The Duke of Edinburgh's Award extends its sympathies to all those affected by the bushfires in Victoria, particularly those who have lost loved ones, pets, homes, possessions and businesses.
We also would like to recognize the vast contribution of the emergency services, particularly the CFA and DSE and all other volunteers that are helping at this time.
Message from the Victorian Duke of Ed Chairman, Mr Bob Prewett
THANKYOU:
Our Victorian office has been overwhelmed by the number of emails of support from our friends involved in The Duke of Edinburgh's Award from around Australia and all around the World. THANKYOU for your support ...
CURRENT STATUS:
It's almost 3 weeks since those horrible fires on our "Black Saturday". The fires are by no means out. Weather forecasts predict further days of excessively high temperatures. The whole state is tinder dry and more fire outbreaks can be expected.
The death toll is excessive. Everyone here knows someone involved - the fatalities, injured & burnt casualties, displaced & homeless, the survivors, and so on. The impacts are extensive - including loss of wildlife, & threats to essential services (e.g. our electricity and water supplies).
THE AWARD:
An initial check with our Licenced Operators around our state indicates that some Award groups are affected, particularly some small schools, youth groups and emergency services in country areas. One of our partners involved in providing adventure training has had his property and facilities burnt out but they are safe.
[Remember these people have lost everything - homes, clothing, reading material, their hobbies, expedition equipment, everything!!!] But these country communities are positive about re-establishing their towns and facilities ... and they will.
OPERATION PHOENIX:
Any Victorian who has been working towards their Awards and is affected by the fires should contact our Melbourne Award office. We will ensure there are contingency arrangements to support you to continue doing The Award.
Please support the various Appeals and Support Organisations (refer links at bottom of page).
Thank you all for your support,
Bob Prewett
Chairman,
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award in Victoria.
24 Feb 2009.
The Victorian Office appreciates the messages of support received from around the country and the world – a couple of these are below:
“On behalf of the Indian Award we would like to offer our heartfelt sympathies.”
- Suren Govil, Chairman IAYP India
“We are truly shocked by the intensity of the fires and the destruction caused. Please convey our sincere condolences to all the Award family in Vic and pray that they and their families are safe and well.”
- Gilly Shirazi, The International Award
“The Award Family in Fiji expresses its utmost sorrow as our hearts go out to those that have suffered in Victoria.”
- William, National Director of the Award Family Fiji
“My thoughts are with you and the rest of the office. What a terrible day for Victoria and the nation.! The loss of life is unimaginable let alone those injured and the countless homes lost. Please pass on my “prayers” to all those affected in the Award family.”
- The Hon Larry Anthony, Chairman of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in Australia
At this time, The Award is not in a position to directly offer support to those affected however, we have provided some links you can go to below if you would like to help.
You can also help by shopping at any Australian Coles grocery store this Friday the 13th, as the company are pledging all their earnings to aide the Victorian Bushfire Relief victims.
This site has several ways in which you may be able assist, including animal welfare, donating goods and services
Salvation Army