KIAMA LIONS CLUB
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We were involved with three BBQs last week. Firstly our very successful Hot Rod Show, followed by Thursday at Bunnings for the drought victims, then last Sunday we assisted the Kiama junior swim club with some fund-raising to update their equipment. This week’s meeting will be a Happy Hour at the Surf Club, always a popular occasion.
Next month we will be busy again starting with a Dinner meeting at the Leagues Club on the 11th at which the speaker will discuss German beer. No doubt there will be tastings! On the 12th we will be at Bunnings, then we will be running the Chocolate wheel at the Blue Haven Fete on the 13th.
During the past week at the Carers Cottage, Dave Hinkley of Hinx Excavations has kindly flattened out our rear car parking area which we then “whacked” with a whacker to compress it. This week we will be laying the plastic grids. We are very grateful to Mr & Mrs Sherlock for a financial donation to the Carers Cottage fund last week which will go towards blinds for the windows.
KIAMA ROTARY CLUB
Last week the Rotary Club of Kiama enjoyed a presentation by Warren Goodall, Emergency Management Officer for Illawarra and South Coast Emergency Management Region. Warren provided insights into the challenges and complexities of keeping people, pets and property safe in our region. Warren’s background includes many years in the NSW Police as well as decades of leadership in Scouts.
Warren’s current role as Emergency Management Officer is one of facilitation of the emergency services efforts of key agencies such as RFS, SES, Police, Ambulance, Road and Maritime Services as well as volunteer services such as the Red Cross. Warren’s depth of experience working with all of the first responders is critical to ensuring co-ordinated responses to all types of incident and emergency in the Illawarra and South Coast.
Using the Tathra fires as an example, Warren was able to demonstrate the issues and complexity involved in a co-ordinated response. He highlighted that his role is one of guidance not direction. Each agency has their own clearly defined area of responsibility and work closely with their counterparts and volunteers but will take guidance to ensure a comprehensive approach to emergencies.
The Tathra fire was one of over 20 fires burning in that area on that day. A sudden wind change resulted in the emergency. Within 90 minutes the fire travelled around 9km from the Bega Road to the sea at Tathra threatening life and destroying property. Many of the residents of Tathra had to be evacuated by the waterways as all roads were inaccessible, the water supply was destroyed and mobile services ceased when the tower was burnt down.
Warren praised the efforts of the local Red Cross who established the emergency evacuation centre within 4 hours whilst evacuating themselves and their families.
We were reminded of our responsibility for our own emergency preparedness and the importance of taking expert advice on preparing our property and ourselves for potential emergencies.