NSW donates funds for China earthquake |
NSW Premier Morris Iemma today announced the NSW Government would provide $500,000 in aid to China following the devastating Sichuan earthquake.
Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP announced a donation of $100,000 from the City of Sydney to assist the relief effort.
Mr Iemma, who is visiting China on a nine-day trade mission, said NSW had a special relationship with China and the State stood ready to help its friends.
"There are more than a quarter of a million people of Chinese heritage in NSW and our State enjoys a close bond with the people of China,"Mr Iemma said.
"While no amount of money can make up for the devastating loss of life and the destruction of so many homes, we want to play our part in helping China overcome such a terrible disaster.
"The Chinese people have mobilised a massive rescue and recovery effort and the Chinese Government is to be commended for their swift and decisive response.
"The people of China and the citizens of the world are opening their hearts and giving generously to help in the recovery effort.
"NSW has a Sister-State relationship with Guandong Province which dates back 29 years, so our friendship with China is long established.
"I extend my heartfelt condolences to the people of China and the Government on behalf of the people of NSW."
Ms Moore said, "this is a time for compassion and practical support."
"Our relationship with our Chinese neighbours has never been more important and we extend the hand of friendship at this devastating time,"Ms Moore said.
"The City council will partner with the red cross to encourage even more Sydneysiders to generously support the relief appeal.
Mr Iemma said NSW authorities had made the offer of recovery assistance and stood ready should the Chinese Government need any extra help.
"Yesterday I signed the book of condolence at the Guandong Foreign Affairs Office on behalf of the people of NSW,"Mr Iemma said.
"We want the people of China to know NSW is supporting them in this time of national mourning."
As well as the $500,000 donation from the NSW Government and the $100,000 from the city of Sydney, the Chinese community in Sydney is organising fundraising events and the NSW Parliament will host a fundraising effort in the coming weeks.
"I would encourage anyone in NSW who is able to help to give a donation to one of the well-established aid agencies, as every little bit helps,"Mr Iemma said.
"With almost 35,000 people confirmed dead and about five million homeless, the scale of this tragedy is enormous."
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