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VIC AMTRA Public Forums => General Chat => Topic started by: Serge C on February 08, 2009, 10,35:01 AM



Title: Bush-Fire Assistance
Post by: Serge C on February 08, 2009, 10,35:01 AM

Like most Victorians, I have watched the events of this day un-fold, and have been gob-smacked by the devistation wreaked by the bush-fires.

These areas are special to all trail-bike riders alike, but they are more than that to the people of these comunities.  They are homes, schools and businesses, most if not all, razed to the ground.

As members of AMTRA, I'd like to suggest that we make a considerable cash donation to these ravaged areas.  Wether it's to the township of Marysville itself, or a general fighting fund, I don't know, but I believe we owe it to these areas considering the enjoyment we get out of them.

I'd like to hear what others think, but I'm not adversed to a donation of $10,000.  We've got the money, and I think it could be well spent!


Title: Re: Bush-Fire Assistance
Post by: Peter r on February 08, 2009, 10,52:13 AM
I will 2nd that.


Title: Re: Bush-Fire Assistance
Post by: Ian Robinson on February 08, 2009, 07,15:30 PM
I also agree. It appears that many other groups are also raising money to help.
With AMTRA possibly able to make a good profit from the HCR we would not really miss $10,000. There are some very needy people whose lives have been devasted and many of the towns that support our sport have been destroyed.


Ian


Title: Re: Bush-Fire Assistance
Post by: Brad on February 08, 2009, 08,28:53 PM
You have my vote for the donation.


Title: Re: Bush-Fire Assistance
Post by: Phil Randall on February 08, 2009, 09,05:38 PM
Ian and others,   My total support for a large donation now followed by further donations in more specific areas later as needs are known.
Phil R.


Title: Re: Bush-Fire Assistance
Post by: Robert Srbinovski on February 08, 2009, 09,33:46 PM
I'm in as well.it's the least we can do


Title: Re: Bush-Fire Assistance
Post by: Paul Lacy on February 08, 2009, 09,42:51 PM
Although I'm a newbie, I also agree. My suggestion is to identify any Members or Members families who have suffered loss, and give to them first. Then donate the remainder to other areas.


Title: Re: Bush-Fire Assistance
Post by: sjkermode on February 08, 2009, 09,58:39 PM
Fully Agree, I haven't been a member for that long but could not think of a more worthwhile cause.


Title: Re: Bush-Fire Assistance
Post by: dennisd on February 08, 2009, 10,50:04 PM
I support a cash donation of $10,000 to the bushfire appeal.

I understand that there is a general bushfire relief fund where you can deposit donations with the Red Cross or several banks, including the Commonwealth. It would be nice to somehow direct our donation to the township of Marysville as we have used it so often in the past for our rides and we have always had a friendly welcome there. However I don't particular mind where the money goes. It would be nice to do it such that it is not just an anonymous donation, but I am happy to leave that to the committee to decide.

Dennis Dorman


Title: Re: Bush-Fire Assistance
Post by: Paul Smith on February 08, 2009, 11,36:33 PM
Guys,

The fires are still burning and a lot of them are heading north. We need to be mindful that there is little chance that many of the fires will be brought under control before the Valentines day weekend. The forecast for the coming few days is for windy, then warming up.

While we all feel terrible about the loss it is important that we do not rush into giving the clubs working capital away before we know that all of the the fires are out and that our club's assets can not be destroyed as well.

For now, the urgent immediate needs are being met by all of the relevant authorities.


For now the best things that we can do are the personal things.

1. Make personal donations.


2. Sign up to give blood as there are many burns victims who will need Blood & Plasma.

3. Offer accommodation.




If anyone knows of an AMTRA member (or AMTRA family) needing urgent temporary accommodation please have them contact me.



Title: Re: Bush-Fire Assistance
Post by: Mat R on February 08, 2009, 11,48:40 PM
I support a cash donation now of $10000.

The AMTRA property is at risk.  But it is a recreational asset that is not an urgent need. The club can work on its own recovery after the communities around the state have begun recovery.

All the areas that have suffered and are under threat are places we ride.

Mat R.



Title: Re: Bush-Fire Assistance
Post by: Kelvyn B on February 08, 2009, 11,51:03 PM
Manpower is a much better way to contribute.
With our wide skill base I am sure we have the ability to undertake many projects

AMTRA could volunteer too rebuild or build unloading areas etc to suit all bush users. Etc
This may involve financial contribution at that time.

Despite earlier comments I am not convinced that the clubs donation would be well spent or that this would amount to the sum of the clubs assistance in rebuilding areas that we use and have been affected.

I would also like people to consider that riding in the short term may not be the most responsible thing to do with resources already stretched around the state. Even in non fire affected areas.




Title: Re: Bush-Fire Assistance
Post by: Peter E on February 09, 2009, 02,20:09 AM
i would totally support the financial donation of $10,00000 to the bush fire appeal.
further the club should be looking to assist communities in the clean up/rebiulding and assisting in any areas wherever we can.
peter ellard


Title: Re: Bush-Fire Assistance
Post by: karlveidis on February 09, 2009, 02,39:34 AM
I agree with Paul Smith and Kelvyn B re use of the club's monies. The issue in my mind is that we would have no control of how that money might be spent. Considering the woeful response of so many of the government services and the 'administration' costs of charities (most deduct a minimum of 17c in the dollar for 'overheads') I think the best contribution would be manpower and money on direct items. We should not use middlemen.


Title: Re: Bush-Fire Assistance
Post by: mazdemo on February 09, 2009, 02,40:40 AM
i too are only a new member, but i agree with any donation made by the club, I also suggest we look at what manpower we could supply, i,m in construction as i,m sure many other members are. we could really make a difference!


Title: Re: Bush-Fire Assistance
Post by: dennisd on February 09, 2009, 04,49:56 AM
ummm...some interesting and constructive comments on what we should do as a club. I agree that it is not immediately obvious what the best thing is to do immediately. In my opinion we do need to have some recognition for whatever contribution we make as a club, particularly if it is of the scale of $10,000.

Maybe a smaller initial cash donation, say $1,000, but then wait a few more days or more till things settle down a bit to better assess where, what and how we as a club can best contribute. If there was something later like some sort of community assest rebuilding project, it would be a more direct contribution and probably allow direct recognition that the help, cash and/or labour, was coming from AMTRA.

Dennis Dorman


Title: Re: Bush-Fire Assistance
Post by: Matthew L on February 09, 2009, 05,18:55 AM
I too think that a large club donation would be better given in the future rather than now. A direct donation to a part of the Marysville community later, after the dust settles and what is needed is known, help to the kindergarten or a community hall or park equipment,rotunda or bbqs etc.


Title: Re: Bush-Fire Assistance
Post by: Brad on February 09, 2009, 05,22:25 AM
On Thurday night there will be a bush fire appeal Telethon on CH9. If the club wanted it known it was making a donation then a donation of that size may rate a mention.


Title: Re: Bush-Fire Assistance
Post by: chrism on February 09, 2009, 05,55:07 AM
I am against giving the donation directly to a "bush fire fund". 

I would happily support $10,000 plus anything else we can do to support communites in the areas affected, particularly Marysville and the areas we ride! 

Given that it is a large sum of money to the club, I would like the club to oversea were the money is spent.


Title: Re: Bush-Fire Assistance
Post by: Ian Robinson on February 09, 2009, 06,48:00 AM
I have discussed this subject briefly with others.
Any donation would not be rushed into and it must be discussed at committee and club level as to what is best to do with any possible donation. The subject was also discussed by email before it was decided to post on the web site to get peoples reactions.

AMTRA has plenty of assets and although we have worked hard to get what we have, it is just a recreation and thousands of people will have lost everthing so I think we should be generous but donate where it will be most needed.


As for labour helping out in fire affected areas this may not be possible due to liability and insurance issues, at least on a club level. I think that 4wd club members are covered by the 4wd Associations insurance, I dont know that any labour put in by AMTRA members would be covered.

It something that needs some thought and it may be weeks, if not months before any labour help is needed. There are many things that need to be sorted out, with insurance policies that cover fire, and police investigations before the public will be allowed to access the areas.

On another note - after talking with Bill Graham this morning it appears that he may have lost his house at Flowerdale. he had not been allowed to travel to the house but has been told the whole town is gone.



Ian




Title: Re: Bush-Fire Assistance
Post by: sjkermode on February 09, 2009, 07,38:49 AM
I agree we don't have to immediately rush in,  But it would be good for the club to quickly decide that $10,000 will be put aside as a donation and then for it to be used where we think it will most benefit.  The key is to get the decision about the amount we want to donate done and dusted.  Then lets work out where it will go to best effect.  I also would like to think it could be used to benefit Marysville directly but also agree we need to wait till all the fires are under control and we have a true picture of the scale of this tragedy.

Donating time if possible is also a great idea.


Title: Re: Bush-Fire Assistance
Post by: Peter E on February 09, 2009, 08,26:15 AM
i have just listened to the news where large organisations have agreed to donate funds to the bush fire appeal and interestingly enough there was no mention of provisos as to where their donation(s) would or how they were to be spent.
my question to those members who want to add provisos to amtras suggested donation, do you want to be the administrator of the funds? or. the person who assesses those who are seeking our financial assistance? i would think not.
the suggestion that there would be a deduction on the amount amtra contributed i would suggest is a fact of life. the bottom line as far as amtra is concerned would be that our contribution would be $10,000.00 if that is what is agreed to.
i would agree that our manual efforts should be to assist any members who have suffered hardship through these fires and communities. the question of insurance is an issue that could be sorted out between ourselves and any organisation that chose too use our assistance.
i would still support a donation to the bush fire appeal with no strings attached.
abbeyard is not under threat as the fires are to the north east of the property largely in the kiewa valley
peter ellard



Title: Re: Bush-Fire Assistance
Post by: David Smith on February 09, 2009, 09,08:23 AM
I think the main thing is we don't wont the goverment taking a slice out of what we donate and we wont to know where our money has been spent,
Were all ready in the boat where we cannot find out where donated money has been spent in the past...

We haven't fixed our property after the fire we had......   

Im glad to see all these people so willing to help out when its needed..
id like to see amtra donate money to marrysville and maybe build a loading area for us and other people to use
 :-\



See you at the next working bee


Title: Re: Bush-Fire Assistance
Post by: Keith Coota on February 09, 2009, 10,44:50 AM
I know three familys that lost everythingand I am very sorry for them and others but i do think 10k is too much for a not for profit organisation like amtra


Title: Re: Bush-Fire Assistance
Post by: Paul Lacy on February 09, 2009, 12,22:51 PM
I think there will be hundreds of different opinions on how much AMTRA gives, how and when.

I would support the committee making those decisions when the dust settles. They have been elected by the members to provide leadership and represent the members. I assume they are in their current positions because they have the best interests of the club and its members at heart. This includes finances.

I'm new to this club and I'm proud of the response and generosity of its members after this terrible disaster.


Title: Re: Bush-Fire Assistance
Post by: Fred Flintstone on February 09, 2009, 01,52:40 PM
Just to echo other sentiments how we should all be doing something.

Having come from the other side of the world (pomme bastard) 9 months ago it's all a bit shocking just how savage things can be here!

Especially sad that areas we had discovered & really started to enjoy have been so badly affected (Marysville,Kinglake,St Andrews)

Great that we all agree we should make a donation as a club.
One hundred percent agree we should give due thought about when,how & whom it should go to.
But please no shed scenario's.
This isn't a critisism,just an observation.

If anybody knows of a family wanting temporary accomodation we have room to accomodate maybe up to 6 people.

 :( :( :o :o :( :(


Title: Re: Bush-Fire Assistance
Post by: Serge C on February 09, 2009, 08,06:26 PM

It's great to see so many club members willing to help out.

For those with the ability to offer accommodation, I believe that The Salvation Army is co-ordinating emergency accomodation.  Perhaps you could contact them and let them know what you have available.


Title: Re: Bush-Fire Assistance
Post by: sjkermode on February 09, 2009, 09,19:49 PM
I agree with Fred Flintstone, I support the committee to make the right decision.  If it becomes a free for all it will never happen.


Title: Re: Bush-Fire Assistance
Post by: Paul Smith on February 10, 2009, 03,01:59 AM
It is great to see that so many people are using the website to discuss the topic. The bredth of opinion is what makes a club great.

we must consider that: the fires could burn for at least another month, and has significant potential to leave us without anywhere to run a HCR in 09.

With whatever we give we must ensure that we don't put our own viability at risk.

I beleive that voluteers carry their own liability. If they didn't volunteer organisations and not for profits could not run.

Regardless of we represent AMTRA or just the general public we can all be there wto lend a hand in the various cleanups in whatever capacity we can.


Title: Re: Bush-Fire Assistance
Post by: Ian Robinson on February 10, 2009, 08,04:30 AM
OK, the text below is from a 4wd forum and has specific information for those thinking of volunteering to help bush fire victims. The issue of the public volunteering is complex so please read below. I have highlighted in blue the most important sections.

Ian


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4WD Victoria Bushfire Rural Response Group : How you can help

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The entire Australian 4WD community is appalled by the Victorian bushfire catastrophe. We're all ready to jump into our cars and help. But how?

The authorities can't handle thousands of individual offers of assistance, so the best way is through the existing management structure. For some years now several Victorian 4WD clubs have formed RRGs, or Rural Response Groups. These are teams of club members who go out to communities after disasters like floods or fires (or both!) and help put things right. Typically a RRG will camp, entirely self-sufficiently, on local land and then get to work. Tasks include debris removal, cleaning, fencing, minor building, transportation and dam clearing. Anything that needs doing.

The way it's working now; there is one coordinator for all of 4WD Victoria. He's in constant contact with the authorities, and he's run RRGs for a while so he knows what they can do. He matches capability with requests from the authorities. There are a number of clubs waiting for work, and tasks will be given to each club who then goes off and completes it. In this way we can quickly and efficiently direct effort to where it's needed, which is much more effective than individuals all asking the same authorities the same questions.

So if you do want to help, this is one way to do it.

1. Are you:
- willing to work hard all day for no remuneration
- a team player, willing to work under the direction of others in a team
- able to be entirely self-sufficient, camping with no facilities, not drawing on the community's limited resources
- wanting to do something truly useful with your life?

Skills don't matter, the groups find work for everyone.

If this sounds like you then:

2. Select a club from the list below.

3. Contact the club with:

- Your name
- Mobile/landline
- Email
- Vehicle make & model
- Brief description of what you can do
- Potentially useful equipment (fencing, trailers etc)
- Useful skills (track clearing, building, fencing, car removals etc)
- Dates available

4. If it all works out, the club will add you to its relief effort team. For insurance purposes it may require you become a temporary or full member. Please note no club is under no obligation to accept any offers.


The disaster isn't over yet. The real work won't be starting just yet and will take weeks, months and years to finish, so while we all want to get in our trucks and roar off to help we can't right now -- so donate some money in the meantime.

More details on a typical RRG:

http://www.pajeroclub.com.au/home/se...flyer v1.5.pdf

List of Victorian clubs with RRGs as of 10/02/09 morning:

3rd Rock 4x4 Club
Adventurer 4X4 Club
Albury-Wodonga 4WD Club
Ballarat 4WD Club
Bendigo 4Wd Club
Bellarine 4X4 Club
Central Highlands 4X4 Club
CFA 4wd Club
City West 4X4 Club
Dandenong Ranges Four Wheel Drive Club
Gippsland 4WD Club
Idlers Club
Kerang 4WD Club
Latrobe Valley 4WD club
Land Rovers Owners Club of Vic
Macalister 4WD Touring & Social Club
Melbourne Jeep Owners Club
Nissan Club
Pajero Club
Range Rover Club Vic
Suzuke Four Wheel Drive Club
Toyota Landcruiser Club
Toyota Hilux Club
Toyota 4WD Club of Victoria Inc
Werribee & District
Victorian Police Four Wheel Drive Club
Yarra Valley
Wesley 4X4 Club

Full contact details for each club are here:

http://www.fwdvictoria.org.au/viewclubs.asp

Images from previous RRG work can be seen here:

http://media.fwdvictoria.org.au/imag...ls.php?album=1--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Last edited by rmp; 10th February 2009 at 11:05 AM.. Reason: updated a link or two
     

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  #2 (permalink)       10th February 2009, 11:13 AM 
 barney 
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Just adding to that Rob, the salvos and the red cross are doing fantastic work down there and they also need help, so if you can't get your body out there, maybe some cash will go to where it's needed.
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  #3 (permalink)       10th February 2009, 11:13 AM 
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my money has gone to the salvos.... bless them
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  #4 (permalink)       10th February 2009, 11:46 AM 
 Basil135 
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Great to see.

Do you know if these sorts of organizations exist in any other states as well?
     

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  #5 (permalink)       10th February 2009, 11:49 AM 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Basil135 
Great to see.

Do you know if these sorts of organizations exist in any other states as well?

Almost all 4WD clubs do community work. But as far as I know only some Victorian clubs have formed specific sub-groups for the express purpose of disaster relief. Note that there are also Landcare groups which do things like tree planting, pest control, weed work, field research and so on. There are several clubs in Victoria with Landcare sub-groups, and in fact one group in the Western suburbs is just starting up (next meeting this Thursday).
     

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  #6 (permalink)       10th February 2009, 02:07 PM 
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Thanks RMP for posting this information. I was trying to find out what I could do to help so I have followed through and contacted the LROCV (seemed like the right club to contact first ) and have received the following reply from the CERG coordinator.

Hi Tim,


Thank you for kind offer of help.

As many 4WD folk want to help which is great to see, they must be in a Vic Four Wheel Drive affiliated club for legal and personal safety reasons. Most of the affiliated clubs are now in full swing in relief work and are being managed by 1 of 6 coordinators - I am one of them.

In order to speedily process new members for for legal and personal safety, the All Wheel Drive of Vic (AWDC) club is accepting $20 six month special memberships. This fee just covers the legal liability insurance premium and workcare premium. Membership will expire on June 30th 2009.

If you are still keen in helping please complete the attached membership form and post with a cheque/money order. Upon receipt our m/ship officer or myself will be in touch with you.

To date we are currently assessing our situation and have been in touch with the Gippsland 4WD Club who have already activated their entire club into helping communities around Boolara, Labertouche & Bunyip districts. Being a small club they are stretched to the limit and may require our assistance fairly soon. They will advise as soon as possible when they reach breaking point. We have also made contact with Mitchell Shire (Kilmore / Wandong area) re delivery of fodder, water, food and medicine to stranded farmers in their district. We will be contacting Murrindindi Shire on Tuesday with the same offer of help.

In the meantime I will be looking into sources of equipment and farm supplies to help the rural community through the next few weeks. When the dust settles and the smoke clears we will be asking 4WD club members to pitch in with trailers for fodder and water transport to farms, food and supplies to burnt out rural communities and for the removal of fire debris.

Upon knowing further info I will be in touch with you to advise of our "battle" plans. If you have any queries or thoughts please feel free to phone/email me.


Evan Davidson
LROCV - CERG Coordinator
AWDC - President
Tel: (03) 9878 0311
Mobile: 0411 533 248 (24/7)




Don't have any idea why I can't turn the whole thing blue, it just doesn't seem to want to be blue.

Anyway I will be sending the membership application back and will await a response that will direct me to where I can go and help. At the moment I have the D3, a trailer, some tools and the time to go down and help. I just had no idea where to start or even if I could help if I turned up down there. I'm sure there are others out there who feel the same. If so fill out the form and send it off maybe with a note about where you got it from and if you want you can PM me and we will see if we can coordinate something from up here. I am sure any people going down could carry goods like clothes and toys if there is any need for them.

I don't seem to be able to put the membership attachment on two threads so look here for it - Victorian Fires and Queensland Floods

TimJ.



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  #7 (permalink)       10th February 2009, 02:23 PM 
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Thanks Tim, good work. Yes, clubs require you join, even temporarily -- I know some people don't like clubs but let's just put that aside and do the admin without complaining so we can get going. Good to see the AWD Club has a special on.

Let's hope it doesn't rain. I've worked on disaster relief in Licola where they had bushfires immediately followed by heavy rain, and there was nothing to stop massive erosion.

If people want to help I'd start by blocking out time in the next few weeks, servicing the chainsaw, repairing that flat on your trailer and getting some work boots and clothes ready.

I'm not looking forwards to the next time I see some of the areas I'm familiar with.
     

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  #8 (permalink)       10th February 2009, 04:07 PM 
 trobbo 
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Just a note that whilst there may be income and or loss of income insurance provided through the association it is not workcover insurance.

Under certain Acts, volunteers assisting Government Agencies are entitled to compensation in accordance with the Accident Compensation Act 1985 if injured while carrying out specified duties.
Volunteers are not covered unless deemed so and are not entitled to compensation unless specified in an Act of Parliament. The following acts provide that volunteers and other persons assisting government agencies are entitled to compensation if injured while carrying out relevant duties:
·Victoria State Emergency Services Act 1987 (applies to casual emergency workers)
·Juries Act 2000 (applies to jurors)
·Education Act 1958 (applies to volunteer school workers or volunteer student workers)
·Emergency Management Act 1986 (applies to registered and casual emergency workers)
·Police Assistance Compensation Act 1968 (PAC Act) (applies to volunteers assisting police officers)
·Country Fire Authority Act 1958 (CFA Act) (applies to casual fire fighters, volunteer auxiliary workers, volunteer officers and volunteer members)

As we will be working via the 4WD association and our individual 4WD clubs we will not fall under any of the above pieces of legislation.
cheers
Tony
State Manager of a Workers Comp business

Re compensation if injured

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hi Tony,

VFWD affiliated club members ARE COVERED despite the above. VFWD has their own workcare cover and public liability cover.

Please refrain in future from scare mongering people from joining up to help out those less fortunate.

As mentioned elsewhere the special $20 club fee offered by All Wheel Drive Club of Vic is for public liability insurance and personal safety insurance reasons.

So, unfortunately AULRO members who wish to physically help need to join a VFWD club otherwise they are on their own should anything happen in the way of litigation or personal injury. The AWD club is one of a few clubs that processes new members within 2-3 days without the usual 4-8 week process of other clubs. It is envisaged that each new Bushfire Relief Helper will receive an AWD club PC printed membership card to prove their bone fide club membership to shire and law enforcement agencies.

Kind regards,

Evan Davidson
LROCV - CERG Coordinator
AWDC - President
Special $20 club fee offered by All Wheel Drive Club of Vic = info@awdvic.org.au
 


Title: Re: Bush-Fire Assistance
Post by: Serge C on February 10, 2009, 08,56:32 AM

Hey Robbo,

I hope you don't get extra Clubman points for the most words used in a single post!


Title: Re: Bush-Fire Assistance
Post by: Ian Robinson on February 10, 2009, 09,02:26 AM

Hey Robbo,

I hope you don't get extra Clubman points for the most words used in a single post!

I know it was long but people need to be aware that the task of organising volunteers is not just a matter of turning up and offering help, although no doubt we all wish we could do that.
Over the next weeks and months I am sure there will things that AMTRA members can do however because of liability issues we may not be able to offer that help as a club but as individuals in some other way.
And copy and paste works well, do you get clubman points for posts on the web site?


Title: Re: Bush-Fire Assistance
Post by: Paul Smith on February 10, 2009, 09,16:02 AM
"Volunteers are not covered unless deemed so and are not entitled to compensation unless specified in an Act of Parliament"

That last blue section looks good to me.


From what I remember Workcover only applies if you are
doing paid work.

Thanks Ian


My father has been a missionary (volunteer) in Peshawar Pakistan for almost 30 years now. Not one workcover claim, not one compo claim.









Title: Re: Bush-Fire Assistance
Post by: Aaron on February 11, 2009, 01,17:40 AM
I am against giving away such a large sum of the clubs funds.I beleive it could put us in trouble if we are unable to run the HCR.
However with around 200 members, if every member donates $50 we would have our $10,000 with draining the clubs funds.
We could collect this from general meetings, our 40th party and even rides.

I would also rather use the funds to directly help club members in trouble, such as Willy.

How about a benefit ride?When the time seems right.


Title: Re: Bush-Fire Assistance
Post by: Brad on February 11, 2009, 04,37:52 AM
A wise person suggested to me that we meet in the middle and the club gives a dollar or numbers of dollars for each dollar a club member donates up to a certain limit.

Anyway if anything is to happen I assume the process is a motion goes to the committee next week and then the members vote on it the week after unless the donation value is under $1000. In this case the six key positions on the committee have the authourity to make a decision.



Title: Re: Bush-Fire Assistance
Post by: Phil Randall on February 11, 2009, 07,34:57 AM
To all,  As I see it, donations are running hot and a considerable amount of money is being donated by a vast range of people. We could add our bit to that, or we could hold our fire for a while and be more specific in what we do.  The donation to the store at Licola comes to mind. Certainly assistance can be given to individuals as we see fit either as a club or as individuals.
My Lions club will be assisting with our own disaster relief fund and followed up by the local clubs as cases needing extra assistance become clear.
Just a thought,
Phil R.


Title: Re: Bush-Fire Assistance
Post by: dennisd on February 11, 2009, 10,10:10 AM
That is very sound logic Phil. I agree with your thoughts. Let's hold off a little while so that we can best direct whatever efforts we can provide. This could like Aaron suggests with a benefit ride (actually a great idea)or helping members directly impacted. I don't know now, but in time it will become cleared exactly what would be best for the club to do.

Dennis Dorman


Title: Re: Bush-Fire Assistance
Post by: Brad on February 11, 2009, 09,00:33 PM
Tomorrow (Friday) if you shop at Coles "Coles will donate Friday's profits to the VIC Bushfire Appeal"


Title: Re: Bush-Fire Assistance
Post by: sjkermode on February 11, 2009, 09,17:32 PM
Just an ad hoc suggestion along the benefit ride idea. Why don't we start a fundraising drive once we can all get back out for rides along the lines of that everyone donates $2-$5 for each ride they go on for the next 3-6mths (depending when we can get back out there) with all proceeds going to the charity of choice.  Sort of a bit like how many businesses etc are donating a day's profits and some company's are offering their tradespeople for a days work etc. 

In this way we can actively promote the club to get more people out on rides, we can show the DSE we want to do it for the benefit of the community and the more people that go the more that will be raised. 


Title: Re: Bush-Fire Assistance
Post by: Serge C on February 12, 2009, 06,25:34 AM

I spoke with a mate of mine who is the Vice Grand Poobah of V5 (that's Lion's Club talk, Phil will understand).  He is in charge of the Marysville, Kinglake, Toolangi etc. area, with regard to support and assistance, both monetary and physical.  I told him that AMTRA was keen to get involved and help out.  He is having a meeting with his fellow water-buffalo's (?) on Sunday, and may well call on us to organize a group of workers to do something under the guidence of the Lion's Club.

He also said that if we wanted to make a donation through the Lion's Club, he could guarantee that 100% on our donation would go to the fund, without any misc admin costs.

That's all I have for now, more details as they come to hand.



Title: Re: Bush-Fire Assistance
Post by: Peter E on February 12, 2009, 08,27:17 AM
before everybody gets too bound up in organising a ride to raise money for the bush fire appeal.
my question is where?
just about all riding areas to the north and east of the state have been affected in some way, the amount of work needed to reopen tracks in these areas is mind boggling and would not be a high priority given the amount of human suffering that has occurred in these areas.
i would think the track network would not be available for nearly 12 months at least when you include the normal closure period.
the wombat or the cobaws whilst good riding areas would be hard pressed to cope with a large group of riders given that these areas are heavily used now.
so where?
my suggestion would be forget the ride, agree on an amount and donate the money and seek volunteers from members to assist wherever possible.
i have contacted the government volunteer hotline seeking info on volunteering either as a person or organisation so whatever is recieved could assist and inform and with serges inquiries this matter can be resolved.
on another note a number of former members who live in the steels creek area and the mount disappointment area these being brian and kathy andrews and geoff rowden houses have not been damaged, willy grahams house at flowerdale has survived also. duncan stewarts house at kinglake was not so lucky.
peter ellard

 


Title: Re: Bush-Fire Assistance
Post by: Ian Robinson on February 12, 2009, 07,48:35 PM
I had a call from Alex Peacock last night. Alex suggested that if we were to donate money we may consider donating to the local Lions and Rotary clubs where the money can be distributed fairly to those in need. Alex said that after seven years of drought many country people are struggling, not just the bush fire victims.
Just a thought that can be added to the discussion that will take place on a committee and club level.

Ian


Title: Re: Bush-Fire Assistance
Post by: Phil Randall on February 12, 2009, 10,15:17 PM
To all,
  The Lions organisations are swinging into gear and some of the first of many working bees are scheduled for this weekend.  The Heathmont Lions group, of which I am a member is organising to replace fences in the Mayysville area to stop stock roaming on the road etc. Fencing material has been arranged and Stock food has been organised. 
There is a lot of things to be done and anyone wishing to be involved has an opportunity this weekend. One of the Lions District Govenors house is still standing on the Marysville to Buxton Road and will be used as a base for meals and sleeping. So roughly speaking it is a swag and esky weekend for anyone wishing to be involved.
As the Black spur is still closed, I think, access will be via Yea, I think. It will be an expect the unexpected weekend!!!.
All for now,  anyone who wishes to be involved please call me on 0408 370 764.
Phil R.


Title: Re: Bush-Fire Assistance
Post by: Phil Randall on February 16, 2009, 09,44:17 PM
To all,  First of all I would like to thank Matt Richmond and Mark Clarke for giving up their time over the weekend to assist in recovery work.  We managed to get the water operating again at the house and spent a lot of time remaking fences. Marysville is still locked down, Narbathong is almost gone, though the Pub and caravanpark/servo were missed completely. The road up from Narby to Buxton is totally devastated, there were a lot more houses than can be seen from the road and only about 2 are left, and the same for the Buxton to M'ville road. The servo/diner at the south end of Buxton has gone, but the rest of the town is ok.
In every disaster there is a glimmer of hope, the golf course and buildings, the caravan park and the museum, complete with vintage cars, appear to be ok, but the cake shop does not look so well from the inside, so I am told.
All for now,
Phil R.