Club’s bushfire help

By Lia Bichel
ROTARIANS from Cardinia and Casey have joined forces to help Labertouche residents affected by the Black Saturday fires.
Most weekends since the infernos hit Victoria, members of the Pakenham, Cranbourne, Kooweerup/ Lang-Lang and Drouin clubs have pitched in and donated items and man-power to repair fire-damaged farming and rural properties.
Pakenham Rotary Club president elect Tim Ahern said volunteers from across Australia have also pitched in to help the Rotarians.
“The volunteer support has been amazing,” he said.
“Retired couples have volunteered their time, a man travelled from Western Australia and spent three weeks in a caravan helping out on a farm fencing, and another family of five flew down from Queensland and spent their holidays fencing.”
Mr Ahern said he started volunteering at his son’s friend’s home which was affected by the fires. He decided to get Rotary club support once he realised the town’s desperate need for help.
To date, he has worked more than 500 hours and driven about 5000 kilometres between jobs. “There is a lot to do,” he said.
“I thought I would have nothing to do once I retired, but the past three months have been the busiest months of my life!” Together, the Rotarians have been busy gathering fire wood, fencing, restoring yards and gardens, and rebuilding sheds, delivering hay, and sourcing buses for people to live in. “Rotarians know how to help people in crisis,”
Mr Ahern said. “It’s humbling to see them and other volunteers give their time to people in need.” Mr Ahern said the Labertouche residents are extremely grateful.
“Labertouche is full of extremely friendly people and they are very appreciative,” he said.
“I have made a lot of new friends. It’s been a rewarding experience.”
Anyone interested in volunteering or donating materials can contact Tim Ahern on 0427 057 908.