Victorian Fires and Queensland Floods

[Timj]

Hi All,

I have been sitting here looking at the news reports and seeing the devastation particularly of the fires down in Victoria and wondering what on earth I can do to help. There have been a couple of posts on the general AULRO board and I can give some money to the official appeals and give some clothing to the Salvos (though I don't know where that would go to from here) but I was wondering if there is something more direct that can be done. I have a 4wd, I have a trailer, I have tools, I have a generator, I could carry food and water and shelter and I have time. From the more experienced on here (some I know are involved in the rural fire brigades) do you think there is anything that can be done to help? Can the general public help with the cleanup or does it have to be the emergency services? Are the clubs in Victoria involved in some way and could our club offer some sort of help?

Are there others who could offer time and equipment? Also is this the best use or would we be better offering our help to the flood victims up north?

A lot more questions than answers I know but I feel kind of helpless just watching while others suffer and would appreciate some guidance on what could be done.

TimJ.

[Outlaw]

Have taken a look at the FWD Vic site and they have this posted

RURAL RESPONSE GROUP - HELP AREAS IN NEED (9/02/2009) [ more ]... (http://www.fwdvictoria.org.au/upload/news/090209_RRG_MediaRelease.pdf)


Are you feeling the devastation of the many bushfires, which over the last few days have caused destruction in many parts of Victoria and killed more than one hundred people? Many of our members have been affected by the devastating fires. Do you want to help people, animals and areas in need?

Today Michael Coldham requests clubs to register with Four Wheel Drive Victoria's Rural Response Group. It does not matter where your club is based, if you have not already contacted Doug Hammerton, please do so on 0409 381 699 or email dhammerton@optusnet.com.au (http://www.fwdvictoria.org.au/blocked::mailto:dhammerton@optusnet.com.au).

Will see what i can find in regards to the floods. I can't personally spare time but happy to donate some dollars.

Thanks for thinking of things to do Tim, i'm sure all those down there will appreciate it.

[DRanged]

Heard a great idea on the radio today. If people who want to help go to their local Salvo's store or similar and buy a heap of clothes etc. Take them home and wash and pack them and send them on to the appropriate centres. That way you help 2 charities in one hit.
We are going to do this as well as getting the kids to go through their toys etc for the kids down in Vic.
I think the Vic kids need these more at the moment as they will have absolutly nothing to go back to.

So if anyone in the club or forum on the gold coast wants to help, I will pick up your toys etc and we can send down a box from The Gold Coast Landy Owners.

Justin

[Outlaw]

Brilliant idea you've stumbled upon Justin... i might just head down to my local AWL op shop today :D

[weeds]

Heard a great idea on the radio today. If people who want to help go to their local Salvo's store or similar and buy a heap of clothes etc. Take them home and wash and pack them and send them on to the appropriate centres. That way you help 2 charities in one hit.
Justin

that is a great idea

[incisor]

all over the radio and tv, they want money not goods, they have an over-abundance of goods already...

just give your money to the salvos fire appeal...

[Timj]

Ok, moving on from my first post above - there is a very good post by RMP in the general section giving details of what can be done. I have donated some to the Salvos appeal and have sent an e-mail off to the coordinator within the LROCV offering what help I can. If there is any use offering goods and if there are useful things to be done by going down there then I would probably be able to carry some down with me. Hopefully I will get a reply soon but I doubt that there is much can be done until the police allow access and some assesment is done of needs.

TimJ.

[Timj]

I have just got this response back from my e-mail to the LROCV CERG Coordinator.

Hi Tim,


Thank you for kind offer of help.

As many 4WD folk want to help which is geat to see, they must be in a Vic Four Wheel Drive affiliated club for legal and personal safety reasons. Most of the affiliated clubs are now in full swing in relief work and are being managed by 1 of 6 coordinators - I am one of them.

In order to speedily process new members for for legal and personal safety, the All Wheel Drive of Vic (AWDC) club is accepting $20 six month special memberships. This fee just covers the legal liability insurance premium and workcare premium. Membership will expire on June 30th 2009.

If you are still keen in helping please complete the attached membership form and post with a cheque/money order. Upon receipt our m/ship officer or myself will be in touch with you.

To date we are currently assessing our situation and have been in touch with the Gippsland 4WD Club who have already activated their entire club into helping communities around Boolara, Labertouche & Bunyip districts. Being a small club they are stretched to the limit and may require our assistance fairly soon. They will advise as soon as possible when they reach breaking point. We have also made contact with Mitchell Shire (Kilmore / Wandong area) re delivery of fodder, water, food and medicine to stranded farmers in their district. We will be contacting Murrindindi Shire on Tuesday with the same offer of help.

In the meantime I will be looking into sources of equipment and farm supplies to help the rural community through the next few weeks. When the dust settles and the smoke clears we will be asking 4WD club members to pitch in with trailers for fodder and water transport to farms, food and supplies to burnt out rural communities and for the removal of fire debris.

Upon knowing further info I will be in touch with you to advise of our "battle" plans. If you have any queries or thoughts please feel free to phone/email me.


Evan Davidson
LROCV - CERG Coordinator
AWDC - President
Tel: (03) 9878 0311
Mobile: 0411 533 248 (24/7)

I will be sending the application back today. If there is anybody else who feels they want to get involved in some direct help then probably best to PM me and we can organise something I am sure. I will keep the forum updated if I receive more information. I will also post this up in the AULRO general area.

TimJ.

[Outlaw]

Hey Tim, the GCLRO is already a Vic Four Wheel Drive affiliated club :D:D:D