Pp ColinByron once again ably conducted the Zoom Meeting with 14 Members present and with one Guest, Margaret McDonald, for part of the Meeting.
Guest Speaker, Pearl Findlay-James, President of the Rotary Club of Bairnsdale Sunrise, and Chair of the East Gippsland Fire Aid Committee, did a pre-recorded presentation, with PDG Tim Moore as Convenor, on the work so far to assist the people recover from the devastating bushfire.
 
Like us, the Committee’s fortnightly meetings are held via Zoom. Pearl is the first point of contact and is involved with all case managers. Some of the points she outlined were:
  • There was a program of supplying shipping containers converted into accommodation.
  • There is zero government funding provided to the Committee.
  • Funding has come from Rotary Grants, two RAWCS Grants and Clubs and individuals.
  • She thanked everyone for their donations, some of which came from overseas.
  • More Grants, via PDG Janne Speirs are in the pipeline, three of which are specific Global Grants.
  • Funds are dispersed as cases are referred.
  • $168k has been dispersed in “discrete” money vouchers. Participating retailers display welcome stickers on their windows.
  • $67k of fodder have been dispersed, much of it donated.
  • $28k of the Emergency Fund has been dispersed, so far.
  • One government Grant has been received for mental health matters. Mental health is a massive problem, due to drought being followed by the bushfires and, now, the pandemic.
  • The area had performed well in the lockdown, with only one case and that person fully recovered.
  • Most consultations are conducted by phone, with a few done in the office.
  • Some aid groups had stopped operations (eg. Blaze Aid).
  • Donations have slowed, mainly to fundraising events having to be cancelled.
  • Flinders Uni is refurbishing old caravans into accommodation.
  • The first phase of the recovery operation is at least an 18 month operation.
  •  Early applicants are already wanting to rebuild.
Tim thanked Pearl for her presentation and closed off.
 
Pres Anthony mentioned several initiatives by Clubs, eg. mask making and on-line art shows. He also mentioned that DG Adrian would be attending the next Zoom Meeting. Colin suggested that an invitation be sent to Endeavour Hills. He also:
  • Mentioned that the Merger Resolution had to be re-issued to state that the Meeting would be held via Zoom and to correct the date.
  • Reported receiving an email from the City of Greater Dandenong advising that renovation works were under way in Dandenong Park and that the wheel will, somehow, be included.
  • He had had no success in contacting the proposed Satellite Club.
  • $3,550 had been sent to Bairnsdale.
PDG Ken said he could get beanies and thermal socks cheap ($2ea), this in response to PDG Janne’s email.
Peter advised that he had circulated an updated Project Planner and called for comments.
A letter of acknowledgement of our donation had been received from Handbrake Turn, who would supply a Guest Speaker on 2 June.
Pp Colin then closed the Meeting.