Update – Statement from Jeff Ellison, CEO, SeaLink Travel Group
2.30pm Wednesday 8th January 2020
SeaLink is committed to supporting recovery efforts following the devastating Kangaroo Island bushfires.
Our hearts go out to all those who have been impacted by the bushfires, including our own employees who live and work on the Island. We want to acknowledge the dedication, efforts and bravery of firefighters and emergency services personnel. We also thank all SeaLink employees who are working hard to support our customers and the community during this difficult time.
Our priority has been, and continues to be, supporting emergency services with the transportation of essential support personnel, supplies and services. Additional ferry services have been operating throughout the night to ensure urgent delivery requirements can be met.
We have developed an initial support package worth half a million dollars for immediate support of the local community. This includes an initial $200,000 financial donation to the KI Mayoral Relief and Recovery Bushfire Fund.
SeaLink understands there are many people whose homes, properties and businesses have been destroyed. As part of this package we wish to support those directly impacted and by providing free ferry travel to the value of $2,000 per property to assist with their recovery. Community members can email KIsupport@sealink.com.au.
We also recognise that at times like this, family and friends can provide amazing help and support to those affected. SeaLink will also provide free ferry passenger fares to the family and friends of Kangaroo Island residents through to the end of January. More information can be obtained by calling SeaLink on 131 301.
Along with our initial $200,000 donation, we are also launching a national fundraising program with our island ferry services around Australia to raise additional funds to support those impacted by the recent bushfires on Kangaroo Island.
Our thanks and support also go to the many businesses providing services and equipment and goods for the clean-up and recovery process. Our freight services are provided free-of-charge for those donated services. We are working with key support organisations such as BlazeAid and Foodbank in the provision of ferry travel for essential support and provisions. For a list of locations to make food donations to Foodbank SA visit www.sealink.com.au/bushfire-update.
It has been heartening to receive so many offers from members of the public and businesses wanting to donate essential items to the Island community. We have partnered with the Lions Club of Yankalilla and St Vincent De Paul for the donation of essential items and we will transport these to the Island free-of-charge to Island Care. These items can be delivered to:
· Lions Club of Yankalilla – Yankalilla Showground Hall, Jervois Road, Yankalilla. Entrance via side road, open 9am to 4pm.
· St Vincent De Paul – three Vinnies bins are located next to the Cape Jervis ferry terminal until Wednesday 15th January.
We understand the vital importance of tourism to the Kangaroo Island community. As part of longer-term recovery efforts, we are working with the South Australia Tourism Commission and other partners on a campaign to encourage visitors to get behind the local community by continuing to visit Kangaroo Island.
These bushfires have been devastating for everyone on Kangaroo Island. All of us at SeaLink are committed to supporting the local community in its recovery, now and in the longer-term.
In the meantime, we continue to work with the CFS, SAPOL, emergency services and community groups. Anyone requiring assistance should go to the relief centre at Kingscote Football Club, Centenary Avenue, Kingscote.
Thank you once again to everyone assisting in this devastating event and I can assure you that SeaLink will not rest until all transport needs for the Kangaroo Island Community are met.
For up-to-date information on current CFS warnings visit https://www.cfs.sa.gov.au/site/warnings_and_incidents/current_cfs_warnings.jsp
People can also visit www.sealink.com.au/bushfire-update for the latest bushfire updates from SeaLink.
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