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Caretasker: Airtasker’s bushfire recovery

  • Updated

OVERVIEW: 

Over the past weeks, it’s been devastating to see the immense impact of the bushfires on Australian people, wildlife and natural environment.

It’s also been really moving to see so many people from the Airtasker community reach out to us for help. The response from our community of Taskers who have already been active in the relief efforts is equally inspiring.

Airtasker connects people who need tasks done with people who are ready to work - and we want to leverage everything that we've built to make it as easy as possible for people to share their skills and help others during this critical time. 

Caretasker is an initiative through which any bushfire affected resident can post a task and instantly connect with more than 30,000 active Taskers from across Australia to assist with bushfire recovery tasks like rebuilding, cleaning, delivering supplies or even completing helpful administrative tasks.

In this time of crisis, it has been truly inspiring to see Australia come together to help one another – and we hope that Caretasker can play a part in bringing people even closer. 

Poster
Tasker
What is a bushfire recovery task?

A bushfire recovery task or [BFR], are tasks related to the recovery and rebuilding of those affected by the recent Australian bushfire-season (August 2019 - ongoing). It provides relief, recovery and preventive efforts in bushfire impacted areas. It can be submitted by anyone from residents, workers, tourists or organisation.

At this time, Airtasker doesn't require evidence that the posts are from areas affected by the bushfire.

How can I get help?

If you’re a member of the Airtasker community, you can post your bushfire recovery task here. 

But if you’re new to Airtasker, you have the option to sign up using your Facebook or Google account. Simply type in your details, create a password and click Join Airtasker. 

For more information on how to sign up, make sure to check this helpful article.

Can I get help for free? 

The minimum price for the Airtasker system to process your task is $5. It is also not subject to additional charges and fees.

What is Caretasker?

Caretasker is an initiative where bushfire-affected residents can post a task and connect with over 30,000 Taskers. The Taskers they will connect with are those that signed up for this effort.

Through Caretasker, Taskers can be as generous as they would like with their time and skills. 

How long will Caretasker last?

The Caretasker initiative is a work in progress - if you have any questions or suggestions on how we could improve it, please let us know.

Are bushfire recovery tasks different from other tasks?

Unlike other tasks, you don't have to pay additional fees posted via the Caretasker page.

What safety tips should I follow?

It is important that Posters and Taskers take steps to ensure their personal safety. We advise that you listen to the advice of emergency services and local councils.

When getting your bushfire related tasks done: 

  1. Ensure that you and your Tasker do not put yourselves or other individuals in danger.
  2. Ensure that you provide Taskers with a safe working environment.
  3. Engage Taskers who have the appropriate skills and qualifications to do your tasks. We encourage you to look for the Bushfire Recovery Badge. 
  4. If you suspect any inappropriate content, posted task and/ or offer, please make sure you report it to us.

How to check fire-affected areas:

Accessing fire-damaged sites:

Exercise caution when attending fire-damaged sites. For further information: 

For immediate assistance

  • For immediate help or life-threatening situations: Call 000
  • For help with damage: Call the State Emergency Service on 132 500
  • For mental health enquiries or people in crisis: Call Lifeline on 13 11 14
  • For insurance claims: Call the Insurance Council of Australia on 1800 734 621 for general enquiries
How do I know which Tasker to pick?

We advise that you take proper precaution before accepting an offer. Below are some tips:

  1. Review the Taskers profile - Check if they have the necessary skills and qualifications to do the job before assigning a Tasker. 
  2. Check the Tasker's badge - badges show that they meet specific requirements to perform a certain task. When signing up for a Bushfire Recovery Badge, the Tasker needs to read and agree with the safety guidelines. Keep in mind that if the task requires special skills (e.g. electrical), you may need to check for more than one badge. You can check this helpful article to learn more about badges.
  3. Don’t hesitate to ask - You can ask about their previous completed tasks, ask if they have read the safety tips for Taskers, or ask about their safety readiness. Ask as many questions as necessary so you can get an idea of who you will be working with.
Will my Tasker have insurance?

Insurance on Airtasker is available for a Tasker’s liability to third parties which covers personal injury and property damage when performing tasks.  

Posters and Taskers are encouraged to review our insurance policy to understand coverage and exclusions.

What are areas affected by the bushfire?

This is defined by the Australian Government's Department of Human Services. These are areas that are affected, or threatened by bushfire. At this time, Airtasker is not requiring proof that posts are from bushfire impacted areas.

For the latest list of areas affected by bushfire, please check What safety tips should I follow?

Can I charge more than $5?

Caretasker is powered by the time, effort and generosity of Taskers in our community. Through this initiative, Airtasker is encouraging Australians to do what they can for whatever they feel is fair-payment during this national crisis.

Posters can change the amount by adjusting your task price. Although Airtasker is encouraging people to be as generous as possible when it comes to helping with bushfire recovery tasks, we also acknowledge that people’s time, skills and effort can come at a cost and you are welcome to set a price that you feel is appropriate.

What’s in it for Airtasker? 

Here at Airtasker, we connect people who need things done with people who are looking to help. This has been our guiding principle even before this crisis.

The recent bushfire recovery efforts have prompted us to create a dedicated place for this purpose. Here, you can find people with resources and skills to help those recovering from this recent event.

What do I need to do to help/register?

We are grateful for the help you wish to extend to the Australian communities affected by the bushfire.

If you’re already on Airtasker, and you’re ready to help you can sign up here.

But if you’re new to the platform, you have the option to sign up using your Facebook or Google account. Simply type in your details, create a password and click 'Join Airtasker'.

For more information on how to sign up, make sure to check this helpful article.

Are bushfire recovery tasks any different?

The minimum task price for a bushfire-related task is $5. But through Caretasker, you can be as generous with your skills and time for as much as you want. These tasks are also free of any fees associated with using the platform.

What is a Bushfire Recovery Badge and how do I get one?

Caretasker.PNG

Taskers with the Bushfire Recovery Badge are people who have chosen to donate their skills and time in the program to help those affected by the recent bushfire. This will help Posters identify Taskers who can respond to their task appropriately.

For more information about the Bushfire Recovery Badge, make sure to check this helpful article.

Is there anything else I need to know before registering for a Bushfire Recovery Badge?

You can offer on bushfire-related tasks by getting a Bushfire Recovery Badge.

However, it comes with additional responsibilities. Below are some reminders before registering and offering on bushfire-related tasks:

  • Travelling to and completing tasks in bushfire affected areas is at your own risk.
  • Exercise caution when attending to fire-damaged sites and be aware of any property hazards.
  • Always check if you can access an area before attending a task.
  • Closely monitor weather and fire conditions as they may be fast-moving and unpredictable and warnings can change quickly.
Are there other ways to help?

Caretasker is powered by the time, effort and generosity of Taskers in our community. Through this initiative, Airtasker is encouraging Australians to do what they can for whatever they feel is fair payment during this national crisis.

We learned that some Taskers have donated to charities and relief organisations using payments received from Airtasker. This is driven by their generosity and always their choice.

Why can’t I make offers on these tasks?

To offer on bushfire-related tasks, make sure you have the required Bushfire Recovery Badge on your profile. 

To apply for a Bushfire Recovery Badge, please click here.

What if I want to make an offer for more than $5?

Although Airtasker is encouraging people to be as generous as possible when it comes to helping with bushfire recovery tasks, we also acknowledge that people’s time, skills and effort can come at a cost and you’re welcome to set a price that you feel is appropriate.

What safety tips should I follow?

It is important that Posters and Taskers take steps to ensure their personal safety. We advise that you listen to the advice of emergency services and local councils.

When getting your bushfire related tasks done: 

  1. Ensure that you and your Tasker do not put yourselves or other individuals in danger.
  2. Ensure that you provide Taskers with a safe working environment.
  3. Engage Taskers who have the appropriate skills and qualifications to do your tasks. We encourage you to look for the Bushfire Recovery Badge. 
  4. If you suspect any inappropriate content, posted task and/ or offer, please make sure you report it to us

How to check fire-affected areas:

Accessing fire-damaged sites:

Exercise caution when attending fire-damaged sites. For further information: 

For immediate assistance

  • For immediate help or life-threatening situations: Call 000
  • For help with damage: Call the State Emergency Service on 132 500
  • For mental health enquiries or people in crisis: Call Lifeline on 13 11 14
  • For insurance claims: Call the Insurance Council of Australia on 1800 734 621 for general enquiries
Am I still covered by insurance?

Insurance on Airtasker is available for a Tasker’s liability to third parties which covers personal injury and property damage while undertaking tasks.  

Posters and Taskers are encouraged to review our insurance policy to understand coverage and exclusions.

What if the task doesn't go as planned?

Before starting a task, make sure you are skilled and qualified to do it. This way the Poster’s expectations are met.

It’s also best to keep your communication lines open. Make sure to use the Airtasker messaging tool so it’s quick to reference agreements you both made. 

If by any chance you find your safety is at risk, notify your Poster immediately. Explain to them why it has become unsafe to continue with the task and if possible, arrange for alternatives (ex. rescheduling). But if you find yourself in immediate danger, remove yourself from the site and call for help.

If you can’t sort it out, remember that we are always here to help.

 

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us.

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