Office Choice offers support to members in the ‘firing’ line.

Several office products dealers in bushfire emergency regions in New South Wales and Victoria have escaped the worst of the catastrophic conditions with no reported loss of property or possessions.

However, Office Choice Limited’s head office has issued a statement saying that the current bushfire situation has had a direct impact on a number of Office Choice members, with some disruption to day-to-day operations.

“Office Choice has been in touch with all affected parties during the break and pleasingly notwithstanding it was a draining and frightening period, all are safe and haven’t endured any personal asset or property loss,” the group said. 

“That said, the recovery process will be challenging and drawn out, amplified by further difficult conditions still forecasted. We will continue to review the situation and OCL are developing a recommendation for the board regarding member support and funding for those hardest impacted.”

Dealer update:       

Office Choice Bega, owned by Lex and Ruth Marshall, has remained opened, mainly to service the RFS and emergency services. All staff are safe.

Darren Knight, owner of  Bay Office Supplies at Batemans Bay, said the town has been without power for an extended period but he and his team are all safe, although some people had to be evacuated.

Office Choice Bairnsdale, owned by David Stewart, Stephen Savige and Krissy Gleeson, is not directly affected by the fires but the town is being used a support base for the ADF.

Officesmart Orbost - impacted by fires in the region.

Several Office Choice and Office Brands members in the Southern Highlands region of NSW have not been directly impacted by the fires but are in close proximity to dangerous spot fires.

Office Brands CEO Gavin Ward said the group was “tracking the situation of members in areas affected by the fires” and would offer assistance if needed.

Meantime, Office Choice said it is proud to support the Bibbulmun Fund through its Bibbulmun range of products, which has pledged $5000 towards WIRES Wildlife rescue to help save and care for native animals.