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Red Cross responds to Victorian bushfire crisis
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30 January 2006
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Teams of Red Cross volunteers worked around the clock in sweltering conditions to assist communities affected by the recent bushfire emergency. On Saturday 21 January, volunteers were activated under the state's Emergency Management Plan to provide Emergency Catering, Evacuee Registration and First Aid. All the volunteer teams have now been stood down after working around the clock for over a week, feeding hungry fire fighters, bandaging burns or comforting evacuees, who didn't know if they would see their homes again.
Around 2000 volunteers gave up their time to assist threatended communities. One of the largest tasks was to serve more than 30,000 meals across 15 locations, helping to revive the energy and spirits of fire fighters battling to save lives and property.
Red Cross volunteers also registered up to 500 evacuees across the State and first aid |
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Red Cross volunteers feeding hungry firefighters in Yea, Victoria. | volunteers treated a number of firefighters for smoke related injuries ensuring they were able to get on with their important and life saving work.
Andrew Hilton, Executive Director of Australian Red Cross in Victoria, praised the efforts of volunteers. 'Hundreds of Red Cross volunteers have given countless hours simply for the reward of knowing they have helped their local community and the humble and heartfelt thanks that I offer now.'
Australian Red Cross plays a vital role during emergencies and under the state emergency management plan are relied upon to provide Emergency Catering, Emergency First Aid and the National Registration and Inquiry System. These services are funded through campaigns such as Red Cross Calling which begins on 13 February 2006.
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