As urban dwellers not directly affected by the fires, we could be excused for believing that there is little else we can do except donate money. This need not be the case.

We can do a lot for our displaced and decimated native wildlife by creating to a greater or lesser extent a backyard which can become a wildlife refuge.

We can do this by providing resources and protection in simple but welcome ways.

A food source for many native species is native plants.

Our native birds and insects have evolved to depend on native plants for food.

We can assist them by planting native species in our gardens, especially those which are indigenous to our local area.

Indigenous trees and shrubs are also important for shelter and nesting sites.

Providing water is also important, especially in dry times such as these. Water sources such as frog ponds provide refuge for frogs.

Piles of stones, dry rock walls and garden borders support reptiles.

Consider establishing a bee hotel to accommodate a variety of native bees.

We all love our lawns. Our native wildlife would appreciate it if you were to sacrifice part of your lawn to a variety of native grasses that could provide seeds as food for a variety of birds, small mammals and insects.

We also love our backyard fruit trees. Now is the time to share our produce with starving refugees from fire areas, such as the much-maligned grey-headed flying foxes.

We also need to make our backyards safe for our native refugees. To do this we need to confine our pets, especially cats, which are responsible for the deaths of millions of native animals.

Cat owners, please make sure your pet doesn't contribute to the slaughter by confining it to a cat run, as recommended by Council and the Cat Protection Society.

Our local council contributes to a more wildlife-friendly city through community plantings, providing corridors and habitat for native species.

Members of the Orange community can further assist by participating in community planting programs, and become advocates for the establishment of more native plant species on public land.

Together we can create a refuge for dislocated wildlife.