In addition to support provided to impacted communities in NSW and VIC, the Order of Malta have provided a further $15,000 in food vouchers to those affected by the bushfires in SA.

“I was humbled to meet one bushfire victim this afternoon and hear his deeply personal bushfire survival story. He recounted with deep emotion how he lost his home and absolutely everything he owned He spoke of the incredible speed at which events transpired, hearing the news of the fire in his Cuddly Creek neighbourhood, frantically calling family to ensure their safety, racing to his farm to rescue his horses and animals and finally seeing his farm burn to the ground with incredible finality and cruel speed” explained Noel Mifsud, Order of Malta Hospitaller for the region.

“I heard how he misses his local community as they are now spread in rental properties, family homes, shelters and other accommodation across Australia. He said the clothes he was wearing today were the same ones he had on in the day of the fire. He was donated flat pack bedding but didn’t own a screwdriver to put the furniture together- a simple yet profound realisation. I was moved deeply in the sharing of his story and reminded powerfully of my commitment as a Member of the Order to serve the poor, sick and those in need. Perhaps it is I who has been served by a bushfire victim so open to sharing his deeply personal story with a friend.”

The Order of Malta’s assistance is both personal and pragmatic. We are already in discussions with other NGOs to coordinate the emergency relief efforts and longer term ‘hands on’ assistance.

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