Who are we?

Boroondara Cares is a Rotary-led community partnership between the City of Boroondara and the Moira Shire in the Murray Valley. We exist to provide on- going support for the residents of Moira Shire as they seek to deal with the severe economic and social challenges caused by a 7 year long drought. This innovative and exciting program brings together the resources of the two municipalities and the volunteer resources of twelve Rotary Clubs – eight in Boroondara and four in Moira Shire. Together we aim to demonstrate in practical and supportive ways that “Boroondara Cares”.

Where did we come from?

The Boroondara Cares programme had its beginnings in contacts between the Mayors of Moira and Boroondara in September 2007 and their shared conviction that “something must be done” to support country people in dire circumstances due to the drought. The Rotary Club of Camberwell quickly jumped on board and invited their fellow Clubs inside Boroondara and Moira Shire to participate to form Boroondara Cares. This was reciprocated with the Moira Shire and its its four local Rotary Clubs to form Moira Cares.

 

Why does Boroondara care?

Families are under severe stress as income dries up and debt loads become unsustainable. While finance, farm debt, bankruptcies and related business pressures are at the centre of the rural drought crisis, the flow on effects of these are being manifested more widely in an erosion of ‘social capital’. The consequences of this include marriage break-ups, mental health issues and suicides.