Illawarra residents can help firefighters and bushfire victims in NSW and Queensland by donating to the following 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.
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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.
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 Illawarra are taking 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 bushfires. 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.
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.
