The Gippsland Emergency Relief Fund (GERF) closed its current Flood and Storm Appeal on Friday following a record distribution of funds.
GERF President Andy Tegart said the decision to close the appeal this week was based on confirmation that most of the property impact assessments had been completed by Municipal Recovery Managers in affected regions.
“We’ve distributed $627,000 in donated funds to 268 eligible families across five municipalities in Gippsland,” Mr Tegart said.
This is a new distribution record for a flood event supported by GERF since its inception in 1978.
“This record would not have been possible without the generosity of individuals, families, community groups and corporate donors in Gippsland and other parts of Victoria,” said Mr Tegart.
“This has been an unusually widespread event, with recipients spread across five of the Gippsland municipalities.
“We are extremely grateful to Gippslanders for their ongoing support for GERF activities and extend a huge thank you to them,” said Mr Tegart.
“Those who have been the recipients of emergency relief funding have also expressed their gratitude for financial assistance at a difficult time,” Mr Tegart concluded.
Although the Flood and Storm appeal is closing, GERF accepts donations at any time and will continue to support those impacted by natural disaster. Donations can be made via Direct Transfer – BSB 083 932 A/c No. 740196862, PayPal at www.gerf.org.au, or at any at any branch of the NAB across Australia. All donations over $2 are tax deductible.
Distribution breakdown by location
Bass Coast: $4,500 to 1 person
Baw Baw: $20,000 to 12 people
Latrobe: $535,500 to 222 people
South Gippsland: $10,500 to 5 people
Wellington: $56,500 to 28 people
TOTAL: $627,000 to 268 people
The emergency relief funds distributed to residents, farmers and businesses will greatly assist in providing a helping hand to restart their journey of recovery.
The Gippsland Emergency Relief Fund was established in 1978 as a not-for-profit charity operated by volunteers for Gippsland communities affected by natural disaster events.
Gippsland Goodness 