Welcome to RI Conflict Resolution month.
January was filled with disaster response and I thank everyone involved from the bottom of my heart. There is still much to tell you about where we are at in this regard.
BUSHFIRE UPDATE
Mask Distribution
I reported in the January eNews that we had access to P2/N95 masks donated from DirectRelief based in Santa Barbara. Since then the 470 000 masks arrived in Melbourne via DHL, who then transported 20 pallets to Mascot at our request, and then distributed 10 pallets to Picton for distribution by D9675, and 10 pallets to Wilberforce for distribution from premises donated by Hawkesbury City Council. 
Those 10 pallets arrive mid Thursday, and by Monday lunchtime had all been dispersed to those in need, both within our District, and in surrounding areas. A huge thanks to so many people:
- local and State government representatives for their swift cooperation,
- RAF for their backup and support,
- Hawkesbury City Council for providing a safe and accessible distribution point,
- the Hawkesbury Rotary clubs – Kurrajong/North Richmond, Windsor and Richmond – for their proactive involvement in distribution across the fire ravaged areas and beyond
- KNR President Paul Rogers, who bravely took up the logistics challenge with his club
- AG Blair Leslie for taking many boxes to the affected RFS centres north of Lithgow
- To the many local businesses who have now distributed these masks to ensure breathing is as easy as possible for those in need as the ash settles and the fires dissipate.
In total, D9685 distributed 37,500 masks in 3 days, and all went to those who sought assistance. An amazing feat in such a short time. An additional pallet of 3750 has also been distributed.
Other support has also been provided by Nepean Blue Mountains Primary Health Network with a great link to services at the ready to assist those in need after the recent fires at www.nbmphn.com.au/BushfireSupport.
Fundraising thanks
And I cannot thank you all enough for the ongoing fundraising which you are all contributing to the recovery efforts. The RAWCS fund, as at 30/1/2020 was sitting at over $730,000 which is phenomenal – thank you everyone. Much of this funding has come from international individuals, as well as partner clubs and districts internationally, for which we are all very grateful. And if you or anyone you know would like to be part of this amazing national project, simply go to www.rawcs.org.au and use the link on the front page.
Discussions are actively underway between the DGs Bushfire Relief Committee, RAWCS and The Rotary Foundation to maximise the outcomes of all potential funding partnerships and relationships.
I also appreciate that everyone wants some assistance provided as soon as possible. That is very tempting indeed, however there are many other organisations already equipped to provide immediate support to those affected, including government agencies and emergency response organisations. To that end our goal is to fill the gaps left by those groups, to assist where other assistance is not available.
This echoes the feedback from Barefoot Investor author Scott Pape, who survived fires in 2014 including the loss of his family’s home and all its contents (Sunday Telegraph Sun Jan 19, 2020). His adrenalin ran out at the 3 month mark, when most of the world had already moved on. It was the following months during which he most valued assistance and support, and that is the target we have for affected communities also.
Foundation Support for Bushfire Recovery
You will already have heard about the Foundation Committee’s intent to apply for a Disaster Grant of up to $25,000. But they cannot do this without your help in identifying projects to include in the application. So please, if you know of a community need related to the bushfires, either within our own District or in an area with which you have a connection, then please provide the details.
Additional support may also be available through a matching Global Grant, with a number of international Districts keen to support the recovery process. So please, identify any projects for consideration to the Foundation Director as soon as possible!!
Nutbush Challenge for Bushfire Relief
Our Sydney-wide fundraiser for the bushfire effort is on track to be a real hoot.
- Venue will be Cathy Freeman Park at Olympic Park
- Starting – 10am for an 11am performance
- Includes – coffee carts and barbecue
- Cost - $5pp
- Registration - www.tickets.com available shortly -
- Audience – anyone you know, live near, are related to, can cajole to being part of the event! – family, neighbours, school friends, craft groups, golfers – anyone you know at all
Adopt-A-Town
Some clubs already have a relationship with country cousins who have been affected by the fires and/or drought. I hope by now that you have registered this relationship on Adopt-A-Town so that all clubs can see the towns which are in your care, and also those still in need of some love! www.adoptatown.com.au.
There is little point in all clubs supporting the same town when there are so many in need, so please take a minute to register your relationship.
RYLA OCEANIA
Congratulations to the inaugural participants in the RYLA Oceania program, the advanced Leadership Program specifically targeting graduates of our long term RYLA program. They have just finished a residential week before commencing 12 months of follow-up activities to fulfil the requirements of the program.
Well done to all those enrolled, and to all facilitators and organisers in bringing the much sought after program together!!!
DG NOMINEES
On a totally different topic, it is time for us to start thinking about succession planning, and who will sit in the role of District Governor in the year following current DGN Lindsay May, 2022-23.
So please, have a think about ALL the Past Presidents in your club! They all did a great job in progressing your club during their year, and could be the ideal candidate for District Governor.
Look out for separate information and the nomination opportunities regarding this role, and support an application from one of YOUR club members!!
Applications are sought from Past Presidents who have been members of Rotary for a minimum 5 years.
DISTRICT CONFERENCE – WHAT IS YOUR REASON???
Has your club organised your get up for Saturday night?
Beds now booked?
It promises to be a great event – so many great and inspiring speakers in touch with our theme – the Reasons we all love being Rotarians!!
INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION - HAWAII
Are you coming to join us in Hawaii??
Only 1.9% of our members are currently registered to enjoy the warm days and balmy nights, the soft lights and noisy conversations that inevitably follow such an event.
If you have booked your travel but have not registered, please take the plunge, and go all the way!! And if you are yet to get the ball rolling, NOW IS THE TIME!!!!
Come along and make an adventure of it!!
DIARY DATES
Make sure you have these dates in your diaries!!!
- Nutbush for Bushfires – Sun Feb 29
- PETS/PELD – Sun Mar 14
- D9685/9675 Reasons Conference – Mar 20-22
- District Assembly – Sun Apr 19
- District Changeover – Sat July 4
Our Australian Rotary District Governors have agreed to establish a central fund into which all Australians can donate to support the victims of the devastating bushfires ravaging our country.
