The jointly sponsored and established fund is to assist individuals and families suffering significant loss and distress caused by the region’s fires. 

Rotary member, Margaret Barnes said it’s an opportunity for members of the Mudgee community to drop in without having to go on-line.

“We can accept cash donations or we can log on to the website and take credit card donations.”

The fund has been established through the Rotary Australia Benevolent Society – an arm of Rotary Australia World Community Service - and has been listed as a charitable fund. 

This means it has Deductible Gift Recipient status so that donations made to it are tax deductible. 

“The fund was set up to help those affected by the fires, and this is an opportunity for Rotary to help,” she said. 

“People have been hurt badly by the fires and if we can help in a small way, it’s a little way to help them. It’s our way to show we care.

Rotary member, Graham Taylor also added the entire Rotary community around Australia are trying to help.

“We’re starting to get donations from interstate.

“Whilst our primary priority at the moment is on financial support, we have had other donations.

“Over the weekend, a Rotarian provided a whole bunch of quilts and she really wanted to donate to those that had lost everything in the fires. Those quilts are now over in Coolah and will be distributed to those in need,” he said.

“The community help is outstanding.

“We spoke to our colleagues in Coolah who mentioned – “If there is one good thing that has come out of this, it’s the community spirit”.

“Ultimately when everything is fixed, the community will be a much much stronger place.

“In the meantime there is a lot of people going through hardship and we need to roll up our sleeves and do our bit to help,” he said.

All donations are tax deductible and can be made at the Mudgee Library between 10:30am and 12:30pm until March 11.