Rotarians join flood aid

By Lia Bichel
BERWICK Rotarians have joined forces to help fellow Victorians affected by the floods.
Six Rotarians met at Officer on Tuesday evening to collect more than 80 hay bales to be donated to Charlton residents.
Berwick Rotary president Sjaak Kusters said the hay bales were initially meant to be used as seats during yesterdays (Wednesday’s) Australia Day Celebration in Berwick but the Rotary Club thought the hay bales could be used to help farmers in need.
They will give the hay bales, donated by Russell James of Russell James Carpets, to the Rotary Club of Charlton, which will then distribute them to flood victims.
Rotarian Chris Booth said the Berwick Rotary Club had a long-standing relationship with the Rotary Club of Charlton and was pleased to lend a helping hand.
“Charlton was severely affected by the drought in the past seven or eight months, and now they are in the middle of a lake – they seem to have the worst of all worlds,” Mr Booth said.
“There is no doubt farmers’ winter feed has been flooded and is poor quality. I think it is essential to help out.”
Mr Booth said Rotarians across the country were collecting money for relief funds.
Mr Kusters said the Rotary Club of Berwick would send a team of people to Charlton when it was safe to do so.
“We have been asked to wait a bit until the houses affected are checked for electrical safety and to ensure the buildings are safe to enter,” he said.
“They don’t want anyone in the flood-affected areas until they are safe and ready.”