Disaster response in action
PICTURED: For 18 years, Ivan Lister has been on the job as a rural outreach worker, supporting numerous farmers experiencing mental health issues. (Photo: Ray Sizer)
A Rotary drought relief project.
Supported by a Rotary Foundation Disaster Response Grant, District 9790 is helping drought-affected communities across regional Victoria and southern NSW with vital mental health outreach and discreet financial relief.
Stretching from city to country, District 9790 has clubs across regional Victoria and southern NSW. The current drought affecting this area is a challenge for many club members and their communities. It’s not an easy disaster to visualise. The stories of those affected are heartbreaking, but you often don’t hear requests from the people who could do with some support. The district’s current actions are providing small gestures that make a difference.
The dedicated Rotary Community Leaders consulted their clubs, and four Rotary Community Groups with nine clubs are now involved. Food vouchers have been purchased from local supply stores and distributed discreetly to those who need it most. The connections of Rotarians and others, such as rural counsellors and banking relationship managers, are making a difference to this regional farming community. Recipients have been emotional when receiving the vouchers, knowing that Rotary cares during this time of need.
The district is also funding rural outreach worker Ivan Lister for two days per week over 13 weeks for support visits. Ivan has extensive knowledge about wellbeing and mental health support services. He is visiting communities radiating out from the Shepparton area, bridging the gap to connect and access support in the regional community.
District Governor Emma Davis, who grew up in northeast Victoria, is proud to support this important work, with thanks to Rotary International’s Disaster Response Fund and the members of D9790. The program links into her district’s project this year, ‘Let’s Talk About the Elephant in the Room’, which aims to bring mental health into the open – where it belongs. The project focuses on education, early intervention and community support through Mental Health First Aid training for the district’s members and their communities.
