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Australian Red Cross starts appeal for victims

Leyla Linton
Thursday 17 October 2002 00:00 BST
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The Australian Red Cross has launched what it hopes will be the biggest appeal in its history to help victims of the Bali bombings.

The Australian government and the National Australia Bank have already pledged $1m each and several companies have contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Dr Rob O'Regan, national chairman of the Australian Red Cross, said: "I urge all Australians to support this important appeal. The need is obviously great and the Australian public has always responded to people in need."

The appeal will help victims in Australia and their families. It will also help the Red Cross to continue its medical work in Bali. Some of the money will also be used for future reconstruction.

Australian phone companies have joined together to waive most phone, fax and internet charges for Bali bombing victims and their families.

The federal government has offered a reward of A$2m (£700,000) for information leading to the successful prosecution of those responsible. The Attorney General, Daryl Williams, said in a statement: "The terms of offering the reward will be discussed with Indonesian authorities."

* Donations can be made to the Australian Red Cross appeal online at www.redcross.org.au.

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