Appeal to London for WA bushfire aid

A relief fund for bushfire victims in Western Australia has reached $1.5 million but Perth's Lord Mayor is looking to Boris Johnson in London for help.

The Lord Mayor of Perth has made a surprise appeal to her counterpart in London for help in raising money for West Australian bushfire victims.

Lisa Scaffidi tweeted Boris Johnson on Tuesday asking him to spread some "Boris magic" for Yarloop, as apparent payback for supplying London with a million of its Jarrah bricks more than 100 years ago.

The tweet read: "@MayorofLondon Yarloop West Aust hit by bushfire. 1M Jarrah blocks sent to Lon in 1800s. We could use some Boris magic now #help #globalcare."

The mayor's disaster appeal has so far raised more than $1.5 million, including a $1 million pledge from the state government.

Local mining giant Alcoa has donated $100,000 to the fund to help its employees and community recover from the blaze.

A last-minute concert in Perth on Sunday following the cancelled Southbound festival raised at least $150,000.

A separate online appeal for farmers in Waroona and Harvey whose livelihoods have been destroyed has so far raised $18,000 via gofundme.com


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Source: AAP



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