Currently 99% of New South Wales are experiencing drought conditions with swathes of Queensland, managing up to seven years of drought and below average rainfall creating a natural disaster. Parts of Victoria and South Australia are also experiencing extreme dry conditions. Farmers are struggling to feed sheep and cattle, and keep crops alive. Families on the land are suffering and they need our help.
The Crisis
The Project
Rotary Club of Southbank is administering the 2018 Drought Relief Fund project on behalf of the National Farmers Federation and supported by Channel 9. It was launched on Channel 9's Today Show by hosts Georgie Gardner and Karl Stefanovic and Ms Simson of the NFF. Channel 9 has massive reach across urban and regional Australia, with funds passing $1.4 million in the first weekend.
Where does the money go?
The National Farmers' Federation (NFF) is the peak body representing Australian agriculture and will distribute the donations, with 100% of funds collected covering a large gambit of needs currently being experienced by farmers, including fodder and water shortages; help with everyday living expenses and access to health and financial support services.
As a registered charitable organisation, RAWCS will collect and administer the donations, the NFF will then direct funding to the relief organisations best placed to make an impact for farmers on the ground.
Corporate support and in-kind donations
The 2018 Drought Relief Fund will be promoted across Channel 9's national programming spanning news, sport and entertainment as well as on social media and the Today Show.
Channel 9 are paying for the relief fund phone hotlines, currently totalling $30,000
RAWCS are waiving all admin fees on donations: projected $200,000
CBA has waived all bank fees on donations: projected $150,000
DONATE NOW!
Families on the land are suffering and they need our help. 100% of donations goes to the emergency relief fund for farmers and is tax deductible via Rotary and RAWCS. Every dollar counts.
Past President Philip Interviewed on Channel Nine's Today Show
Live From Dubbo, the Today Show hosts Carl Stefanovic and Georgie Gardner interview Past President of Rotary Club of Southbank on the Today Show.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the money go?
The money will be distributed by the National Farmers Federation, who are working with a number of other organisations providing emergency relief services to the drought stricken areas. This list will be updated as they are confirmed.
Who is the National Farmers Federation?
The National Farmers' Federation (NFF) is the peak body representing Australian agriculture and will distribute the donations, with 100% of funds collected covering a large gambit of needs currently being experienced by farmers, including fodder and water shortages; help with everyday living expenses and access to health and financial support services.
What is RAWCS?
Rotary Australia World Community Service Ltd is a public company limited by Guaranatee. This Committee co-ordinates the activities of RAWCS in the District.
RAWCS was formed to support Australian Rotarians and Rotary Clubs in assisting disadvantaged communities and individuals with humanitarian aid projects. Its role is to investigate and promote suitable international projects for Clubs and ensure the efficient utilization of District resources. Donating money to the NFF via RAWCS means your donation is tax deductible as the NFF is a registered non-profit but does not have DGR status. A deductible gift recipient (DGR) is an entity or fund that can receive tax deductible gifts.
How can I donate?
You can donate via credit card, direct debit, phone or cheque
Online:
https://donations.rawcs.com.au/Default.aspx?ProjectID=1190&ReturnTo=4
Donate over the phone:
Call 1800 732 165 5.30am - 8.00pm AEST each day
Send cheques to:
Rotary Australia Relief Fund
PO Box 3168
Parramatta NSW 2124
How can I apply for funds?
The National Farmers Federation have put together a guide for those seeking assistance. You can access it via their website here: https://www.nff.org.au/read/6081/comprehensive-guide-available-drought-assistance-options.html
Why is the money going to Rotary first?
RAWCS is simply administering the funds for the National Farmers Federation to ensure the donations are tax deductible. Rotary does not charge any fees to administer the funds.
Are there any fees taken out of the donations?
No. 100% of the donations is going to the farmers and we are not accepting partnerships with any organisations who are charging an administration fee.
Who can I contact for further information?
The emergency relief campaign is run entirely by volunteers, therefore we are focussing all our efforts on processing donations. Please refer to the FAQs and if you have a different question - fill out the form below and we will add the question and answer to this public page.
