District 9790 Bushfire Recovery Newsletter No 4, August 2020
Hello Rotarians and friends
As communities continue to be impacted by the restrictions of the COVID pandemic, fencing continues in the Upper Murray region, due to the “essential” nature of the work. The Uniting Church Fencing Team, based at the Cudgewa Football Club and Blaze Aid teams at Corryong, Jingellic and Tooma are working with smaller numbers in each team. It is estimated that work will continue for another six months.
The Rotary Club of Albury North have been supporting the Tooma Blaze Aid Camp - backpackers from France, Great Britain, Italy, Argentina and Canada, who are volunteering for 3 months in exchange for an extension on their visas. They average 10km fencing (removal & erection) each week. Conditions are hilly, often wet and slippery and very cold and foggy.
WALWA BUSH NURSING CENTRE PROJECT
The installation of the cool-room and fridges at the Walwa Bush Nursing Centre - a project of the Rotary Club of Heidelberg and the District Bushfire Recovery Committee, occurred in July. Heidelberg’s funds were raised at a successful Bushfire Recovery Dinner in February. Thanks also to Wayne Dunstan and W & D Refrigeration for making this happen.
CARAVANS
The Rotary Club of Melbourne have organised the refurbishment of caravans and made them available to the fire affected regions of East Gippsland and the Upper Murray. Jim Orchard from the Rotary Club of Melbourne has been working with Geoff Dinning from D9790 Bushfire Recovery Committee to provide the roadworthy caravans to people in urgent need of accommodation. Caravans have been relocated to Nariel Valley and Cudgewa North.
A delighted Peter Koopmans (centre) with Geoff Dinning and Bernie Bott. Peter lost his Nariel home in the fires, as did his son.
For further information:
PDG Bernie Bott, Chairman
District 9790 Bushfire Recovery Committee