BUSHFIRE UPDATE: Affected Parishes express deep gratitude for prayers, support, concerns and care

Update on bushfires within our Archdiocese

1. Cobargo and Bermagui are currently inaccessible to the public
2. The aftermath of the bushfires has brought extensive smoke and ash damage to the areas of Tumut, Pambula, Merimbula, Eden, Mary Mackillop Hall and Wyndham.
   Clean-up in these areas will require ongoing financial support.
3. Fires have eased and are at “Advice” level across the Eden, Morton, Currowan (Shoalhaven), Clyde Mountain (Batemans Bay) and Badja (Moruya, Narooma)

Update on contributions

1. The Diocese of Wagga and the Cathedral Parish, Canberra have contributed to a family in Bodalla, in the Parish of Moruya.
2. Individual donations from within and outside of the Archdiocese have been received and will be sent directly to affected families.
3. Watson, Wanniassa, Curtin, Goulburn, Crookwell Parishes and the Order of Malta will contribute to the Parish of Batemans Bay.
4. Pearce, Gungahlin and Kambah Parishes and the Order of Malta will contribute to the Parish of Cobargo.
5. The Order of Malta has contributed $10,000 in food vouchers.
6. The Diocese of Wagga Wagga, Cathedral and Central Canberra Parishes will contribute to the Parish of Moruya
7. Gowrie Parish will contribute to Pambula Parish.
8. Narrabundah Parish will contribute to the Parishes of Batlow and Adelong.

National Catholic Church response

1. The Bishops Conference has been coordinating with key national agencies including Catholic Health Australia, Catholic Social Services Australia, the National Catholic Education Commission and the St Vincent de Paul Society (Vinnies) to ensure an effective response from the wider Catholic community.
2. Practical support is being given to connect people affected by the bushfires with people who can help with tasks such as preparing meals, clearing properties, rebuilding communities, as well as pastoral and counselling support.
3. Catholic Education will provide fee-help to families with children in Catholic schools who have been affected by the bushfires.

Messages of thanks

Apart from the financial generosity shown to those affected by the bushfires, our Clergy and parishioners have expressed deep gratitude for all the prayers, support, concerns and care.