The Salvation Army Engages With Fire Affected Communities

With fires continuing to devastate communities across Australia and dangerous weather conditions expected to continue throughout the summer, The Salvation Army is committed to caring for those affected for as long as it takes to get people back on their feet.

Salvation Army personnel and volunteers are currently working in disaster zones in Tasmania, Victoria and New South Wales offering emotional as well as material support to those in need. In addition, our Emergency Services crews have served thousands of meals to date, and remain on standby where needed.

Salvation Army Rural Chaplain, Major Jean Ridley, is currently on the ground supporting families affected by the Warrumbungle National Park bushfires. She says when she arrived she was faced with a scene of utter devastation.

"The normally green landscape was a moonscape, everything is black and lifeless. The heat is unbearable and dead livestock are everywhere. Wild animals, kangaroos, rabbits are just burnt, just lying around," Major Ridley said.

"Yesterday they opened the road and allowed some of the farmers to go back and view their property. We went back with some of those farmers and just walked over the remains of what was there and talked them through it. We’ll stay here as long as it takes to help these people get themselves back together again” she said.

The Salvation Army is calling on the Australian community to give generously at this time to assist and provide help to those in need.

Australians wishing to donate to the Australian Disaster Relief Appeal can do so online at salvos.org.au, by phoning 13 SALVOS (13 72 58), or in person at any Westpac Bank branch across Australia. Donations over $2 are tax deductible.