Central Ranges BushFire Relief Fund - 12 Months On
Tue, Feb 10, 2009; by Bill Coppinger.Twelve Months On..
T H A N K - Y O U !
Over $11,000 dollars raised!
The Central Ranges Local Learning and Employment Network's Bushfire Relief Fund supported over 50 individuals.
On behalf of the Board, Members and all members of the devastated communities across our region, we thank everyone who donated so generously.
One Year On - February 2010
As communities touched by the February 2009 fires prepare to commemorate at locally planned events, a service will be held for all Victorians to pay their respects to the 173 people who lost their lives and the thousands who have suffered.
The service, organised by the Victorian Council of Churches and the Authority, is being held to recognise the national significance of the day and to provide people not wanting to return to affected communities, and those from other parts of Victoria who lost loved ones in the disaster, with an opportunity to come together at a central commemorative event.
The service will focus on remembrance, reflection and the communities affected by the fires, and is the only centrally planned activity across Victoria.
The Prime Minister has also resolved for the Australian National Flag to be flown at half-mast and for the nation to pause for a moment’s silence.
For those from the bereaved community who wish to meet with others before the service please contact Joyce Goh from VBRRA on 0438 836 321.
Follow this link to the VBBRA Website:
The Background - February 2009
We had hundred's of requests from people wanting to offer assistance in some way, to help our communities devastated by bush-fire and personal loss.
We had colleagues interstate, in the USA, Mexico, Canada, the UK, Netherlands, Rwanda, Bangladesh, Papua New Guinea, France, Italy, New Zealand and many others that have contacted our offices in the last few days with messages of goodwill and offers of assistance.
Frankly, the offers of support and assistance overwhelmed us.
The communications we received represented a huge network and we are eternally grateful.
We called on each of our members to consider two things..
1. Consider making a donation because it would REALLY help some-one IMMEDIATELY.
2. Consider using their OWN networks to expand OUR support network. Ask a colleague to consider donating if you think it appropriate [Please do not bombard strangers with spam email!]
With the support of our banker [MECU], we established a LOCAL online support fund that was overseen by our Chairperson and executive of the Central Ranges Local Learning and Employment Network Inc.
The fund provided IMMEDIATE financial support for young people and their families across the devastated Central Ranges Region.
NOTE: The DONATIONS were *NOT* tax deductible, making people's donations even MORE generous.
Those wishing to to give larger tax deductible donations, were directed to other organisations where that was possible.
Our goal was simple, we wanted to ensure the impact of the worst Bush-Fires in the State's history had as minimal an impact on a young person's education, training or 
employment [as is possible] in such circumstances.
We will continue to work personally with leaders in Schools, TAFEs, Neighbourhood Houses and partner agencies across the Mitchell and Murrindindi Shires to identify those in direct need of additional financial support for replacement tools, transport to courses, books, materials or whatever is deemed necessary and assist them directly on your behalf.
This supplemented and complimented the extensive government support already being offered.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Thank you once again for your generous and ongoing support of all the communities across the Central Ranges LLEN
Andrew Hocking
Chairperson
Premier Brumby Addresses the State on Bushfires - 8th February 2009
Other opportunities to donate.
