Recently the four Victorian Emergency Relief Networks (VicERNs) met to discuss a joint response to the January Bushfires and agreed to establish the VicERN Bushfire Relief Program. I believe we are strategically better placed to respond jointly than any time previously and our geographic locations provide logistical support potential to each community and District impacted. In discussions to date, it is clear there is no one fix for all and Districts and Communities are all underway at various levels and directions. VIcERN's Bushfire Relief Program can and will assist from the sidelines when and where it is desired by the communities.
The 4 Networks agreed to a Joint response for the purposes below:
Establish a Joint Victorian Emergency Relief Networks Bushfire Response Program and Committee for the purposes of:
Liaison with each Emergency Relief Network to encourage Bushfire Relief Donations.
Coordinate Corporate, Agency and Government approaches and activities with VicERNs;
Liaison with Districts, Clubs, Local Community Organisations, Support Agencies, Local and State Government to access required donated goods and/or funds without cost;
Establish and manage a central Donations Centre for ERNs, partner Corporates and interested public to contribute and deliver to;
Manage the donation offers and receipt of goods and or Funds donated in accord with the needs of the affected Communities.
Determine what range and quantities of goods will be required initially and longer-term in liaison with Clubs and affected Families balanced with available space and financial resources;
Assist Lead Clubs to identify/assess local needs and support families; &
Manage the distribution of donated goods to Lead Clubs or Community Hubs.
Victorian Emergency Relief Networks Bushfire Relief Program:
The Joint Emergency Relief Networks' Bushfire Relief Program and Team is established to support the Program's purposes. Partner Groups (Fire impacted Rotary Districts, Clubs, Community Groups and organisations), Government agencies or Partner Support Agencies supporting the Bushfire Recovery efforts are invited to apply for free 'Partner' membership.
