The Salvation Army has launched a Bushfire Disaster Appeal to support communities affected by the devastating bushfires in New South Wales and Queensland.
The Bushfire Disaster Appeal will position the Salvos to help beyond the current support of evacuees and emergency personnel and into the sustained effort required through recovery and rebuilding phases.
Salvation Army spokesperson Major Bruce Harmer said the Salvos have deployed relief teams to provide food and water, along with emotional and practical support, to emergency services personnel and displaced people as they arrive at evacuation centres.
“The Salvation Army is already preparing for the recovery phase of this disaster,” Major Harmer said. “We know from experience many of those displaced by the fires are going to need us for many months or years ahead. We are committed to standing alongside these communities for as long as it takes to get them back on their feet.”
Salvation Army Emergency Services (SAES) teams are active across 12 evacuation centres through NSW and Queensland, with another evacuation centre being established today in Lismore, northern NSW. SAES teams are on standby in other areas, ready to set up as required.