Sydney, your mates need you!
The economic fallout of this summer’s bushfires is expected to surpass the $4.4 billion damage experienced during 2009´s Black Saturday fires, but the total cost will not be known for some time.
Meanwhile, small and local businesses are already counting the costs. And some, especially those that were already doing it tough thanks to our record-breaking drought, are having to weigh up whether or not they will be able to bounce back.
But this is when the good, old-fashioned Australian spirit kicks in and shows the world and one another that we are a community; that I am, you are, we are all Australian.
The @emptyesky campaign, a self-professed “movement of foodies + adventurers supporting local business affected by the #australianfires”, has already racked up more than 25,000 followers.
The idea?
Get your esky out. Get in the car. And go fill it up with all the goodness that you can find along the way.
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Why?
These communities need you. As reported by @emptyesky, there have been holiday cancellation rates of up to 70%, which would in any circumstance make it difficult for any business to exist. Let alone after bushfires have torn through and ravaged entire communities.
Where can you go?
The @emptyesky Instagram page is creating and updating a list of businesses in New South Wales (and other states and territories) to help day-trippers pick out cafes, restaurants, wineries and more to visit.
Check out Native Cafe down at Ulladulla, Shoalhaven and enjoy the views.
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Stock up your esky with beer from Cupitt Craft Brewers and help´em keep their staff employed.
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Get your snorkel on down at Jervis Bay with Woebegone Freedive.
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These three are all down south but don’t forget about the Blue Mountains. According to the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, the following areas of the Blue Mountains are now open, so why not go for a bushwalk and stop for a coffee? We heard that there’s a legendary pie shop in Bilpin.
- Govetts Leap lookout and the Blue Mountains Heritage Centre
- Evans Leap lookout
- Katoomba, Leura and Wentworth Falls walking tracks including Federal Pass between Scenic World and Fern Bower
- Conservation Hut
- Empress Falls and canyon
- Euroka campground, Jellybean, Blue Pool and Mount Portal
- Faulconbridge Point
- Blue Gum Swamp
- Ingar and Murphys Glen campgrounds
- Woodford – Oaks trail
- Narrow Neck (Glenraphael Drive as far as the locked gate only – not safe beyond this point)
- Braeside fire trail (not walk)
- Victoria Falls Road fire trail
- Nellies Glen
To keep safe, stay alert and use the NSW Rural Fire Services app for road closures and openings. And remember, it is prohibited to enter bushfire damaged areas as danger from falling tree limbs and other hazards are still active.
To find out more places to visit now and in the future, follow our Facebook page as we will be showcasing more and more communities needing a good-old Aussie helping hand.