The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) has activated its Disaster Relief Fund (DRF) to provide immediate, farmer-led support to producers impacted by the catastrophic bushfires burning across Victoria.
With a State of Disaster declared across 18 local government areas, more than 300,000 hectares burnt, and farmers reporting devastating losses of livestock, homes, equipment and fodder, the VFF is calling on all Australians to support the recovery by donating and lending a helping hand to the Fund.
VFF Vice-President Peter Star, who has been on the ground leading a CFA strike team responding to the Walwa fire in Victoria’s north-west said the impacts being felt by farming communities are enormous.
“I’ve seen firsthand the devastation these fires are causing to farming families across Victoria.”
“Farmers have lost everything, from homes, sheds, fencing, livestock, and the fodder they need to keep their animals alive. The scale of what we’re dealing with is devastating and we’re still in the middle of it.”
“The VFF Disaster Relief Fund exists precisely for moments like this. It allows us to get funds directly into the hands of affected farmers quickly, without the red tape.”
“Those wishing to lend a helping hand can donate to the VFF’s Disaster Relief Fund. Donations are 100 per cent tax deductible and go directly to those impacted by the fires with every dollar donated going towards helping farming families get back on their feet,” Mr Star said.
The VFF Disaster Relief Fund is a registered charity and funds raised will provide grants to farmers who have suffered loss, supporting the replacement of fencing, infrastructure, fodder and equipment, as well as meeting basic household needs.
Donations can be made online at www.vff.org.au/donations, by cheque made out to ‘VFF Disaster Relief Fund’ to the Victorian Farmers Federation, 24 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000.
“To those who are in a position to help, please consider donating to the VFF Disaster Relief Fund. No matter how large or small, every single cent will help farmers get through these shocking bushfires,” Mr Star said.