Bulga Survival & Recovery - Elands/Doyles River

Elands is an incredible place and an incredible community. I’m sure if you’re reading this, you have loved the gorgeous Ellenborough river or been impressed by her falls, tasted the amazing honey or dairy from the plateau, been inspired by the years of community efforts to protect and regenerate our amazing forests, breathed the lovely fresh air of the rainforest or had a damn good dance at an awesome party or two. All this is now at risk and we’re asking for your help to protect it.

Right now, Elands is surrounded by active fire fronts on three sides. We have already been fighting the fires for a week and the fight is likely to go on for weeks (maybe months). We are working together to protect this place we love, which we know many of you love too. This effort takes many resources – we have volunteers working tirelessly doing an incredible job to fight the fires, care for the firies, coordinate much needed supplies, etc.

But we need your help, too. It all costs money. We need funds for fuel, fixing water pumps, buying safety gear, food. We will also need funds for the recovery effort of restoring homes, fences, livelihoods and ecosystems.

All funds will go directly to the community of Elands and surrounds, as decided by a committee of local people and based on as-need basis. At first, funds will be directed to fighting the fires and protecting the village. After that, funds will go to the recovery effort, prioritising community assets and individuals who most need it first. We will draw on donated goods wherever possible, and only use these funds for things that can’t be sourced otherwise.

We know that so many people are in need at this time. But we ask, if Elands has touched your heart, please help give back at this time. We really, really appreciate it!

The GoFundMe was started by Anna Lawley, a friend of Elands residents who has felt privileged to spend time with other members of our beautiful community. Locals Bernadette Evans, Aspen Charlesworth and Jarra Hickstar are coordinating this fund at Elands to distribute the funds throughout the community.