AFA, FPA provide response to Aussie bushfires

The FPA said it is in the process of establishing a pro bono program where members can volunteer their time to help Australians impacted by the bushfires.

It said the process for applying for pro bono support from FPA members is currently being finalised and will be announced in the coming weeks.

In addition, the FPA noted that its Wellbeing service is available for members who have been directly impacted by the bushfires and want free and confidential support.

The FPA said it understands that individuals and families are struggling during this difficult time as emergency services continue to battle the bushfires throughout several states.

Further, it said that once the bushfires have been extinguished, many Australians will need to rebuild their lives and for many, this will include significant financial pressures.

“The FPA community supported those who suffered in the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires and we want to offer our support again,” said FPA chief executive Dante De Gori.

“Our members have lifelong relationships with some of the people impacted by the bushfires. We will be offering whatever aid we can to help rebuild and recover.”

Similarly, the AFA said it is looking at ways to assist through targeted donations from the AFA Foundation and working with the ProBono Financial Network.

It has also made a Critical Incident Resource Kit available to members, their families and staff members through its AFA Care partnership with Benestar.

AFA chief executive Philip Kewin said the association’s thoughts are with the many thousands of people who have suffered as a result of the devastating bushfires that have burned across our country, and to the thousands of people who are on the ground fighting the fires, defending their homes and assisting their communities.

“AFA advisers are already working with affected clients to help them understand how to access the various levels of financial support that have been made available,” Mr Kewin said.

“We also know that there are AFA members who have themselves been impacted and are defending or evacuating their homes. Others are working as RFS and other volunteers to help their communities.

“We understand it is an extremely confronting event for all and members can access AFA Care if they are having difficulties coping.”

Adrian Flores

Adrian Flores is a deputy editor at Momentum Media, focusing mainly on banking, wealth management and financial services. He has also written for Public Accountant, Accountants Daily and The CEO Magazine.

You can contact him on [email protected].