By Brendan Rees
Casey Council has announced it will donate $20,000 to the Victorian Bushfire Appeal and pledged “provide the greatest flexibility” to bushfire affected communities.
At their 21 January meeting, Councillors voted to donate the money as well as partnering with the Casey arts community to host a fundraising event at Bunjil Place – which will be advertised on the City of Casey website.
Council will also waive community facility hire fees for community groups staging fundraising events to raise money for those affected by the 2019-20 Victorian bushfires.
Mayor Susan Serey said Casey Council was committed to contributing to the long-term recovery of bushfire affected communities, including providing support to relief centres.
“The City of Casey is well-equipped and experienced in providing high-level support to other councils,” she said.
In January, council staff was deployed to the emergency relief centre at the Gippsland Regional Sports Complex where they worked around the clock providing shelter, food, water, telecommunications and tracing services.
Council says Towong Shire Council has also requested support for a range of officers and roles, which council is in the process of finalising.
Doveton’s Myana Farm has joined forced with Animal Rescue Freecycle to help injured wildlife. They are looking for donations of fabrics, yarn, marsupial pouches, nests, joey hanging bags, bat wraps, blankets and first aid supplies.
“I would like to thank the staff but also to those who have contributed by donating items or financial support but also the volunteers across the city, state, and nation to support our bush affected neighbours,” Cr Serey said.
