Giving from our hearts

IF there is a bright side to this summer’s terrible bushfires interstate, it is the ready generosity with which all Australians have given help to those in need. That generosity has been particularly evident from Tasmanians, who have stepped up to support those affected with a zeal that is nothing short of inspirational.

Tasmania well knows the impact of bushfires, having experienced terrible blazes over the summer of 2018-19. At that time, and on previous occasions when disaster has struck, the Australian public was generous in their support for those who were affected. Now that the time has come, Tasmanians have responded in kind; returning the favour for those who have lost their family, their homes, or livelihoods in the summer’s unprecedented fires. And they have responded in splendid fashion.

Money has gone to the Red Cross, to the various state-based appeals and to charities that have been working with the animals affected by the fires as well as in response to direct appeals via social media.

There has been an outpouring of donations from the public and business communities. The sense of community that is so integral to Tasmania’s identity is without doubt one of our greatest assets, as has been shown to be so once again.

There is no shortage of examples of those who have gone all-out to help out, as detailed in our news pages today.

Young Campbell Remess is no stranger to Mercury readers for his long history of generosity over many years. Hobart identity Garrick Cameron, also known as the Lord of the Lettuce, has put his shoulder to the wheel with $50,000-plus worth of fundraising. So too has Nick Haddow from the Bruny Island Beer and Cheese Company and pint-sized fundraising hero Charlie Donald. There have been countless more who have risen to the call, helping out in ways big and small, most of them behind the scenes. Charity organisations have mobilised their members to help out through their networks and individuals have given what they can to show their support. Their selflessness comes on top of the work done by Tasmania’s professional and volunteer firefighters and Army Reserve personnel assisting on the frontline of the firefight and in giving aid to their interstate counterparts. We owe them all our thanks.

There has been discussion in various forums about the effectiveness of some organisations in distributing aid, and there will no doubt be post-mortems and lessons learned about what could have been done in a more timely or effective fashion. Each event brings with it new challenges and lessons to be learned afresh. What is unchanging is the innate compassion with which the community responds in time of crisis. It is something that we should rightly reflect upon — and celebrate.

Everyone who has contributed this summer, through their toil, or by gifts in cash or kind, should be proud of their role — however small — in easing the pain caused by this terrible crisis. And Tasmanians should be proud that we have once again stepped up so strongly to assist our compatriots in their time of need. This truly is a little island with a big heart.

Responsibility for all editorial comment is taken by the Editor, Jenna Cairney, Level 1, 2 Salamanca Square, Hobart, TAS, 7000

TASMANIANS SHOULD BE PROUD THAT WE HAVE — ONCE AGAIN — STEPPED UP SO STRONGLY TO ASSIST OUR COMPATRIOTS IN THEIR TIME OF NEED ...