As New South Wales is ravaged by devastating bushfires, firefighters, volunteers and charity workers are providing 24/7 support for those affected by the violent blazes.
Greater Sydney and the Hunter, Illawarra and Shoalhaven regions are facing "catastrophic" conditions on Tuesday, with officials warning residents in high-risk areas to be proactive and evacuate while they can - as emergency services are not equipped to rescue everyone.
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Across the Tasman, a second plume of smoke from the raging fires is set to hit New Zealand on Wednesday. Kiwi firefighters are preparing for possible deployment to help Australia's services battle the emergency.
Kiwis can do their bit to help those on the frontline by making a donation to the following organisations and charities - as recommended by SBS Australia.
NSW Rural Fire Service
The New South Wales Rural Fire Service is at the frontline, fighting to contain the bushfires. As of Tuesday morning, there were 57 fires, 28 of them uncontained, burning through the state.
Kiwis can donate to the organisation via credit card here.
Port Macquarie Koala Hospital
The licensed wildlife rehabilitation facility is helping koalas impacted by the bushfires. More than half of a koala colony on the coast of New South Wales is believed to have been killed by the flames.
Koala Conservation Australia President Sue Ashton believes 350 koalas are dead out of a Port Macquarie colony of 600. Last weekend, rescuers took 16 wounded koalas to the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital for treatment.
To help the hospital fund automatic drinking stations to keep the rescued koalas hydrated, Kiwis can donate via the facility's GoFundMe page here.
The Salvation Army
Teams of Salvation Army emergency services have been deployed to wildfire regions in New South Wales and Queensland. The crews are working on the frontline to help those who have lost their homes to the devastation, offering food, shelter and essential items.
The teams are also working to reach isolated families.
Kiwis can donate to the Disaster Appeal here.
Australian Red Cross
The Australian Red Cross is helping communities in affected regions with more than 60 volunteers offering assistance at 16 evacuation centres across New South Wales. Sixteen volunteers are also assisting those at Queensland evacuation centres.
The charity is also providing psychological first aid and helping people get in contact with their loved ones.
Donations can be made to the Red Cross' Disaster Relief and Recovery here.
Newshub.
