**How we can donate **

The South Australian Government has launched an Emergency Relief Fund for people wanting to donate money to help those affected by the bushfires.

Minister for Communities and Social Inclusion Tony Piccolo said people can donate online,
with all of the proceeds raised going to support people who have suffered loss or damage as a result of the bushfires.

“These fires have had a significant impact on local communities and this is an important way that South Australians can help those people who have been affected by bushfires,” he said.

“Money raised through the Emergency Relief Fund will go to those people who are most in
need.

“The DCSI State Recovery Office is working with local councils in areas most affected to
determine how to best manage recovery efforts and assess the extent of community need.

Mr Piccolo said a range of information and assistance was available to those affected by the
fires including:

• Grants of up to $5,600 to people whose homes have been destroyed, who are without
insurance or income. These grants are means tested, and available only to people
whose primary place of residence has been destroyed by the fires and meet other
eligibility criteria;

• The Law Society of SA is offering free legal advice to those affected by the bushfires,
with more information available at http://www.lawsocietysa.asn.au or by calling (08) 8229
0200;

• SA Health services such as mental health services and support are available to people
who need them, with Country Health SA offering a 24 hour crisis support service on
131465;

Mr Piccolo said the committee overseeing the fund will consult with affected communities to ensure the funds are disbursed appropriately.

“The recent bushfires have also affected primary producers with loss of livestock and fencing,” he said.

“Donations of grain, hay and fencing materials are also welcomed and can be made by calling the State Bushfire Recovery hotline.”

Donations to the Emergency Relief Fund are tax deductible. Donations can be made online to the following account:

Department for Communities and Social Inclusion – Revenue Clearing Account
Commonwealth Bank of Australia
BSB: 065-266
Account: 10001461
Description: donation

If you need a receipt for the donation, email staterecoveryoffice@dcsi.sa.gov.au after donating.

For more information about the bushfire recovery – including services available or how to
donate money or other resources – call the Bushfire Recovery hotline 1800 302 787 between 8.30am to 9pm, or visit http://www.sa.gov.au/safiresrecovery