After another catastrophic day of bushfires in Australia, a sense of hopelessness echoes throughout the nation. At this point, firefighters are no longer trying to put out fires; instead, they are just trying to minimise the amount of damage they can cause.

In my last couple of posts on this topic, I have referred to the facts and figures. The daily drumbeat has inoculated us against the enormity of events and left us lost for appropriate responses. Therefore, today I want to look at people. How we can all contribute to this continuing crisis.

Just like any other leader in a time of tragedy, Scott Morrison has been heavily criticised. Some of this criticism has been granted, such as his ill-timed holiday to Hawaii. However, the same people that verbally attacked him when he left the nation, also attacked him when he went and visited fire-affected towns. Mr Morrison has not done much wrong, but he also hasn’t done much right. He has recently announced the increased involvement of the Australia Army in the crisis and is spending time talking with people who have been impacted by the fires. At the start of the bushfire season, it was a state matter. Now, it is a national crisis. The next few months will be monumental for Scott Morrison and for the sake of the Australian people, I hope he succeeds.

The only positive aspect of tragedy is that it often brings people together. This is precisely what Australia has witnessed over the past few days. Sporting stars across Australia and the world have joined together to raise awareness and money. Cricketers Chris Lynn and Glen Maxwell both announced that they would donate $250 for every six hit during the Big Bash League. Moreover, Australian tennis star, Nick Kyrgios, announced he would donate money for every ace that he hit during the ATP Cup.

Furthermore, comedian and online influence, Celeste Barber, has already raised more than $10 million in money for volunteer firefighters! Over 230,000 people donated to the cause with all the money going directly to the NSW Rural Fire Service. The post also gathered attention from international celebrities such as Pink who responded by pledging a donation of $500,000 to the crisis.

If you feel compelled to support the firefighters, communities and families impacted by the bushfires, there are many different options:

In 2020, we must all be unified in demanding climate action. This must be our long-term response to these fires. Talk to your family, contact your local members of government, create discussions in your workplace and share helpful posts through your social media.

I am standing with my fellow Australians during this crisis, and I hope you do too.

There is hope.  

19 thoughts on “The Australian Bushfire Crisis”

      1. We sure will – I am always left feeling so proud when we all come together and help each other out during times of crisis.

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  2. From what I can see, there is a tremendous problem in Australia due to fracking (which involves large amounts of water). Private dams have come into existence which cut off water supplies to the populace. This is a concerted effort by the powers that be. Watch this:

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  3. Very well rounded post. I agree this tragedy is bringing people together.

    In my post I don’t support our PM but that’s in part just my angry talking. I think you are spot on, he’s doing things just not enough.

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    1. I can understand where people’s frustration come from regarding the Prime Minister. It is part of being a leader. There is still time for Mr Morrison, and I can start to see his shift in thinking. I hope it continues.

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  4. Morrison will only be a leader When he stops thinking about self promotion and starts thinking about others, I have found his behaviour and actions through the entire crisis appalling.

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  5. Good post! Apart from tackling climate change, better land management needs to be addresses first and foremost. This is the advice given by firefighters, Aboriginal elders and farmers. Proper hazard reduction in cooler months has been neglected for 20 to 30 years.
    The bush needs controlled fire to regenerate. But if fuel on the ground is left untouched, we get a bushfire of apocalyptic magnitude. BURN OR BE BURNT! People should understand this and those responsible for the neglect should not hide behind global warming.

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  6. I wish I could temporarily house a baby Wombat … they are precious … just until the crisis in Australia is over …. If I could, I would consider it … but they are exotic animals and we are not allowed to keep exotic animals where i live … so while I am emotionally inclined to help, the reality is that I cannot.

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