FIRE NEWS JAN–MARCH 2020

Updated: 19/3/2020. A message from The Australian Ceramics Association Board and staff regarding the terrible fires…

We are very sorry that some in our Australian ceramics community have suffered severe losses with many still under threat from the ongoing bushfire emergency. We have been contacted by many members expressing concern along with a wish to help those impacted. We will be in touch with those who are affected and seek information from them to find the best way to help them directly.

This page will be updated regularly along with our social media channels once opportunities are confirmed.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/theaustralianceramicsassociation Instagram: www.instagram.com/australianceramics

19 March 2020: Joy Georgeson, Beauty Point, NSW lost her studio  in February 2020. See her post HERE.

24 January 2020: CLAY FOR AUSTRALIA 24/7 AUCTION THE AUCTION IS NOW CLOSED WITH OVER $49,000 RAISED! Many thanks to Vipoo Srivilasa and his volunteer team, to the artists who donated work and to the buyers who donated to various funds for the bushfires.  CLAY FOR AUSTRALIA Facebook page CLICK HERE TO EMAIL VIPOO.

24 January 2020: POTS FOR POTTERS AT KERRIE LOWE GALLERY An exhibition (6–21 March 2020) to raise funds for potters who have lost their studios in the fires. 100% of proceeds will be donated directly to those who have suffered losses. Kerrie Lowe Gallery, 49-51 King St, Newtown NSW 2042 T: 02 9550 4433 www.kerrielowe.com Mon to Sat, 10am – 5.30pm; Thurs until 7pm

8 January 2020: POTTERS AID AT CLAY GULGONG (April 2020) Bring studio equipment and materials to Clay Gulgong for POTTERS AID. If you are a potter rebuilding after the horrific bushfires, help yourselves; if you know a potter near you, please take gifts to them from the Clay Gulgong delegates. Go HERE.

7 January 2020: NEW FUNDRAISER: CLAY FOR AUSTRALIA (current to 31 January 2020) Click HERE for info. Clay for Australia, 2020 is a global fundraising project aimed at assisting those directly impacted by the Australian bushfires. Conceived by ceramic artist, Vipoo Srivilasa, it follows on from a series of four previous “Clay for….” fundraisers that have provided a platform for clay workers from around the world to support worthwhile philanthropic or charitable causes. To date, more than $100,000AUD has been raised.

DIRECT HELP TO POTTERS (most recent news is top of each list below):

Daniel Lafferty and Gabrielle Powell, Cobargo, NSW: 31 December 2019 Their home was saved but the studio was destroyed and they need help to rebuild. FUND: www.gofundme.com/f/rebuild-pottery-studio

Kees Staps of Yatte Yattah, Conjola, NSW, has lost his pottery gallery and workshop, and although his house has survived it is damaged. FUND: www.gofundme.com/f/rebuild-kees-staps039-fire-ravaged-pottery

Fran Geale, near Tumbarumba, Snowy Mountains, NSW: 31 December 2019 Fran’s pottery studio has been destroyed. People can post donations to Fran (any tools – cutting wires, glaze tongs, books, underglaze colours, glaze ingredients, cones, bats) at PO Box 318 Tumbarumba NSW 2653.

Peter and Vanessa Williams, Mogo Pottery, NSW: lost everything 31 December 2019 Their home and studio and all the contents have been lost. They aren’t insured. Their home and studio were two heritage churches they had relocated and renovated. St Mary’s was 120 years old and St. Bernards was 130 years old. www.gofundme.com/f/peter-and-vanessa-williams

Steve Harrison and Janine King, Balmoral Village, NSW: 21 December 2019, pottery building, kiln factory, and woodshed were lost. The house survived. FUND: www.gofundme.com/f/help-rebuild-a-pottery-workshop

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OTHER DONATION OPTIONS: 

Fire Relief Fund for First Nations Communities www.gofundme.com/f/fire-relief-fund-for-first-nations-communities

Australian Red Cross https://fundraise.redcross.org.au

NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) Brigades and Donations Fund The NSW RFS Donations Fund is registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profit Commission and, like many of its brigades, holds Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status which makes any donation received over $2.00 tax deductible. www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/volunteer/support-your-local-brigade

Country Fire Authority (CFA) is a volunteer and community-based fire and emergency services organisation which helps protect 3.3 million Victorians, and more than one million homes and properties across the state. www.cfa.vic.gov.au/about/supporting-cfa

WIRES: Wildlife Rescue Gifts to WIRES $2 and over are tax-deductible. www.wires.org.au/donate/emergency-fund

NEWS FROM POTTERS: 6 January 2020 Sarah Ormonde, Murrah (far south coast) NSW is OK. So far so good – they have saved their home and studio. They are exhausted and emotional but safe.

5 January 2020 Bruce Pryor in Bundanoon has reported he is ok.

If you have news to share, please email, [email protected].

Kind regards,

Vicki Grima Executive Officer The Australian Ceramics Association