It has been a devastating summer season for many Australians and communities which have been impacted by bushfires. The extent of the fires across several states over several months has been unprecedented.
Australians have generously rallied behind those who have been affected by the fires which have taken a terrible toll on life, livelihoods, property and country. A huge relief and recovery effort has been mobilised involving government, business and the community.
The property industry has been part of this effort, and will continue to be so over the months ahead as communities rebuild.
Our members have already been supporting bushfire relief efforts from immediate financial assistance, supporting impacted customers and tenants, through to practical assistance provided through their people or places. You can read more about some of these contributions in this issue of Property Australia or follow them online.
I recently attended an industry roundtable hosted by the Prime Minister on how business can support recovery efforts, including the role our members could play in providing people and property resources for affected communities.
Along with our colleagues at the Property Industry Foundation, we are asking members to provide direct support to bushfire reconstruction through the Business Council of Australia’s Community Rebuilding Initiative which is being overseen by Sir Peter Cosgrove. This is great opportunity for the industry to help in a very practical way by volunteering their people to support the work of charities and reconstruction agencies – work that will go on for many months.
These have been difficult times for many Australians but it has been inspiring to see how our businesses and industry have responded. We’ll continue to be there in the months ahead.