TF&ATA Committee Member Graham Nott said it was great to see members of the industry getting together to support those in the community in need.

"Given the situation in Victoria, the Committee decided to donate $10,000 through Rotary to the Victorian Bushfire Appeal," Mr Nott said.

The team at SIW have also been busily fundraising, raising $18,500 towards Rotary’s Bushfire Appeal.

SIW’s General Manager David Lanham said it was a great effort by staff across all divisions to raise their component, which was then increased by a significant donation by the organisation.

"We are very proud of the SIW’s team effort to support the Victorian people affected by the recent bushfire tragedy," Mr Lanham said.

"It is fantastic to see Tasmanians across all areas of the independent grocery industry getting together to make a major contribution to such a worthy cause and we are very grateful to everyone who has assisted with this fundraising effort.

IGA Supermarkets also contributed to the Victorian Fire Appeal with a donation of $21,500.

These funds were raised through generous donations made by IGA customers throughout Tasmania in addition to a ‘top up’ donation made by Tasmanian Independent Retailers (TIR) which is the representative body for IGA supermarkets in Tasmania.

TIR Executive Officer Grant Hinchcliffe said on behalf of IGA Supermarkets throughout Tasmania he sincerely thanked the loyal customers who donated to the Appeal

"We were overwhelmed by the support and kindness IGA Supermarket customers extended to everyone affected by these terrible fires," Mr Hinchcliffe said.

"The donation by IGA supermarkets Tasmania on behalf of its customers and TIR is in addition to the $1.5M donated by IGA nationally by way of cash donations and food vouchers.

"Our thoughts go out to all affected by these fires."

The total amount raised across the three organisations was $50,000 which will go to Rotary Victoria to support the rebuilding process in communities affected most by the bushfires.

In addition, the State Government will match this donation by another $50,000 to go directly to the Australian Red Cross Victorian Bushfire Appeal to bring the total donation to $100,000.

District Governor of Rotary in Tasmania Michael Perkins expressed his deep appreciation on behalf of Rotary International to Mr Lanham, the staff of SIW, the Tasmanian Food & Allied Trades Association IGA Supermarkets and their customers for their generous support.

Mr Perkins recognised the trust the community has placed in Rotary with the very substantial contribution being made.

"In the coming months our Victorian friends are going to need a lot of support as they work to re-establish their families, their homes and their communities," Mr Perkins said.

"The task of rebuilding will be enormous as homes, community facilities are replaced and with contributions such as these we will be able to assist those most in need."