On 10 August 2026, a devastating earthquake struck Colombia, causing significant loss of life, injuries and widespread damage. Families have lost loved ones, homes and livelihoods, while emergency teams continue working to support affected communities.

For Colombians living in Darwin and across the Northern Territory, the distance from home feels particularly difficult at a time like this. Many in our community have spent the past days checking on family and friends, following developments from afar and asking a simple question: how can we help?

We are the Colombian-Australian Association of the Northern Territory (COLANT), and we have established the Darwin Stands with Colombia – Earthquake Appeal to turn the extraordinary solidarity we have seen across the Northern Territory into meaningful support for Colombia.

Our goal is to raise $20,000 AUD.

Since news of the earthquake emerged, we have been overwhelmed by messages of support from the Colombian and Latin American communities, Territorians, community organisations, NGOs, businesses and representatives of government. People across Darwin have reached out wanting to contribute.

This appeal provides a way for all of us to stand together.

How will the funds be used?

COLANT is working with the support of the Embassy of Colombia in Australia, which is coordinating with Colombian associations and groups across Australia to support an organised and responsible response.

Funds raised through Darwin Stands with Colombia will support communities affected by the earthquake in Colombia. As the situation develops, Colombia's needs will evolve from the immediate emergency response towards recovery and reconstruction.

COLANT is assessing verified humanitarian, community-based and institutional mechanisms, in consultation with the Colombian Embassy and other relevant stakeholders. The final distribution of funds will be determined by COLANT based on transparency, accountability, traceability and humanitarian impact, and will be publicly reported to our donors and community.

Transparency is fundamental to this appeal. COLANT will keep donors and our community informed about the amount raised and how the funds are ultimately transferred to Colombia.

Darwin Stands with Colombia

As part of the appeal, COLANT, with the support of Melaleuca Australia, will also bring our community together for Darwin Stands with Colombia, a community gathering and fundraiser:

Sunday 23 August 2026

4:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Melaleuca Australia, Darwin

The gathering will bring together the Colombian, Latin American and broader Northern Territory community in solidarity with those affected. It will include community fundraising activities and a special ceremony of remembrance and solidarity.

Whether you donate $5, $50, $500, share this campaign with your networks, or join us in Darwin, you are helping demonstrate something very important:

Colombia is not alone.

We may be thousands of kilometres away, but our connection to Colombia remains strong — and in moments like this, distance should not prevent us from helping.

Please donate if you can and share this appeal with your family, friends, colleagues and networks.

Together, we can turn the Northern Territory's solidarity into meaningful support for Colombia.

❤️ From Darwin, we stand with Colombia.

COLANT

Colombian-Australian Association of the Northern Territory