Visual Connections Australia

Bushfire Support & Recovery

09-Jan-2020

Like most Australians, the Visual Connections team has spent the holiday period watching the unfolding bushfire crisis across the country. Like many of you, we have friends, family and colleagues caught up in these events and remain concerned for the well-being of all involved. We are also conscious that many of our industry businesses will be adversely affected by the fires, and stand ready to do what we can to assist.

At this point, the protection of lives and assets is paramount, and it will be some time in each area before efforts can move past these immediate needs. If you would like to assist with this initial stage, the best advice at present is to donate money rather than goods. There are a number of reputable organisations involved in supporting both those impacted and the emergency services involved, including the following:
You can also donate via
Importantly, these sites also provide information on issues including financial counselling for farmers and businesses, insurance matters and replacing documents and identification. The  ATO and ASIC have also put out information relating to the business obligations of businesses affected by bushfires.

We have also been in touch with our contacts at Share the Dignity, one of the charities we supported at PrintEx, and they are already involved in providing much needed sanitary supplies to evacuees and also fire fighters in the affected areas. Check how you can support them at https://sharethedignity.com.au/

Natural disasters not only create a range of physical and practical problems, they can also trigger very strong emotional and psychological reactions. If you are affected by these events, have friends or family in the fire zones, or are struggling with the trauma wherever you are, we would encourage you to reach out to one of the many agencies who have people on hand to help. These include:
  • Lifeline - or phone 13 11 14
  • Beyond Blue
  • Headspace (free online and telephone service helping young people between 12 - 25 and their families going through a tough time) - or call 1800 650 890
  • Kids Helpline (free, private and confidential counselling for young people between 5 - 25 years) - or call 1800 55 1800
(Thanks to our friends at Man Anchor for helping us compile this list).

Over the coming days and weeks, we will be exploring more opportunities to assist with the recovery efforts in affected areas, particularly for industry businesses which have been adversely impacted. To stay up to date with industry initiatives, and how you can be involved, stay tuned to this website and our social media.

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/VisualConnectionsAus
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/groups/4759407/
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/VisConAustralia