Destruction and property damage caused by fires burning in the Wooroloo area has led to the activation of the Lord Mayor's Distress Relief Fund (LMDRF).
The LMDRF is the recognised state emergency fund and provides relief for personal hardship and distress arising from natural disasters occurring within Western Australia.
The Fund has been activated to raise and coordinate donations to financially support the victims of the fires.
This will be the 50th time the appeal has been activated in 60 years. The first occasion was in 1961 when 123 homes were destroyed by fires in Dwellingup.
LMDRF Board Chair and City of Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas said the catastrophic fires had caused damage to several areas in the City of Swan and the Shire of Mundaring and surrounding areas.
"Our thoughts are with the people in these areas and we hope and pray people remain safe until the fire threat passes," Mr Zempilas said.
"We are urging the community to donate funds to the LMDRF to help those in the Wooroloo an and Hills bushfire. While we can't replace what people have lost, we can help ease their financial burden.
"We all need to pull together to assist people affected in the area.
"Every dollar the WA community donates will go directly to the families in those communities who need it most."
Through the Lord Mayor's Distress Relief Fund, the community can help those who are affected by this disaster.
The LMDRF is making a contribution of $500,000 to initiate the Appeal.
The Fund is operated by an independent board and donations over $2 are tax deductible.
The costs of administering the fund are absorbed by the City of Perth, so all money raised will go directly to those who need it most.
Donations to the Lord Mayor's Distress Relief Fund Wooroloo and Hills Bushfire 2021 Appeal can be made in the following ways:
- Via EFT: BSB: 306-188 Account 0340258
- Via credit card donation: go to https://appealswa.org.au/ and click on the link to the Wooroloo and Hills Bushfires 2021 Appeal
- Via phone the City of Perth on 9461 3886 – if calling after business hours, please follow the message prompts
- By mail to LMDRF Wooroloo and Hills Bushfires 2021 Appeal, c/- City of Perth, GPO Box C120 Perth 6839.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, donations cannot be made in person at the City of Perth or at a Bankwest branch.
The process for distributing funds will be announced later and will be managed in conjunction with the affected local governments.
