Novocastrians are opening their wallets, pantries and homes to help those impacted by bushfires throughout the state.
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The Hunter is expected to experience a severe level of fire danger on Friday. There are initiatives residents can participate in by offering a place for people, pets and even farm animals to stay for the day or for longer periods of time.
Donating money to services
NSW Rural Fire Service - Firefighting
You can donate money to the NSW Rural Fire Service or to specific NSW RFS brigades using the service's online donations page, which accepts VISA and Mastercard cards.
Direct deposits to the NSW Rural Fire Service Donation Fund can be made to NSW Rural Fire Service, Westpac BSB: 032-001, Account No: 171051.
You can post a cheque or money order to NSW Rural Fire Service, Locked Bag 17, Granville NSW 2142.
If you want to donate to a specific NSW RFS brigade that is not listed on the service's online donations page, the RFS recommends you contact the brigade or its nearest fire control centre.
Paymasters Restaurant will be collecting donations for RFS brigades in the Lower Hunter during Supercars.
Vinnies - Everyday basics for victims
Clare Van Doorn, the acting regional director of St Vincent de Paul in the north-east region of NSW, said its conference members are present at evacuation centres providing clothing, food vouchers and gift cards to meet the needs of those impacted by fires.
Vinnies stores in the Hunter are monetary donations for its bushfire appeal, as well as clothes. Funds can also be donated to the appeal by calling 13 18 12.
Ms Van Doorn said that at this stage money was preferable.
"It enables us to make sure we can support people with the types of items they require as well as ongoing support they will need to rebuild," she said.
The Salvation Army - Relief services for emergency workers and victims
The Salvation Army has deployed its emergency service teams to evacuation centres in NSW and Queensland to provide food and water, along with emotional and practical support to emergency services personnel and people who have been displaced by the fires.
To donate go to salvationarmy.org.au, call 13 72 58 or you can donate at Woolworths checkouts.
The Red Cross - Mental health first aid for towns
The Red Cross is providing specialist teams of aid workers and volunteers on the ground to support towns impacted by bush fires. They are providing psychological first aid to displaced people and those who have sought refuge in evacuation centres, as well as helping residents get in contact with loved ones.
Donation can be made online at www.redcross.org.au by calling 1800 733 276 during business hours. Donations can also be made at Commonwealth Bank branches.
Providing accommodation
Several pages on social media are functioning as databases for people to offer shelter for people, pets and even farm animals. Visit these pages to register your interest:
- Open Doors Newcastle for Catastrophic fire risk: For people and/or pets to stay overnight or just for a couple of hours, specifically for Hunter residents during the increased fire danger on Tuesday.
- Central Coast and Hunter Valley Horse and Livestock Evacuation & Rescue Aid: For transport or accommodation of larger animals.
- Fire and Flood Help for Horse mid-north coast NSW For transport or accommodation of horses.
- Fire Evacuation Pet Assistance NSW For accommodation of different companion animals.
Others seeking funds
Several families and communities impacted by the state's fires have created fundraising pages on Go Fund Me.
Koala Hospital Port Macquarie is collecting donations for koala rescue and rehabilitation
The Queensland Government has provided advice about where to donate to help support fire victims in the state.
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