Bauer Media today launches its #RebuildOurTowns campaign, supporting the Australian towns affected by the bushfires, now and for the months to come.

Through inspiring stories and in-depth reporting from the ground, we will be encouraging Aussies to lend a hand and support the regeneration of our communities.

Led by Woman’s Day and supported by the Bauer portfolio of titles, each week a spotlight will shine on a different Aussie town in need of rebuilding. Readers will be given practical advice about how they can make a difference – from which local fundraisers need donations to a guide with ways in which they can support locals and small businesses in townships doing it tough.

It could be aiding farmers who need fencing supplies, schools which are short of books and other resources, or getting the community hall back up and running so locals can gather and support one another. If the region depends on tourism, our magazines will help readers plan a getaway when the time is right, bolstering the hospitality and retail businesses.

Fiona Connolly, Publisher – Bauer Media’s Weekly magazines, says “Our readers have huge hearts. They are looking for practical ways in which they can help their fellow Aussies as townships around the country embark on the enormous task of rebuilding their communities. Our sincere hope is that through our strong connections to regional Australia we can connect our readers with each other and bring relief to those who need it most in the ways they need it most.”

Today’s issue of Woman’s Day kicks off with the first town featured, Glen Innes in northern New South Wales. The Glen Innes community was devastated by fires in November, experiencing tragic loss of life and huge destruction of the region. Wytaliba lost more than half the homes, the school and the bridge. The community is desperate for people to start planning visits now, and support local shops.

“We’ve lost so much but the focus now is to make sure this never happens again,” Deputy Mayor Di Newman tells Woman’s Day. “We’ve had to brush off the dust, wipe off the ash, and get back up and be stronger than ever – we’re a close-knit community, and we’re determined to rebuild.

“The best way to help us is come and visit! We have the Glen Innes Show coming up on February 14 for the weekend and I guarantee it’s the best classic country show in Australia!  We’ve got the Celtic Festival from April 30 and even if there’s nothing on, please come anyway and we’ll show you warm country hospitality at its best.”

Woman’s Day will also donate 50c from every issue sold this week towards bushfire relief. In addition, Bauer is working with print company Ovato to redistribute magazines where nationwide circulation has been affected by the ongoing crisis. This stock will be forwarded instead to evacuation and relief centres across the country.