MORE than 20 shipping containers are set to be transported to Victoria’s Gippsland and the state’s north-east as part of a Victorian Transport Association effort to support families who lost their homes during recent bushfires.

The VTA recently announced it was leading an initiative with Victoria International Container Terminal and Bushfire Recovery Victoria to provide containers so Victorians having to rebuild could store materials safely and securely.

VTA CEO Peter Anderson said the Association was “overwhelmed” by offers from members and transport companies to help.

“Thanks to the generosity of many of our members, we have been able to arrange for well over 20 shipping containers to be delivered as far away as Mallacoota in the far east of the state so that families that are in the process of rebuilding can store material safely on-site,” Mr Anderson said.

“Their provision of equipment, labour and fuel to transport these containers represents a significant investment of time and resources and we appreciate the immense show of support from these operators for their fellow Victorians.”

Mr Anderson said they also appreciated the generosity of VICT who donated the containers, as well as Bushfire Recovery Victoria.

Mr Anderson joined VICT CEO Tim Vancampen and Tasman Logistics CEO Ivan Vanis at VICT’s Webb Dock base to inspect one of the containers being prepared for transport this weekend.

VICT CEO Tim Vancampen said the company was proud to be working with the VTA and Bushfire Recovery Victoria in providing containers.

“The donated containers will hopefully assist the families that have been heavily impacted and provide them with storage while they rebuild their homes and properties,” Mr Vancampen said.

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“The bushfires were devastating for all involved and this donation is the least we can do to assist and support the communities to rebuild.” 

Tasman Logistics CEO Ivan Vanis said they were “very pleased to partner with the VTA and associated members to assist our extended communities in their time of need”.

“This is what Australia is about,” he said.