This week in a special compilation episode, we talk to leaders of communities in the Alpine Region responsible for financial and wellbeing support for the residents impacted by the fires in 2019/2020. Aveline spoke to Geoff Dinning of the Rotary Club, Les Harrison of the Lion's Club and Lance Symons of the Myrtleford Bowling Club about their experiences and contributions to Alpine Communitites.
Geoff Dinning:
Geoff’s story is a detailed account of the pivotal role played in the Alpine Region bushfire recovery from January 2020 by the Rotary District 9790 Bush Fire Recovery Committee of which he is a member.
He shares details of the numerous projects the Committee established or supported to help the farmers and the community. In the immediate aftermath, books and equipment were supplied to schools, dairy pellets and hay and air purifiers to the local hospitals, and helped fencing teams move supplies and much more.
As the recovery period continued, the activities expanded. For example, they issued over forty compassionate grants funded by Rotary and supported mental health initiatives. These included free holidays in New Zealand for farmers and others affected, in conjunction with NZ Rotary in return for help received during the 2011 earthquake.
Have published a book - Down the Dinning Track - tracing family history and interesting stories of my life. Book written for my family especially my grandchildren. This was a commitment over 5 years.
Contact: [email protected]
Les Harrison
Les shares with us his experience of bushfires and other local disasters, from the perspective of being a member of the Lions Club in his local area of Tungamah in the Upper Murray, ‘Well, if we're going to live in the country, we've got to expect that every now and again, there are going to be disasters and terrible things happen. But you've got to deal with it. And get on with your lives afterwards.’ And that's the attitude of a lot of people in the Upper Murray.
Contact: [email protected]
Lance Symons:
Lance is President of the Myrtleford Bowling Club, and his story is about the role the club played during the bushfires. His corporate background enabled him to recognise from day one, the need to help with the resilience and of the township on a broader scale rather than just looking after the Bowling Club. So, he surrounded himself with people with the appropriate skills to help the wider community. He personally invited people to join the bowling club to enable them to have a place for vital social interaction and encouraged the Board to visit members on a regular basis. He also shares his other initiatives to increase
We hope that you enjoyed this episode of Kintsugi Heroes - Alpine Series.
Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need. This may be Lifeline, AA, a friend, a counsellor, or some other support group.
If you’d like to share your story on Kintsugi Heroes, please get in touch by contacting us via the website here - https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/contact
We hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories!
Warmly,
The Kintsugi Heroes team
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Theme Song: "Broken" by Colin Lillie
