Wynnum Manly Rotary member Gabriel Andandi addresses guests at the fundraiser at Cedar & Pine, Wynnum. Photo: Supplied.
FROM THE ROTARY CLUB OF WYNNUM AND MANLY
The Rotary Club of Wynnum and Manly has sprung into action to provide funds to help the people of Papua New Guinea affected by the landslide at Mulitaka in Enga Province on May 24, 2024. The landslide has cost many lives and destroyed properties.
Gabriel Andandi, originally from PNG (not far from where the landslide happened), is a member of the Rotary Club of Wynnum and Manly. Gabriel gave Rotary members a detailed description of the landslide and its effect on the community of Mulitaka. He explained that after the major landslide occurred in Mulitaka, as of June 7, 2024, only 12 bodies had been recovered, but it was estimated that 670 lives had been lost because all the homes in the community had been buried.
President Mick Matthews said that club members had been shocked by this event and that its board approved a donation of $2,000 from club funds but wanted to allow the community to contribute as well.
A function at Cedar & Pine at Wynnum was subsequently arranged, and guests – along with the support of Cedar and Pine, who donated the venue and made a substantial donation – raised over $2,500.
These funds will be provided to Rotary Australia World Community Service (RAWCS), which will assist in the recovery period with food, water and other items needed, such as clothing, bedding and shelter, and work in partnership with local authorities and the PNG Government. Rotary District 9620 has established a Rotary Australasia World Community Service (RAWCS) project to manage operations and donations.
