DG John Glassford was asked to brief the club members on recent developments in Rotary involvement with drought relief. John told us that the Channel 9 appeal had reached $9.3 million, and that our District (with D 9710??) had been allocated $250 000, subject to successful application.
DG John is reluctant to proceed with an application unless there is a clear path to distribute the money in an effective and fair manner. He asked for input from our members, and fielded the feedback. Ideas from the meeting entered on existing conduits for assistance, especially the CWA and Rural counselling groups. There was also much discussion about timing - The crisis will hit later in our area with different rainfall patterns and crop seasons.
Rotary has a reputation for high efficiency in disaster relief, and no doubt this has played a part in being asked to help. If we pass the money to another group (CWA) who may also receive an allocation from this appeal, are we saying that it is all too hard?
President James commented on current assistance from State and Federal Government, including 20 new farmgate counsellors, an information session "Overcoming Adversity and Managing Mental Health" to be held at the WWCC meeting room on Friday 7th Sept. 9.00am to Midday.
David Benn was quick to tell us that we had special expertise in our club now, with David Post's involvement in Rural Outreach Counselling. A mere ten minutes after induction, David was hauled out to offer his experience on the attitudes and emotions of drought relief recipients.
Respect for the dignity of families was the focus. Food hampers distributed from Sydney had caused embarrassment within a community, but travel to drought areas, spending money within the community - helping businesses and debt relief were valuable and appreciated.
David Post made the point that Suicide rates were enormous, and that worse was to come - the hot and dry summer ahead will create additional crisis for people on the land and the support community trying to help. The feedback he is getting is that few farmers will plant crops this year - Weather forecasts are not good.
Another subject that came up related to weed infestations caused by moving hay to drought areas, introducing new weeds. This is a dilemma, but in the short term, the hay is very welcome.