District 9800 Response to the Bushfires

Message from the District Governor Grant Hocking

Hello D9800 Rotarians and friends,

Like all Australians, we have been deeply impacted by the bushfires in our country. The loss of homes, landscapes, wildlife and lives is truly devastating, and our hearts go out to all those affected. I know you join me in sending our sincere thanks to the firefighters, charities and volunteers who are tirelessly working to assist in our country's recovery.

We have been moved by the outpouring of support Rotarians and our community has shown to what will be a long and complex bushfire season.

In the last few days I have spoken directly with District Governors in both the Gippsland and Hume areas of Victoria and we will be working together in our response. We will be coordinating our efforts (financial and logistical) with these Districts to ensure that all communities are supported.

As well as this the 21 Governors across Australia are in constant communication and coordinating the National relief efforts.

The aim is to ensure we coordinate and maximise our response to those communities in need as base it on the identified needs from those communities.

Immediate response

Emergency and Disaster response agencies in Victoria do a marvelous job in the immediate care and safety of the affected communities.

I am proud that we have many Rotarians volunteering for front line agencies and responding to requests for support from agencies working in the relief centres and elsewhere including animal welfare.

Generous offers are being received from many Rotarians, and there have been many individuals and clubs working in many areas to provide materials and food to affected agencies and communities. This includes the provision of 500,000 P2 face masks which are being distributed through Rotary Club of Melbourne and Donations in Kind.

Our District Bushfire Response committee would love to have a record of all these efforts from Rotarians and clubs in our district. Please contact PDG Jim Studebaker with information about your recent efforts and any plans for or to discuss future relief efforts. Contact Jim via email jimstude@bigpond.net.au or 0413 304 864.

Please contact D9800 Bushfire Response Committee Chair Sue Foley Sue.Foley@bendigoadelaide.com.au or myself to discuss the D9800 or your club or individual bushfire response.

The ongoing support of Rotarians will be invaluable over the coming months and as always is valued and appreciated. Thanks you for all you are doing to support the bushfire affected communities.

DG Grant Hocking