Social Justice Advocates Of The Sapphire Coast’s Mick Brosnan has visited Myanmar, and said the group decided to act late last year after reading reports of hundreds of thousands of Rohingya crossing into Bangladesh.

“There had been enough talk,” Mr Brosnan said after the group helped raise $20,000 via the Australian Red Cross Myanmar Crisis Appeal.

“Imagine worrying about your daughters when the military are coming, I think the world should be standing up.

“It’s terrifying,” 

Australian Cross’ executive director for NSW, Jody Broun, said the appeal will allow more aid workers to “help with more desperately needed medical treatment, food, water and shelter”.

“The dedication and efforts by community organisations such as the Far South Coast Social Justice Advocates Group are an inspiration,” Ms Broun said.

“The people of the Far South Coast have made a terrific contribution to helping people fleeing violence in Myanmar, which is wonderful considering the size of the local community.”

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said the appeal has seen eight agencies raise over $5million, which will help provide food, nutrition, shelter, health care, trauma counselling, and clean water to affected communities.

The government matched public donations to the Australian Red Cross and Australia for the UNHCR during the appeal, which launched in November, as part of a $30 million contribution committed since September, in response to the crisis.

“The crisis is ongoing and additional assistance is still needed.”

According to the department, the United Nations estimates 655,000 Rohingya – the majority of whom are women and children – have sought refuge in Bangladesh since August, and are dependent on humanitarian aid for their survival.

“Australia is continuing to monitor developments and evolving humanitarian needs in Bangladesh and Myanmar,” the spokesperson said.