Bushfire relief initiative launches

CBCity Mayor Khal Asfour has unveiled a new initiative aimed to help support bushfire-affected communities rebuild.

The Go Spend Send initiative, launched last night at Council's first Ordinary Meeting for the year, encourages residents to help some of the worst fire-impacted communities in three steps:

Mayor Asfour said the horrific and unprecedented bushfire season has: "brought heartbreaking devastation to so many of our fellow Australians."

"We, Canterbury-Bankstown, are in a unique position to deliver some very real and significant changes to help others, starting with our Go Spend Send initiative. We are the largest council by population in the state. We're also known for our warm and generous community spirit at the best and worst of times," he said.

"If just one in 10 Canterbury-Bankstown families go to a fire-affected area and spent $1000 on a family holiday, more than $11.3 million would go directly back in to helping these communities rebuild. That's huge. It could make all the difference to someone's life, so let's rally together, and be a family that shows #CBCityCares."

The Bushfire Relief Initiative includes a competition that gives residents the chance to win one of six family holidays, worth $1200 each. This has been funded by redirecting Council's entry fee charged at the Australia Day Pool Party events – separate to Council's fundraising appeal efforts.

Mayor Asfour said through the help of Canterbury-Bankstown residents, fire-impacted areas will not be facing the long road to recovery alone.

"We know rebuilding starts with supporting businesses so I'd urge you to do the same with your friends and family, or in your professional circles," he said.

"Like many people, I love a good family holiday so to kick things off, my family and I are going to the Shoalhaven region to Go Spend Send this weekend where we will sleep local, eat local and shop local. Come and join us and show Australia how #CBCityCares."

To get involved in the Go Spend Send initiative and competition visit cb.city/GoSpendSend.

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