The current contingent of Australians on the ground numbers four, working with an 80-plus multinational humanitarian team and hundreds of local Red Crescent volunteers to bring aid.

Greg Platt, a logistician from NSW, and Maree Dunn, a nurse from NSW, are being deployed as logistics and health delegates respectively. They both leave today and are expected to reach Sudan shortly.

'The crisis in Sudan is fast becoming one of the biggest humanitarian emergencies for global aid organisations, including the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Australian Red Cross delegates - particularly those in health related fields - are regarded among the best that can be found within the Red Cross family, and they are in great demand,' says Monica Green, Emergency Response Coordinator for Australian Red Cross.

Greg and Maree will be joined by four more delegates in the coming days and weeks. Maarten van Herk (VIC) will work as a water and sanitation engineer, while Kamaran Dogramaci (WA) will be in charge of airlift logistics. The ICRC's Darfur relief operation is currently their largest global humanitarian action, with majority of aid supplies flown in.

Two other Australians about to depart are Doctor Barbara Ford (QLD) and nurse Anne Winborne (NT), who will work as roving/mobile health delegates. Maarten, Kamaran and Barbara will leave in the next ten days, while Anne is scheduled to fly to Sudan in October.

'The situation in Darfur continues to deteriorate, and we receive regular reports of continued clashes and renewed movement of displaced people to camps in the region. Their needs remain enormous and urgent in terms of security, health and food. Our delegates can expect harsh living and working conditions, and having to often work long hours. Security on the ground is another major concern for aid staff, including the Red Cross,' says Ms Green.

The International Committee of the Red Cross is working together with Sudanese Red Crescent staff and volunteers to provide aid to tens of thousands of affected people. They are supported by staff from a number of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, such as Germany, Australia, Kuwait, Britain, Spain, Norway, Saudi Arabia, Denmark and others.

To make a donation to the Red Cross Sudan Emergency Appeal:

• Make a secure online donation now

• Freecall 1800 811 700 from anywhere in Australia

• Send a cheque to GPO Box 9949 in your capital city

All donations over $2 are tax deductible.

Available for interview:

• Monica Green, Emergency Response Coordinator, Australian Red Cross

• Maree Dunn, Australian Red Cross nurse leaving for Darfur

• Chris Folletti, Australian Red Cross nurse in Nyala, Darfur

• David Overlack, Red Cross nurse who worked in Darfur (now in QLD)