Melbourne, 16 March 2007
Siemens and its joint venture company Silcar has donated $10,000 to the Gippsland Emergency Relief Fund (GERF) to assist those in need across the region.
Communities in the Gippsland region of Victoria were in crisis during the 2006/2007 summer season when bushfires caused devastating damage to land and property.
The donation by Siemens and Silcar was presented to GERF President John Mitchell at a regional Community Recovery Working Group meeting today.
Also on hand to express appreciation were recovery representatives from bushfire and flood affected municipalities who have referred many people to the Emergency Relief Fund for assistance.
Siemens General Manager Power Generation Operating Plant Services, Michael Bielinski, said the company was pleased to support the fund which provides payments to people adversely affected by fires, floods and other emergency situations.
“The Emergency Relief Fund is to be congratulated for its extremely important role in the community as a not for profit organisation which fills an important need in Gippsland,” Mr Bielinski said.
“As a member of the Gippsland community, we believe it is important to provide support in times of need. The Gippsland Emergency Relief Fund is well positioned to identify real needs in the community and as a volunteer organisation, makes sure every cent goes to those most affected.”
The Gippsland Emergency Relief fund has donated some $204,000 to 140 Gippsland families since the devastating bushfires which started in December. This is in addition to Department of Human Services grants of more than $30,000.00 paid to 25 applicants also affected by the fires.
Since its inception in the 1970s, the Gippsland Emergency Relief Fund has paid more than $1.3 million to local people.
GERF President Mr John Mitchell said the Siemens donation was gratefully received.
“The response by the local community has been fantastic and this is another example of how the Gippsland community, including individuals and businesses like Siemens, has pulled together to help people.
“We have paid more in recent weeks than money received, so the major donation by Siemens is very welcome; it allows us to replenish the fund and in turn help others,” Mr Mitchell said.