States come to Victoria’s aid

By Adam Coleman

State and territory leaders have pledged to support Victoria as it struggles to deal with Australia’s worst natural disaster on record.

In Western Australia, Premier Colin Barnett has announced a $1 million donation to the Victorian bushfire relief fund and has sent 10 firefighters to the state and has 46 officers from the Fire and Emergency Services Authority on standby if required.

The state is also sending 15 Department of Environment and Conservation staff, seven other firefighting specialists and eight police officers.

Despite approaching extreme fire danger itself, South Australia has sent more than 60 firefighters and an Elvis air crane to assist with the efforts.

New South Wales Premier Nathan Rees has sent 250 firefighters, along with specialist search and rescue teams.

The ACT has deployed one hundred firefighters and 10 tankers to help.

Tasmania has sent personnel from the Tasmania Fire Service, Forestry Tasmania and Parks and Wildlife.

Queensland is currently struggling with severe flooding in the north of the state, but Premier Anna Bligh has offered her state’s support

Queensland’s health, police and emergency services ministers are in touch with their Victorian counterparts and are awaiting details of what they need.

A disaster team from the Northern Territory has flown to Victoria to help identify the increasing numbers of dead. The death toll has risen to 128 and is expected to climb.

How you can help Victims of the Victorian Bushfires:

Dig deep and donate to the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund – call 1800 811 700 or donate online
Urgent blood donations are needed

Accessing help Victims of the Victorian Bushfires:

Contact Centrelink
Victorian Bushfire Information Line  – call 1800 240 667
Official Government information and updates
Bushfire Family Hotline – call and register 1800 727 077

 

Comment below to have your say on this story.

If you have a news story or tip-off, get in touch at editorial@governmentnews.com.au.  

Sign up to the Government News newsletter

TAGS

Leave a comment:

Your email address will not be published. All fields are required