WA bushfire appeal kick started with $25,000 donation

The South West Region Bushfire Appeal has been launched with an initial $25,000 donation from the region's Bendigo Bank Community Bank^® branches.

Bendigo Bank and The Salvation Army have partnered to launch the appeal, which aims to raise funds to help the hundreds of people who lost everything in the recent bushfire.

Halls Head, Collie and Pinjarra Community Bank^® branches have already banded together to make the appeal's first donation.

"We have all been touched by this disaster and we hope that by leading the way we can inspire others in our community to dig deep and help out their neighbours," Collie & Districts Community Bank^® Branch Chairman Jeff Riley said.

"Our thoughts are with the locals and volunteers who are working tirelessly to support them through this difficult time."

Bendigo Bank's Regional Manager for Central WA Aaron Hockey said he was heartened to see the community pulling together.

"By working with our local branches, as well as our friends at the Salvation Army, we hope we can start to make a difference in the lives of people who have lost so much," Mr Hockey said.

The Salvation Army spokesperson Warren Palmer said the organisation had already begun working with people who had been affected by the fires, initially to cater for their short term and immediate needs.

"It's likely our work will continue for a number of weeks and we will then be assessing what ongoing response is required to best support their full recovery," Mr Palmer said.

"The Salvation Army is proud to partner with the Bendigo Bank and very appreciative of the very generous and warm hearts of those who will make a valued contribution."

Donations to the South West Region Bushfire Appeal can be made at any Bendigo Bank branch or online.

Bendigo and Adelaide Bank is Australia's fifth largest banking group. It operates Bendigo Bank, including its locally owned and operated  Community Bank^® branches.