Our guest speaker was Peter Durrant, a member and Past President of the Rotary Club of Karrinyup. Peter is Director Governance Rotary District 9455 and is also Chair of WA Rotary Relief, in which capacity he spoke to us. The aim of the WA Rotary Relief team is to provide long term support to local residents, farmers and communities directly impacted by disaster. There are 12 Rotarians on his team.Peter explained the procedures undertaken with the Gidgegannup fires in February 2021 when 86 homes were lost. 46 large containers were purchased for storage purposes and 2 tool libraries were set up to provide tools for the clean up after the fires were extinguished. Fencing replacement was undertaken by another volunteer organisation called Blazeaid. A number of Rotary Clubs also assisted in various capacities. Donations are provided via RAWCS and by various non-Rotary Foundations both in Australia and overseas. Following the fires WA Rotary Relief provided start-up funds of $45,000 to help the local community set up a Men's Shed in Gidgegannup.
Peter is also a member of the State Welfare Emergency Committee. The Mindaroo Foundation has commenced the Australian Resilience Corps whose aim is to reduce the prospect of devastation in future. WA Rotary Relief is part of this body. Prevention rather than cure.
A really interesting and informative insight into another great Rotary programme.