There’s no better time than now to visit Australia to help the communities who need it the most.
The Bureau of Meteorology’s January-March outlook predicts drier weather than normal. Images of unstoppable fires, ash-smeared people leaning against blackened houses, and videos of singed Koalas crying can be seen everywhere. News cycles do exist. The number of headlines about bushfires has decreased in international publications. Instagram has mostly returned to its normal state. WWF estimates that 1.25 billion animals have been killed. It may surprise you to learn that Australia is in a better state than ever.
Travel can be a positive force.
Australian Tourism Export Council estimates that the tourism industry will lose $4.5 billion this year as many tourists cancel or avoid trips. It is one thing to donate money, but it is quite another to have a direct effect. Volunteering is not for the faint-hearted. The skills required to care for animals and fight wildfires are too high. However, there are other ways to rebuild.
Silke Kerwick, from the non-profit organization YHA Australia, recommends that you contact BlazeAid. This organization works with rural families in order to rebuild damaged or destroyed structures after natural disasters. Working travelers can also extend their visas by doing certain types of work within bushfire-affected regions. Working Holiday visa holders (subclass 417) looking to work 88 days in regional Australia in order to qualify for a second-year visa (or six months of work to qualify for a third-year visa) need to know that they are eligible if the work is specified and in disaster areas. She says, “Construction work in eligible regions’.” More information can be found on the Department of Home Affairs website.
The most picturesque and friendly country towns are often deserted in the peak tourist season. Choosing to visit can make a huge difference. One of the easiest and most effective ways to support local businesses that have been affected by bushfires is to spend your travel money at those businesses. Overtourism is the result of overcrowding at a popular tourist destination. Impact tourism, or as we call it, involves traveling to a destination in order to help communities in need. Start with Australia.
Visit affected communities
Australians have also created their unique methods to help bushfire-affected towns. In January, three of my friends made an Instagram account @emptyesky to encourage people to visit communities affected by bushfires with empty eskies, also known as iceboxes, to fill them up with local products. The account went viral. They are also planning tours and events in areas that are in need of support. The Empty Esky Website provides a wealth of information, including businesses that are eager to welcome customers in areas affected by fires.
Many positive stories have emerged, such as the story of a chicken shop that was saved from bankruptcy by selling more than 2000 bottles of barbecue sauce.
Erin Boutros, co-founder of Cream Patisserie, says, “Today Cream Patisserie, in Bermagui in New South Wales, sent an update to us that a lady from Manly had seen our post and contacted the shop and said she wanted to sponsor 30 firefighters to have lunch and vanilla slice. So, she bought lunches for them all.” “We started it, and now we have to be responsible for it… We are in it for the long haul.”
Helping in other ways
Local businesses can also be found on social media pages like @buyfromthebush @stayinthebush @spendwiththem @staywiththemau. Pay-it-forward shops allow you to buy items to donate to families affected by fires.
Gippsland Jersey is a dairy in Lakes Entrance in Victoria. It’s one of four local businesses that are featured in the care pack, which includes local milk, eggs, bread, and honey. Packs are available for purchase and then given to families affected by bushfires. Sallie Jones, from Gippsland, Jersey, has experienced the effects of the bushfires. She stayed in her factory during New Year’s Eve to camp out as the fires raged from both directions. The wind changed. It was surreal. Lakes Entrance always has a lot of people, and this was even worse than the winter. It’s just a ghost town. It was very smoky. The shops were all closed, and fire trucks and helicopters were flying overhead. “It felt like the end was near,” she said.
If you are donating remotely, decide where your money should go. Do your research and choose a cause or state. The best way to help is to plan a trip to Australia and visit the affected communities.
Travel responsibly
AirVisual is a free app that allows you to check the air quality in all major Australian cities. Some days are hazy, and people wear face masks. However, most of the major tourist destinations are not affected. Australia is in desperate need of tourists despite the fact that visitor numbers have dropped. Tourism Australia summarizes this best, posting updates about safe travel during bushfire seasons.
Many destinations in Australia continue to be safe and welcome visitors. All international airports continue to operate as usual… “The best way to support Australia and Australian communities as well as the tourism industry is to continue visiting.”
It also includes a map and tables that show popular destinations, as well as whether they’re affected by bushfires. However, it is important to visit the regional websites listed here. Check air quality.com if you are concerned about air quality. Remember to follow the Total Fire Ban, especially when you are camping. If you have done your homework, you are unlikely to end up in the vicinity of a fire. However, you should still follow instructions from emergency personnel if they ask you to evacuate.
Travel responsibly when you arrive Down Under. Reduce your use of plastic, take public transport, hire a bike, stay at environmentally friendly accommodation, and consider learning best from those who know this land by booking an Aboriginal-led cultural tour. You can reschedule your trip to another part of Australia instead of canceling. The best memories are often born from the unexpected.