7 social initiatives helping bushfire-affected communities
Get involved with helping communities recover and revive with these Aussie social campaigns aimed at supporting rural and bushfire-affected areas.
The bushfires that affected Australia in the 2019/2020 summer touched everyone near and far, and prompted Aussies around the country to reach out to their friends and neighbours. As Australians have rallied around impacted communities, several social initiatives have launched to lend a hand.
Follow these seven social initiatives to show your support.
Empty Esky
Success story
After their barbecue sauce was posted on @emptyesky, Alpine Sauce Co sold one hundred bottles of their sauce in just one hour. Two weeks later, they'd sold two thousand.
Social initiative @emptyesky encourages everyone to grab an empty esky and head out on a roadtrip to a fire-affected town. By filling an esky with local food, wine and wares, visitors can help impacted communities get back on their feet.
Buy from the bush
@buyfromthebush showcases the beautiful things crafted in Australia's rural communities, particularly those facing drought; many communities affected by drought were also impacted by the bushfires. What began as a simple social media campaign has become part of a larger movement towards thoughtful spending, and the @buyfromthebush initiative aims to connect bush businesses with city customers to help invigorate local economies.
Spend With Them
Instagram account @spendwiththem has the goal of rebuilding regions affected by bushfire. By making a purchase from one of the businesses promoted by @spendwiththem, followers help impacted communities on their road to recovery.
Ready to hit the road?
If you're heading off on an Australian roadtrip, showcase your travels on social media using #HolidayHereThisYear.
Roadtrip for Good
Roadtrip For Good helps to support bushfire-affected communities by highlighting businesses in fire-affected areas that are open and ready to welcome visitors once again. Use the interactive mapping tool on their website to plan your own @roadtripforgood and support local communities affected by bushfires.
We want people to go back to these towns. Plan a road trip. Buy a coffee or a loaf of bread. Stay for a day, a weekend or more.
Stay in the bush
A sister social initiative to #buyfromthebush, the @stayinthebush Instagram account supports rural communities and accommodation providers by showcasing beautiful places available to stay in the bush. With rural areas affected by the recent bushfires, now more than ever these communities need our support.
Bushfire bounce back
The social hashtag #bushfirebounceback has been launched by the Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) to spread the word that most of Australia remains unaffected and is open for business. While travellers are encouraged to post images using the hashtag, ATEC are supporting tourism businesses across the country by featuring beautiful and available destinations on their Instagram account @bushfirebounceback.
Stay with them
Kangaroos at One & Only Wogan Valley, Blue Mountains, New South Wales
The Instagram initiative @staywiththemau aims to boost local economies in fire-affected regions by inspiring travellers to visit the array of stunning accommodation options featured on the page. @staywiththemau also provides a platform for guests to connect with accommodation providers directly, eliminating third-party commission fees for local businesses during this time of need.
