On behalf of all Western Australians, the McGowan Government has donated $2 million to the Red Cross Flood Appeal telethon to help victims of the east coast natural disaster.
The donation was announced last night on the nationally televised Australia Unites, a live broadcast across all commercial TV networks that came together to raise funds for communities in New South Wales and Queensland that have been devastated by the flood emergency.
The $2 million donation complements WA's recent deployments of emergency services specialists to relieve exhausted crews in the Eastern States.
WA has now sent five contingents totalling more than 50 people, including staff from:
- the Department of Fire and Emergency Services;
- the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation;
- the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions; and
- State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers.
Volunteers have come from across the State, including Goldfields-Esperance, Kimberley, lower South-West and Great Southern.
The deployment is the result of the New South Wales SES taking up the State Government's offer of assistance which was approved by the National Resource Sharing Centre.
The McGowan Government stands ready to provide additional support if requested.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
"On behalf of all Western Australians, I am proud to donate $2 million to the communities caught up in this crisis.
"The donation to the Red Cross Flood Appeal telethon will provide practical help for those who need it most in these difficult times.
"Wherever you live in this great nation, we are all Australians.
"Australians help Australians. Mates help mates. And that is exactly what we are doing.
"Many Western Australians have deep bonds with people affected by the east coast flood disaster and we have an obligation to help those in need.
"It is important that as a nation we come together to support each other when times are tough.
"Western Australia stands to provide more help if and when required."
