Responding to Disasters
RAWCS has a comprehensive approach to disaster response, focusing on immediate relief, short-term assistance, and long-term rebuilding.
Rotary has been active in Australian communities for more than 100 years. RAWCS understands the need to be there for the long haul.
Throughout the years, we have undertaken major disaster response projects across the Australia.
RAWCS is constantly developing response strategies to enable the network of Rotary clubs to better serve the communities they live in.
IMMEDIATE RESPONSE
Our local Rotary clubs, Rotary districts and partners immediately offer helping hands and supplies (directly and through other locally engaged organizations).
SHORT TERM ASSISTANCE
Our local Rotary Clubs and Rotary Districts help affected individuals and communities wherever we can through funds and materials to re-establish day-to-day operations.
LONG-TERM REBUILDING
Our local Rotary Clubs and Rotary Districts plan and implement projects that build back better in their affected communities.
In the immediate aftermath of a disaster, Rotary Clubs in the impacted areas work within their communities to assist with clean-ups, community morale and mental health support and needs assessments using their own resources backed up by nearby clubs and the Rotary District teams. At a national level RAWCS launches an appeal through the Rotary Australia Relief Fund to accumulate specific donated funds and draws on the local knowledge of Rotarians on the ground to fund priority relief and recovery projects.
In the longer- term Rotary projects to build back better, to fortify the community against similar future hazards and build resilience, are funded directly and through significant partnerships. Collaboration with other organisations can meet needs such as funding, training, specific expertise and equipment and training volunteer teams.
Natural Disasters and our response
Natural hazard events can occur anywhere at any time and wherever they occur, local leadership, knowledge and engagement is key to returning stability and normality to both individuals and the community.
Rotary clubs in Australia through Rotary Australia World Community Service Limited (RAWCS) represent a national network of community-based business and professional members. Rotarians are engaged with their local communities and have demonstrated experience and willingness to both lead and support the resilience and recovery of their communities before, during and in the aftermath of damaging events. (The map shows the geographic spread of Rotary Clubs in Australia).
RAWCS, as a key community service organisation believes it has a shared responsibility to the public and communities in which it operates and can react swiftly to emerging natural disaster impacts both in Australia and overseas.
This graph shows how the incidence of Natural Disasters is accelerating. RAWCS has adapted to this reality by developing the Rotary Australia Relief Fund (RARF) to enable rapid establishment of appeals for funds to support community responses. RARF Project Criteria are documented under this site’s Key Documentation menu.