THE City of Cockburn have thrown their support behind the fire-ravaged eastern states communities in the form of much-needed financial aid.
Cockburn will donate $15,000 from its Emergency Relief Fund to help devastated communities in New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia as they deal with the aftermath of the destructive fires.
The City will donate $5000 each to bushfire appeals overseen and approved by the three state governments.
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READ NOWCockburn acting chief executive Stuart Downing said the emergency fund allowed for a donation of up to $15,000 to relevant relief funds without the need to ratify the donation at a council meeting.
Mayor Logan Howlett said the three states’ declaration of a state emergency met the criteria enabling council to make emergency donations to other Australian jurisdictions and council was also investigating how to assist with recovery efforts in the Stirling Ranges.
“At times like these, we all want to help our neighbours, near and far,” he said.
“It’s hard to really understand the devastation being experienced by these communities, but we have an Emergency Relief Fund for times like these when every little bit helps people to rebuild, because that’s what we must do despite the sadness and destruction.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with all these communities as they endure what can only be described as catastrophic fires and the recovery process to get themselves back to a semblance of normality.”
Mayor Howlett encouraged local residents to be vigilant and have their own bushfire plan in place for emergency situations.