Tag: Disaster Relief

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News & Announcements

National appeal for cyclone affected communities

UnitingWorld and the Uniting Church in Australia (UCA) have launched a national appeal to support the communities devastated by Tropical Cyclone Pam.

Thousands of people across Vanuatu are homeless after the Category 5 cyclone. The UCA’s partner in Vanuatu, the Presbyterian Church of Vanuatu (PCV), is providing much needed shelter with 10 churches set up as evacuation centres. The Cyclone’s 300 km/h gusts of wind wiped out entire villages and an estimated 15,000 homes have been destroyed. At least eight people have lost their lives, with the toll expected to rise. Hospitals, government buildings, shops and hotels were also significantly damaged.

Minister for Lands and Natural Resources Ralph Regenvanu reported from the National Disaster and Management Centre that a state of emergency was declared for Province of Shefa, which includes Port Vila.

“Once aerial assessments are in, the state of emergency will be extended to other provinces, if not the whole country. The total population of Vanuatu is considered to be affected,” said Ralph.

PCV health program co-ordinator Richard Tatwin said Port Vila looked like a “war-zone”.

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News & Announcements

Ministry to fire affected communities

The Uniting Church community in South Australia has banded together to support those experiencing hardship and loss  from the bushfires across the Adelaide Hills. With 32 homes destroyed, the physical impact is clear. The emotional hardship  is not so visible, and the recovery process for those who have lost their homes will be long and difficult.

Relief and outreach centres have been opened around the fire zone to assist the recovery by providing practical help  through chaplaincy and pastoral support. Local residents are coming together in their time of need at the Golden Grove  Relief Centre and the One Tree Hill Institute, where chaplains are on the ground.

National Disaster Recovery Officer of the Uniting Church, Rev Dr Stephen Robinson, emphasised the need for support long   after the bushfires have been put out.

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Stories & Feature Articles

Perth Hills fire response: Small congregations act big

On Sunday morning 12 January 2014, a devastating bushfire sparked by a private power pole in Parkerville resulted in the destruction of 57 homes. Many properties were damaged and 386 hectares burnt   in the affected areas of Parkerville, Stoneville and Mount Helena. A meeting was arranged with the Uniting Church Emergency Response Team and members of the three local hills Uniting Churches,  Mundaring, Glen Forrest and Gidgegannup. Representatives from these congregations formed The UCA Hills Fire Disaster Committee, supported by Synod/Presbytery representative, Rev Gordon  Scantlebury, and Metro East regional pastor, Rev Alan Stubbs.

Contact was made with the local schools and the chaplains to let them know of the assistance that we could give. Other local churches, the Mundaring Shire Towards Recovery Centre and, of course, word of  mouth in the community gave us many starting contacts. Vouchers were distributed directly by committee members and through the school chaplains. Cash gifts have also been given and we were  especially keen to help children continue with their extra-curricular activities, some requiring sporting fees and uniform expenses.

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Stories & Feature Articles

Ongoing care for Perth hills

Bushfire blazeBushfires in Perth’s hills around Parkerville, Stoneville and Mt Helena this January have devastated the area, with reports that 55 homes have been destroyed.

Rev Ron Larkin, moderator of the Uniting Church in WA has responded, extending prayers and care for those who have been affected and giving thanks for the courage and  dedication to people who helped fight the fires and who are caring for those who have lost so much.

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