HELPING OUT: Tamworth women Melinda Cotter, left, and Bridgette Cronberger collecting household goods to give to those affected by the Coonabarabran fires. Photo: Geoff O’Neill 160113GOE01
A LOCAL woman is doing her bit for victims of the Coonabarabran fires, starting a collection of household items for donation.
Bridgette Cronberger is collecting everything from lounges to Tupperware containers – essential, everyday items those affected have lost.
“I’ve got some really close friends and family in Coona and they haven’t been affected yet, but Coona means a lot to me, I spend a fair bit of time over there, so I’m just trying to help out,” Miss Cronberger said.
She only started the appeal on Facebook on Tuesday, but she already has a lot of people making contact to donate items.
Miss Cronberger is storing the items in her shed, while Trevor Whiley from Pamcoona Express has offered to transport the items to a designated drop-off point in Coonabarabran on his thrice-weekly trips between the towns.
Anyone who wants to donate to the appeal can call Miss Cronberger on 0458 787 343 to organise a time and place to drop off items.
Miss Cronberger does not accept cash donations, but Warrumbungle Shire Council has established a money appeal for those affected.
The council said all money donated would be used solely to assist residents who have suffered.
A special bank account has been set up to collect donations.
Money can be directly transferred to the Warrumbungle Shire Council Mayor’s Bushfire Appeal with BSB 062 524 and account number 10133579.
Donations will also be accepted by cheque or payment at the shire’s Coonabarabran and Coolah offices, and at all Commonwealth Bank branches.
