A message from the District Governor of Rotary District 9800 -
As you will be aware we have recently had devastating bushfires here in Victoria. While our District Clubs were not directly impacted it came close with Harcourt near Castlemaine being heavily impacted. District 9790 was heavily impacted and there was also impact in 9780.
While there are fires still blazing, they are currently not a threat to homes or lives and I am mindful there is hotter weather forecast and so we may have new events to deal with in the future.
For now, I want to make you aware of the various options available to members and clubs to aid in the recovery as follows:
Harcourt
Rotary Castlemaine is working closely to provide assistance in Harcourt and it is best to contact them to find out how best you can assist and to do so recommend you email them at
castlemainerc.pres@gmail.com. For now, they have more than enough clothing donations and will be working through what is needed with those affected. The club has set up a dedicated bank account for any donations.
District 9790
As there are multiple areas in D9790 affected if your club has an existing relationship with any affected areas feel free to make contact. If you are looking to make a donation to the general relief fund which is being managed by DG Emma Davis and her team you can donate directly to their bank account which is BSB 633000, Account No 144191087 which is the D9790 Disaster Account
Also, I have been made aware that Rotary Club of Alexandra is seeking donations which they can use to provide vouchers to those affected and in need of assistance. Their bank account details are BSB 083503, account no 606630744
Household Goods
The Eastern, Western, Rotary Inner Melbourne and Ballarat Community Care Emergency Relief Networks are working together to begin collecting donations of household goods both good quality used and new. PDG Ross Butterworth is heading up the project and more details will be provided in due course.
Donations in Kind
Thanks to Colleen and the team at DIK clubs and other districts have been made aware of the variety of new products they have in stock that may be needed in some if not all the affected communities. Clubs can source items of need to provide to those in need.
Rotary Australia World Community Service Victorian Bushfire Appeal
RAWCS have an appeal in place to make donations for Bushfire Recovery. This may be another option to consider but in doing so you need to be aware of the following. They have a 5% admin fee which although very reasonable may be an issue for some and where and how the funds are expended is at their direction.
BlazeAid
For those not aware, BlazeAid is a charity that puts together teams to rebuild fences in affected areas to protect remaining livestock and secure property boundaries.They are seeking donations to fund the program along with volunteers so for more details go to
wwwblazeaid.com.au
As I said, given the Bushfire Season is not over there may be more to come so this information may assist with future events and for now as either a member or as a club you have options about where and how you provide support.
While our District is not directly seeking funds at this time in the future if specific needs arise, we may do so to assist with things like transport costs to move collected goods. For now, and for the coming weeks and months, we all have the opportunity to Unite for Good and help those who have been affected.
To that end I also recommend that clubs consider visiting impacted areas like Harcourt in the future to provide them with more assistance to get back on their feet.
Regards
DG Peter Shepheard
Then you need a trip to Lansell Square where you will find our ticket sellers until Thursday 18th December - here is a reminder of just some of the prizes.
