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Australia

Australia: International aid agency lends expertise to Victorian bushfire response

International aid agency Oxfam Australia is lending its expertise in responding to major disasters to help respond to the Victorian bushfire tragedy.

Oxfam Australia will provide logistics and other support to the Australian Red Cross, to assist them to cope with the scale of this disaster.

Oxfam Australia Executive Director Andrew Hewett said the aid agency's focus on international relief means it does not normally respond to disasters in Australia, but the enormity of what's happening in Victoria makes this a special case.

"Like all Australians, we want to do all we can to help the hundreds of Victorians affected by the fires.

"Oxfam's experience in responding to major disasters overseas, including the Asian tsunami, means our staff do have particular skills in logistics and other vital areas that they can provide," Mr Hewett said.

"Our hearts go out to those affected, and to the many professionals and volunteers who are still battling fires across Victoria," he said.

Oxfam Australia is not accepting donations for the bushfire response, and directs those who want to give funds to call the Australian Red Cross on 1800 811 700.

For more information please call Kate Thwaites on 0407 515 559