Resources & guides

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Thousands of people have been impacted by the Australian Bushfires including many with disabilities.

Below are some useful resources for disabled Australians who are impacted by the bushfires that we have collected, please contact us if you have other disability-related information which can be added to this page.

Council for Intellectual Disability – Bushfire Info Guide

An Easy English bushfire information guide for people with intellectual disability 

CFA (Country Fire Authority) – Fire Ready Kit (Easy English)

This ‘go to guide’ informs you on information such as how to stay informed on fire risk days, why you should leave early, what information to gather ahead of fire season for you and your family, understand what to expect during a bushfire and guidance on how to stay informed of fires across your area.   

Expression Australia – Auslan Bushfire Emergency Videos
 The Deaf Emergency Information resource brings important information together in one place, in Auslan and in written English.
 
Early Connections Alliance – Social story

Early Connections Alliance has developed a Bush Fire Social Story to share with your children. Social Stories are a social learning tool that supports the safe and meaningful exchange of information between parents, professionals, and people with autism of all ages. You can adapt the social story to your family by downloading the word document

IDEAS Disability Information – Packing for an emergency 

A helpful guide to packing for an emergency. In the event you need to evacuate in a hurry, or you may be without power and water, a little planning now will spare you precious time.

Emergency services

Your local emergency services are your first responders during this period. Emergency services will issue warnings when an emergency is likely to impact your area. Your state and territory emergency services will provide you with information on what is happening and our best advice on what you should do. It is important you regularly check on local weather, air quality and fire conditions. Find further information below:

NDIS participants
  • Any NDIS participant who needs assistance with their disability supports due to the bushfire situation is encouraged to contact 1800 800 110 to discuss their circumstances from 8am – 8pm (Monday to Friday) this week.
  •  NDIS participants impacted by the bushfires are being prioritised so that they continue to receive disability supports, including any additional supports such as replacing equipment, additional care or therapies.

Accessible emergency accommodation ​​

Airbnb Open Homes
Whether it’s newlyweds who lost their home in a bush fire, a cancer patient who needs to be closer to specialty care, or a family fleeing conflict in their home country—Open Homes lets hosts offer their space for free to people going through a difficult time.
 
Accessible Accommodation

A Facebook group to connect people with disability who have had to evacuate with people offering safe and accessible places to stay. 

Find A Bed Australia

People who need a place to stay during the bushfires with people who are offering spare beds.

How you can donate ​

As Australia’s bushfire crisis continues, there are several ways you can assist those in need.

Bendigo Bank Bushfires Disaster Appeal (Endorsed by Vic Govt)

Bendigo Bank’s charitable arm has established a nationwide fund and six other funds for each state. All money will go to those who have lost everything for immediate relief.

Kangaroo Island Mayor’s Relief Fund (Endorsed by SA Govt)

The South Australian premier and Kangaroo Island mayor have endorsed a relief fund set up to aid the recovery of the bushfire-ravaged island.

 State Emergency Relief Fund (SERF) 

Launched for those affected by the Adelaide Hills fires at Cudlee Creek and beyond.

The Red Cross supports a variety of efforts such as supporting people at evacuation centres and providing emergency assistance like cash grants to people who have lost their homes

Salvation Army Disaster Appeal

Salvation Army team members are providing meals to first-line responders and evacuees, as well as any other support needed.

St Vincent de Paul Society Bushfire Appeal (NSW)

Vinnies’ bushfire appeal helps provide food, clothing and money that bushfire victims may need to pay their bills.

CFS (South Australia)

Provide immediate financial assistance and care to CFS volunteer fire-fighters and their families to offset suffering and distress caused in the line of active duty.

Rural Fire Brigade Association (QLD)
By donating to the RFBAQ you will be contributing to the delivery of services, tools and resources that the rural fire brigades and our volunteers desperately need. 
 
NSW Rural Fire Service

You can either donate straight to the NSW RFS or to your local Rural Fire Brigade to support volunteer firefighters.

Country Fire Authority (CFA), Victoria

Like the NSW RFS, you can donate either to a specific brigade or provide a general donation.

The Victorian Bushfire Appeal

The Victorian Government teamed up with The Salvation Army and Bendigo Bank for the appeal, with all funds going to communities in need.

Wildlife 
The Port Macquarie Koala Hospital

The organisation has a GoFundMe page that seeks funding for Koalas affected by the bushfires.

WIRES

NSW Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service (WIRES) rescues and cares for animals and is seeking donations for volunteer carers and recuers that are “indundated” with them amid the bushfires.

Mogo Zoo Fire Recovery

Mogo Wildlife Park is a privately owned zoo that supports an amazing collection of endangered and exotic animal species. Nestled close to the Princess Hwy and just 10 mins south of the popular coastal town of Batemans Bay

 
All donations go directly to fund SAVEM response actions to assist affected animals. We publicly acknowledge these including by permanent signage on the plant and equipment these monies secure.
 
Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park
Due to the recent tragic bushfires, the Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park has received a lot of concerned phone calls and messages regarding the impacted wildlife from these fires.