KALIBO, Aklan -- The Ilonggo Association of Victoria in Australia has started raising funds for relief goods for victims of bushfires in Australia.

Patricia Granada-Gutierrez, president of the association, said they started making appeal through their kababayans in Melbourne, Victoria through social media last weekend to help victims of the bushfire.

"The response was overwhelming. Everyone wants to help in any way they can. We are grateful for Australia who gave us the opportunity to come and have a good life. Now, Australia needs us. It's time that we give back," Gutierrez said.

The association is scheduled to repack relief goods this weekend. The relief goods will then be sent to various drop-off points in both eastern and western suburbs.

Reports said some Filipinos, including Australians, are now at Bairnsdale, Victoria, Australia.

"Right now, fund raising is still ongoing. So many people not only Filipinos came forward to give their donations in kind and in cash," she added.

Jennifer Campos from Negros Occidental and the treasurer of the association said Filipinos in Australia are prone to health issues because of the haze brought about by the bushfires.

"We are far from the largest bushfires in Australia, but we still experiences the haze. When we go out, we should wear face mask for our protection," she said.

The Ilonggo association has hundreds of members in Victoria.