The Board and team at Parklands Albury Wodonga are saddened by the devastating bushfires in our region and across Australia. No words can do justice to the pain and grief that communities, families and wildlife are experiencing. Our thoughts are with all of those affected.

We mourn the loss of life to these fires and extend our sympathies to affected families. We acknowledge the impact on people at the ongoing loss of property, livestock, wildlife and environment. We share the anxiety for the future of our communities and the creatures with whom we share our bush home. 

We pay deep respect to the outstanding efforts of our emergency services teams and volunteers from the CFA, Forest Fires, Rural Fire Brigades, NPWS and other emergency services who have been working so hard to keep us all safe and well informed. Thank you for your efforts.

The response of our community in stepping up to help has been staggering. Many groups and organisations are working on relief efforts in affected communities. If you are able, we encourage you to give generously to their work. A range of donation options are available on the ABC website https://about.abc.net.au/appeals/ 

Physical contributions – in particular your labour – are also welcomed by a range of organisations including Albury Wodonga Regional Foodshare , BlazeAid and the Animal Rescue Craft Guild.

Whether you’ve experienced the fire threat directly, breathed toxic air pollution, or looked on in horror from afar, this unprecedented disaster has impacted us all. From all of us at PAW, we hope you are safe and have the support you need during this difficult time. 

While the fires are burning, we ask that you keep away from fire areas so that emergency services can do their thing, and keep away from hills on days of total fire ban. 

Don’t give up hope….. it is what we need now more than ever!