The New South Wales Supreme Court has ruled that the millions of dollars donated to a Facebook fundraiser run by Australian comedian Celeste Barber can only be used for causes related to the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS).
The court last month ruled that Ms Barber nominated the NSW RFS and Brigades Donation Fund as the beneficiary of the fundraiser – which raised $51.3 million – therefore the money must be distributed in line with that charity’s trust deed.
That deed only allows money to be spent on buying and maintaining fire equipment, firefighter training or administrative costs.
NSW Supreme Court Justice Michael Slattery ruled that some of the money could also be used to support families of fallen firefighters, and for trauma counselling.
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