Office Damage

You might think you know what the staff in the National office does, but this week you would be wrong! Following the storms in Newcastle, NSW, our staff are doing what they can to get the office up an running in record time.

The entire bottom floor of the National Office was inundated to approximately half a metre in muddy water. The office has lost much of its furniture and an extensive stock of publications, materials, and other items in the warehouse. Staff has turned their hand to different role – moving tonnes of material to higher levels, and transporting damaged goods and furniture to waiting rubbish skips outside. A great and tireless effort rewarded by an outdoor lunch to avoid the smell of mouldy carpet.

We are still waiting for our insurance assessors but have scheduled cleaning teams, and we are sourcing replacement carpet and workstations so that we can get back to what we do best! Of course, demand for goods and services associated with recovery are high around the Hunter, so we may have to wait a while yet. Remember too that it will take us some time to replenish stocks lost to storm damage.

At this stage, we estimate that staff will be at their desks by Friday 22 June and we should be able to operate at 75% capacity. There will still be some occasional disruptions due to resupply and repair issues.

Thanks to the members who have been patient at a time when I know you are desperate for club supplies to assist with changeovers. Thanks too to our staff who have approached the problem with their usual good humour and strong commitment.

Rob Oerlemans

Executive Officer

Lions are always pitching in during floods, fires and other emergencies to help others in their communities. This time Lions own National Office IS part of the emergency.

Along with many homes, businesses and community organisations in Newcastle NSW, Lions National Office has been affected by storm damage during the Queens Birthday long weekend.

Executive Officer Rob Oerlemans has called on Lions to be patient and to limit their enquiries for a few weeks until things are under control.

"We will quickly set up skeleton services in the upstairs offices, while we take steps to clean and repair downstairs.

We are very lucky that the staff had the foresight to put our electronic gear on their desks before they left for the day. Our critical computer systems are unaffected"

Although we will have some problems, Lions know that their office is well down the list of priorities.

Our Lions and other charities and community organisations will be out there helping others with more pressing needs first!

Rob Oerlemans

Executive Officer