Celeste Barber’s bushfire money cannot be shared among Australia’s states, due to a legal hitch.
The comedian famously raised over AUD $50 million for bushfire relief during Australia’s devastating 2019/20 fire season. Where the money raised by Barber could actually be spent ended up in court, though.
At issue was the fact that Barber officially nominated a fund of the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) as the recipient of her efforts. The Trustee for NSW Rural Fire Service & Brigades Donation Fund has rules that mean the money it receives must only be spent on equipment and support for the brigade.
In January the NSW RFS said in a statement, “Funds must and will be used for this purpose.” They also said they were working to ensure the money would go to where it was intended.
During the fund raising, Barber made numerous public statements that the money would go to bushfire causes around the country.
On Monday, the New South Wales Supreme Court ruled the money must essentially remain with the fund. Due to the fund’s rules, it can not be shared to services in other states.
Describing his decision, Justice Michael Slatter said, “The various public and perhaps private statements made by Ms Barber or any of the donors do not bind the trustees’ application of the funds,” according to 9News.com.au. However, he also noted the money could be used to set up a fund to support injured firefighters and families of people killed in bushfires.
The justice also described Celeste Barber’s bushfire money raising efforts as “public spirited” and an “amazing success”.
How Celeste Barber’s bushfire appeal went global
Barber’s bushfire money appeal began as infernos raged across the country in summer. With a relatively modest target of AUD $30,000 for the her state’s RFS, she took to social media. She already had a huge global following earned largely through her famous spoofs of celebrity selfies, and it was put to good use.
The campaign quickly raced past the target, though. People from around the world, including high profile celebrities like Nicole Kidman, chipped in for the cause. As her bushfire appeal escalated up into the millions, Celeste Barber made numerous public assurances that the money would be spread around to the charities and services who needed it most, right across Australia.
“I’m gonna make sure that Victoria gets some, that South Australia gets some, also families of people who have died in these fires, the wildlife,” Barber posted at the time.
Passing $50 million, the comedian’s bushfire appeal became the biggest fundraiser in Facebook history. It even surpassed official Australian fundraising efforts.
