The Blue Mountains Mayoral Relief Fund was initiated today to directly help the Megalong Valley community affected by the recent natural disaster that has again closed the only road into the valley.
This resurrects a fund that in 2013 raised $3.4 million for fire-affected residents.
Blue Mountains Mayor, Cr Mark Greenhill OAM said the registered fund would allow the community to assist Megalong Valley residents in their time of need.
The fund has zero administration costs, which means every dollar donated goes into the hands of the people who need it. Donations are also tax deductible.
Mayor Greenhill acknowledged the profound impact the latest landslide has had on Megalong Valley residents and business owners.
“We understand the absolute devastation currently being felt by the Megalong Valley community, that natural disaster has occurred again,” he said. “We, too, are devastated. It’s not fair to this wonderful community, or to the broader community who enjoy visiting this beautiful valley, contributing to the local economy.
“The Blue Mountains Mayoral Relief Fund enables the Australian community to assist our local community in their time of need. You can donate now – any amount is greatly appreciated.
“The fund has been incredibly successful following bushfires in both 2013 and 2019. It’s a perfect way for all those who would like to assist, to help our community currently in need.”
Tax deductible donations can be made to the following account:
Name: Blue Mountains Mayoral Relief Fund
BSB: 082 656 / Account Number: 46 179 2573
Via:
• Internet banking
• Telephone: 02 4780 5000
• Council Offices: 2 Civic Place, Katoomba / 104 Macquarie Road, Springwood, or
• At any National Bank branch.
A Fund Advisory Committee has been created to decide where donations received are needed most by the Megalong Valley community.
The members, who bring wisdom, compassion and a wealth of experience to the process, will work with the Blue Mountains Mayor and BMCC CEO Dr Rosemary Dillon to decide where to direct the funding.
The Fund Advisory Committee are:
• Blue Mountains advocate for equity, human rights and dignity and Freecitizen of the City – Mary Waterford AM
• Blue Mountains Freecitizen of the City and former Deputy Mayor – Chris Van der Kley, and
• Former Councillor and Vice President of Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (WSROC) – Don McGregor.
Go to https://www.bmcc.nsw.gov.au/MRF for more information.
Troy has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia's leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.