Rotary Castlemaine was quick to answer the call for assistance in the days immediately after the devastating fire event that impacted the communities of Ravenswood and Harcourt on Friday 9 January. Assistance has included club members and friends volunteering and our BBQ trailer called into service to feed those affected by the fires and those providing assistance.
Rotary Castlemaine was quick to answer the call for assistance in the days immediately after the devastating fire event that impacted the communities of Ravenswood and Harcourt on Friday 9 January.
We provided volunteers along with our BBQ trailer and marquees for the Emergency Recovery Hub at the Town Hall in the week following the fire. Meals were provided for those affected by the fires and for those assisting them with the hundreds of administrative tasks. Volunteers from Castlemaine Lions Club and Castlemaine Soccer Club shared the days in a great team effort. Castlemaine Rotarian Brendan Blake, owner of Maxi IGA, was also incredibly generous in providing food as was The Dove and many other businesses.
We are working very closely with the Harcourt Progress Association [the lead agency — Castlemaine Rotarian David Dean and his wife Bronwyn are board members]. Castlemaine Rotarians, family members and friends were pleased to volunteer at the Donation Centre [clothing and household items] in Castlemaine at the old Mitsubishi building in Johnstone Street.
Castlemaine Rotarian David Dean (left) is helping to lead the recovery process as a board member of the Harcourt Progress Association, along with President Trevor Bray who is coordinating Rotary Castlemaine's support.
In addition, we have purchased two washing machines and dryers to be installed at the Harcourt Community Centre for fire-affected people living in temporary accommodation. Most recently, on 20 January, Rotary Castlemaine provided the BBQ at a Harcourt Pool Party enjoyed by the youngsters.
One of our Rotary members is working with the Harcourt Applefest Committee to ensure that this long-standing annual festival will go ahead on Saturday 8 March. We have supported this event in previous years, and will no doubt be called upon more than ever this year.
The big marquees shared by Rotary and Lions were also burnt destroyed at the Harcourt property where they were stored.
It will be a long road to recovery, and we thank our fellow Rotary Clubs for their offers of assistance — your support and generosity is overwhelming and a humble reminder of the collective power of Rotary. Please email President Trevor Bray castlemainerc.pres@gmail.com if you would like to discuss how you might like to help.
NB: The Donation Centre has now closed but for the most up to date information on support services available to individuals and other ways in which the community can help please follow this link: https://www.mountalexander.