While Benalla has gone through the crisis relatively unscathed, it is hard to not feel the effects as we watch on at the personal loss and emotional toll that many around the country are currently facing.
At times like these, it can feel like there is little you can do to help, as those best for the job - our first responders and firefighters - tackle the eye of the storms.
So in saying this, it's been incredible to see our communities get behind fundraising efforts, pledging money to those - both humans and wildlife - in the midst of this unthinkable time.
Australia’s catastrophic bushfire season
And as a furious sports fan myself, what has been touching to see in the last week is the efforts by our national sporting heroes when it comes to the collective fundraising efforts.
The summer season is a key time for sports watchers to kick back and consume what the Australian Test series, ongoing Big Bash Series and National Basketball League have to offer, while the Australian tennis season is a key feature of the month of January.
So it's safe to say that when those at the top of the sporting ladder put their collective platforms towards this disaster, it can and will help further spur others to do the same.
US, Aussie stars back bushfire relief
After facing plenty of flack in his tennis career for his attitude and outbursts on court, many had praise for Nick Kyrgios who was one of the first to kick things off, pledging $200 for every ace he hits this summer.
Others were quick to get on board, with Kyrgios’ teammates Alex De Minaur and John Millman pledging similar targets, while world number one, Ash Barty will donate her entire Brisbane International prize money to the efforts - which if she takes home the title, could amount to $250 000.
National cricket stars pledged donations for every six hit in the Big Bash, while AFL clubs have announced they would come together for a number of fundraising initiatives, with Essendon captain Dyson Heppell set to lose his golden locks for the cause.
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Furthermore, international support Australia is receiving during this time highlights that this reaches far beyond the borders of our country. Tennis players such Simona Halep and Novak Djokovic have pledged money in their own ways, while Illawarra Hawks’ US basketball import LaMelo Ball announced he would donate an entire month's salary to help the victims of the bushfires.
Athletes are also parting with their prized possessions to help the effort, with former Australian cricket player Shane Warne auctioning off his baggy green, Collingwood premiership player Dayne Beams has put his 2010 premiership medal up for auction while current Supercars Champion Scott McLaughlin, who last year took out the round at the Winton SuperSprint, will part with his race helmet.
While there is no end in sight to the current crisis, with the bushfire season set to continue to at least March or April, the beginning of these fundraising efforts will lay the groundwork for a long and arduous road to recovery that numerous families and communities will face over the next few years to come.
So I encourage everyone to continue to donate whatever is in your means, whether it be time, money or resources, to those desperately in need of our national generosity.
● Below are some initial ideas of where to donate, while there are many more to be found online:
Victoria CFA: https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/about/supporting-cfa#donate-cfa
NSW Rural Fire Service: https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/volunteer/support-your-local-brigade
Celeste Barber Fundraiser: https://www.facebook.com/donate/1010958179269977/10157671223743418
Australian Red Cross Relief and Recovery: https://www.redcross.org.au/campaigns/disaster-relief-and-recovery-donate
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