Donation fund announced for Kurri-Abermain bushfire victims

Published on 16 December 2023

Cessnock City Council has partnered with Rotary Australia and the Rotary Club of Kurri Kurri to establish a fund to provide benevolent relief and support to those directly impacted by the Cessnock Road Fire in the Hunter Valley region.

The significant bushfire event saw three fires converge to form one large, fast moving blaze that threatened several communities. Multiple homes and businesses were lost in the fire.

Members of the public looking to support bushfire victims through tax deductible donations are encouraged to visit the donation page through RAWCS here.

Mayor Jay Suvaal has announced a $5000 donation from Cessnock City Council to kickstart the fundraising effort for victims of the devastating fire.

"This latest bushfire has rocked our community. It emerged and spread quickly, threatening homes and businesses in Abermain, Weston, Pelaw Main and Kurri Kurri," said Clr Suvaal.   

"While the full extent of the damage is not yet known, and the threat continues, we know properties have been affected – both residential and business. 

"It’s vital that we come together as a community to support our neighbours, families and friends impacted by this awful event." 

Rotary Club of Kurri Kurri President Paul Hughes said the scale of the devastation on local families and businesses is felt even more acutely in the lead up to the Christmas period. 

"The impacts of this devastating fire are being felt across our community, and are beginning to strain existing resources of community groups as we rapidly mobilise to provide care and support to local victims," said Mr Hughes.

"We’re asking those with capacity to give, to donate to help those affected to get back on their feet and provide some relief this Christmas season."

A drop-off point for physical donations has also been established at the Centre at Kurri Kurri Community Services.

Kurri Kurri Community Services CEO David Aston said the Centre will be open from 8am Monday to accept donations such as toiletries (toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, hair brushes, makeup), Clothing (new or near new), food of any kind, and gifts for children. 

"We are saddened to hear about the impact of the fires in our region and this reminds us of the need to support each other as best we can," said Mr Aston.

"At KKCS, we are in the process of reaching out to those people we know who are directly affected by the fires, to offer them what ever support we can."

The Centre is not accepting large items or furniture at this time. Further advice on donations of furniture and large items will be made in due course.

The fund will be administered using the same framework as the Hunter Valley Bus Tragedy Fund, through the Rotary Australia World Community Service (RAWCS), to provide confidence donations will be managed appropriately and go toward where they’re most needed. 

All funds raised will be distributed by the Rotary Club of Kurri Kurri, in cooperation with Cessnock City Council and the National RAWCS committee, to individuals and families in the Cessnock LGA directly affected by fires, or whose properties are damaged this bushfire season.