We created this page for UNSW students to get helpful information and connect. 

Thank you to everyone that came to the Lost Property Sale we raised $7,344.50 for the NSW Rural Fire Service. We don't want to stop there. We will continue to come together was a community of UNSW students and staff to reach out to and help the fire-affected communities, the wildlife and the firefighters.

Stay Intelligently Informed

Keep an eye on the NSW Rural Fire Service website and social media- they provide regular updates on the fires, advice and how you can help: https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/

Download the Fires near Me app: https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/news-and-media/stay-up-to-date

Go to the NSW Office of Emergency Management for emergency management information: https://www.emergency.nsw.gov.au

Feeling Overwhelmed?

If you are feeling overwhelmed, hopeless or helpless regarding the bushfire crisis here are some tips to help you manage: 

• Set time to switch off. Take a break from reading, watching, thinking and talking about the bad news. Put your phone down and use that time to do something that you makes you happy and relaxed. Check in regularly with the news, but balance it out with leisure activities that reduce stress. 

• Make deliberate plans to self-care. If you normally enjoy a walk or an outdoor activity, don’t just resign yourself to a wasted day at home because of the smoke. Use the opportunity to think of a an indoor activity that might be enjoyable – a gym class, having a home cooked meal with friends, or going to an art exhibition, playing board games
• Have stress management strategies in place to calm down, e.g. deep breaths or meditation. 
• Don't ignore the good stories,even in the midst of tragedy, there are examples of heroism, compassion, kindness and generosity

• It can help to speak about your stress. Whether it is with family, friends, or with a professional, talking about your stress is a healthy way to manage them.
• Help in what way you can. You can feel better by doing something actively to address the bushfire crisis. This might be by donating money or volunteering your time or helping spread awareness. There are heaps of ways you can help. Check out our ideas below. 

Do you want to donate money? 

For those with money to give, donations to the following organisations will go towards bushfire relief:

• NSW Rural Fire Service, Victorian Country Fire Authority, South Australian Country Fire Service
• The Salvation Army bushfire appeal
• Red Cross' Disaster Relief and Recovery
• The Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR), who support affected communities
• RSPCA's bushfire appeal to help fire-affected animals
• Wildlife Information Rescue and Education Service (WIRES) who rehabilitate injured wildlife

Do you want to host a fundraising event or set up a crowdfund campaign? 

• Before you do, read this article
• If you're a UNSW student please email and let us know so we can help you 

DISCLAIMER: This document and the information contained herein is provided for general use and informational purposes only. It should not be considered personal advice in relation to legal, financial or healthcare matters. You are encouraged to consult other sources to confirm the information contained in this document, and if appropriate, seek independent expert advice from an appropriately qualified legal practitioner, financial advisor or healthcare professional.