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A list of charities and organizations doing amazing work assisting the victims, wildlife, and firefighters.
Updated January 15, 2020
It’s challenging to grasp the horrifying toll of bushfires raging in parts of Australia since September: 28 lives lost so far, an estimated billion animals killed, and 100,000 sq km of land scorched, about the size of South Korea. The fires have caused damage in portions of the states of New South Wales (NSW) and Victoria, as well as Kangaroo Island. As global citizens, we have the opportunity to donate valuable resources to help battle the blazes and rescue wildlife right now. But we also need to look ahead to support the people and natural ecosystems as they recover.
Ways to Help Australia Right Now
These are just some of the incredible charities working around the clock to help. Most organizations are requesting monetary donations so that funds go where they are needed most. If you can donate, thank you for your generosity! Also look for businesses in your community hosting fundraising events, like these restaurants and bars in London.
Support the Bushfire Victims
Victoria Bushfire Appeal
All money goes directly to families in need.
Australian Red Cross
Emergency assistance and recovery programs.
Support the Firefighters
NSW Fire Brigade
Support firefighters and community workers.
South Australia Fire Service
Provide much-needed assistance and equipment to brave volunteers.
Support Wildlife Rescue
Animals Australia
Support for wildlife vets to travel to affected areas to help surviving animals.
WIRES
Or the NSW Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service Inc., which is actively rescuing and caring for sick, injured and orphaned native animals.
Pouches for Orphaned Animals
Calling all crafters - you can help WIRES carers keep young wallabies, kangaroos, and other animals warm and quiet.
Keep or Reschedule Planned Vacations
“It is more important than ever to support Australian tourism providers, whether in unaffected regions or those that will recover from these bushfires in the months and years to come.”
Given the sheer size of Australia, many vacation destinations remain safe and continue to welcome visitors. All international airports in Australia are operating as normal.
If you already have a vacation planned to Australia in the next few weeks and months, don't cancel unless you are advised by your travel agent or lodging to do so. If cancellation is the only option, try and reschedule your visit for later in the year.
Much of Australia’s vacations destinations have not been impacted by the fires. Click on the photo for a current map from Tourism Australia.
Looking Ahead: How to Support Australia
Book a Vacation to Australia
Like so many other places hit by natural disasters, tourism can play a significant role in helping communities bounce back.
If you’ve been considering a trip to Australia, this is the year where your investment will have a significant impact on the people and small businesses that depend on tourism. Visit the wildlife on Kangaroo Island in wintry July at off-peak prices, or cruise and dive the Whitsunday Islands in September when the water is comfortably warm and aquatic life is active. Hike Grampians National Park in November at the onset of summer for wildflowers and waterfalls.
Discover inspiring itinerary ideas on Tourism Australia, whether you have a few days or a few weeks. Explore the country on a 5-day road trip through two of Australia’s amazing national parks, or a 10-day coast-to-coast journey, including the Great Barrier Reef, tropical rainforests, and wine tasting. Support the local economy of New South Wales, hit hardest with the seasonal fires, with a 12-day road trip to swim with wild dolphins, enjoy award-winning wines, and experience the Blue Mountains (the places in this itinerary are all currently welcoming visitors as of January 15).
Visit Australia - Travel & Tour Information - Tourism Australia
Become inspired to travel to Australia. Discover fantastic things to do, places to go and more. Visit the official site of Tourism Australia here.
Support Koalas
While the loss of wildlife has yet to be fully assessed, it is believed that the bushfires are disproportionately impacting koalas. Recent estimates state up to 30% of the koala population has been lost in NSW, with 50% gone on Kangaroo Island. Donations assist with rescue efforts from the bushfires but also fund the restoration of lost habitat to help stop the sharp decline of koalas that has been happening over the last 30 years.
Koala Clancy Foundation
This Victoria-based nonprofit coordinated 1,800 volunteers to plant trees, remove weeds, and advocate for koalas Australia-wide last year.
Bangalow Koalas
Focused on efforts in Bangalow, an area of NSW with a significant koala population, this community-based group is creating a wildlife corridor for koalas.
Build Sustainable Travel Habits
When choosing tour providers and lodging for your next vacation, seek out companies that give back to local communities and conserve the natural environment. Start with Ecotourism Australia, a nonprofit representing more than 500 environmentally responsible ecotourism operators. Search by region or experience, like food & wine, wildlife, or national park experiences. You’ll find businesses like Exceptional Kangaroo Island and Wildlife Coast Cruises, both active in conservation programs.
For vacations in and beyond Australia, reference websites like The Long Run, a membership organization of nature-based tourism businesses focused on sustainability, or NOW, a consortium of inspiring properties dedicated to delivering authentic experiences in a sustainable way. It can be tough to find the right resources when the term “green” is often overused and misleading. Check out these helpful tips from Condé Nast Traveler about becoming a sustainable traveler in 2020.
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More Information from Around the Web
A visual guide to Australia's bushfire crisis
Record-breaking temperatures and months of severe drought have fuelled a series of massive bushfires across Australia. Although recent cooler conditions and rain have brought some respite, more than 100 fires are still burning in the states of New South Wales and Victoria.
Australia fires: what's happening and how you can help
Australia is on fire. Millions of acres razed to the ground. Half a billion animals killed, some species now close to extinction. Thousands of homes destroyed, lives lost, people missing. Many hotels closed - potentially permanently - and countless conservation projects wiped out. Plus millions of tonnes of carbon dioxide are being released into the atmosphere.
"Our Wildlife Has Suffered Terribly": The Impact of Australia's Fires and How You Can Help
Photo by Paul Braven/EFE/Shutterstock Smoke from the bushfires in New South Wales has reached the cities of Sydney, Canberra, and Melbourne. By now, we've all heard the news. Since September, about 14.5 million acres of rural Australia have gone up in flames, from hardest-hit New South Wales down to Tasmania and across to Western Australia.
