Our hearts go out - Victorian Bushfires

Colleen Hartland, Sue Pennicuik and Greg Barber want everyone affected by the bushfires to know their hearts go out to them at this terrible time and they have nothing but admiration for all those who are working and volunteering in such extreme and very difficult circumstances. 

Update: Sue Pennicuik, Greg Barber and Colleen Hartland have spoken in Parliament in response to a Condolence Motion. Click the links to see what they said. 

We encourage people to offer assistance where they can, but please try to keep the emergency numbers free, as all the services are working at their absolute limit.  Listen to Radio 774 ABC for updates on the fires.  This is the best way of getting information without jamming the hotlines.  They’ve been doing a terrific job throughout the weekend.

For more detailed information on the Victorian fires and general fire safety, go to the CFA website or contact the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on freecall 1800 240 667.

For information about family and friends in the fire affected areas are, call the National Registry Inquiry Service on 1800 727 077.

Donate money to the Red Cross Victorian Bushfires Appeal 2009 via their website, or phone 1800 811 700.

Make an appointment to donate blood or plasma at the Blood Bank ph 13 14 95.  Plasma is in demand for burns victims, and can be donated more often then whole blood (every two weeks).  Click here to see if you are eligible to give blood.  You can be assessed for eligibility for plasma donation on the spot at your blood donation.  If your local centre is full, then make your appointment for a future date, as the treatment of burns patients will be continuing.

The Victorian Government is helping to coordinate the support for communities affected by bushfire. Anyone willing to volunteer time and skills should call the Information Victoria Bushfire Volunteer Hotline on 1300 366 356 (local call cost) or complete the registration form by clicking here.

Emergency and relief agencies are very grateful for the generous offers of assistance and are working with the Government to determine how to make best use of the help in coming days. Thank you to everyone offering support to the people affected by the bushfires.

Please note you may not be contacted immediately as agencies are concentrating on volunteers who are already trained.

For injured wildlife, contact Wildlife Victoria.  You can make a donation to assist them.  Please do not ring the emergency number except with injured wildlife Ph. 1300 0 WILDLIFE (1300 094 535) .

To offer horse agistment please contact the Triple R Equine Welfare Crisis Network.

To offer accommodation for small animals or other assistance for animals (including donations) please contact the RSPCA or  Animal Aid.