Dear District Governors and Rotarians,
The Drought Relief for Australian Farming Families campaign continues to raise much needed dollars, surpassing $4.2million with the hope of reaching $10million by the end of the month. This will be given a considerable boost by Channel 9 who are conducting a special telethon commencing at 6:30am on Monday 20th August 2018 on the Today Show with a direct telecast from Dubbo. A number of Corporates including Westpac, Optus and Carlton United Breweries are making significant contributions which will be announced during the telethon.
Rotary continues to play a key role for the project with many Clubs and Districts making their own contributions both in dollars and hands on activities. A huge thank you to all who have embraced this very needy initiative.
How is the 2018 Drought Relief for Australian Farming Families distributing support?
The 2018 Drought Relief for Australian Farming Families is not providing direct financial support to farm businesses. Instead, we are working with trusted partners to amplify their existing relief efforts on the ground.
RAWCS (as the custodian of the funds) is working with the ‘National Farmers’ Federation’ (NFF) to direct funding to organisations and projects that meet strict criteria. These include: full transparency and accountability; strong and established governance structures; low (if not nil) administration costs; and proven networks within affected communities.
Funding will be released in regular tranches, with new organisations and programs assessed in each round.
As of Round One, $1 million has been released via the ‘Country Women’s Association’ and the ‘Need for Feed’ initiative. This initial funding will help farmers access donated fodder to feed livestock, plus financial support for household expenses.
Farmers can register to access this support by contacting those organisations directly.
Rotary Australia World Community Service (RAWCS)
RAWCS and Rotary Clubs in Australia have been invaluable to this process, and the ‘National Farmers Federation’ realise we can do more to help by delivering effective projects on the ground.
Therefore, after RAWCS has approved it, $100,000 will be allocated to each of the three existing Rotary projects, registered with RAWCS, that are assisting farmers. Other Rotary Clubs are encouraged to apply for funding with a proposal on how the funds will be used and what impact they will have. 70% of the funds raised will address immediate relief and 30% will be allocated to long-term investment on farms and in the community.
Proposals will be accepted on the following:
- Relief type:
· Fodder
· Water
· Household expenses
· Mental Health
· Other
- Criteria:
· Governance structure
· No admin fees
· Ability to reach drought affected areas
· Ability to deliver on the ground
· Good process for determining eligibility
· Collaboration
Allocating these funds is a huge task for RAWCS and the NFF, with the need to provide immediate relief whilst also planning for long-term impact. The first tranche is going to those programs already running via organisations who have an existing relationship on the ground, with others to follow after proposals are submitted and vetting process ensues. The approved programs include:
- $250,000 for fodder vouchers and payment of household bills or store credits: administered by CWA QLD
- $250,000 for water and cash grants for immediate and overdue bills: administered by CWA NSW
- $250,000 to provide fodder for stock and other animals; administered by 'Need for Feed' Program
A big thank you to Mike Whitehouse, Michael Perkins, Belinda Griffen, Pauline Lane and the wider RAWCS team for their amazing work.
District Governors could you please consider asking your Clubs to register the details of their projects related to Drought Relief for Australian Farming Families by sending a brief account of their project to Stephen Los (
stephen@tradecreative.com.au) and Kelly Kayne (
kellykayne@me.com) who will update our project page. This enable us to keep track of the Australia wide activity involving Rotarians.
We will update you again soon. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Kindest regards,
Philip Archer
* District Governor Nominee
* Director – Rotary Foundation Australia Limited
Tel: +61 448 999 555
117 Queensbridge Street, Southbank Vic 3006
PO Box 212, South Melbourne Vic 3205
rotarydistrict9800.org.au
Also exciting is the start of a new member Stacy Jacobs and new sponsor Excellence Laser & Cosmetic Clinic, great work members in growing the club and support team to serve our community. Enthusiasm and energy is well evident and we are on the way to make the necessary changes to fulfil our goals for the year. These are to grow our club to enable us to better serve our community, to support youth programs to give new hope and opportunities, to connect with other community entities so that we work together where needed to make a significant difference. A very positive outlook indeed. 
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ANZAC Day 2018 - Rotary Remembers
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