The Rotary Club of Ringwood meets each Wednesday evening to provide guest speakers and updates on Rotary projects.

Tonight’s meeting provided an opportunity to discuss a proposal to implement a Farmers Market in Ringwood and a sub-committee has been appointed to assess the feasibility of this concept.

The sub-committee will explore potential sites within Ringwood, as well as ascertain suitable dates and stall composition. As a local councillor covering the Mullum Ward and Ringwood, I have been appointed to the sub-committee to assist in identifying a location and government requirements.

The main speaker for this evening was a fellow Ringwood Rotarian, who discussed the Safe Water, Saves Lives program. An ongoing project that involves the installation of water tanks within remote villages in Papua New Guinea.

The project, which operates at a district level and involves a number of Rotary clubs, was fortunate to receive sponsorship from Mitre 10 and Reece to assist in providing the supplies necessary to construct the water tanks.

The project has been successful in providing remote villages with a sustainable supply of fresh water and alleviating the need for villagers to travel several kilometres for water.

The meeting also included an update on the bushfires and the devastation it is caused. Next week’s meeting will include a former Ringwood Rotarian and Marysville resident who will discuss the recovery efforts and ways for the community to assist.

In times of tragedy it is important that the community works together to provide ongoing assistance to people in need. Next week’s meeting will provide an opportunity to gain first-hand knowledge of what is required for the towns that have been hit by bushfires.