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Northe Calls For GERF SupportMorwell MP Russell Northe has urged the State Government to give generously in support of fire-affected communities as Parliament sat for the first time in 2009 this afternoon. By The Nationals - 13th February 2009 - Back to News Mr Northe said it was difficult to fathom the devastation generated in Boolarra and Yinnar by an act of such cowardice but he believed the resilience and strong sense of community spirit would ensure the towns were soon back up on their feet.
"Having attended various community meetings over the last week I have witnessed an array of emotions including fear, relief, gratitude and anger; gratitude to emergency service personnel and in particular local fire-fighting crews who performed miracles in many circumstances," Mr Northe told the House.
"On behalf of the Morwell electorate I want to acknowledge the efforts of all CFA volunteers and staff supported by those magnificent aerial appliances and their crew, DSE personnel, Victoria Police, Latrobe City Council, Red Cross, Lifeline, ABC radio, the Boolarra and Yinnar Community Associations and all other support services who played a key role during the bushfires and at the present time as the long road to recovery occurs."
Mr Northe welcomed the Police Commissioner’s announcement today of a $100,000 reward for information relating to the cause of the fires, and reinforced the communities’ calls for harsher penalties for arsonists and a national register of known offenders.
The local MP called for both state and federal governments to contribute to the Gippsland Emergency Relief Fund, which delivers much-needed funds to locals affected by adverse events. He also encouraged the wider Victorian community to get behind the appeal - donations can be made at any National Australia Bank branch or cheques can be posted to GERF via PO Box 508, Traralgon, 3844.
Mr Northe and his colleague, The Nationals Member for Eastern Region Peter Hall, have taken leave from parliamentary duties this evening to attend a community meeting at the Boolarra Hall with engaged recovery agencies.
"The Premier may want to wax lyrical about his government’s intentions all day and night but the needs of our constituency remain our number one priority, particularly at this difficult time," Mr Northe said.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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