The Australian Defence Force (ADF) has commenced Operation Bushfire Assist 19-20 and has stood up Joint Task Forces in New South Wales and Victoria to enhance Defence support following devastating bushfires in the South East of Australia.

ADF member are working side by side with emergency services personnel in the State Disaster Coordination Centre (SDCC) of the NSW Rural Fire Service Headquarters and alongside the Victorian Country Fire Service and Metropolitan Fire Brigades to provide best effect of ADF assets.

HMAS Choules, MV Sycamore and Royal Australian Navy MRH-90 helicopters have conducted evacuations of people and animals from the fire-affected Victorian coastal town of Mallacoota.

The Canberra Class Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) HMAS Adelaide has also sailed from Sydney this afternoon to join the bushfire relief efforts and support the evacuation of people from fire-affected communities.

The ADF is also providing transport and other assistance such as aviation ground support, logistics, engineering and accommodation support to the firefighting effort.