Helping bushfire-affected communities

Posted in News

Uniting Church President Stuart McMillan has joined Uniting Church SA Moderator Dr Deidre Palmer in calling for prayers and support for those devastated by the recent bushfires in South Australia’s Mid-North.

The fire season has truly started in Australia, with the devastation in SA’s Pinery region coming a very short time after the Esperance fires on the south coast of Western Australia. Both of these fire-affected communities face long recovery processes after battling major blazes, which together claimed six lives and caused widespread destruction of homes, farmland and other property.

“We hold in prayer all those who have lost loved ones, those who have lost homes and everyone involved in the response, both now and in the long recovery phase ahead,” says Stuart.

“We are heartened to hear how people within those regions have responded with compassion for each other, opening up their homes, churches, clubs and businesses to assist those in need.”

The Pinery bushfires claimed two lives and left others seriously injured. Hundreds of firefighters were called on to contain the blaze which has burned more than 80,000 hectares.

SA Disaster and Recovery Ministries Coordinator Wendy Perkins says more than 20 chaplains from different denominations were called upon to be with people at a relief centre established in Gawler.

“People are feeling devastated. Some of those coming in for assistance have lost everything,” says Wendy.

“Our support has been very well received – not only by those impacted by the fires, but also by the other agencies who are dealing with people and listening to their stories. All of that takes its toll on the support workers as well.”

Under the state government’s outreach program, chaplains are on hand at the relief centres for as long as they are needed, before going door-to-door to check on people’s wellbeing.

In Western Australia, four people died in the largest blaze north of Esperance. More than 50 farms suffered serious damage to crops and livestock.

As fires burned, Frontier Services Patrol Minister Rev Rob Dummermuth provided logistic support to fire crews as a member of the SES. His focus now turns to the pastoral care of those impacted.

The local community has rallied behind the victims putting together care and food packages and raising money for the families of the deceased to travel to Australia.

The Uniting Church’s National Disaster Recovery Officer, Rev Dr Stephen Robinson, will work with synods, presbyteries and congregations to provide support and resources to disaster-affected communities.

“Things will never be the same for those devastated by such loss. We will seek to assist those affected to find a new normal in the weeks, months and years ahead,” says Stephen.

Stuart urged Uniting Church members to give to appeals supporting the fire-affected communities.

“As well as your prayerful support, I also ask you to consider making a donation to the Uniting Church appeals which will help to provide ongoing pastoral care and assist communities to get back on their feet.”

Deidre has been approached by a number of people asking her what they can do to assist in this emergency.

Along with prayer, we are also asking congregations and/or individuals to make financial donations wherever possible,” she says. “There will be further opportunities for congregations to offer practical assistance in clean-up and recovery efforts by linking with organisations like Habitat for Humanity SA in the coming weeks.”

The Uniting Church Synod of South Australia is asking for donations to its Bushfire Relief Fund, which will support Mid-North congregations to discern how best to serve the people in the fire-affected regions. Details can be found on the Bushfire Relief fund page.

The Uniting Church in Australia National Disaster Relief Fund also assists in providing services, such as counselling and pastoral care, by bringing ministers and communities together to discuss disaster recovery. To donate to the National Disaster Relief Fund call 1800 772 851 or visit http://assembly.uca.org.au/national-disaster-relief-fund/


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