitty]

from The Age

Bushfire assistance

The bushfires that have devastated dozens of communities across Victoria have touched the hearts of all Australians. Post your comments here, including offers of assistance or messages to those affected.

Police advise people wanting to help not to go to the fire zones, but to donate to charities setting up emergency relief funds. We will update this site with details of those funds as they become available.

For emergencies, call 000
CFA bushfire hotline - 1800 240 667, http://www.cfa.vic.gov.au
State Emergency Service - 132 500

Red Cross - 1800 727 077, http://www.redcross.org.au

[mfzx6r]

Just on sky news 90% of marysville is burt down Shops Police station everything ..

[Richo]

Pass on your Rudd grant to the RFS

[Smitty]

and we are still trying to track some friends who live (lived? ) in St Andrews
just off the Kinglake - St Andrews Rd


...fingers crossed

[mick_dundee]

You can stick your name down here http://blogs.abc.net.au/victoria/2009/0 ... ---or.html and offer assistance of any sorts (not financial I don't believe). The MRA is going to be organising a ride sometime soon to raise funds to help with the rebuilding of the area, no details at hand as yet as the idea was formulated just this morning and we need to wait to find out when the roads are clear but at a guess it will be along thos favourite type roads, at $20 a rider or something like that, funds will go direct to the Salvos bushfire appeal.

[photomike666]

I think there should be a motorcycle group whip round. Perhaps even a banner and stall at P.I.? Perhaps KSRC in assiciation with Kawasaki could orgaines something with P.I. organisers and everyone can come to turn 1 to donate - might even drum up some new members whilst helping out our communities...

[T]

Just spoke to Chris....(Chrisbusa)

They still can't get in to Wandong.... but they are ok....
He doesn't know whether he has a house....

People,
Please stay away from the fire affected areas, they don't need tourists.

Just offer your help when needed..

Ta
T

[Slow and wobbly]

https://www.redcross.org.au/Donations/o ... ations.asp
http://www.salvationarmy.org.au/SALV/HO ... 95/pc=HOME

I'm not religious but I have been praying all day. Believe or not, they will be heard.

[Smitty]

via
http://www.redcross.org.au/vic/services ... l-2009.htm
theres been a donation from Smitty and tribe

some may prefer - Freecall 1800 811 700
from anywhere within Australia to make a credit card donation.

[DaveGPz]

Ditto - let's do it - donate to the Red Cross (you can give blood too - it doesn't hurt).