Over several months bushfires have spread across all states throughout Australia, from the Blue Mountains in New South Wales to Kangaroo Island in South Australia. Unfortunately thousands of properties have been destroyed, 100s of millions of Australian native animals have been killed, along with many human fatalities.
Over several weeks Australia has been inundated with great generosity, love and appreciation from all over the world, including Eurofans.
Big stars, celebrities and musicians across the world have also sent messages of support and donations.
We’ve seen Lizzo who is currently touring in Australia donating her time to volunteer at Foodbank, who are currently providing food supplies to bushfire evacuees.
Australia’s own Delta Goodrem has writing and released a heart felt song “Let It Rain” with all proceeds going to bushfire relief. Her single is currently at number one on the Australian iTunes chart. And of course the Minogue family, practically Australian royalty, donated $500,000.
During the week we also saw the 2014 cover of “I Am Australian” reach number 5 on the Australian iTunes chart as the song as the song has been used on television and online during the bushfire coverage. The song is a cover of an Australian classic originally written in 1987 by members from The Seekers and The Bushwackers. It is recognised by some as Australia’s unofficial national anthem. This recording from 2014 is sung by many Australian Sony artists and features Jessica Mauboy and Dami Im.
Some Australian Eurovision and Australia Decides artists have shown their support by making public donations, collecting donations and performing in fundraisers:
Alfie Arcuri
Alfie Arcuri set up a facebook fundraiser to raise $7,500 for WIRES an organisation that helps recuse wildlife. If you would like to donate you can find the link here.
Dami Im
Dami Im gave an impressive donation of $10,000 to the Australian Red Cross.
Didirri
On February 13 Didirri and friends, which include Pierce Brothers, Jack Botts and Steve Cousins, will be performing a Bushfire Relief Fundraiser in Melbourne at The Corner Hotel, 100% of all the profits and $1 from every drink purchased on the night being donated to bushfire relief charities. Tickets are selling fast, you can get tickets here.
Ella Hooper
Ella Hooper’s band Killing Heidi who are currently on the road with their Red Hot Summer Tour recently performed two shows in Mt. Gambier, South Australia with all proceeds from merchandising sold donated to the South Australian CFS Foundation.
Electric Fields
On February 19 Electric Fields will be performing alongside other Australian artists like Luke Million, Motez, Noen Tetra and others in a Bushfire Relief Show in Adelaide at the Lions Arts Factory, with all ticket sales going to bushfire relief charities.
Guy Sebastian
Guy Sebastian and his wife donated an undisclosed amount to bushfire relief charities. He also stated that he will be “partnering with some very talented people soon to help”, we will keep you updated on the developments.
Jessica Mauboy and Montaigne
Jessica Mauboy and Montaigne are performing as part of the Australian Open Music for Relief. All proceeds to to the Australian Red Cross bushfire appeal. Tickets from ticketmaster.
Jordan-Ravi
Last week Jordan-Ravi showed his support by busking in Melbourne where he raised money for the fire fighter departments.
Kate Miller-Heidke
On New Year’s Eve Kate Miller-Heidke performed on ABC’s NYE Concert with other artists and helped raise $13.3 million for the Red Cross Diaster Relief & Recovery fund.
On the night she performed a cover of Kate Bush’s “Wuthering Heights” which you can watch here:
Tania Doko
On February 11 in Stockholm Sweden Tania Doko is teaming up with Aussies in Stockholm at The Australian Swedish pub Roo and Elk to raise funds for The Red Cross, St Vincent de Paul and other bushfire relief charities. Entertainment by Tania Doko, Sheona Urquhart, and Hart from Ell & Hart. They will have a quiz and also will be auctioning off special packets of Tim Tams, check the link here for more details.
Further messages from other Australian Eurovision and Australia Decides artists with links to various CFS Foundations and charities:
Casey Donovan
Courtney Act
Diana Rouvas
Isaiah Firebrace
Mark Vincent
Mitch Tambo
Sheppard
Vanessa Amorosi
Vanessa also appeared at Hay Mate a fundraiser for farmers experiencing drought (part of the cause of these bushfires).
If you haven't donated you can donate to https://www.redcross.org.au/campaigns/disaster-relief-and-recovery-donate