Co-operatives UK stands alongside Australian movement to support bushfire appeal
News item

Australia is facing unprecedented bushfire conditions with homes destroyed, communities devastated and lives tragically lost.
The Australian co-operative and mutual sector has responded with support for emergency relief and future reconstruction – and Co-operatives UK is now partnering the Australian Bushfire Appeal by encouraging UK co-ops to donate in solidarity.
“It’s tough to imagine just how distressing this period is for many people in Australia. Going forward it will be hard for those affected to rebuild their lives and their homes,” said Ed Mayo, Secretary General, Co-operatives UK.
Co-operatives UK members that wish to support the efforts of Australian co-operatives and their local communities can donate to the Australian Mutuals Foundation (AMF) bushfire appeal.
- Donations can be made by credit card
- When filling in the donation form select the Business Council of Cooperatives and Mutual (BCCM) in the ‘member of’ field
- If you wish to donate using a SWIFT code please email BCCM Chief Operating Officer, Reece Kinnane
We will track the UK sector response and ensure your donation is shared with local co-operatives in affected communities and that you hear back on the impact of your donation.
Following numerous donations and offers of support from the UK sector, a sincere message of thanks has been received from Melina Morrison, Chief Executive Officer of the Business Council of Co-operatives and Mutuals: “I wish to express our heartfelt gratitude for your donation to the Australian bushfire appeal through the Australian Mutuals Foundation.
“It is often said that co-operatives come into their own in facing crisis, and no more so than when helping the communities in which they operate to rebound after a natural disaster.”
An overview of other activity in response to the bushfires and the support that Australian co-ops and mutuals are providing to their communities is set out here.