STATEMENT BY THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL - DECEMBER BUSHFIRES

11 December 2006

My wife Marlena joins me and all Australians in expressing our concern for communities facing the threat of severe bushfire.

We applaud the efforts of fire and other emergency and community workers and volunteers who are fighting the fires and those supporting them in this task.

Our nation has a proud history of rallying to support communities facing national disasters. Predictions are that the current fires will burn for some time and the threat of further fires remains high for the months ahead.

Fighting these fires illustrates how much we rely on volunteers to protect and support our communities. It is perhaps timely for all Australians to think about undertaking some form of volunteer service, even if it is only an hour or so a week, or assisting these fine organisations in some other way.

Our thoughts are with the at-risk communities during this difficult and distressing time.