Established by the Rotary Club of Port Lincoln in 2012 and held by the Eyre Peninsula Community Foundation (the Foundation), the Rotary Club of Port Lincoln Disaster Fund will support two local clubs in their recovery after sustaining damage during the November 2019 bushfire west of Port Lincoln.

Rotary Club of Port Lincoln President Geoff Rayson said, “Partnering with the Foundation, our Club had the vision to establish the Rotary Club of Port Lincoln Disaster Fund in 2012. It is wonderful to see these continuing benefits flowing to groups in our community when natural disaster causes damage to their facilities and could have restricted their operations and activities”.

The Port Lincoln Pony Club will receive $1500 towards replacing fencing and equipment and the Port Lincoln Sporting Car Club will upgrade event safety by installing a defibrillator on-site with its $1500 grant.

Damien Taylor, President of the Port Lincoln Sporting Car Club said the club wanted to improve the safety of all participants – whether drivers, support teams, club officials or families and visitors – in the case of heart attack symptoms, which can occur for anyone at any time. “We were really pleased to receive Rotary and the Foundation support for this project, especially after the losses we had from the 2019 fire”, Mr Taylor said.

Port Lincoln Pony Club representative Candii Rowett also highlighted the importance of the grant in helping the Pony Club continue to prepare the grounds ready for participation by children and families despite the setback from the fire damage.

Foundation Chairman Garry Downey said, “We are fortunate to be able to work with the funds provided by the Rotary Club of Port Lincoln in 2012, and in this case to support two local clubs after they suffered the 2019 fire damage. Their on-going work for our community is outstanding and our support helps to keep them doing what they do best”.

“The Foundation is unique on the Eyre Peninsula managing a growing base of donated funds and working with philanthropic and other partners to support community projects, regional student advancement and home hospice services.”

The Foundation makes an important difference to EP communities and individuals, towards the goal of strengthening the region. The Foundation is supported by the EP Book Bazaar volunteers and professional administration, and carefully manages its community funds to ensure best possible value and impact from each of its initiatives.

Please contact Susan at the Foundation on 0400 685 520, or download the donation form from the website at www.epcf.com.au if you would like to make a long term difference to your community through the Foundation. Credit card and bank deposit facilities are available.

Photo – from left Tony Stockham and Geoff Rayson (Rotary), Teena Waters and Candii Rowett (Pony Club) and Garry Downey (EPCF).