DRMNGNOW's Bushfire Relief Fund Raises Over $1.8 Million

The Fire Relief Fund For First Nations Communities has officially closed after a whopping $1.8 million for those affected by Australia's ongoing bushfire crisis. 

The fundraiser was launched by Neil Morris - aka DRMNGNOW - on 1 January and closed yesterday with Morris thanking donators for their "incredible support" and sharing that the funds are now being distributed to communities. 

"The initial goal was to raise funds to help with a range of costs that First Nations people where going to require support with," Morris told The Music. 

"The monetary goal was set quite modestly initially as it was, I guess, unclear what interest to support and also extent of what needs would be. As it has unfolded, it has become clear that there was very solid support in the way of 30,000 plus donors. It is not the masses but at the same time the sheer numbers has had an impact here, which can do some very meaningful things at this time."

Morris has expressed appreciation to his music industry peers for supporting the campaign. 

"Many people - from artists to event programmers and promoters - took the initiative to get behind this cause," he shared. 

"At a time of choice, they prioritised First Nations peoples. Maybe at higher percentage than the general population. I feel that really needs to be acknowledged. Music absolutely must play a role in leading the way forward for society as a whole to some extent. 

"Actions committed to here really showed a level of that commitment to responsibility and recognising how important the preciousness of this situation means in the broader make up of life here and globally at the moment."

While funds from the campaign are now being distributed, Morris has shared that this is just the beginning with further campaigns to be launched to help rebuild community infrastructure and homes. For more information on the campaign, head here and find out more about Morris and his work here.