APA | We stand with Australia

We stand with Australia

Our country has been devastated by catastrophic bushfires over the past several months, many of which are still burning. We know that many of you, as well as those dear to you, have been impacted.

These events have deeply saddened us and our thoughts are with the families, communities and animals affected by this crisis, as well as with the courageous emergency services personnel, Australian Defence Force members and volunteers supporting firefighting efforts on the front lines.

For our members:

The APA is extending our fullest support to members affected by the bushfires as follows:

Members who would like information or confidential support are encouraged to contact the APA Employee Assistance Program telephone counselling service which has been made available to assist you during this time. This confidential service is free of charge to members dealing with the bushfire crisis. For more information visit the following link or contact the Member Support Team (phone: 1300 306 622).
Members unable to attend professional development events due to the impact of bushfires will have their fees fully reimbursed. Please contact the Member Support Team (phone: 1300 306 622) or your local Branch office to arrange reimbursement or for any further queries.
The APA’s Member Insurance program partner, BMS, has provided information on insurance processes for members affected by bushfires. Click here. If your property has been damaged or business has been interrupted due to the fires, BMS is also providing member-exclusive Insurance Experts at your disposal. Contact BMS on 1800 931 068 to discuss your circumstances

Understandably, many of us are feeling helpless and overwhelmed as this unprecedented disaster affects so many communities around Australia. Please be aware of some of the ways you can help.

Emergency protocols have been put in place to expedite the process of getting GP's and allied health workers to bushfire-effected communities where they are needed most. Health professionals wishing to offer support to bushfire affected areas should contact their relevant Rural Workforce Agency (RWA). Find out more.

Below are some of the organisations supporting relief efforts:

Disaster Relief:

Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery

Victorian Bushfire Appeal

Salvation Army Disaster Appeal

St Vincent de Paul Society Bushfire Appeal

Foodbank Bushfire Emergency Fund

Givit Queensland Government

Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (grassroots community rebuilding programs)

State Fire Services:

South Australian Country Fire Service Foundation

New South Wales Rural Fire Service

Victoria Country Fire Service

NSW Rural Fire Service Support for Firefighter Families

Rural Fire Brigades Association Queensland Inc.

SES QLD

Saving Wildlife:

WIRES (wildlife rescue)

Wildlife Victoria

Adelaide and Hills Koala Rescue

WWF Australia Koala Crisis

Wildlife Rescue South Coast

The Port Macquarie Koala Hospital

RSPCA NSW Bushfire Appeal

Animals Australia

Zoos Victoria

Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors

Support local businesses affected by bushfires

Businesses in the vicinity of fire-ravaged areas that have managed to avoid the complete devastation of the bushfires are also doing it tough. What should be a busy time with an influx of tourists has now turned into a major struggle to stay afloat.

You may like to consider supporting these businesses and help put money back into the pockets of communities who need it most. Go to https://www.finder.com.au/support-bushfire-affected-businesses-australia and follow Instagram account spendwiththem for further updates.