"The Australia-China Youth Association Group (ACYA Group) would like to offer its sincere condolences and unreserved support to the people of Sichuan Province who have suffered unimaginable losses in the wake of the recent earthquake of Saturday, April 20.

It is devastatingly cruel that the people of Sichuan should have to endure yet another natural calamity so soon after the horrific events of 2008.

Our thoughts go out to the brave residents and rescue teams who continue to selflessly put themselves at risk in order to save others in Longmen, Lushan, Ya’an and other badly affected areas. We wish them all the best in these extremely trying times."

ACYA Group consists of the Australia-China Youth Association, Australia-China Youth Dialogue, Australia-China Young Professionals Initiative and the Engaging China Project.