Ten of Australia’s high profile Olympians travelled to the Kinglake area in Victoria Tuesday to try and lift the spirits of the local communities that lost everything in the devastating bushfires.

The athletes which included Cathy Freeman, Emma Snowsill, Jared Tallent, Natalie Cook, Ken Wallace, Giaan Rooney, Drew Ginn, Claire Mitchell-Taverner, Nikki Hudson and Andrew Gaze came with boxing kangaroo toys, items of the Australian Olympic Team uniform, water bottles and autographs.

The Olympians were surrounded by over 100 people at any time with the children particularly excited about getting autographs and photos with some of their heroes. The athletes were very well received with lots of smiles.

“We came here to the Kinglake area to try and bring some smiles and relief to these people,” Olympic gold medallist Natalie Cook said.

“The boxing kangaroos were a big hit and then we were trumped by the wiggles. After that it was hard to get the kids attention!” Cook laughed.

Beijing kayaking dual medallist Ken Wallace was pleased to have been able to make some contribution.

“The amount of time we have sacrificed today is nothing compared to what so many people have been doing to help these communities. But it is pleasing that we were able to make a small difference today," Wallace said. 

The athletes also visited the medical offices of the army, the SES and the Country Fire Association where they met fire fighters who had just returned from the fire front.

Today’s visit organised by the Australian Olympic Committee and Victorian Olympic Council is in addition to the $100,000 donation made last week to the Victorian Bushfire Appeal.

AOC