Local Mitchell Wolff, who works as a health, safety and environment advisor on the rig, wanted to help the community as soon as he heard about the fires.

“I was offshore working at the time, and I was worried about my family and friends,” Mitchell said of the fires.

“Then I heard from my wife that friends’ houses had burned down. So I started a Margaret River bushfire appeal.”

He put up a message on the noticeboard asking fellow workers on the Kipper Tuna Turrum Project to donate.

Because WA had given so much to those who suffered in the devastating Victoria fires, Mitchell said, the eastern states workers wanted to reciprocate.

The rig staff regularly donate their bonuses for staying accident-free to charities.

“Some gave up to $1000 out of their pay,” Mitchell said. “It’s blown me away how good they were. It’s good to see Australians from all around helping out the Margaret River community.”

Mitchell presented the cheque on Thursday to the Cowaramup Lions Club, so they could distribute the funds.

Lions president Simon Snook thanked the rig workers for their generosity.

The club will administer the funds and do their best to help those getting their lives back together after the fires.