Sydney Lord Mayor urges Australians to dig deep on NYE

29 December 2004

Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore, MP and Oxfam today launched a special New Year's Eve appeal to the public to donate to the Oxfam Tsunami Emergency Fund with a significant donation of $50,000 from the City of Sydney to kick-start the campaign.

The Lord Mayor is offering this terrific opportunity to capitalise on the media and public attention that the Sydney NYE celebrations attract. It will help mobilise community goodwill and allow Australians to contribute to emergency relief operations in the affected areas.

"NYE is a time for celebration and reflection and this year we want all those people that get to enjoy the event to have a great night and at the same time think about those less fortunate who are affected by the tsunami tragedy and do what they can by giving generously to the fund," said Ms Moore.

Oxfam Community Aid Abroad's Executive Director Andrew Hewett has welcomed the support from the City of Sydney.

"In addition to the City's generous contribution, we appreciate any assistance that helps us draw attention to the need for donations and encourages Australians to give to this Fund, it is absolutely invaluable at a time like this.

"The affects of the tsunami are unprecedented in its widespread devastation across so many countries and the potential for an even bigger tragedy unless a rapid response is undertaken," said Mr Hewett.

Oxfam Community Aid Abroad is already working in the region providing food, aid and shelter, and has launched this emergency appeal for the Australian public to assist.

Along with the financial contribution the City will help promote the Oxfam Fund and its donation hotline through advertising around the City on the night and on the broadcast.

To support the Lord Mayor's Oxfam NYE appeal, please donate to the OXFAM  EARTHQUAKE TSUNAMI  EMERGENCY  FUND call 1800 034 034 or visit the website www.oxfam.org.au

Media contact: Jeff Lewis - 0401 994 008 or Janet Glover, Avviso PR

Telephone 02 8356 9711 or 0412 601 816