BLACK SATURDAY AND A REFLECTION ON OUR RURAL
RESPONSE EFFORTS
As examples of assistance provided, during Easter approximately 40 members from various
FWDV clubs and 4WD NSW clubs worked in the Beechworth area under the direction of the
Wangaratta Club. During the Anzac weekend, LandRover ACT Club worked there also.
During the weekend of 18 th –19 th April, the Wimmera 4WD Club held a major working bee at
Horsham assisted by a number of clubs. Gippsland 4WD Club is planning a major working
bee in the Bunyip fire area on May 2-3.
Bette Phillips is holding a “What to say – How to care” information session on 6 May and has
invited FWDV club members to attend. This information session has been tailor made to
suit the needs of FWDV and will be of value to volunteers, who will meet people affected by
the fires.
Pajero Club’s Activities
Assisting the Salvos - Goods Sorting Warehouse Requirements
Norma Norris (1259) advises that the lease for the Salvation Army’s temporary Clayton
warehouse expired in April and that warehouse will be closed. The Noble Park facility is
continuing to operate for the next couple of months at least, and is still needing volunteers.
The Noble Park warehouse is located at 400 Princess Highway, and operates in the same
format as did the Clayton warehouse. If you'd like to volunteer your time, please contact
Norma by email [email protected] or you can call the Salvo Volunteer centre
directly on 9845 4018. Thank you all for your help over the past two months. The Salvation
Army has greatly appreciated it.
Murrindindi Fire Area
On April 4-5 Ralph Longley and Peter van Riel led crews working on properties in the
Kinglake area. Watch for the trip report(s). It is likely that there will be a trip to assist
property owners in the Kinglake area on the weekend of 9 th & 10 th May. Four properties are
being considered for assistance. One is a cattle property, one horse property and one
project for the Murrindindi Shire Council in fencing an area for a temporary village in
Kinglake. Any trip will be advertised via eTrips and Club members on our RRG volunteer list
will be emailed directly.
Callignee Fire Area
Ian Salmon led a trip on 4 th & 5 th April when members worked on approximately 7 properties
allocated by the Victorian Farmers Federation. One of the property owners, Henry Thimms,
sent a letter of appreciation to the Club. Another trip was led by Doug Hammerton on
18 th -19 th April when members worked on another 8 properties. Refer to the separate trip
reports. Members of the Overlanders and Subaru Clubs assisted us on these trips.
Benn Frederiksen from the VFF has invited club members who have assisted at Callignee to
a Thank You weekend at Callignee on 13 th – 14 th June. It will include a Saturday evening
Newbies Trip Report.docx
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