Rev. Prof Andrew Dutney has launched a national appeal to assist communities hit by cyclones in the Northern Territory and Queensland.

Cyclone Lam struck Arnhem Land on the 20th of February causing extensive damage to homes and public buildings. Sixty dwellings were left uninhabitable and there was extensive damage to the natural environment.

“We are very concerned for the communities affected by these disasters. Please join me in praying for the church in these areas too – for their safety and recovery, and for their service and witness to their neighbours in need after the cyclones,” said Rev. Prof. Andrew Dutney.

President-elect and Moderator of the Northern Synod Stuart McMillan said the damage across Aboriginal communities had been widespread.

“Cyclone Lam hit Gapuwiyak, Ramingining and Milingimbi. These already under-resourced communities need our support – pastorally and practically – to recover and rebuild.”

Rev. Dr Stephen Robinson, the National Disaster Recovery Officer has been on the ground at Elcho Island and in Central Queensland, working with members of the Northern Synod and the Central Queensland Presbytery.

“Funds from the President’s appeal will go to providing direct financial support and targeted recovery programs to people in the worst-hit areas.”

“It’s going to take a long time before life gets back to normal. Your donations will help the Uniting Church be alongside these communities at the time they most need our support,” said Rev. Dr Robinson.

Contributions to the President’s Cyclone Appeal can be made on the Assembly website through the National Disaster Relief Fund http://assembly.uca.org.au/donate. Donations of $2 and over are tax-deductible.

The next day after the President had launched this appeal, Cyclone Pam struck the island nations of the Pacific, particularly Vanuatu, where the Uniting Church has deep connections. Uniting World has launched an Appeal to help the recovery and reconstruction effort of an estimated HALF of the buildings in this nation.  http://www.unitingworld.org.au/cyclone-pam/

*Please Note: At its meeting on Wednesday of this week, Church Council Executive made the decision to use the ‘float’ of funds set aside for immediate response in such natural disasters and $500 has been sent to the President’s Appeal for Cyclone relief for indigenous communities in the north end and a further $500 to the Uniting World Appeal for victims in Vanuatu.

You can therefore either make a direct, personal donation using the links provided OR bring a dedicated offering through the Blackwood Uniting Community. Please place your gift in an envelope marked for either Appeal as you come to worship this Sunday or drop it into the Office. This will then be used to replenish the Church donation already given.