9 January 2020
The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (SA Branch) would like to pass on our thoughts and support to nurses, midwives, personal care workers and their communities who have been affected by the recent bushfires in South Australia. Our thoughts are also with our colleagues across Australia who are also facing dangerous fire conditions.
We acknowledge and express our gratitude to all the emergency workers, volunteers, and community members who are working in fire-affected areas. Many in our profession are also caring for patients who have been physically or psychologically impacted by these tragic events.
Amongst the darkness it is heart-warming to hear the stories of kindness, bravery and unity, and while the physical and psychological health impact of these bushfires will linger, know you are not alone – we stand with you.
Adj Assoc Professor Elizabeth Dabars AM
CEO/Secretary
Member advice and support
Members in affected areas may be experiencing issues with work, including being unable to attend work due to the fires, having to take time off work to support family and protect property or volunteer to fight the fires. If you need industrial advice or support, please do not hesitate to contact our Duty Officer on [email protected] or 8334 1900.
Please note that industrial rights and leave arrangements available in the current situation will vary between awards, agreements and employers. Your rights will also be in part determined based on your individual circumstances. Include as much information as possible about your situation in any contact with us.
If you have been directly impacted by the bushfires and experiencing financial hardship, please contact our membership team on 8334 1902 or Duty Officer on 8334 1900 to discuss your situation.
Health and wellbeing
We urge you to look after yourself, family, neighbours and friends during this crisis, and to access mental health services if you need it. You can contact any of the following services to access this support, or you can contact your employer to access their Employee Assistance Program.
State information
- Country Fire Service: cfs.sa.gov.au
Daily/going incidents across South Australia. Also follow the CFS on Facebook or Twitter.
Financial Support
Department of Human Services: humanservices.gov.au
Disaster Assist: disasterassist.gov.au
How you can help communities affected by the bushfires
Donate
Australian Red Cross: redcross.org.au
The Australian Red Cross have launched a disaster relief and recovery fund to provide short and long-term support to people and communities impacted by the bushfires. Donations can be made via their website.
Official Kangaroo Island Mayoral Relief and Recovery Bushfire Fund: kangarooisland.sa.gov.au
To assist those in need specifically on Kangaroo Island
Kangaroo Island Wildlife Network: kiwildlifenetwork.wixsite.com
A not-for-profit organisation made up of a dedicated group of volunteers who rescue and rehabilitate injured, sick and orphaned wildlife on Kangaroo Island, South Australia.
SA Cudlee Creek fire appeal: premier.sa.gov.au
General goods, clothing, medical supplies and other donations
SeaLink has partnered with The Lions Club of Yankalilla to arrange the transportation and delivery of donated goods.
Items most required (as at 8/01/2020) include:
- Water
- Panadol
- Bandaids
- Bandages
- Savlon or similar
- Burn aid
- First aid items
- Drinks including Gatorade, Soft Drink, Long-life juice (easy to grab and go)
- Disposable cutlery
- Breakfast cereal
Drop off locations:
- Large shed on Jervois Road near the corner of Main South Road Yankalilla in the showgrounds opposite the new Caltex Service Station. This location will be open daily from 9am to 4pm from Wednesday 8th January.
- In conjunction with the State Recovery Unit and St Vincent de Paul. Three donation bins are located on the Eastern side of the Cape Jervis SeaLink Ferry Terminal. Bins will be cleared each day.
Foodbank SA: foodbank.org.au
Foodbank SA has activated as the primary food donation drop off point for those who want to donate food to the people affected by the KI bushfires. Please see their website for items needed and to find the four drop off locations around Adelaide. With your donations please keep in mind that honey products and unwashed potatoes are prohibited from being taken to the island.
Volunteer
Volunteer with South Australian Country Fire Service: cfs.sa.gov.au
Junction in Kingscote is the contact point for people who wish to volunteer their time to assist with the relief efforts for the Kangaroo Island community. Please call 8553 2877