The remains of my sister's house and farm sheds in Ruffy
As we are all well aware, the past two weeks in Victoria have been devastating, with fires impacting communities across the state.
Many of us are keen to help by providing assistance and donating items. However, it is critical that any support offered aligns with what affected communities can realistically manage and genuinely need. These needs will also change over time.
For the past week I have been in direct contact with the following Relief Centres, which are coordinating all aspects of support from feeding people and sourcing urgently required items, to organising livestock feed and simply providing a shoulder to lean on:
• Highlands Hub Relief Centre
• Terip Terip Relief Centre (Longwood)
• Ruffy Relief Centre
The Rotary Club of Castlemaine is also working with DIK, along with the four Victorian Emergency Relief Networks, WERN, RMERN, CCCB and EERN who have set up a joint Bushfire Relief Program known as VERN, and actions will kick into gear when there is a clearer picture of the Harcourt needs.
VERN is partnering with the affected Community Hubs and has secured dedicated premises and transport to receive furniture and household goods from across Melbourne and will deliver on request to the affected communities.
VERN has a dedicated Bushfire Relief Fund in place for those wishing to access DGR status for any donations made and to ensure the funds donated go directly to the communities they wish to support without any administration or handling costs incurred. Please contact PDG Ross Butterworth, VERN Chair for more details on 0411 228 311 or administration@wern.org.
Below is a list compiled by the farming community itself, outlining their most urgent priorities at this time.
This list is outside DIK’s usual scope of donations. However, DIK can act as a coordinator for clubs wishing to drop off items, and will arrange transport to one of the Relief Centres.
DIK can also accept financial donations on behalf of clubs and individuals seeking a tax-deductible receipt, and then purchase the required items and arrange delivery to the Relief Centres.
Please contact Colleen d’Offay for further information
Priority items currently needed
• Battery-operated AM/FM radios (many farms have no power, and restoration may take weeks)
• Small sheds or gazebos to protect donated items from the weather (can be loaned)
• Shipping containers (20ft or 40ft – can be loaned)
• Fencing materials (many properties currently have no way to contain stock):
Fence posts
Fencing wire (must be a specific type)
• Fencing tools (BlazeAid can supply labour, but not materials):
Strainers
Pliers, clippers
Steel post drivers and removersSpinners
Wire cutters
Clips for ringlock fencing
• Tarpaulins with ropes or tie-downs
• Chainsaws (do not need to be new – just working)
• Screwdriver sets (do not need to be new)
• Wheelbarrows (large and small – do not need to be new – just working)
• Garden stakes
• Generators (particularly 8 kVA)
• Fuel cans
• Water pumps
• Water tanks
• Cookware suitable for open-flame use (camping equipment is ideal)
• Power tools (do not need to be new- just working)
• Long extension cords
• Hay trailer winches
Garden implements (do not need to be new):
• Spades
• Shovels
• Tree loppers
• Pitchforks
• Garden shears
Items not required at this time
Relief Centres are currently overwhelmed and do not have the capacity to store or manage the following items:
• Second-hand clothing
• New clothing
• Second-hand shoes
• New Shoes
• Supermarket items
• Toys
• Furniture
DIK will continue to engage, and when these items, including furniture, are next on their needs list, we, along with the four Victorian Emergency Relief Networks will be there to offer continued support.
Thank you for your willingness to help. Targeted, coordinated support will make the greatest difference to communities as they begin the long recovery ahead.
Kind Regards
Colleen d’Offay
DIK Manager
Email
For drop off and deliveries please note: Our Working days are Tues AND Thu
