Bushfire Relief Update

IMMEDIATE RESPONSE

RSPCA NSW was able to respond immediately and effectively in this crisis – $1.3 million was spent on the ground, rescuing and treating injured animals in their hour of need, as well as supporting animal owners in crisis by providing food, bedding, emergency surgery, temporary fencing and animal housing, medicine and flea and tick treatment.

When the fires were tearing through the state with anger and ferocity, leaving nothing but smoulder and devastation, we immediately dispatched a team of RSPCA NSW animal experts to nine emergency evacuation centres. In the days and weeks following the fires, 32 pop-up relief points were established to directly support impacted communities with much-needed supplies.

RSPCA NSW had a persistent presence in multiple towns, way up north and way down south. In one case, that meant being the very first emergency response organisation to lend a hand in the severely fire-ravaged town of Towamba.

We also set up a bushfire assistance form for impacted owners to contact us and receive direct help. Through that form, over 1,000 households were given relief, including Red’s family.

Here’s what our immediate and ongoing relief to communities looked like, in numbers:

RSPCA NSW RELIEF IN NUMBERS

PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE 

The terrifying reality of this disaster is that it is likely to happen again. While it’s dreadful to consider, our generous donors have ensured that animals in NSW will be more protected than ever before, with $2.6 million allocated to infrastructure that helps RSPCA NSW better respond to emergencies.

To further equip us for future emergencies, RSPCA NSW have invested in a new mobile animal welfare unit to treat as well as vehicles specifically used for animal transport and community outreach.

These vehicles and supplies will mean we can respond to natural disasters immediately and effectively, providing more help to more animals who need it.

REHABILITATING WILDLIFE

The millions of lives lost during the 2019-2020 fires is nothing short of an appalling tragedy. When the fires came to a merciful end and the ash settled, this was a devastating and sobering reality to adjust to.

New South Wales’ unique and vibrant wildlife has been cherished and celebrated by our communities for generations, and it has never been in more jeopardy.

But there is hope.

RSPCA NSW has allocated $2.4 million to a series of robust and long-term partnerships with wildlife organisations – to ensure these precious animals are conserved for our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren to enjoy.

The first of many is a partnership with Taronga Zoo for a platypus refuge and rehabilitation program. The program will use cutting edge scientific methods to conserve the species and protect them from fire and drought, ensuring that platypuses are kept from the brink of extinction.

RSPCA NSW is also exploring other opportunities to help rehabilitate our wildlife in the most effective and impactful ways. Knowing the extent of their injuries, and how devastated their habitats have been, the wellbeing of our wildlife has never been more of a priority to us. Over the coming months, we plan to share more exciting information about we are helping native creatures in New South Wales.

We want to say thank you to all our donors and volunteers for helping make all this possible. They are the only reason we could help so many animals during the crisis – and it’s why we can keep helping animals for many more years to come.