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Australian Council for Overseas Aid

16 October 2002 14/02

AUSTRALIA'S OVERWHELMING SUPPORT FOR BALI VICTIMS

The Australian Council for Overseas Aid (ACFOA) has been inundated with offers of assistance from generous Australians wanting to help the victims of Bali recover from the recent tragic events. People are offering cash donations, medical supplies and volunteer support. ACFOA is working with its members to try and ensure that the support offered is as helpful and effective as possible.

The greatest needs at this time in Bali are two-fold. Firstly cash donations to purchase medical supplies and ongoing medical care. And secondly, donations to support the Australians and Indonesians affected, both financially and emotionally. It is vital at this sad and difficult time that we don't blame the ordinary people of Indonesia who are as much the victims of terrorism as we are. For Australians wanting to donate, tax deductible donations can be made to the following Australian agencies who are also signatories to the ACFOA Code of Conduct which requires high standards of financial accountability:

Australian Red Cross tel. 1800 811 700 Overseas Pharmaceutical Aid for Life (OPAL) tel. (08) 8359 6055

If individuals or organisations want to donate medical supplies directly they should contact OPAL on (08) 8359 6055 to discuss items needed and transport arrangements. Local hospitals urgently need to replace severely depleted medical supplies.

Many Australians are also generously offering their time and skills to assist disaster victims both in Australia and in Bali. ACFOA would advise people wishing to volunteer in Bali that the emergency effort is still in an acute phase and the need for volunteers has yet to be assessed. Well-intentioned volunteers may inadvertently add to the confusion unless their contribution is well organised and coordinated. ACFOA therefore urges people not to travel to Bali without first confirming that their services can be used. Potential travellers should also check with the Department of Foreign Affairs regarding travel advice on safety and security.

secondly: there is more information at http://nat.uca.org.au/resources/Bali2002/