Bega Valley Shire Mayor Kristy McBain made the announcement on Monday, while also saying the first stage allocation of the fund would soon be released. 

“The generosity that has come from right across the country has been nothing short of incredible,” she said.

“Businesses big and small, service clubs, sporting groups, local councils, schools and individuals are among those who have contributed so selflessly and we couldn’t be more thankful.

“Australians have a great way of banding together in the challenging times and the nation’s collective embrace of those impacted by the disaster has been extremely encouraging and comforting.” 

This first stage of the allocation is for owner/occupiers whose houses were completely destroyed and tenants’ rental properties also destroyed in the March 18 fires. 

Mayor McBain said individuals would be contacted by council over the next couple of weeks regarding the application forms. 

The Mayoral Appeal Fund Distribution Committee established to oversee the allocation of money is chaired by the mayor and comprises four community members as well as Bega Valley Shire council’s director of business and governance Graham Stubbs and Deputy Mayor Liz Seckold.

The committee will meet on Monday to work through stage two and three allocations so they can be given out as soon as possible. 

In light of the overwhelming number of donations, receipts are being generated by council staff for credit card donations and they will be distributed this month.

The advice from the Australian Tax Office is a receipt is not required to claim a tax deduction for direct deposits – reasonable details of your donation (i.e. your bank transaction to the Mayor's Appeal account) is sufficient evidence. 

Donations to the Mayoral Appeal Fund can still be made via: