Robert Chaffe

St Andrew’s Uniting Church, Alexandra, is supporting relief for bushfire victims.

Robert Chaffe, Chairman of the Church Council, says support is being given to the Rotary Club of Alexandra’s relief fund.

The church is also supporting the Emergency Fencing Project, part of the mission of the Benalla Uniting Church congregation.

The Uniting Church, in conjunction with Rotary District 9790, is working in the fire impacted areas of the north-east of Victoria.

“It is supported by the people of the church with prayer and resources. It is caring and supportive of the landholder during a time of emergency such as fire or flood,” Mr Chaffe said.

“It is emergency work and therefore does not compete with local contractors. It completes the process of fencing using the labour of volunteers.

“The team has been in operation for many years commencing with the Black Saturday fires. It is experienced having conducted fencing reconstruction at Strath Creek, Wandong, King Lake, Buxton, Boho and Boweya.

“The team is covered by insurance for volunteers under the banner of the Uniting Church Insurance facility.

“This is just one of the actions taken by the Uniting Church as its regular pastoral care continues across the whole Stat.

“As we know from the 2009 fires, the communities close by who work to support those directly impacted by the fires with food, shelter and other needs.

“Those who are still recovering from wild fires in the past also need care as they relive the trauma.

“It is not an easy time for us and the Uniting Church along with others are doing their best to assist the recovery process including rebuilding lives and communities,” Mr Chaffe said.

There is a call for donations to assist with fuel for fencing machinery and other expenses. Donations can be made to the ‘Uniting Church in Australia Benalla Parish” accoiunt at BSB 083 541 – NAB, Account # 81370 6561.