Messages from District Governor Grant Hocking.
Over the past week, as the situation develops, D G Grant has issued two messages, via Facebook, for our clubs. Below are extracts from latest statement dated 7th Jan.
To read Grant's full statements please click on 'Read More' at the foot of this item.
7th January
Bushfire update No 2 - extracts:
"Our district Bushfire Response committee met yesterday and again tonight to establish the district response to the Bushfire crisis. Donation details below.
As mentioned previously the emergency phase is still in operation with lots of supporting agencies in place. Experience has shown us that Rotary efforts are best focused in the Recovery phase.
"Our district Bushfire Response committee met yesterday and again tonight to establish the district response to the Bushfire crisis. Donation details below.
As mentioned previously the emergency phase is still in operation with lots of supporting agencies in place. Experience has shown us that Rotary efforts are best focused in the Recovery phase.
For those clubs that have asked already and those that will want to support our District efforts I can let you know that our District Disaster account is available to receive donations from clubs and individuals where a tax deduction is not required.
We have established an account with Bendigo Bank for receipt of funds where a tax deduction is required which will suit some individuals or businesses. Unlike other funds Bendigo Bank has waived all fees. Details will be published tomorrow.
In the immediate response arena we have definite knowledge that the following items are required. It would be great If you can support them.
- Fodder donations and offers of agistment: Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF), 1300 882 833 or fodder@vff.org.au
- Food donations - contact Food Bank
- Offers of free Accommodation; Find a Bed on 02 7202 6588 findabed.info/
The committee is working on several projects to support communities and fundraising efforts. I know that Rotarians will rise to the challenge.
Thanks for your support so far.
We will make a difference.
DG Grant"
DG Grant"
For full copies of DG Grant's statements please click on Read More -->
1. Full copy of statement by DG Grant Hocking in FaceBook page 'People of Action Rotary District 9800' 7th Jan 2020.
"Bushfire update No 2.
Our district Bushfire Response committee met yesterday and again tonight to establish the district response to the Bushfire crisis. Donation details below.
The committee is chaired by Sue Foley (RC South Melbourne), with Marion Macleod (Melbourne), PDG Jim Studebaker (North Balwyn) and Rhys Maggs (Essendon North) supported by DGE Philip Archer and myself.
Our district Bushfire Response committee met yesterday and again tonight to establish the district response to the Bushfire crisis. Donation details below.
The committee is chaired by Sue Foley (RC South Melbourne), with Marion Macleod (Melbourne), PDG Jim Studebaker (North Balwyn) and Rhys Maggs (Essendon North) supported by DGE Philip Archer and myself.
As mentioned previously the emergency phase is still in operation with lots of supporting agencies in place. Experience has shown us that Rotary efforts are best focused in the Recovery phase.
For those clubs that have asked already and those that will want to support our District efforts I can let you know that our District Disaster account is available to receive donations from clubs and individuals where a tax deduction is not required.
Name: Rotary International D9800 Inc Disaster Fund account
BSB 033181
Acct Number: 377982
Name: Rotary International D9800 Inc Disaster Fund account
BSB 033181
Acct Number: 377982
We have established an account with Bendigo Bank for receipt of funds where a tax deduction is required which will suit some individuals or businesses. Unlike other funds Bendigo Bank has waived all fees. Details will be published tomorrow.
In the immediate response arena we have definite knowledge that the following items are required. It would be great If you can support them.
- Fodder donations and offers of agistment: Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF), 1300 882 833 or fodder@vff.org.au
- Food donations - contact Food Bank
- Offers of free Accommodation; Find a Bed on 02 7202 6588 findabed.info/
The committee is working on several projects to support communities and fundraising efforts. I know that Rotarians will rise to the challenge.
Thanks for your support so far.
We will make a difference.
DG Grant
Thanks for your support so far.
We will make a difference.
DG Grant
2. Full copy of statement by DG Grant Hocking in FaceBook page 'People of Action Rotary District 9800' 3rd Jan 2020.
We have all seen the disastrous fires that have erupted, taking lives as well as destroying hundreds of homes and properties across Australia.
Over the past few days I have been receiving a number of contacts from concerned Rotarians asking what our District is planning to do about supporting those most affected by the fires.
I can provide all Rotarians across the District an update of the current plans.
Along with the closing of some communities in Gippsland alerts have gone out overnight from the Victorian Emergency Services http://emergency.vic.gov.au/) website with warnings for people to leave parts of Hume region, with conditions expected to worsen again this weekend. If you have plans to visit these areas over the weekend you should cancel them.
Unfortunately we know from experience that it is likely that this is the beginning of the Victorian fire season and typically the threat will be with us for many months to come.
When emergencies such as this occur there are established procedures that States and Local Government Areas follow. Emergency and Disaster response agencies in Victoria do a marvellous job in the immediate care and safety of the affected communities. Relief and Recovery centres are set up with support from Government, Red Cross, and many others. Support is provided in the form of food, accommodation, counselling services and funding for necessities.
We know from past experience that the best thing Rotary can do is be there for these communities in the recovery phase. The best thing that Rotary can do with regards to the affected area is to keep out of the way until it is safe for us to go in and act.
The Vic Emergency website contains some good information on road closures, relief centres, registering your safety and advice on how to donate to communities affected.
-Emergency management personnel are busy working with local councils in the affected areas to assess the needs of their communities.
-Donations of money to affected communities should achieve positive outcomes for the community, by working directly with local recovery committees and structures to inform and drive the distribution of funds
-Experience tells us that donation of money is much more effective and provides more flexibility than the donation of material items or pre-loved goods. At this stage, we do not need donations of furniture or any other hard goods and we are unable to store or sort them. Please hold onto your donations until those affected know what they need.
-Emergency management personnel are busy working with local councils in the affected areas to assess the needs of their communities.
-Donations of money to affected communities should achieve positive outcomes for the community, by working directly with local recovery committees and structures to inform and drive the distribution of funds
-Experience tells us that donation of money is much more effective and provides more flexibility than the donation of material items or pre-loved goods. At this stage, we do not need donations of furniture or any other hard goods and we are unable to store or sort them. Please hold onto your donations until those affected know what they need.
So what is District 9800 doing?
1.D9800 Disaster Committee –Bushfire working group
The D9800 Disaster Relief Committee has active for many years especially supporting the drought efforts across the country. Whilst this is still an important issue the fires will take precedence. Under the D9800 Bylaws the DGE is nominated the chair of the Disaster Relief Committee. This week I have had discussions with DGE Philip Archer and requested that we establish a specific Bushfire Working Group under the banner of the Disaster committee.
The D9800 Disaster Relief Committee has active for many years especially supporting the drought efforts across the country. Whilst this is still an important issue the fires will take precedence. Under the D9800 Bylaws the DGE is nominated the chair of the Disaster Relief Committee. This week I have had discussions with DGE Philip Archer and requested that we establish a specific Bushfire Working Group under the banner of the Disaster committee.
2.Donations
There are several Fire related fundraising appeals up and running including RAWCS, the RC Bairnsdale under the D9820 banner specifically for the Gippsland fires and another with Bendigo Bank.
A D9800 donation fund will be established in the next few days to collect money from D9800 Rotary clubs, Rotarians, business and members of the public.
There are several Fire related fundraising appeals up and running including RAWCS, the RC Bairnsdale under the D9820 banner specifically for the Gippsland fires and another with Bendigo Bank.
A D9800 donation fund will be established in the next few days to collect money from D9800 Rotary clubs, Rotarians, business and members of the public.
More details will be provided very soon.
Updates will be provided regularly and I know that Rotary will once again shine in its support of our communities in need across Victoria and Australia.
Please stay safe and I look forward to providing more details ASAP."