Our hearts go out to everyone impacted by the Australian bushfire crisis which has had a devastating impact on families, livelihoods, communities (including our community) and animals across our country…

Despite some very scary days, we were fortunate to have escaped the bushfires, although some of our neighbours and community were not so fortunate. We’d love you to come and visit and support our vibrant community and help get them back on their feet. Please follow our instagram account for updates on what’s going on in Kangaroo Valley and how you can help support our neighbours…

… and please follow Empty Esky to aid in the recovery of local tourism industries and small businesses, many of which depend on the usual influx of summer tourists, by encouraging Australians to pledge a visit to a bushfire affected town in 2020 – empty esky in tow.

View this post on Instagram

Wondering what the ‘Empty Esky’ movement is all about? We are inviting you to grab an esky, a reusable bag, or an empty stomach 😋 Hit the road and visit a town which has been impacted by bushfires. Go to the local stores, buy things, eat at the restaurants and cafes, stay at the local accomodation, book all the fun activities on offer and ultimately have an ADVENTURE! 🙌🏽 By doing this, you are helping small business owners to recoup the revenue they have lost as a result of the fires AND you get to experience new, amazing things! WIN WIN! So…..who is in?! 🙌🏽 (@chelseyjanevc thank you for the amazing vid 💛🙏🏽) #emptyesky #weareone #takethepledge ©️Empty Esky

A post shared by Empty Esky Bushfire Recovery (@emptyesky) on Jan 19, 2020 at 1:07am PST

OTHER WAYS WE  CAN ALL HELP:

* Donate to local fire brigades in the state of New South Wales or to the Victorian Bushfire Relief appeal.

* You can also donate to the families of firefighters who have passed away while on duty.

*Help support the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in New South Wales, which is assisting with evacuation and rescue efforts for animals affected by the fires.

*Donate to the emergency fund for Wires (NSW), a group that rescues wildlife and relies heavily on volunteers and donations. Or the wonderful Wildlife Victoria is appealing for donations to help Victorian animals.

*Donate to the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital, which has rescued more than 30 injured koalas and is at work building drinking stations for wildlife in impacted regions.

* Spend money in the bush. Help rural communities to deal with disaster and get back on their feet by spending some money in bushfire-affected areas. @spendwiththem and @buyfromthebush are two Instagram accounts you can follow to support businesses in fire-affected areas.

* Support families affected by the fires by donating to the Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery Appeal, Salvation Army’s disaster appeal or the bushfire appeal fund set up by the St. Vincent de Paul Society.

* Givit is a not-for-profit organisation that is running campaigns to help with both the NSW and QLD fires right now. You can give items or donate money.

* Small acts make a big impact. Find out what’s happening near you by searching social media for #bushfireappeal or #bushfirefundraiser, or check your local council’s website and social media channels other ways you can help.

We look forward to welcoming you to beautiful Kangaroo Valley {with your empty esky}.