Clowncil's pathetic and shameful response!!

When I read the following, I was angry and appalled at how our wealthy clowncil has responded to the tragedy of recent days. Please read their announcement and keep in mind the following:

1. the tone - not one word is mentioned about the victims, the losses, the overall enormity of what has happened.

2. what is clowncil's 'contribution' - a few paltry and expendable staff, plus the offer of machinery 'if needed'.

3. Compare this with what other councils are doing. We're told that there were 'discussions' with stonnington and other neighbouring municipalities. I've attached the Stonnington release following the Glen Eira one. Note the difference in sentiment, and the financial donation!!

4. According to the VLGA media release some other councils are doing the following: “The Cities Ballarat, Greater Dandenong, Greater Geelong, Hume, Maribyrnong, Monash, Moreland, Melton, Stonnington, and Whitehorse, are making generous donations from $10,000 to $50,000.

“Corangamite Shire Council, which has itself been hit by the fires in some areas, has immediately organised a fundraising film night.

“The City of Port Phillip collected donations at the St Kilda Festival on Sunday and has organized for residents to make donations via the Council to relief funds. Maribyrnong City Council is also collecting donations at the Yarraville Festival this weekend and Hobsons Bay have immediately organised a fundraising event this week.

“The Cities of Moonee Valley and Whitehorse have facilitated donations of blood and plasma in response to the requests from Red Cross.

“The City of Moreland who have a number of staff who have lost their homes, are even looking at creative solutions such as special leave and cash bonuses.

“The Ballarat Council is also assisting the community to donate and transport pet supplies to the Whittlesea Animal Clinic.

“Councils have strengthened existing partnerships with the most affected areas to provide machinery and equipment including water tanks, graders and the City of Stonnington will provide the devastated Mitchell Shire with a community caravan.

“As true reflections of our citizens, Councils of all sizes have responded with equal generosity and community spirit. The City of Melbourne and Lord Mayor’s Charitable Fund have given generously - a staggering $800,000 in cash and $200,000 in kind. While both have more resources at their disposal, this lead should act as a signal to all Councils in a position to help.

“Whether this support is cash, in kind or a myriad of other creative responses, affected people are looking to Councils as a source of hope.

“While these fires have been shocking in their destruction, the overwhelming level of support from Councils signals the strength of local communities and their potential to collectively support efforts to rebuild shattered lives,” concluded Cr Iser.

Shame on you Glen Eira!! This is their pathetic media release!

Council supports bushfire affected communities
In wake of the weekends devastating bushfires, Glen Eira City Council has made whatever resources it can available to communities in the affected areas.“Council is making available staff members with expertise in emergency response, disaster administration, building safety and public health to assist municipalities that have been affected,” Glen Eira Mayor Cr Helen Whiteside said.“Council’s Depot has also made available any equipment and vehicles which may be required.“Any staff members who are members of any of the volunteer and emergency services are being supported to continue their volunteer work. One staff member who volunteers for the State Emergency Service (SES) has already been deployed into the affected areas.”Council met with the cities of Stonnington, Boroondara, Bayside and Kingston yesterday to discuss how they can best support the affected communities.Residents wanting to help are urged to make a cash donation to the Red Cross Victorian Bushfire Fund.To make a donation, contact 1800 811 700 or visit www.redcross.org.au


AND HERE'S THE STONNINGTON ONE


City of Stonnington supports bushfire victims
City of Stonnington Mayor Cr Claude Ullin has expressed, on behalf of Council and the community, his deepest regret for the tragic loss of life and devastation caused by the Victorian bushfires and committed the Council’s full support for the victims.
“This unprecedented catastrophe has sent a chill down the spine of all Victorians. It is testament to the caring nature of all Victorians that we are all seeking to help in any way we can. For its part, Stonnington Council will
next week resolve to donate $50,000 for bushfire relief. “We have also been working closely with our “sister city” Mitchell Shire, which includes the areas of Kilmore, Wandong and Heathcote Junction, to offer any resources necessary, which has included the provision of a food kitchen caravan which Council will hire and deliver to the people of Wandong who currently have no food
preparation areas,’ Cr Ullin said.
“Some City of Stonnington staff will also be seconded to Mitchell Shire during the coming weeks to assist in roles such as counseling and staffing service centres, which have been in enormous demand since the bushfires hit, in order to give Mitchell Shire staff a well-earned break.”
For the remainder of Council’s Summer events program, Rotary will be collecting money for the fire victims.
“Rotary will be collecting at Council’s Musical Melodies, Opera in the Park and Symphony Under the Stars concerts during the next month so this is an opportunity for the community to demonstrate how much they care
by giving generously,” Cr Ullin said.
“Other initiatives being considered include a fund raising concert or event to thank volunteers in the Mitchell Shire area who have assisted in the wake of the bushfires.
“People wishing to make donations, provide emergency accommodation or in need of counseling as a result of the bushfires should visit Council’s website www.stonnington.vic.gov.au for more information.
“This is a time where communities come together and can provide enormous support whether that be material, financial or otherwise. I thank you for your efforts so far and urge you to continue to be thoughtful and generous,” Cr Ullin said. What you can do:
· Donate money at Council’s outdoor events
o Musical Melodies in the Park – Sat 14 Feb, 7.30pm, Ardrie Park, Ardrie Rd, Malvern East
o Opera in the Park – Sat 21 Feb, 6.30pm, Victoria Gardens, High St, Prahran
o Symphony Under the Stars – Sat 28 Feb, 7pm, Malvern Gardens, High St, Malvern
· Donate money through the Red Cross Victorian Bushfire Appeal visit www.stonnington.vic.gov.au
· Provide Emergency Accommodation visit www.stonnington.vic.gov.au
· Donate Blood visit www.stonnington.vic.gov.au
In need of help:
· Visit www.stonnington.vic.gov.au for information on how Stonnington residents can receive support.