Heartbroken Kylie Minogue donates £261,000 to tackle Australian bushfire crisis

Kylie Minogue has said seeing the Australian bushfires devastating her homeland is “heartbreaking” as she donated funds to help the crisis.

A state of emergency has been declared in New South Wales as more than 200 bushfires continued to rage, endangering animals, destroying vegetation and killing at least 24 people to date.

Minogue, 51, revealed on Instagram she and her family – including sister Dannii, 48 – are donating 500,000 Australian dollars (£261,000) to firefighting efforts.

She said: “Last year I had the incredible opportunity of visiting some of the many beautiful places in my homeland for the first time. Returning home to such devastation throughout much of the country is heartbreaking.

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”As a family, we’ve donated $500,000 towards the immediate firefighting efforts and the ongoing support which will be required. Big or small, from near or far, any support will help those affected by the devastating bushfires.”

On Monday Tourism Australia suspended an advertising campaign starring Kylie as the bushfire crisis continued.

Matesong launched on Christmas Day 2019 and encouraged Brits who were feeling jaded by political events in the UK to take a holiday Down Under.

Former Neighbours star Kylie, 51, was born in Melbourne, Australia in 1968. Her sister Dannii currently lives in Australia. She shared advice on how to stay safe while living amid the fires on social media.

Australian actor Chris Hemsworth and his family has also pledged one million Australian dollars towards the crisis and urged his 39 million followers to donate as well.

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The Thor star said on Instagram: “The bushfires in Australia have caused massive devastation. They continue to burn, there’s warmer weather on its way, we’re really still in the thick of it here and there’s plenty of challenging times still to come. What we need is your support.”

Hemsworth, 36, lives in Byron Bay, Australia with his wife, Spanish actor and model Elsa Pataky, and their three children.

US singer Pink last week announced she was pledging $500,000 to help those battling the “horrific” fires.

She said: “I am totally devastated watching what is happening in Australia right now... My heart goes out to our friends and family in Oz.”