We have been deeply moved by the level of support, with donations flooding in to various collection points in our town and around the region. A special mention goes to the pupils of St Matthews School used their Mufti Day to raise over $1,100. This and many other responses shows the generosity and fighting spirit of our community, for which we can all be extremely proud.

There are many areas in which urgent support is needed, and those affected are currently being assessed by the Rural Financial Counselling Service. Based on their guidance, this week we will be releasing 60 per cent of the funds raised to date to those who most urgently need help.

But we still have a long way to go if we are to make a real difference. It will take many months for those affected to rebuild their lives, so our fundraising efforts will continue for as long as help is needed.

As an indication of the scale of the rebuilding needed, more than 6,000 kilometres of fencing, 10,000 sheep and 2,000 cattle have been lost along with dozens of homes and farm buildings and these are expected to rise. 

Donations – fully tax deductible - can be made online at www.mudgeerotary.wordpress.com or www.portal.clubrunner.ca/9576 , or in donation boxes at many shops and businesses around Mudgee, or by dropping into the Rotary donation desk at Mudgee Library between 10.30 and 12.30 daily until 11 March. We appreciate all you can do to help us in this vital relief effort and for your wonderful response to date. Margaret Barnes – Campaign Co-ordinator, Rotary Central West NSW Bushfire Appeal