January 2020
We, the undersigned African-Australian community organisations in Victoria, write with heavy hearts as Australia faces one of the most catastrophic bushfire crises in the nation's recorded history. The fires that have swept across New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, and beyond have claimed lives, destroyed homes, displaced thousands of families, and caused irreparable harm to our natural environment. We are deeply saddened by the suffering endured by so many Australians during this time.
A Statement of Solidarity
Our communities stand in unwavering solidarity with every person and every family affected by this disaster. We acknowledge the immense courage of the volunteer firefighters and emergency service workers who have risked — and in some cases given — their lives to protect others. We also recognise the profound grief felt by First Nations communities, whose sacred lands, cultural sites, and country have been consumed by these fires.
As African-Australians, many of us have lived through crises in countries of origin that left lasting trauma on our communities. We understand, perhaps more intimately than most, what it means to lose home, livelihood, and security in a moment. That shared understanding deepens our empathy for those who are now displaced, grieving, or rebuilding from nothing.
This joint statement was issued in January 2020 by African-Australian community organisations across Victoria, including Somali Community Inc. (SCI), in response to the 2019–2020 Black Summer bushfire crisis.
Our Call to Government
We call on all levels of government — federal, state, and local — to take decisive and sustained action in supporting bushfire relief and recovery. Specifically, we urge:
- Immediate and adequately funded relief packages for individuals, families, and communities whose homes and livelihoods have been destroyed.
- Long-term mental health and wellbeing support for survivors, first responders, and communities experiencing trauma and loss.
- Culturally appropriate and accessible services that ensure all members of our diverse Australian communities — including newly arrived and refugee-background families — can access the help they need without barriers.
- A serious and urgent commitment to addressing the climate emergency that underlies the increasing frequency and severity of disasters such as these.
Standing Together as One Community
In times of crisis, what defines us as a society is how we care for one another. The African-Australian community in Victoria is proud to call this country home, and we affirm our commitment to standing alongside all Australians in this moment of national hardship. We encourage members of our own communities to contribute to reputable bushfire relief funds and to extend compassion and practical support wherever possible.
— African-Australian Community Organisations, Victoria — January 2020We are one community. The pain of our neighbours is our pain. We stand together, and together we will rebuild.
This statement was issued jointly by African-Australian community organisations in Victoria, including Somali Community Inc. Our thoughts remain with all those affected by the 2019–2020 bushfire crisis, and we reaffirm our solidarity with the people of Australia during this devastating time.