News from District - Western Victorian Bush Fires 17th 18th 19th March 2018
The central district of District 9780 has been severely affected by 4 fires, caused by severe weather conditions and the effect of lightning strikes. High wind conditions on Saturday night, fuelled the fires on 4 fronts. Up to 40 rural communities were threatened.
The area is a significant dairy area known as the Heytesbury Region, producing 23% of Australia’s milk supply. The returns of the farmers have been compromised by the actions of the processors such as Murray Goulburn, who have placed stress on farmers over the past 2 years.
The local Rotary Clubs have supported the farming communities with annual ‘Dairy Days’ sponsoring Free Activity Days, ($12,000) for farmers and families to forget the stresses of farming for a day. Last year attracted 1500 persons.
......then there are the Fires!
Of the 4 fires which occurred, the Terang – Cobden - Scotts Creek, has caused the most impact to the dairy area.
There have been the loss of up to 18 homes, 40,000 hectares of feed, equipment shedding, dairies, fences and wind shelter.
Immediate needs of food, shelter, power and feed are being met.
We are monitoring the requests for assistance locally.
These could take some time to evolve, including possible parent, children mental health challenges.
Fencing needs are significant, with many hundreds of kilometres at $10,000 per km, for both external and internal fencing, in need of being replaced. Whilst Blaze Aid is moving to assist with volunteer efforts, materials need to be purchased.
Cash donations provide the greatest flexibility.
We have an account assigned for receipt of donations.
Account: Rotary International District 9780 – bushfire appeal
BSB 035070
Account 179149
Ray Herbert
District Governor District 9780
Public Relations Report
Here are some highlights from PR Committee chair Past President Tony Alsop's report to the last Board meeting:
Media & Communications
Facebook
We now have 384 likes and there have been 12 posts in February & March (to 18th).
The success of FaceBook to communicate with our members, our friends and the wider community is measured by the “Reach” and “Engagement” metrics which Tony has recorded.
Bulletins
Bulletins have been emailed to members each week and hard copies provided at meetings.
ClubRunner report states that approximately 40% of the last bulletin emailed was opened which means 60% were unread.
RCGE Stationary
Rack card
It was decided that this is no longer required.
Business cards
Artwork to be adjusted with more bleed on edge.
Tri fold brochures
It was decided that these are no longer required.
Teardrop or Feather Flags
New teardrop flags have been requested for outside use in lieu of the pull up banners.
Cost are approx. $400 each.
Pull-up Banners
Two new banners to be ordered. Cost approx. $200 each.
Members Badges
These will now be sourced from RDU.
4th March Waterfront Sunday Market Group 9 & 10 PR Event
RCoGE provided our two marques for the day including setup and backup and they looked fantastic. Rotarians from other clubs manned the stand during the market.
Our three pamphlets were on the tables:
· Retiring but not Expiring,
· Working from Home, and
· Volunteering,
plus a new pamphlet listing our major projects.
7th March Senior Expo at Ingenia Garden
A table was manned during the expo and pamphlets were handed out.
24th March Community Day at Bellarine Village
Volunteers staffed an Rotary information table at this event giving out pamphlets about Rotary.
