Today, the Australian aid and development sector celebrates the generosity of Australians and their willingness to support people and communities in the face of natural disasters and conflict.  

“When it comes to global humanitarian crises, Australians are generous and compassionate in helping people in need,” said the Executive Director of the Australian Council of International Development, Mr Marc Purcell.

“New figures from ACFID’s 2015 member survey reveal that over the 2013-14 financial year, over 1.5 million Australians donated more than $842 million to Australian aid organisations to support their humanitarian and development work,” Mr Purcell said.

“The top three appeals Australians donated to in 2013-14 were for Typhoon Haiyan, and the ongoing protracted crises in Syria and South Sudan.

“Already in 2015, Australians have donated more than $17 million to ACFID member appeals to help those affected by Cyclone Pam in Vanuatu and over $40 million to appeals for the Nepal earthquake.

“Australians are also generous with their time and talents. In the past year, around 350 people were deployed overseas by Australian aid and humanitarian organisations to respond to humanitarian disasters. 

“In times of crises, Australian aid organisations work alongside local organisations and communities, helping to distribute food, water, blankets and shelter. Additionally they provide medical care, create safe spaces for affected and vulnerable children and support women and girls and people with disabilities who are affected by crises.

“Evaluations have shown that despite what are often significant operational challenges, Australian aid organisations are able to provide effective and lifesaving assistance to people in need.

“It’s really important that the Australian Government has the ability to respond to humanitarian disasters and meet the need wherever it may occur in the world.

“Together, Australian aid organisations and the Government can make a real difference in people’s hour of need, and in helping communities and countries recover over the longer term.

“On World Humanitarian Day, ACFID recognises and celebrates the efforts of all Australians and humanitarian workers who make a difference to the lives of those affected by crisis around the world,” Mr Purcell said.