New Site Links Aussie Bushfire Volunteers with Relief Groups

When Teagan Lerm watched her family and friends near Coffs Harbour fight fires and lose homes during the 2020 Black Summer bushfires, she felt terrified and helpless from afar. That feeling sparked an idea that's now helping thousands take action.

Lerm and her friend Lizzie Hedding launched Project Planet three years ago after realizing they wanted to help but couldn't find a simple resource showing them how. Their latest creation, all-in.org.au, solves that problem by gathering every major bushfire relief organization in one place.

The site connects people directly to groups like the Australian Red Cross, Salvation Army, and wildlife rescue team WIRES. It also highlights smaller organizations like Blaze Aid, which helps rural families rebuild fences and restock supplies after disasters.

"There are so many people that want to take action, but they're overwhelmed by the suite of information available to them," Lerm said. "People end up disconnecting due to that overwhelm."

Blaze Aid chief executive Melissa Jones called the platform a fantastic initiative. Her organization, born from the 2009 Black Saturday fires, relies entirely on volunteers and donations to help farmers recover.

Why This Inspires

The platform addresses a growing problem among young people. A 2023 Headspace survey found 53 percent of young Australians feel fearful about climate change's future effects.

Project Planet primarily reaches its audience through social media, where most Gen Z and millennials get their news. The organization creates simple, easy to understand resources that explain climate issues and provide clear pathways to action.

"Taking action does really help alleviate those feelings of anxiety that young people are feeling," Lerm said. She's proud to create resources that not only explain what's happening but show people exactly how to help.

The platform will adapt as new disasters strike, meeting the needs of each moment while keeping information accessible and actionable.

For organizations on the ground, every new volunteer and dollar counts as bushfires continue threatening communities across Australia.