If you’ve been following the news recently, you’ll be aware of the Australian wildfires. Although fires are commonplace in Australia, with the searing heat, the current crop are the worst in decades, and enormous swathes of the country have been devastated by the flames. Australia is currently experiencing one of the most severe droughts in the country’s history, and this has exasperated the problem. December’s heatwave broke national records, with some places reaching up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, which is equal to 48 degrees Celsius.
Here at How2Become, we’ve received countless messages from thoughtful people asking how they can help or donate to those suffering from the Australian wildfires devastation. In this blog, we’ll run through some of the ways you can assist, including how to become a firefighter in Australia.
How Are The Australian WildFires Being Combated?
How Can I Help?
If you know someone who’s been effected by the Australian fires, or just desperately want to do something to help, then there are lots of options available to you. Below we’ve listed some of the most prominent Australian charity services to which you can donate, all of which are focusing their efforts on providing relief.
How2Become is not associated with any of the below charities or organisations. If you want to donate, please only donate what you are able to, and not more than you can afford.
Australian Red Cross
Much like their British equivalent, Australian Red Cross are focused on saving lives and supporting people in the event of disasters, both man made and natural. They work with vulnerable members of the community, alleviating suffering and providing relief.
You can donate to Australian Red Cross via their official webpage.
Salvation Army Australia
The Salvation Army Australia are a Christian movement, who operate internationally, supporting those in need and offering hope to people who are suffering.
You can donate to the Salvation Army Australia via their official webpage.
New South Wales Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS)
The NSW Rural Fire Service are the largest voluntary fire service in the world. They provide fire and rescue services to 95% of the state of New South Wales, and deal with every type of fire. The NSW Rural Fire Service have been heavily involved in the fight against the current disaster, as the state is one of the worst effected by the flames.
You can donate to the New South Wales Rural Fire Service via their official webpage.
Wildlife Aid Services
Along with the tragic number of deaths to Australian civilians, a vast number of wild species have been eviscerated by the flames. Entire species are estimated to have gone extinct as a result of the blazes, with almost half a billion animals being displaced from their homes, and millions dead. In New South Wales, it’s estimated that almost one third of koalas have been killed, along with various birds, reptiles and other mammals.
WIRES
WIRES (Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service) is the largest wildlife rescue organisation in Australia. Their aim is to preserve and ensure the rehabilitation of Australian wildlife – something they’ve been doing since 1985.
You can donate to WIRES and support their efforts to rescue and preserve wildlife which has been devastated by the fires, via their official webpage.
Port Macquarie Koala Hospital
The Port Macquarie Koala Hospital, along with other national parks and wildlife organisations, have been making a sustained attempt to locate, rescue and and rehabilitate koalas which have been impacted by the fires. Using GoFundMe, as of today, they have raised $4,775,530 – a huge amount compared to the original goal of $25,000.
You too can donate to the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital via their GoFundMe page.
Currumbin Wildlife Hospital
Like the previously mentioned organisations, Currumbin Wildlife Hospital Foundation support and works with sick, injured and orphaned animals, and are one of the busiest and most prominent wildlife hospitals in the world. They do not charge for their services, but accept donations. Naturally, Currumbin has been heavily involved in the rescue and recovery of many wildlife species in the midst of the devastating Australian fires.
You can donate to Currumbin Wildlife Hospital via their donation page.
Want To Become An Australian Firefighter?
Of course, the most effective and direct way to assist with situations like this, in the future, is to become an Australian firefighter yourself. In order to become a firefighter in Australia, you will need to meet some general eligibility requirements. Some of the requirements are very basic, such as having Australian citizenship or permanent residence status, but a brief list of things to consider would include the following:
- Australian citizenship or permanent residence status;
- An education to the minimum level acceptable by the organisation (for the most part Year 10 is acceptable, but most organizations prefer to see Year 12 levels); OR a completed Trade Certificate or Tertiary Qualification;
- The ability to demonstrate considerable employment experience (usually this means at least two years of full time employment);
- Current first aid certificate (many groups want to see the Senior First Aid Level 2 certification);
- Australian C Class Licence with no restrictions and confirmation of completion of a ‘Heavy Vehicle Knowledge Assessment’, OR an Australian MR Class driving licence with no restrictions;
- Current Medical Consent to participate in physical abilities testing;
- A Police character Check.
And if you’re truly serious about making a difference, then we can help you to do this! Our fantastic book on how to become an Australian Firefighter contains:
- In-depth advice on the Firefighter’s role and what they do.
- Tips from currently serving Australian Firefighters on how to prepare for the employment process.
- How to pass the Australian Firefighter interview, with the highest scores possible.
- Actual example interview questions with guidance from experts on how to answer them.
- How and where to apply to become an Australian Firefighter, including application form tips.
- What the assessors are looking for from candidates, and how you can increase your chances of success.
Check out our Official Australian Firefighter webpage, and download your copy of our book today. For every order of this title, or any of our other firefighter products, we’ll donate 50% of our January proceeds to the NSW RFS!
