Music legend Leonard Cohen and his touring party are donating $200,000 (Australian) to help victims of the bushfires in the ravaged Aussie state of Victoria.

The Canadian singer is currently touring Australia and along with his support act Paul Kelly. Together with music firms AEG Live and Michael Gudinski's Frontier Touring Company, they have all pooled together the generous donation.

A statement from Michael Gudiniski reads: "Leonard has loved his time in Australia on this tour and is shocked and deeply saddened by the news of the fires.

"Leonard, Paul, their touring parties and everyone at AEGLive UK and the Frontier Touring Company wish to extend their heartfelt sympathies to those that have suffered the loss of loved ones or their homes through this terrible tragedy."

The official death toll from the bushfires currently stands at 181, with a further 500 people injured and 1,000 homes destroyed.

(by Scott Colothan)