Supporting Drought Communiteis Outreach - Copley

The Drought Communities Outreach Program is now continuing to assist people in rural areas that have been affected by drought. Despite the unusual recent summer rains, the areas are still in drought, a drought that has lasted over 4 years. The touring team of Rotarians Jerry and Briony Casburn, and Sam and Elizabeth Cozens, supported by the Commonwealth Government through the RAWCS organisation to distribute $500 debit cards to drought-affected families in Copley and Blinman. Equally important is to bring them in contact with a range of other support organisations who are traveling along with the team.  In total, an amount of $89,500 was injected into the local community, and the various government and private agencies were able to give advice to support these important businesses in the short term, and planning advice for longer-term viability. The Rotary Clubs of Whyalla Norrie and Whyalla will provide free BBQs at Copley Town Hall and Blinman Town Hall.

Rotary District 9510 has distributed 950 Rotary $500 gift cards valued at $475,000 to farming families affected by drought over the past 2 years in 30 locations in the drought affected areas with 23 Rotary Clubs providing free BBQs.