Blue Mountains mayor Adam Searle was due to seek support from his fellow councillors at last night’s council meeting to pledge $10,000 to the Red Cross Victorian Bushfire Appeal.

“The tragic events of the Victorian fires has shocked and saddened council and the community of the Blue Mountains,” said Clr Searle.

“This donation to the Victorian Bushfire Appeal is an extremely important gesture of support on behalf of council and the Blue Mountains community.”

Mayor Searle is urging residents to support the cause by giving directly to any of the numerous charities and agencies that are accepting donations from the public in support of the bushfire victims — such as the Red Cross (www.redcross.org.au or 1800 811-700) and the Salvation Army (www.salvos.org.au or 13 SALVOS).

“The Blue Mountains community has a lot to offer the affected communities of Victoria. In addition to cash donations, residents are offering a variety of goods and services to the appeal that will assist with the rebuilding of towns and people’s lives,” said Clr Searle.

The mayor also encouraged local residents to give blood at the Red Cross mobile blood bank at Springwood Franklins car park on Wednesday, March 4 from 11.30am-7pm, and Thursday, March 5 from 9.30am-4.30pm. The Red Cross mobile blood bank is also expected at The Edge Cinema, Katoomba in the near future. Details of the blood bank will be available in the council news and information page of the Gazette when available.

“Now is the time to think about our own personal bushfire preparedness and how we as individuals would cope with a similar situation here in the Blue Mountains,” said Clr Searle.

“Giving consideration to bushfire preparedness is something we often neglect, especially in the context of our busy lives and the absence of regular fires in our area, however some basic planning can make a big difference when a fire occurs.

“A large amount of information on preparing your property and bushfire survival is available from the RFS website www.rfs.nsw.gov.au. I strongly encourage residents to read, research and plan for what you will do in a severe bushfire situation here in the greater Blue Mountains region, and discuss these issues with family and friends.”