Highlights
- $51.2 million raised by actor and comedian’s bushfire appeal
- More than a million people donated
- NSW RFS says it is not legally allowed to donate to other charities
The reason being the funds have been provided to NSW RFS which is not allowed to donate to other charities.
The NSW RFS has called it an ‘extremely complex issue’.
“The distribution of the funds is an extremely complex issue. This is because the funds have been provided, in whole, to the NSW RFS. However, the NSW RFS Donations Trust is legally not allowed to provide donated funds to other charities – these funds are limited to firefighting equipment, resources and training for volunteer brigades,” the NSW RFS spokesperson told SBS Hindi.
The NSW RFS is in talks with Celeste’s team and the other companies involved to resolve the issue.
“We’ve been working with Celeste’s team, as well as the companies which conducted the fundraising and collection of donations online, to work out how the funds can be distributed but at this stage, the options are very limited,” the NSW RFS spokesperson said.
More than 1.3 million people donated to Celeste Barber’s bushfire appeal which helped raised over $51.2 million for The Trustee for NSW Rural Fire Service and Brigades Donations Fund.
The donors are now ‘disappointed’ and ‘wondering’ about the delay.
“It's very disappointing to see such delays when people need help immediately. As I understand, rules and regulations are to help and support people not to hinder,” said Kartik Arasu, who donated to the bushfire appeal.
“This has raised serious questions about the end beneficiaries of such fundraisers,” he told SBS Hindi.
“When I donated, I pictured donating to families who have lost their homes and have no income.”
Another donor, Melbourne-based Sudhir Juneja said RFS needs to modify their legislation.
“It is a great effort by Celeste. It is a windfall for the Trustees Fund and the RFS. Legislation changes are needed if RFS wants to pass it to other charities,” Mr Juneja said.
The NSW RFS is keen to work on an outcome that is ‘fair and reasonable’.
“The funds raised are record-breaking – and of a scale, the NSW RFS has never dealt with before,” the NSW RFS spokesperson said.
“We take the issue of public donations very seriously – and know everyone wants to see the funds distributed quickly and to the right places.
“We’ve already established a $10million fund, using donations, for volunteer brigades to tap into for firefighting equipment, resources and training. And we’ll be asking our members for guidance on where remaining funds should be spent.
“We’ll keep you updated as we continue to work on an outcome that is fair and reasonable, and in line with public expectations.”
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