SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA (ANS) -- In the midst of the horrific reporting of Australia's worst national disaster, Victoria's bushfires of February, 2009,the death toll is expected to pass 200, with 5,000 homeless. From the township of Marysville, Victoria, comes a report that the Evangelisation Society of Australia (ESA) Camp Site, 959 Buxton Rd, Marysville 3779, has been largely destroyed. “Only lodges 2, 4 & 5 and 2 staff houses have been left standing.”

ESA campsie showing burnt buildings

Previously, the campsite comprised of
• Conference/Seminar/Lounge Room. Capacity for 200 people. TV, Video,DVD and Stereo, OHP, Whiteboard.
• 5 Lodges: each with 5 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms and a lounge room with reverse cycle air conditioning, and a deck.
• Large Dinning Room, capacity for over 150 people.
• 24 hr Coffee Bar.
• Large Sports Building for Basketball etc.
• Wheelchair Access/Facilities.
• All buildings are heated (except Sports Building).
An official statement claims: “Staff are safe – they were evacuated to Alexandria.”

ESA Camping and Conference Centre;
email: esa@virtual.net.au; website: http://www.esa.org.au/index.html 

Meanwhile, Mobile Mission Maintenance (MMM) Australia has suffered extensive damage to its National Headquarters at 870 Whittlesea Yea Road, Whittlesea, Victoria. Normally MMM assists others to rebuild or carry out repairs, but now it’s their turn!

-The Administration Centre and Conference Centre have been destroyed completely
-Three housing blocks, which would house at least 12 families have been destroyed
-Vehicles have been destroyed
-30 cattle have been lost
-12 small housing units have been destroyed

However, one housing block remains, which could house three families and also provide space for an Administration Centre.

Tim Cranna - National Director - MMM Australia
Phone +61-3-5786 5432; Fax +61-3-5786 5219; Mobile +61-438 058 236; Email: tim@mmm.org.au 

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and communities ravaged by these devastating events.” We say, “Amen!”

Ramon Williams is an Australian photographer and journalist living in Sydney, Australia. His aim is "To tell others what others are doing for the Lord". His ministry is known as Worldwide Photos - The Religious Media Agency, PO Box 494, Padstow NSW 2211, Australia; rlgmedia@ozemail.com.au