Bank backs bushfire support

WITH bushfires impacting western Victorian towns in recent months, Bendigo Bank staff are aiming to support those affected with the launch of the 2024 Western Victoria Bushfire Appeal.

The fundraising initiative is now live via the Community Enterprise Foundation website, having launched late last month.

People can choose to donate from $10, $20, $50, $100 or $200 options, or their own chosen amount.

“Our thoughts go out to the individuals and communities impacted by bushfires and donations will help those affected by bushfires across the Pyrenees region in Victoria,” a statement from the donation page reads.

“We’ve been here before. We understand the importance of working with local communities to identify the help they need.

“Through our community-led approach, donations will be used on the ground in a range of locally identified charitable areas.”

The appeal is a direct response to the Pyrenees bushfire which originated at Bayindeen in February with relief centres installed at Selkirk Stadium as well as at Ararat and Maryborough.

That same month, nearby regions such as Ross Creek and Dereel were also affected by bushfires.

Staff at Community Bank Beaufort and Community Bank Avoca, where bushfires are still raging, called for the appeal and kickstarted the initiative with a $20,000 donation.

For those affected by the region’s fires, the donation appeal adds to the State Government’s support package implemented in mid-February in response to the incidents, which includes financial assistance and free home demolishment.

As well as online, donations can also be made in-person by visiting a Bendigo Bank branch.