Bushfire Relief: Financial Support & Donating Guide

January 21st 2020 | Categories: Invest Blue News |

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As our country continues to work through the worst bush fire season on record, the number of people impacted continues to rise. We are all incredibly saddened by the tremendous loss our country has suffered and is still suffering through, so we wanted to reach out to our people, especially those in impacted. If you or someone you know has been impacted by the fires, there are various services and financial assistance currently available to you. If you are in a position to help, we also shed light on how to effectively support others in need.

 

Assistance available for our people impacted by bushfires

 

For those who qualify (usually you need to be approved for at least one ‘natural disaster’ government allowance or grant – see list below), there are a number of ways government, non-profit organisations and businesses are supporting those affected:

Grants & Benefits

 

Insurance Fees premiums waived for those affected:

 

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one of the best ways to support is by donating money.

 

How you can help

One of the best ways to support is by donating money. This not only helps support the fire services but also allows money to be distributed where it is needed. While the donation of items can be helpful in time, most coordinating agencies are asking for cash so that they can get what is needed, where it is needed without the complication of storage and logistics challenges.

Here is a list of registered charities currently supporting the fires:

 

The dos and dont’s when donating

 

Unfortunately, even during times of crisis scammers and illegitimate fundraising groups are out there taking advantage of your generosity. We want to ensure your donations are going to the right places. Here are some tips on how to ensure your money is going to those who need it:

 

You can read our full article on the dos and don’ts of charitable giving here.

 

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Rainfall records are showing stats that are fractions of previously low records set over decades.

 

What we are doing to help

This quarter our business is supporting Rural Aid’s Buy a Bale fundraiser.

We are aiming to raise enough for a full truckload to be delivered in one of our regions. The drought and conditions our farmers and regional communities are experiencing are unprecedented.

Some of our Nation’s best farmers are really hurting. The conditions being faced are completely off the charts and not something that could have been prepared for. Rainfall records are showing stats that are fractions of previously low records set over decades.

We want to show a bit of support, and encourage you to help out if you can too.

You can visit our donation page here.

 

buy a bale

 

Bushfires and their effect on the Australian Economy

The Key Points from our recent Market Update ‘Bushfires and the Australian Economy’ are:

You can read our full market update here.

 

Links to Government grants and allowances

In order to claim benefits, you must be approved for at least one of these government allowances/grants and be able to provide supporting documents in relation to natural disasters such as:

 

Our thoughts are with people impacted by these fires, emergency services staff, support services staff and their families.

If you need help with your financial situation reach out to us. We have a dedicated Lending Team, and a team of Advisers to support you on your path. Contact us today to talk about your situation and future goals.

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What you need to know

This information is provided by Invest Blue Pty Ltd (ABN 91 100 874 744). The information contained in this article is of general nature only and does not take into account the objectives, financial situation or needs of any particular person. Therefore, before making any decision, you should consider the appropriateness of the advice with regards to those matters and seek personal financial, tax and/or legal advice prior to acting on this information. Read our Financial Services Guide for information about our services, including the fees and other benefits that AMP companies and their representatives may receive in relations to products and services provided to you.