Adopt-a-Container volunteer Derek Thurgood wants government help to keep the project going.
By Kath Gannaway
TIME’S up on the first of the shipping containers delivered to bushfire areas under the volunteer-run Adopt-a-Container program.
Organisers of the project, which provided more than 130 containers in response to an un-funded but desperate need for security on burnt-out properties, say the need remains but there are no funds to continue the project.
Adopt-a-Container was set up as an off-shoot of the Yarra Glen Community Fire Relief Centre after an initial funding promise from a large philanthropic group got bogged down in red-tape.
“It just never eventuated,” said Adopt-a-Container committee member Derek Thurgood.
“We had more than 180 families expecting containers on the basis of that promise, and we knocked back over 200 more requests,” he said.
In August, led by YGCFRC chairperson Peter Montgomery, Adopt-a-Container got going with sponsorship from Bendigo Bank, the Salvation Army and individual donations.
That money has run out, but not the need.
Mr Thurgood told the Mail it is heartbreaking for those still working on the ground, and for those directly affected, that there is a perception that the fire problems are over.
“The reality is so different,” he said. “We have had to not only stop taking requests for containers, but have had to advise case managers that we have no funds to help survivors.
“It’s incredibly hard to tell people you can’t help them when their neighbours were able to be helped by us,” he said.
Peter Montgomery said $160,000 is needed to meet the existing needs of bushfire survivors as some just start to rebuild.
He said the project had saved VBRRA and the Victorian Government an immense amount of time and money but that their requests for funding to keep it going had fallen on deaf ears.
Evelyn MP Christine Fyffe made a direct appeal to Premier John Brumby earlier this month when she raised the matter in an adjournment debate in Parliament.
She told the Mail she highlighted the fact that it is not a huge amount and it is needed not only to provide security for tools and equipment, but for children’s toys, and for a place out of the weather, while parents are working on rebuilding their homes.
“I asked the Premier to provide the money from the State treasury, or from the money which was donated,” she said.
“There is several million dollars of that money left and it should be used on vital and important services such as this.”
She said she was disappointed she had also not received a response.
Mr Thurgood said the group has started writing to many of the container holders whose free 12 months rental period is up.
“They can advise that they are finished with the container, start to pay rent or purchase it,” he said.
The group is ready and able to continue to the project, but needs money.
Donate at any branch of the Bendigo Bank or post a cheque to Adopt-a-Container, PO Box 234, Yarra Glen, 3775. Include a name and address for a tax receipt.
