The Rotary Club of Murray Bridge is continuing its support to people in drought affected areas of South AustraliaOn Friday 5th March 2021, Elizabeth and I travelled to Waikerie to take part in a RAWCS “Drought Communities Outreach Program” (DCOP), a community event held at the Lions Park Grounds 9.30am to 2.00pm. For us this event was a training session to prepare both of us for a series of similar events that will be conducted throughout the Murray Lands during the week commencing Monday 15th March to Wednesday 17th March 2021. DCOP is an ongoing development for assisting families in drought affected communities throughout rural Australia. You will recall our Club has already been involved with Hay distribution (Yunta and Peterborough), mental health support community activities (Karoonda Golf Club event), and the “Shop Local” which is currently underway to boost the economic viability of businesses in Karoonda. On Monday 15th March, our President Simon and Lyn will organise some catering refreshments for the DCOP event to be held in the Karoonda Institute. The purpose of this event is to manage the distribution of $500 debit cards to people in the Karoonda District who have been seriously affected by the drought conditions of recent years. This support is available for farmers, people who work for farmers, and contractors who supply services to farmers. A team comprising PDG Bob Cooper, and Marilyn, Elizabeth and myself, will manage this event. This means we will conduct the interviews with local people, and assist them through the application process. We will have a direct online link with the RAWCS Parramatta Office in NSW, and as local people are guided through the application process this will be immediately recorded, checked, and processed by the RAWCS office. This management team will go on to events at Pinnaroo, Tailem Bend, and Keith, providing a boost to people in our immediate farming areas who have been affected by drought. Story by Sam Cozens. |
