The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced today it has donated funds to Australian Red Cross to purchase bottled water for individuals displaced by bushfires in Queensland and New South Wales, and also for emergency personnel fighting the fires.

"We are deeply concerned for everyone who has been affected by the fires," said Elder K. Brett Nattress, First Counselor in the Pacific Area Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

"We continue to pray for individuals and families who have lost loved ones or property. Our local church leaders are monitoring and responding to needs, and coordinating with and following the lead of government authorities."

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints across the world donate to the Church's humanitarian fund so donations such as these can be made. In addition, many Latter-day Saints volunteer in one-off situations after disasters, or for 18 months or more as full-time humanitarian missionaries.

"We do what we do, we help where we can," Elder Nattress said, "because we strive to follow the two great commandments of the Lord Jesus Christ, to love God, and love our neighbour."