On January 4, a number of bushfires ignited across Tasmania, leading to the one of the worst natural disaster in the state’s history, destroying over 110,000 hectares and over 130 homes.

To assist the Diocese of Tasmania in supporting affected communities, the Archbishop of Sydney’s Anglican Aid has committed $10,000 to the relief effort. They are also appealing for Sydney Anglicans to offer their support.

The small fishing town of Dunalley, east of Hobart, was the hardest hit, with more than half the towns buildings, including a primary school being destroyed.

One of the buildings left standing was St Martin’s Anglican Church, which has become a symbol of hope and strength for the community.

“[On January 13], amongst the devastation the regular church service was held at St. Martin's,” said the Dean of Hobart, the Rev Richard Humphery. “ The normal congregation of eight swelled to 35 with people from all denominations and from the emergency response teams gathering around God's word,”

The diocese of Tasmania is working with the local church in Dunalley to help the community come to terms with the disaster and start to rebuild their lives.

“What is needed is not an emergency response but a long term commitment to those devastated communities and to bring hope among the ashes,” Mr Humphery said. “Already the parish [of St Martin’s] has been giving care and support to those who have lost their homes and also providing a bit of normalcy.

Anglican Aid has for a number of years partnered with Anglican dioceses around the country and the world, affected by natural disasters.

“As Christians in Sydney we want to stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Christ as they care for those in the community who have been affected by natural disasters,” said the Rev David Mansfield, director of Anglican Aid.

According to Mr Mansfield, the Diocese of Tasmania will use the funds for emergency accommodation and food as well as to begin rebuilding infrastructure in Dunalley.

“While there were some homes that were spared, all the water and electricity services were destroyed,” Mr Mansfield said. “So some people have been able to return to their homes but they have to bring in their own water.”

As well as an initial contribution of $10,000, Anglican Aid is appealing to Sydney Anglicans to financially support the Diocese of Tasmania.

“We’re asking for Sydney Anglicans to respond generously to this,” Mr Mansfield said. “We would like to be able to send more money as well as to cover the emergency fund so that we can respond immediately when funds are needed.”