A letter of thanks from our Patron

His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd) Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia has thanked Australian Red Cross people for supporting Australians in the wake of the devastating bushfires last summer.

As Governor-General and as Patron of Australian Red Cross, I want to extend my sincere appreciation to all Australian Red Cross people for the outstanding support provided to Australians during one of the most challenging periods in our history.

The bushfires of last summer were some of the worst Australia has seen, destroying millions of hectares of land and thousands of homes and, tragically, causing loss of life.

The fires adversely impacted many Australians directly or indirectly and led to much fear and anxiety in the community. But Australian Red Cross volunteers, members and staff were there, on the ground, providing much needed care, comfort and assistance to Australians in need. You continue to be there. You remain a reassuring presence in our community.

The fires were still burning when the first confirmed case of COVID-19 was identified in Australia in January. As we were confronted with a life threatening and life-changing virus, Australian Red Cross answered the call.

And you delivered in spades. Hundreds of thousands of Australians have benefited from your phone calls, wellness checks and emergency grants and from receiving important public information. You have ensured that people feel safe, connected and that their lives are important.

As Australian Red Cross people, you epitomise those wonderful Australian values of selflessness, care, compassion and kindness.

In years to come when people look back on this period of our history, they will know that it was organisations such as Australian Red Cross that made a positive difference in people's lives.

That's a sign of a truly wonderful organisation.

Thank you, all.

His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd)
Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia

Read about the road to recovery in the Australian Bushfires Report.