By Parker McKenzie
Primary students at the Dandenong Ranges Steiner School were given an early reading of a new book based on the June 2021 storm event, illustrated by local children.
The Story of the Big Storm is a picture book funded through Rotary grants, written by Julia Hall and with pictures by the students of Mt Dandenong Primary School.
Rescue Logs committee member Wendy Berry visited the Dandenong Ranges Steiner School and read the book to the class of children.
“This one is a special book that’s been written by a lady called Julia and she was involved last year in the big storm,” Ms Berry said to the class.
“All the illustrations are done by children from Mount Dandenong public school, they all drew the pictures and Julia wrote the words.”
Ms Hall — who is the president of Rescue Logs — was originally set to read the book to the class, however, was forced to cancel because she was a close contact to a Covid-19 case.
The book focuses on the experiences of the community and the resilience people showed in the wake of the storms.
Emerald Rotary president Shalini Penny said she was excited to see the funding rotary raised go towards a positive story for children to enjoy.
“When we realized that mental health was a problem that seemed to be a really good starting point, especially with the young children,” she said.
“They can look back on this and years to come when they’re adults and they still have those memories, but they’re good memories and not harrowing ones.”
Rescue Logs is an organisation focused on reusing felled trees in the Dandenong Ranges for firewood and other purposes.
Rotary District 9810, particularly Belgrave, Emerald and Monbulk Rotary Clubs, helped raise over $100,000 dollars for the Storm Recovery Fund 2021.
Other potential projects earmarked for funding include satellite phones for emergencies, a new roaster for the Kalorama Chestnut Festival after one of destroyed during the storms and essential equipment for SES units in the Dandenong Ranges.
Children of the Big Storm was launched at the Rotary Storm Recovery Festival on Sunday February 27.
