The city of Sydney will dedicate $50,000 to help the victims of the devastating earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand.

At least 166 people were killed in the February 22 disaster and another 200 are still missing. 100,000 homes were damaged in New Zealand’s second largest city and up to 10,000 more homes may need to be demolished.

Leading Council in one minute of silence, Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP tonight offered her condolences.

"Our thoughts are with our New Zealand neighbours and we hope this $50,000 donation will help Christchurch get back on its feet and help rebuild communities devastated by the disaster.”

The City’s donation will be made to the Australian Red Cross NZ Earthquake Appeal 2011 and will be used to provide earthquake affected communities with emergency relief and recovery assistance, send specialist aid workers to assist in relief and recovery operations, support the work of New Zealand Red Cross in assisting people affected by this disaster.

“I encourage City of Sydney staff and the community to donate what they can and leave a message of support in the condolence book we have available at Sydney Town Hall,” the Lord Mayor said.

The condolence book is available to sign at the concierge desk, ground floor, Sydney Town Hall, 483 George Street, Sydney.

To donate to the Red Cross using a credit card phone 1800 811 700 or visit www.redcross.org.au. You can also donate over the counter at any Australia Post Office, Commonwealth or ANZ Bank. All donations over $2 are tax deductable.

In recent years, the City has given readily to support communities devastated by the Queensland floods, bushfires in Victoria, earthquakes in China and Haiti, floods in Pakistan and the Tsunami across the Pacific.