Yorketown fire update

I was very pleased to speak today in the House of Assembly about the impact of last Wednesday’s fires – in Yorketown and Edithburgh, Price, and Port Wakefield -- and to acknowledge the huge efforts and skills of the firefighters, including CFS and farmers using their own units, which prevented loss of life and further property loss.

As stated, the largest fires, near Yorketown and Edithburgh, burned an estimated 5, 000 hectares and resulted in 11 homes being destroyed and 33 firefighters sustaining minor injuries.

Anyone wishing to view my full speech can do so via the Parliament tab on this website.

Today I advise the relief centre which was last week set up in Stansbury Bowls Club and later in the Sports Club, has been re-located to Yorketown Town Hall.

It is open 8 am – 6 pm and anyone seeking information about available assistance as the area begins to recover from the fire is encouraged to visit the relief team.

State Government Personal Hardship Emergency Grants are available, along with Recovery Hotline information and Rural Financial Counselling. Visit: www.dhs.sa.gov.au/Yorketown

The Federal Government is also offering disaster assistance payments – visit www.disasterassist.gov.au for full info or call 180 22 66 for direct assistance.

Various commendable fundraising endeavours have commenced:

The Yorketown Relief Fund:

Police Credit Union Yorketown branch have set up an account for anyone wanting to make donations towards the recovery efforts. Donations can be made in person at the branch or to the account details below:

Account Name: Yorketown Fire Relief Fund

BSB 805-005

Account Number 5260393

For more information contact Wendy Ault, Branch Manager 8852 7000

Lions Australia are also accepting donations – visit https://lionsclubs.org.au/ ; and

There are multiple Go Fund Me pages – for more information visit https://www.gofundme.com/search/au/yorketown-sa-fundraising

Well done to all involved as the community embarks on the recovery stage from these major fires.