District 979 Disaster and Emergency Trust Fund
SPECIAL PROJECT District 979 Disaster and Emergency Trust Fund
Wednesday, 16 February, 1983 [Ash Wednesday] marked one of the most disastrous days in Australia’s history. After years of severe drought and extreme weather conditions, bush fires ravaged many areas in Victoria and South Australia with an enormous loss of life and property. 47 People died in Victoria and 18 died in South Australia. Media throughout the world gave vivid accounts of the fires and the devastation left behind in their wake, it did however unite a nation into giving to those who suffered.
The Rotary Club of Pascoe Vale was quick to realise that immediate assistance in a variety of forms would be required and after discussion between Past President Mike Reiner, President Tom Harmworth and District Governor Merv Johnson it was decided that a “Disaster Fund” be established.
The District Governor, District Secretary and four Past Presidents of the Pascoe Vale Club were quick to respond when approached to become Trustees, while other members readily offered their assistance to the Trustees. It was agreed that in drafting the Trust Deed, a proviso be included that a request for assistance must come from a Rotarian or Rotary Club. The primary purpose of this clause was to eliminate unnecessary administrative expenses, safeguard funds, but to ensure that help reached those in need. “Working Capital” of $10.000 was made available to ensure immediate liquidity until District 979 Clubs responded to the call from District Governor Merv Johnson. By the end of April, 1983 District clubs had contributed $51,124.35.
The ’working capital’ advance enabled the Trustees to provide first of all cash, for items like eggs to be distributed by the Red Cross, followed by garden tools. shovels and rakes distributed by Macedon and Cockatoo Police Stations. The purchase of fencing tools enabled a local contractor to re-establish himself and provide necessary stockproof fencing. Other items purchased were of a very personal nature but much appreciated by people suffering trauma from the devastating fires.
Heavy earth-moving equipment was deployed to level and clear building sites. A Rotarian in the Macedon Area who had already made available the facilities of his organisation was contracted for an additional week’s work under the direction of the local Shire Engineer.
Equipment was serviced as and when required to ensure a minimum of down time.
Fodder for stock was another consideration. Stocks of fodder were sourced from area of Gippsland at a very reasonable price and the cost of transporting the fodder was donated. Loading and unloading of transports of the fodder was done by local Rotarians.
After discussion with Farmers and Graziers Association it was learnt that over 2200 miles of fencing would have to be replaced. The Department of Agriculture arranged for post hole borers and rammers to be deployed to get the fencing underway. Two fire damaged tractors were purchased and repaired to working condition and put to good use.
Numerous items were donated by people. A great variety of household appliances and whitegoods was also purchased and distributed through Rotary Clubs to people who had lost items in the bush fires.
The ROTARY DISTRICT 979 DIASASTER AND EMERGRENCY TRUST FUND was approved by the Australian Taxation Office. All legal assistance in the preparation and registration of the Trust Deed was provided free of charge by one of our own Rotarians.
Reference; Changeover Bulletin, 1983 Abridged. Original Article by Don Ross
Bushfire Cleanup
We were able to support the Rotary Club of Gisborne when 13 of our members gave up their time to the Macedon Bushfire cleanup Campaign. A long, hard, rewarding day was has by all.
Reference: Changeover Bulletin 1983, Community Service Chair, John Lawless