An article from Trevor Bray, President Castlemaine Rotary
Rotary Castlemaine was quick to answer the call immediately following the devastating fire event that impacted the community of Harcourt on Friday 9 January. While small in footprint compared to the other Victorian fires, at least 50 homes and several business premises were completely destroyed. A major project is being scoped out to support community recovery. A major project is being scoped out to support community recovery.Rotary provided volunteers along with the Lions and Soccer Clubs using our BBQ trailer and marquees for the Emergency Recovery Hub at the Town Hall. Those impacted by the fires were surprised and very grateful to be provided with free food and drinks. We give thanks to Lions, local businesses and, in particular, Rotarian Brendon Blake, owner of Maxi IGA for their support.
In the second week, we worked closely with the Harcourt Progress Association, the lead agency for the recovery. We provided a roster of Rotarians, family and friends at a new Donation Centre in Castlemaine sorting through clothing and household items. President Trevor Bray has also been liaising with VERN (Victorian Emergency Relief Networks) and DIK (Donations In Kind) to provide new furniture and whitegoods to displaced families, once housing is found, or homes repaired or rebuilt.
Rotarian David Dean (left) along with President Trevor Bray, is helping to lead the recovery process as a board member of the Harcourt Progress Association,
To meet short term needs, we have purchased two washing machines and dryers for permanent installation at the Harcourt Community Centre.
A pool party on 20th January gave much needed joy to local youngsters, with Rotary providing the BBQ.
An informal gathering of Rotary on 21st January, enabled Rotarian and Harcourt Progress Association board member, David Dean, to update us on the amazing efforts in the recovery and give us a sobering insight into the horror of the day. Fortunately, David and Bronwyn’s property survived the fire as did Rotarian Phillip and Ruth Hay’s house. We took a moment to raise a glass to Phillip who was evacuated from his home by ambulance to hospital, where he died two days later from a long-term illness. It was some comfort that he knew that his and Ruth's home had been saved.
Rotary Castlemaine will work closely with Harcourt Progress Association and the Applefest Committee to support their annual festival on Saturday 8 March. An opportune time for fellow Rotarians to come along and give their support.
We are appreciative of the phone calls and messages of support from other clubs. Currently, we are scoping out a major community project in Harcourt and will be looking for financial support make it a reality. Please contact Trevor Bray email president@rotarycastlemaine.org.au for more information.