Caritas Internationalis joins with Caritas Australia and all Australians in sorrow at the tragic loss of life and property, and in solidarity with all affected by the weekend fires, in the southern state of Victoria.

The country's wildfire disaster has claimed at least 128 lives and destroyed more than 750 homes - in some cases razing entire towns as flames ripped across Victoria.

The Australian Government and state agencies are responding with the resources required but in these early days, the scale of the catastrophe is only beginning to be known.

In response to the tragedy caused by the bushfires, and after consultation with Catholic Social Services Victoria, Caritas Australia is directing all enquiries regarding support for those affected by the Bushfires to St Vincent de Paul Victorian Bushfire Appeal.

Following is a statement that Caritas Australia has provided to our staff and volunteers across the country, in response to supporters who wish to assist those communities suffering from the effects of fire: injury, grief, loss, trauma and shock:

“The St Vincent de Paul Society has mounted an appeal to provide assistance to help the many families who have lost their homes, family members, friends and livelihoods. We will be driving an effort to assist the long-term recovery of the communities affected by this tragedy and to help them to rebuild their homes and eventually their lives.

“A disaster such as this will affect the communities involved for many years. Without your support we cannot provide assistance to all those who have nothing left and nowhere to go.

“We ask that you join with us in prayers for the people of Victoria at this time.

Please donate online now to the VICTORIAN DISASTER APPEAL.

You can also print the donation form, then forward donations to:

St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria Inc.
Victorian Disaster Appeal
Locked Bag 4800
Box Hill Vic 3128

(Please make cheques/money orders payable to the St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria Inc.)