Archive media release
Issued by The Salvation Army
12 January 2007
The Salvation Army pledges $2 million for drought affected communities
The Salvos announce long-term strategy to provide practical and emotional support for families in rural Australia
The Salvation Army has increased its social programme spend today by two million dollars in support of families living in the worst drought-affected areas in Australia. This increase in funding is coupled with a long-term strategy, which will enhance the organisation's reach into rural townships and farming families, providing practical and emotional assistance. The organisation is calling on all Australians to match its initial two million dollar contribution and support those living in drought stricken regions.
The new Drought Appeal will focus on strengthening the capacity of families to survive, specifically helping to make the lives of the children as 'normal' as possible. The initiative will concentrate on those who are most at risk, providing them with:
- Drinking water supplies
- Pastoral care and emotional support
- Financial assistance with household bills
- Social activities in townships that bring the community together.
The Salvation Army recently appointed Major Lyn Cochrane as Drought Relief Coordinator for Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia. She will be responsible for administering drought relief, helping those who are hardest hit.
Major Cochrane says, "We are taking a strategic approach to a major problem that's affecting thousands of people every day. While we've provided rural communities with drought relief for more than five years, the Drought Appeal initiative will formalise this part of our community service. It will allow us to help more people, and provide more appropriate and targeted relief."
"The complexity of working with rural communities is underestimated. The needs of the dairy farmer's family are very different to the dry land farmer, or the local store owner. You need to have highly informed and skilled workers out there helping people with specific problems. This forms a big part of our initiative; getting the right solutions to the people who need it most."
The Salvation Army's Australia Southern Territory Commander, Commissioner James Knaggs, is passionate about the need for the Salvos to journey with rural families for the long-term. "Our regional workers see on a daily basis how the drought is impacting the family unit. Many people are tired and despondent and while we're doing a lot already, we still see a huge need and we're willing to do all we can to help."
"The impact of drought will be felt for years, regardless of how soon it may be broken by rain. Therefore, we ask people across Australia to dig deep and make a contribution. We'd like to see our initial two million dollar commitment matched by public donations because there's a lot of suffering out there."
The Salvation Army will launch its Drought Appeal today at the Melbourne Showgrounds (details below), which involves rural community members from some of the worst hit areas of Victoria. Media will have the opportunity to speak directly with a farmer's wife and her children and a rural school nurse. A Salvation Army officer already working with families in rural areas will also be available. Singer/songwriter Paul Dillon is the 'voice' behind the Salvos' Drought Appeal advertising campaign. He will sing his original song 'Tears from the sky' on the day, which was inspired by the strength of farming families and surrounding communities.
Westpac Banking Corporation will today kick off the Drought Appeal, handing over a cheque for $100,000. John Cashmore, Westpac's Head of Agribusiness said: "Westpac has been a partner of The Salvation Army for over 40 years, and it gives us great pleasure to contribute to a vital initiative like this. We recognise the need for assistance to those in drought affected areas, and have developed a comprehensive drought package in response. We are delighted to be kicking off The Salvation Army Drought Appeal with a donation of $100,000 and call on others in the corporate sector to support the Salvo's Appeal."
The Salvation Army is asking for all individuals and businesses to support rural communities by making a donation today.
To make a donation, please call 13 SALVOS (13 72 58), visit the Salvation Army today or your local Westpac branch.
Victorians needing assistance from our drought relief services, please contact (03) 5441 7959.
All other states, please contact your State Headquarters, listed below:
Tasmania – (03) 6278 7184
South Australia – (08) 8338 3361
Western Australia – (08) 9227 7010
Northern Territory – (08) 8944 6000
Queensland, NSW and ACT are advised to contact their local Salvation Army or Rural Financial Counsellor.
Media contact:
Frances Turner
Ph: 03 9895 6206
Email: Frances.Turner@aus.salvationarmy.org
