Devastation Strikes NSW: May 2025 Floods Rock the Region
- Five precious lives were lost.
- Over 48,000 people found themselves isolated, cut off from essential supplies and support.
- Nearly 10,000 homes were put at risk by the rising waters.
- Brave emergency services, including the NSW State Emergency Service (SES), conducted 284 flood rescues in the hardest-hit areas, with over 600 rescues performed since the flooding began.
- Taree was particularly battered, with residents tragically rescued from their rooftops.
Rotary Rolls Up Its Sleeves: A National Effort
In times of crisis, Rotarians are there. Rotary Australia World Community Service (RAWCS), the incredible charity arm of Rotary in Australia, has been at the forefront of the response. With a network of 1,008 Clubs and 23,700 Rotarians nationwide, we are a formidable force for good.
RAWCS activated its National Flood Appeal through the Rotary Australia Relief Fund (RARF). This vital appeal ensures that funds reach those affected directly and quickly, providing essential items and financial support when it's needed most.
100% of donated funds go to flood victims.
Donations (RARF Project No: 47 2021-22) are tax deductible.
Making a Tangible Difference: Rotary in Action!
Ballina Rotary getting stuck into flood recovery
Rotary's impact is felt not just nationally, but at the very heart of affected communities. Here’s how Rotarians have been making a difference:
💧 Immediate Relief Vouchers: A preferred method of aid is the distribution of $500 Rotary Relief Vouchers for those whose homes are uninhabitable, providing immediate assistance for essentials. In the 2022-23 period alone, RAWCS distributed an astounding $940,282 of donated funds to flood victims in NSW and Queensland!
🤝 Local Club Heroes:
The Rotary Club of Carlingford swiftly raised funds for those hit by floods in Sydney and surrounding regions in July 2022 and coordinated massive donations of goods and volunteer efforts for Western NSW communities like Cowra and Forbes.
The Rotary Club of The Hills-Kellyville orchestrated the delivery of water heaters to flood victims on the north coast in May 2022 and provided survival kits and hands-on clean-up assistance in the Hawkesbury LGA, distributing gift cards through a Rotary Foundation grant.
In Eugowra, the Rotary Club of Orange Daybreak led a significant relief mission, with dedicated volunteers providing focused support to the devastated Central West community.
These are just a few examples of the incredible dedication shown by Rotary clubs on the ground, providing practical help, from clean-up crews to distributing essential supplies and offering a comforting presence.
A Legacy of Unwavering Support
Rotary's commitment to flood-affected communities is not new. We remember the devastating floods of 2021 and 2022, which impacted vast areas of NSW. During the 2021 floods, the NSW SES received over 14,500 requests for assistance, and sadly, two lives were lost. In 2022, the Northern Rivers region and parts of Sydney faced repeated inundation. Through it all, Rotary has been there, learning, adapting, and consistently providing support.
How We, The Rotary Club of Palm Beach, Can Help
The spirit of Rotary is about service above self, and even from afar, we can make a difference:
Donate: Consider making a personal or club donation to the RAWCS National Flood Appeal (RARF Project No: 47 2021-22). Every dollar helps!
Raise Awareness: Share this newsletter and the stories of Rotary's impact with your friends, family, and social networks.
Stay Informed: Keep an eye out for any specific appeals or initiatives our District or other clubs might launch that we can support.
Send Messages of Hope: Let's keep the affected communities in our thoughts and prayers.
Together, we can contribute to the wave of support reaching those who have lost so much. Let's show them they are not alone.