By Rose Astley
Noosa tourism operators have put their heads together and come up with a way they can relieve the stress for some firefighters or bushfire victims through their new Team Noosa Bushfire Appeal.
Already, the appeal has raised over $100,000 in holiday stays, flights, activities, tours and much more, with 83 businesses in the Noosa Shire getting involved in the last two weeks.
The package will then be donated to NSW Rural Fire Service, Victorian Country Fire Authority, South Australian Country Fire Service and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services, from there it will be either distrupted among the hard working firefighters, displaced families or auctioned off to raise more funds.
Noosa Tourism CEO Melanie Anderson says that it’s important to demonstrate collective community support so that fire victims and firefighters can enjoy a well-deserved break.
“Whilst many individuals are donating to the various appeals, our tourism industry has come together to provide a range of holiday experiences including accommodation, tours and dining experiences. Our Noosa Weddings Organisation have even offered assistance with weddings for those affected by fires.”
“Together with cash donations which will go towards flights, we are wanting to bring some joy and hope back to these regional communities who have lost so much,” Ms Anderson said.
“We hope that our packages will give some relief to our southern friends to escape the difficulty of rebuilding in the coming months and for the amazing firefighters who have given so much, it is a small way for our Noosa community to say thank you.
“When they arrive in our paradise we will ensure they have an amazing time and wrap our arms around them,” Ms Anderson said.
Some of the Noosa businesses that have donated so far include Culgoa Point Beach Resort with a cash donation of $500, Noosa Springs has donated two nights’ accommodation with two rounds of golf and breakfast, Coral Beach Noosa Resort donated x9 three bedroom townhouses for a week each plus heaps more.
The appeal will be kept open for the entire month of January, if anyone is looking to make a contribution they can do so via the Visit Noosa website.
