John Gibbs posted on January 24, 2011 06:38
ROTARY PLANS COORDINATED FLOOD RELIEF
The Rotarians of District 9630 have setup a centre to coordinate Rotary fund raising and relief assistance in many of the most severely flood affected areas of south-east Queensland.
Covering an area from Brisbane Bayside to Charleville, the group will be working closely with local Rotary coordinators in many suburbs of Brisbane, the whole of Ipswich, the Lockyer Valley, Toowoomba, the central and western Downs, Warrego and Maranoa districts.
District Flood Disaster Coordinator, PDG Errol Wildman says that substantial offers of assistance are pouring in from all areas of Australia and from around the world. Rotary Clubs and Districts, individuals and corporations are eager to help flood victims, through the network of 48 Rotary Clubs in this area.
He said, “Support being received and offered by Rotarians throughout our District, Australia and internationally is exceptional. It is truly a humbling experience being a member of this trusted community-based organization in times such as this.”
Currently, a dedicated website and telephone number has been set up, and tax deductibility for donations through a specific bank account will be available. The Toowoomba-based group is also liaising on a daily basis with Flood Coordination Centres in all affected areas in a bid to best match local requirements with the wide-ranging resources available through Rotary Clubs Australia-wide.
Whilst not primarily a first response relief organisation, many Rotarians are at present actively involved in clean-ups, emergency accommodation and supplies and supplying meals for displaced families and relief helpers.
Errol sees the most important role of his group as long term, assisting families, individuals and community groups ‘slipping through the cracks’ of insurance and government support, and helping to replace some of the many infrastructure facilities so vital for the recovery of communities. This recovery phase is seen as an ongoing operation for many months.
Rotary’s South Queensland Flood Appeal is actively seeking donations that will be distributed through clubs that are on the ground and in tune with local needs.
Please go to www.rotaryfloodappealsq.org.au or phone 0447 316 558 to register your offer of financial and/or material assistance, safe in the knowledge that every dollar received will go directly to those in need with no administration costs or charges.
As of 30 June 2010, District 9570 had 1174 members and district 9630 had 1271 members. These members are already on the ground.
Then access clubs by clubs from top menu tab.
Our District Governor has forwarded a request that we make cheques payable to Rotary District 9690 Inc.
c/- Secretary Evan Whitley, 22 Diamantina Close, St Clair. NSW 2759
Enclose a note re name of club and that this is for “Flood Relief”. Receipts will be issued accordingly.
The Rotary Clubs of Liverpool will host a joint fundraiser at Hunts on 26 Feb, see our Events Detail Section