Information Re Flood Appeal
Bulletins 2024-25
RC of Banora Tweed Bulletin. Dec 24
RC of Banora Tweed Bulletin. Sept 24
RC of Banora Tweed Bulletin August 24.
Rotary responds to an urgent request.
As Tropical Cyclone Alfred (TC Alfred) bore down on SE Queensland and the northern rivers of New South Wales, there was significant risk to the area with the possibility of flooding and damage to properties and infrastructure.
The damage wrought by TC Alfred included thousands of trees being either uprooted or torn apart by the strong winds. An unfortunate outcome was over 300,000 homes and businesses lost power with many experiencing a blackout for up to 5 days.
At the 11th hour the President of the Rotary Club of Banora Tweed (Clive Rimell) received a phone call from an Emergency Repair Coordinator for Essential Energy. Essential Energy is responsible for the provision of and repair of electricity infrastructure in northern New South Wales.
The request was simple. “We (Essential Energy) need help to provide breakfasts for 60 emergency repair workers, being brought into the Tweed Valley to undertake repairs. Can you do this?” The requested assistance was daunting. There were widespread blackouts, the internet was down, and mobile communications was disrupted for up to 2 days (if you were lucky enough to be able to charge your mobile phone). Consequently, communications were extremely difficult. At the same time, there had been panic buying and many supermarket shelves were bare. In addition, the Rotary Club of Banora Tweed has 17 members, some of whom suffered building damage from falling trees.
Confusion reigned! However, it was agreed that Essential Energy would provide a venue, one BBQ and the food. Rotary would supply members to prepare and cook the food. The menu was bacon, eggs, sausages, onions and hash browns with bread rolls.
President Clive (under trying circumstances and with lots of perseverance) contacted several neighbouring Rotary Clubs requesting volunteers to assist with the breakfasts. Three neighbouring clubs, Murwillumbah Central, Mt Warning AM, and the Currumbin Coolangatta Tweed Club provided volunteers. A roster of 4 to 5 members per day was rapidly put together.
At 6.30 am, on Tuesday 11th March (two days after TC Alfred crossed the coast) Rotary members began preparing and cooking breakfast for 60 emergency repair workers. Whilst the initial request was to cook breakfasts for up to six weeks, the emergency workers completed their tasks earlier than expected and we cooked the last breakfasts on Tuesday 18 March. This was a major commitment, and the interclub cooperation made it possible. The coordinating team of Clive Rimell, Wendy Scarlett and Jack Wilson put a huge effort into making it work.
The good news is that electricity has been restored to everybody in northern New South Wales. Naturally Essential Energy have expressed tremendous gratitude for our assistance and effort in extremely challenging conditions.
Supporting Local Students
The Rotary Club of Banora-Tweed in collaboration with Tweed Shire Council sponsored Kye, Zack & Liam from St Joseph’s College Banora Point (in the photos) and William from Banora Point High School (not in the photos) to attend the Engineering Summer School at the University of Sydney in December 2024. They were also offered two days’ work experience at Tweed Shire council engineering facilities associated with treating waste water and water mains installations.
Photos of 3 students from St. Joseph’s College with Supervisor and others involved at the Council’s Kingscliff Sustainable Living Centre.
Rotary Club of Banora Tweed supports the Family Centre
Bringing Joy to Families in Need
This year, as part of our Community Outreach, The Rotary Club of Banora Tweed has once again extended its support to The Family Centre by donating $1,000 towards their “Adopt a Family for Christmas” program. This generous contribution is aimed at assisting over 200 children, young people, and families who are facing hardship, bringing a touch of Christmas joy into their lives.
About the “Adopt a Family for Christmas” Program
The “Adopt a Family for Christmas” program is an initiative by The Family Centre designed to provide support and relief to families experiencing financial difficulties, especially during the festive season. The program allows individuals and organizations to sponsor a family, ensuring they receive essential items and gifts that make Christmas a special time for everyone involved.
Impact of the Donation
The Rotary Club of Banora Tweed’s donation will have a significant impact on the lives of those supported by The Family Centre. With this $1,000 contribution, The Family Centre can:
- Provide essential items such as food, clothing, and hygiene products to families in need.
- Purchase gifts for children and young people, ensuring they experience the joy of receiving presents on Christmas morning.
- Offer additional support services such as counseling and community activities, promoting a sense of belonging and well-being among the beneficiaries.
Rebuilding Community resilience in Chinderah
IT HAS been almost three years since the devastating 2022 Tweed flood and the recovery has been a long and challenging journey for many residents, particularly those in Chinderah, a community still grappling with the aftermath.
After the initial cleanup and the struggle to find temporary accommodation, many flood-affected residents have continued to face mental health challenges, financial difficulties and feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Seniors and vulnerable residents, including those in the permanent caravan parks, have been particularly impacted by these ongoing struggles.
Recognising these struggles, the Rotary Club of Banora Tweed, in partnership with Anglicare and The Chinderah Hub, has stepped up to help rebuild the social fabric of the community.
In July 2024, the three organisations launched two new initiatives: “Lunch Ladies” and “Breakfast Brothers”, designed to help local men and women reconnect, build relationships, and combat isolation.
Rotary Club of Banora Tweed member David Stubbin kindly updated The Weekly on the initiative.
“These casual events, held at the Chinderah Scout Hall, offer free breakfast and lunch to attendees, providing an opportunity for friendly conversation and the creation of new social networks,” he said.
“The program has been especially impactful for individuals like Lyn, a widow with no family nearby.
“She shared how difficult it was for her to make connections before attending the Ladies Lunches.”
“The Ladies Lunches have had a massive impact on my social life,” Lyn said.
“I look forward to it every fortnight and have met some lovely ladies who are now my friends.
“I particularly enjoyed celebrating Melbourne Cup and Christmas with everyone.”
Both the Ladies Lunches and Breakfast Brothers aim to provide a regular, informal space for people to gather and support each other, helping to restore a sense of community that had been disrupted by the floods.
Ladies Lunches will resume on the first Tuesday of February at 11am at the Chinderah Scout Hall, continuing every first and third Tuesday thereafter.
Breakfast Brothers will start up again on the second and fourth Tuesdays of February at 9am at the same location.
These events are open to all, and everyone is encouraged to attend, meet new people, and form lasting relationships.
In a time when rebuilding isn’t just about homes but also about hearts, “Lunch Ladies” and “Breakfast Brothers” are helping bring the community of Chinderah back together, one conversation at a time.
Guest Speakers at our meetings for the remainder of 2024
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- August:
- 12/8 Steve Bellamy…. Pencil Tree Charity (projects to further the education of individuals in need of assistance in both India and Nepal including the sponsorship of a children’s home in Pokhara, Nepal.)
- 26/8 Presentation by RFE Team…Wendy, Charles and Janette…. Partners evening and other local clubs
- September:
- 9/9 District Governor’s Visit ……Partners Evening
- 23/9 Rotaract Presentation by Jordan and Leanne
- October:
- 14/10 Scottish RFE visit and Presentation…Partners evening
- 28/10 Club Assembly: Succession Planning and Club Roles
- November:
- 11/11 Toni Pilcher ….. ORBIS (Flying Eye Surgery Clinic)
- 25/11 Bruce Kuhn…. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
- August:
Join us at our meetings on these dates. Please contact Clive on 0458223713 to reserve your place.
Rotary Club Banora Tweed Mental Health Initiatives
One of the goals of the Rotary Club of Banora…
