As with all Victorians, Rotarians in our region have been profoundly saddened and touched by the tragedy of the Victorian Bushfires. With the fires destroying homes and claiming lives throughout the heart of our region the Districts in Victoria have been overwhelmed by the response of Rotarians around the nation and indeed the world.What is particularly heartening is the willingness of The Family of Rotary from far and wide to ask “What can we do to help?”.
In response, we wanted to share with you some ideas on how Rotarians could assist those dealing with the consequences and challenges of the bushfires.
Donate
On behalf of the joint Districts, Rotary District 9800 has opened a trust fund account to provide assistance to affected communities. Rotarians, corporate supporters, Friends of Rotary and members of the public can make donations to the:
“Rotary International D 9800 Bushfire Recovery Fund”, BSB Number 013 345, Account Number 2521 12703 (Swift code ANZBAU3M) at any ANZ Bank.
Cash donations enable Rotary to support the changing needs of bushfire victims as time goes on. They allow Rotary the flexibility to appropriately adapt our response to local needs, which will no doubt change as the focus of communities switch from short-term survival and shelter requirements to the rebuilding of community infrastructure. Recognising that there are already many Non-Government Organisations already working in affected areas, this medium to long-term period will be the main focus of Rotary’s efforts.
For more information on the fund, which has been authorised for official fundraising, please contact bushfirehelp@rotaryvictoria.org.au.
Current Projects
The two Districts in the thick of things are District 9790 and District 9820. District Governor Ken McDonald from District 9820 advises that Rotarians from within his District have immediately got involved with numerous hands on projects in support of the recovery. They are manning many barbeques and community shelters in support of the volunteers and those affected. District 9820’s Centenary House in Traralgon has been offered by their Committee of Management as an accommodation venue for the displaced. The Rotary Club of Bairnsdale through its President Elect, Peter Saul has made his Alpaca Farm available for agistment purposes. Members in the area are supporting the farming community with fodder for animals from their properties. The Eco Lodge on Phillip Island has also offered their accommodation facilities to District 9820, free of charge, to those displaced in this catastrophe. DG Ken also advises that their own emergency fund has been established and is being well supported by the District’s Rotary Clubs, local businesses and friends of Rotary.
Promote the Recovery Fund
The rebuilding and recovery phase is a long-term one and will require ongoing promotion and support around the country. Simple forms of promotion such as adding a short message promoting the Bushfire Recovery Fund to your email signature provide a visible and tangible means for people to help us help others.
For example:
 | As with other major disasters, Rotarian volunteers from Victorian Districts will be there helping extensively in the rebuilding and recovery of communities affected by the Victorian bushfires. You can help Rotary help them by making a donation to the “Rotary International D 9800 Bushfire Recovery Fund”, BSB Number 013 345, Account Number 2521 12703 (Swift code ANZBAU3M) at any ANZ Bank. 100% of monies donated will go to helping these communities. Or for more information, simply email bushfirehelp@rotaryvictoria.org.au. |
Plan a Project
Rotary clubs should begin preparing a response immediately - we encourage city clubs to get in touch with local country clubs to partner in their efforts. To avoid unnecessary duplication, we suggest you contact bushfirehelp@rotaryvictoria.org.au to advise of your likely contribution prior to your undertakings – we will endeavour to let you know of similar efforts and opportunities to partner with other clubs. Below are further proposed aid projects for your consideration which would provide tangible assistance to affected communities.
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Some Project Ideas
Typical activities for consideration by the Combined Rotary Districts Community Services Group and individual Clubs include the following.
Work in ravaged areas:
• Clean-up work
Debris resulting from the fires will need to be cleared, transported and disposed of. Shovels, excavation equipment and manpower would be of assistance.
This kind of work needs to be determined by local people and coordinated by them. It needs close management of where, when, equipment, transport, cartage, catering etc.
Those assisting are strongly advised to make sure all those assisting in the clean up are wearing suitable masks.
• Rebuilding workAssistance in rebuilding community halls, facilities, monuments, etc., as well as private residences – this will be an extensive task. Building materials, water tanks, fencing, hardware, excavation and clearing equipment, etc will all be required.
Assisting members of the public in rebuilding their homes and assisting in rebuilding infrastructure such as sports grounds, playgrounds,schools, toilets, picnic and/or tourist facilities.
• Emergency Services and Recovery Team Relief
Drink and food stations, temporary accommodation or shelters, pillows, foam mats and blankets, wash-off stations, etc. Additional tea, coffee and cold drinks are likely to be highly appreciated even if SES and other groups have their own resources. Volunteer relief of workers on existing stations might also be of use.
• Clothing
Victims will most likely be provided second hand clothing from other aid groups. Vouchers for new clothes may allow victims to begin to purchase their own clothes again.
• Household Supplies and Goods
On-site services to assist in shopping, the purchasing of whitegoods and other household essentials as well as the transporting of residents en masse to retail stores may be of some assistance.
• Give Blood
Giving blood via the Red Cross is a tangible way to provide support that can save lives.
• Assistance With Insurance Paperwork and Administration
Some residents may not know where to begin or how to fully access benefits available to them or complete insurance paperwork. Those Rotarians particularly familiar with insurance claims may be able to set up an assistance booth in conjunction with major insurers providing the paperwork and resources to get claims underway ASAP.
• Food and Grocery Supplies
Again vouchers or donations to general funds may be preferable to supplies to enable those affected to purchase what they require.
• Burns Unit Assistance
Meals, offers of temporary accommodation for family members, pillows, blankets and personal care for family members waiting with patients, offer of showers or amenities, etc. The Alfred Hospital is attending to the bulk of the burns victims.
• Wildlife
Assisting volunteer veterinarians and veterinarian nurses in their tremendous support and care for our wildlife. We can help these great people to continue their great work by raising funds for necessary medicines and equipment.
• Livestock
Purchase of livestock, assistance with fencing, feed and veterinary requirements, etc.
 • ReplantingReplanting of community and residential gardens. Equipment, seedlings and manpower will be required. 1. Private gardens/vegetable gardens 2. Public street and park planting 3. Farm and rural planting |
• Toys, schoolbooks, school uniforms, etc for children.
Many children have lost everything – providing them with some small comforts as well as educational means to allow them to continue their studies would be meaningful. Temporary transport to and from school may be required in some instances.
• Manual Labour Assistance
Much manual labour is likely to be required. Creation of a centralised volunteer centre at which those willing to volunteer can congregate and be transported to locations requiring labour may be of assistance.
• Seating
Many involved will be spending large hours on their feet – seating to allow them to sit down may be beneficial.
• Counselling
Those Rotarians who are trained in counselling may want to volunteer their services via Victorian Information Services by phoning 1300 366 356. Doubtlessly those who do volunteer for counselling duties will themselves require debriefing peer support opportunities – those interested in forming an interim Fellowship network can express your interest via bushfirehelp@rotaryvictoria.org.au.
Activities in city areas:
• Fundraising
Please assist our District’s Recovery Fund by donating direct to “Rotary International D 9800 Bushfire Recovery Fund”, BSB Number 013 345, Account Number 2521 12703 (Swift code ANZBAU3M).
1. Direct cash donations - A central fund for both public and Rotary Club and Rotarian donations. Possible dedication of all fines money for the next year to this fund.
2. Develop a specific long term “Rotary” fundraising activity that all Clubs and Rotarians can become part of if they choose.
3. Rotary promotion and/or management of an ad-hoc “blockbuster” activity - $500,000 outcome aim.
4. Clubs to develop local ad-hoc specific purpose fundraising activities.
• Donations In Kind (DIK)
1. Involve and utilise existing DIK centres and expertise.
• R&R relief for affected people
1. City holidays.
2. Buying expeditions.
3. Private one-on-one or group activities.
4. Day trips, weekend or extended timeframe.
5. Support for country people needing medical care in the city and/or their relatives who need to be close for visiting.
• Assistance with business recovery
1. Mentoring business re-establishment.
2. Community tourism re-establishment support, marketing and promotion.
• Plant raising
1. Tree and shrub growing.
2. Seedlings for vegetable gardens.
3. Fruit trees.
It should be noted that rural people are already badly affected by the poor economic conditions. Consequently it is important to make sure that work done by well intentioned volunteers does not take away work opportunities for rural people.
It is suggested that Rotary try to make it a feature of voluntary work done, that local unemployed people are included in some way.
Asking What Is Required
We cannot presume what is required entirely – it is important that we ask how we can be of assistance at all times – while there will be coordinated efforts to provide major services and provisions, it will be the “things between the cracks” that get missed where we may be able to provide the most assistance.
Australians are famous for pulling together in times of need and certainly Rotarians as a whole are again leading the way.
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