Post-fire research being conducted. Photo: Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC
Research into the devastating fires of the 2019/20 bushfire season will be increased by a donation from staff and clients at the global investment bank, Jefferies Financial Group.
The Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC has received a donation of $100,000 from Jefferies Financial Group, which will be directed to post-fire research in various locations around Australia. CRC CEO Richard Thornton said the donation will be a welcome contribution to the understanding of the impact of the recent fires on communities.
“This financial support is invaluable as it allows for research that hears firsthand from those who were affected, and enables beneficial lessons to be learnt that will contribute to improvements to bushfire preparations, warnings and response for future fire seasons.”
Jefferies’ Chief Executive Rich Handler and President Brian Friedman announced the donation, noting that there were many people who worked tirelessly to help those in need.
“We are honoured to assist in the recovery and our hearts go out to those affected by these wildfires,” they said.
Jefferies collected and matched a total of $2 million in staff donations and client trading commissions to assist with Australia’s relief efforts, contributing a total of $4 million to many Australian organisations and charities, including the Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience. A full list of donations can be viewed here.