Reaching out to bushfire-blackened communities

With the devastation of the spring/summer bushfire season has come opportunities to reach into the lives of people during a really difficult time, many of whom would not normally be involved with the local church.  One South Coast minister said, “I’ve met people in the last few weeks that I’ve never met before and I’ve been here for 8 years.”

The Archbishop of Sydney’s Anglican Aid Bushfire Relief Appeal has now reached $670,000 thanks to your amazing generosity and fast response.

Financial assistance has already been dispatched to churches in northern NSW, the Southern Highlands and NSW South Coast, the Canberra/Goulburn Diocese and, through our association with ARDFA, into the Diocese of Gippsland and Wangaratta in eastern Victoria.

Know someone in your community that needs help? Churches who wish to apply for assistance are invited to contact their Diocesan registrar.

Stories of connection

South of Nowra, the areas around Nerriga suffered badly in the Currowan fire prior to Christmas 2019. He was able to provide help to many including a man in his 70s who has now lost everything.

The Rev. Geoff Thompson of All Saints, Nowra, said, “Thank you for enabling me to offer assistance to those who lost homes in the Nerriga district… It was humbling to be passing on such generous donations.”

In early January, the same fire event impacted Kangaroo Valley, where many properties were lost.

The Rev. Phil Parker, locum at Kangaroo Valley Anglican, has worked with Anglican Aid to provide cash assistance to 45 firefighters and supporters of the local RFS brigade, many of whom were actively involved for weeks across southern NSW. 

Assistance is also going to a local family who lost their business and livelihood in the fire.

God works through his people

Our Appeal was launched on 11 November 2019. Since then, more than 1660 donations have come in, averaging $400 per gift. 

“Local church leaders, who are familiar with the context, are well placed to provide assistance and make pastoral visits,” says Eddie Ozols, Acting CEO of Anglican Aid. “Being from within the community, they can support their neighbours through the shared experience of loss and help to reduce isolation.

“Notably, most donors to the Anglican Aid Bushfire Appeal have some connection to a Christian church. With over 1600 separate contributions to the appeal so far it is clear that our appeal is attracting everyday Christians who are eager to demonstrate Christ-like compassion in a practical way.”

In addition, many wonderful supporters have continued to give towards Anglican Aid’s emergency response (drought), aid and development projects, community care within NSW and the Christmas Appeal. 

Click here to give to Anglican Aid’s bushfire appeal.

Click here to give to Anglican Aid’s drought appeal.