The bushfire crisis has created a tough time for many residents and visitors to north-east Victoria. The outlook over Winton Wetlands’ swamps have been eerily clouded with smoke, akin the region, which has served as a reminder of the devastation occurring just 50km to the south-east of the reserve and beyond.

Acknowledging the amazing efforts made by our emergency services and the impact to not only human life, but wildlife, has lead the team at the Mokoan Hub & Café to forge ahead with some supportive initiatives throughout the summer months.

“Being able to support a cause the whole team and our customers can get behind, in a situation you can otherwise feel pretty helpless as a bystander, has been really gratifying” says Café Manager Samantha Trevena.

Throughout January, $1 from every coffee sold will go towards the Wildlife Victoria Bushfire Appeal. All February, the hard cover local history publication Winton Swamp to Winton Wetlands, will be sold at half price through the café with all proceeds going towards the charity that distributes funds to fire affected animal shelters.

Mrs Trevena says that “within the first weeks of January, [the Mokoan Hub &Café] has already raised over $600 for the Wildlife Victoria Bushfire Appeal”.

The team hopes that in the coming weeks the number will climb much higher with thanks to the generosity of the local community and visitors from outside the region, interstate and overseas.

Visitors to the region are encouraged to keep an eye on Vic Emergency (https://emergency.vic.gov.au/) and EPA Air Watch (https://www.epa.vic.gov.au/EPAAirWatch) services.