Our speaker last week was Jill Ramsey, President of the Rotary Club of Eltham. Her subject was the Aquabox project. The first time I became aware of this great project was at the Yarrawonga Conference last year. Basically, it’s a first response service that aims to help people source drinking water in times of disaster such as flood, fire or earthquake.

Victims of natural disasters are given a box that contains a hammer, nails, bucket, sieve (to strain water), carbon filter, tap and chlorine tablets. The box itself is converted into a receptacle for water, which enables people to produce up to 2,000 litres of fresh water. When no longer needed for water, the box can then be used for other things such as storage or even as a table or chair. Worldwide, there are three clubs that participate in this project. So far, the Rotary Club of Eltham has delivered $925,000 worth of Aquaboxes to people in need. What a great project this is!