On Saturday, 6 December 2025, a devastating bushfire swept through Koolewong, Phegans Bay, and Woy Woy Bay. The blaze was fuelled by extremely hot and windy conditions, spreading with alarming speed and burning more than 129 hectares. Tragically, over 16 homes were destroyed, and many others were damaged.
The impact of bushfire smoke should not be underestimated. Smoke from the Black Summer bushfires killed nearly 450 people and affected 80 per cent of the population. It harms human health even when the fire is burning hundreds of miles away. It can exacerbate health conditions like asthma and reduce lung function in ways that can worsen existing respiratory problems and even heart disease. If you’re in a susceptible group, decrease your exposure to smoke in the air.
And the mental health impacts should also not be underestimated. This includes that of those directly impacted by the bushfires through having to evacuate, loss of property, or their travel being impacted, as well as people not directly impacted by a bushfire event. People living thousands of kilometres away also experience solastalgia and poor mental health following bushfires.
With summer only just beginning, we may be facing a challenging bushfire season. We encourage everyone in fire‑prone areas to ensure their bush fire survival plan is up to date.
Solidarity through mutual aid ensures that we support communities directly during climate disasters. Here is a collection some grassroots initiatives you can support, as well as support available for those affected.
Mutual Aid and Donations for Recovery of the Koolewong community
[please send additions for this list to: [email protected]]
If you're donating, please consider the functionality of items and the context they're being received in, to ensure you're adding value rather than hindering the recovery.
Make direct donations via the links below.
- GIVIT help for people across New South Wales impacted by bushfires: a list of essential goods and services requested by recovery organisations on behalf of people impacted by the bushfires.
- Vinnies Koolewong Bushfire Disaster Appeal: The St Vincent de Paul Society NSW is providing targeted support to residents in Koolewong impacted by the bushfires, through our Woy Woy Vinnies Support Centre. Vinnies has launched the Koolewong Bushfire Disaster Appeal to deliver fast, practical relief to families and individuals affected.
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Woy Woy country Womens Association donation drive:
BSB 032 527
ACC 280367 -
Non-perishable food and items donation drive: All items will support families affected by the Koolewong fires. Drop off non-perishable food, linen & new clothing at:
1 Golden Mane Hair Salon - Shop 3/206 West St, Umina
9 Lift Accounting - Shop 5-6/206 West St, Umina - A WIRES Wildlife Ambulance has been deployed to the Central Coast to assist with rescue, triage and transport of affected wildlife in surrounding areas. Please be aware animals will have lost habitat and be disoriented. If you see a native animal injured or in distress, please contact WIRES on 1300 094 737 for advice.
The Commons librarians have gathered the following general resources to support community responses to Australian bushfires and other disasters: https://commonslibrary.org/resources-for-disaster-relief-and-recovery/
Links for mental health support
📱 Download the VicEmergency app (iPhone, Android)
📞 Call the VicEmergency hotline on 1800 226 226
📻 Listen to ABC Local Radio - find your local emergency broadcaster here
It is clear that climate change is leading to longer and more intense fire seasons.
Friends of the Earth believes that impacted communities need to be play a pivotal role in the conversations about climate disaster solutions.
Our Act on Climate collective is campaigning for climate adaptation solutions such as funding for local communities to build resilience to locked-in climate impacts. A responsible government should ensure that its citizens are safe by enabling communities to do everything possible to prepare for these impacts, such as worsening fires. Input about what is most needed in your local area is valued and welcomed.
If you have been affected, email [email protected] with input about what your community needs, and any requests for material support and/or the amplification of local needs.
We are thinking of those affected during this challenging time.