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Member Birthdays:
  • Beate McManus
    March 13
  • Anne Heyes
    March 26
Anniversaries:
  • Geoffrey Cawsey
    Dulcie Heard
    March 5
  • Kate Stevanovic
    March 20
  • Josie Magri
    Brian McDougall
    March 24
Join Date:
  • Geoffrey Cawsey
    March 5, 1987
    37 years
  • Alexandra De Bortoli
    March 14, 2023
    1 year
  • Nina Farmer
    March 14, 2023
    1 year
  • Abdiwahid Hassan
    March 16, 2023
    1 year
  • Mohamed Abbas Omar
    March 16, 2023
    1 year
  • Kate Stevanovic
    March 20, 2019
    5 years
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Home Page News
PP Alan Bruno sent through a request for assistance for the Bellarine Agricultural Society, a group he is now working with.  They needed chairs for their clubrooms and events.  So off to Donations in Kind we go.
Thanks to Frank and Anyd, the chairs were ready to collect today so John Sklenar and I joined Alan. 
Len Seddon also turned up to meet and it was good to catch up with Paul Perrottet again.
Another feel good story where DiK can support local community service groups.
 
     
Friday 8th May was Moonee Valley Council's International Women's Day breakfast at the Clocktower.
Our club sponsored 6 students and 2 staff members from Mount Alexander College.  They were Principal Dani Angelico, teacher Sarah Radford and students - our Del King scholar Sarah, with Olivia, Justine, Kari, Elicia and Talia.

The panel speakers were excellent and discussed " Count her in"  Invest in Women, Accelerate progress" and this resonated deeply with everyone in attendance.  The panelists, representing a diverse range of women from various backgrounds and stages of their career and entrepreneurship journeys, truly embodied the theme.
   
 
With Karolina, Nicole and Charlotte, Shraddha and Nina, Haruka.
Moonee Valley Council celebrated Harmony Day on Friday 1 March with a magnificent community event at the Djerring Hub.
With entertainment, food, coffee, community stalls and a celebratory atmosphere this was a fabulous evening.
Congratulations Sarah Ferdowski for all your effort and for gathering such a great team.
 
We were delighted to welcome Ms Ching Chan and 11 international students from Mount Alexander College to share our BBQ.
The students were just amazing, Jeff and I had little to do except organise!
Thanks to Marvin, Alvin, Sinhhout, Danyal, Quinn, Kitty, Tru, Regina , Levia, Aaron and James for your participation.
 
   
 
Join us for the welcome BBQ at the Djerring Hub to support Harmony Day.
 
Moonee Valley Council will provide the food and our members will cook and serve - and promote Rotary and MHFA in the community.  Please come along 3.30-7pm Friday 1st March.
 
RSVP to Lesley
 
We had a great day at the Moonee Valley Festival last week partnering with our friends at the Eritrean Australian Humanitarian Association -EAHA.  They are raising funds for the school in the refugee camp at Kassala, South Sudan.
Gorgeous sunshine a clear space and a fabulous crowd made this a wonderful day.
 
Daga and John were champion cooks and had the hotplate sizzling early. 
Soon it was the turn of Anwar and Abdi to take over with help from Peter.  Karolina and Nicole were stuck with the onions - but no tears, this was for a very good cause. 
 
Shraddha came to the rescue with Pay ID for electronic payments, and then Mel brought along the eftpos machine - phew that was $1200 we wouldn't have had otherwise.
 
We were delighted to welcome Haruka Tanaka, our Global scholar and Viv from the e-Rotaract club who came along to help out.
  We were also treated to delicious Eritrean food thanks to Sarah and Sophia.
 
Fellowship, Service, collaboration and fun - that's Rotary!
 
     
Lorry Rowe, former manager of our Werribee Op Shop is again in the Philippines with her son Shane. 
She is visiting several Rotary Clubs and participating in a number of activities to support True Manila and the street kids.  Our club has again contributed to the back to school and food programs, dental health.
Lorry has so far attended several Rotary meetings and events and has donated to True Manila programs, Rotary Club of Mactan, Rotary Cabanatuan City and The Inner Wheel Cabanatuan City Club.
 
At 80 years young, Lorry climbed the Mount Pinatubo Trail.  See the video https://m.facebook.com/watch/?v=743111081118602
and participated in a fundraising FunRun.    She epitomises service above self.
Collect 10c refundable containers!
 
The Container Deposit Scheme (CDS-Vic) has three zones managed by three different operators, all with slightly different modus operandi, but RIMERN is registered as a charity partner with all three, so please check the map below or website to see which zone you’re in and follow these steps to have all the 10c refunds applied to RIMERN so that we can buy hard to get essentials like kettles, toasters, vacuum cleaners, microwaves, doonas & pillows.
 
Most of the municipalities that RIMERN supports are in the NORTH zone (managed by Visy) and some of our Clubs & support areas are EAST (managed by Return-It), Merri-bek (where our East Brunswick warehouse is located) is WEST (managed by Tomra).
 
 
The Jarriban Hospital in Puntland is in desperate need of hospital equipment and medical supplies.
Members Abdi Hassan and Mohammed Abbas Oar are leading this project to send a container to Jarriban.
Our request is in the queue at Donations in Kind with an ETD of March 2024.
 
The club previously sent a container in 2014 which was gratefully received and has made a huge difference to the community. However, war, famine and drought have continued to challenge people here and the need is great.
 
Shipping is expensive so funding is sought from donors - Jama Farah from Rotary Footscray has successfully raised funds for 3 containers using this crowdfunding site.  Please share.
 
 
Wednesday 15th November saw District Governor Ron Payne and Deb visit the Rotary Club of Flemington Kensington.
Also joining us on this evening were our 3 RYPEN students from Mount Alexander College, Claude, Emily and Tara with Claude's father Nicholas and Tara's mother Christine.
We were also joined by Honorary Member Dulcie Heard, our Global Grant scholar Haruka Tanaka and prospective member Herve Carlos who attended our changeover.   Anne Heyes brought along Cathy Connop from the Farnham Street Neighourhood Learning Centre: Cathy has been a regular visitor and Anne recently completed a workplace placement there.  Op Shop Manager Melina brought a volunteer Deb who has also visited in the past.
 
Ron spoke to members about Create Hope in the World and the four Rotary priorities: 
increasing our impact, expanding our reach, enhancing participant engagement, and increasing our ability to adapt.  He also encouraged us to thinks about flexibility in membership opportunities.
 
He then presented President Shraddha with the Rotary International President's Citation for 2022-2023 and our Foundation Donor banner.
 
May be an image of 2 people and text  May be an image of 2 people and text  
Lesley McCarthy accompanied Global Grant Scholar Haruka Tanaka to the Rotary Club of Central Melbourne Foundation breakfast at the Savoy Hotel on 21 November.
Also at our table, Globa Grant Scholars Hikaru Sato hosted by Rotary Glenferrie, Ayase Ishizuka  hosted byRotary Alberty Park and PhD scholar Guillaume Gersdorff hosted by Central Melbourne.  Ayose has just finished the same course that Haruka is sudying and Hikaru is studing for a Masters in Public Health.
 
Guest Speaker Peter Hitchener OAM, spoke of his time at Channel 9, his work with Sir Eric Pearce and Brian Naylor, and the old Bendigo Street Richmond site.  Peter is a regular visitor to Japan and greeted the scholars in very good Japanese, chatting t them for some time.
 
With PDG Grant Hocking and DG Ron Payne.
 
Lesley McCarthy, Royce Abbey Award no. 417 was delighted to attend this year's dinner where the 500th Royce Abey Award was presented.
Held at Windy Hill, the room was filled with recipients, club and district representatives and member of Essendon Rotary including the very first Royce Abbey awardee Michael Moloney.
David Abbey gave a heartfelt tribute to his mother Jean who was a staunch supporter of Royce and the program.
 
The guest speaker PDG Murray Verso gave a Polio update which the good news that cases are again low and mainly restricted to Afghanistan and Pakistan.  Sadly he also reported on continued outbreaks of the Vaccine derived virus in a number of African countries.
 
 
The surprise of the night was the presentation of not 1, but 2 editions of badge number 500: 500A and 500B to .....
 
PDG Murray Verso and PDG Dennis Shore, a trustee of the Rotary Foundation.
Two very deserving recipients.
 
 
 
 
Peter Theodore Cribb was inducted as a member on 5 April 2006nominated by PP Allan Bruno. 
He was Club President in 2009-2010 following on from Mark Ingram.
 
Peter has been recognized for his efforts with Paul Harris awards in 2010, 2012, 2019, and a PHF with 3 sapphires in 2021.  He has contributed to the Rotary Foundation annually since 2009 and is EREY  banner eligible.
 
During his years as a member, he has introduced 5 new members: Anwar Alishek, Anne McMahon, Barbara Champion, Abdi Hassan and Mohammed Abbas Omar.
 
Peter is honoured for his efforts in the Flemington Neighbourhood Renewal Project, as a Board Member of the local Bendigo Bank and for his efforts in establishing the Op Shop, the RoadStart driving Program and the Rotary Overseas Recycled Playgrounds project amongst other activity.
 
    
 
Member Lorry Rowe and her son Shane have visited the Philippines again to support the True Manila program.
 
On a Sunday afternoon, Lorry, Shane and Rotarians and Volunteers of True Manila Foundation Advocates joined forces with the street kids along Onyx St. San Andres Bukid Market, Manila and randomly distributed food, toys and school supplies.
All were overwhelmed and moved seeing these kids growing up in this dreadful environment, most specially those who live under the bridge along the road. It was a tiring but fulfilling day of service.
 
They helped a lot of vendors by buying their food items to distribute.  They also we rented a Jeep which was loaded with toys, books, school supplies and cakes. What a Day indeed!
 
This Random Act of Kindness was spearheaded by Lorry Rowe and her son Shane Warke of the Rotary Club of Flemington Kensington in Melbourne, Australia.
 
They were joined by HCP Jinky Maleleo of Rotary Club of Mactan, Cebu and RC Murphy, Cubao’s PP Thess Parungao, together with Arden Tiong, Popoy Ladera and Mr. Edwin Nombre of True Manila Foundation.

 
       
Building on from the relationship whereby job seekers are placed at the OpShop and benefit from the expertise of Manager Melina Caccetta, Joanne and Teresa came up with a plan.
 
Our volunteers suggested that the Food Pantry could also include toiletries and sanitary items so, Joanne and Teresa took the challenge and put a call out to their reps.  Today, they visited the shop with 6 cartons of donated items to the amazement of Mel, Barbara, Deb and Louise!
 
I took the opportunity to share with them some of the other connections we have including Donations in Kind and RIMERN.  Joanne asked for a newsletter so she could share - another network in the making?
 
We are so grateful to JobFind - not just for this amazing donation, but the quality jobseekers they send us and the strengthening relationship where we can all help each other!
                   
 
Past District Governor John King a member of the Rotary Club of Brighton has died aged 94.image
Our sympathies are extended to Jehn's family on his passing on 13 October.  
 
John was District Governor 1986-1987 and was integral to the charter of 6 new clubs in the district including the Rotary Club of Flemington.  He took a keen interest in our work and attended major events, including the club's30th birthday celebrations.
 
He is pictured here, 3rd from left with charter members Ted Frank {dec}, Geoff Cawsey, John King, PDG Vance Hilton {dec}, Eugene Odachowski {dec}, Theong Lew {dec}, John Herniman and Ken Maxfield.
 
 
 
Haruka and Lesley attended the Paul Harris Society lunch last weekend.
The Paul Harris Society comprises Rotarians who donate $US 1000 annually to the Rotary Foundation for as long as they are able.
Members gather several times each year to hear from those who have benefitted from the Foundation through a Peace or Global Grant scholarship, a grant or through a Vocational project. 
This was a wonderful opportunity for Haruka to be introduced to the Foundation and our district representatives who supported her application.
 
This meeting's speaker was Hannah Gandy who has recently returned from studying a masters degree in law at University College London.  Hannah studi8ed her undergraduate degree in law at LaTrobe University and is now working at the Centre for Multicultural Youth.  She is focussing on social justice. She shared with us the difficult and traumatic childhood she experienced and how she overcame disadvantage to reach this goal.
 
Past District Governor Grant Hocking, Foundation Chair, spoke about the work of the Foundation in our district and the scholars we have sponsored. 
 
PDG Murray Verso then gave an update on End Polio and the vital role Rotary has played in eradication through vaccines, delivery, volunteers, the partnership with the Bill Gates Foundation and financial support through the Foundation.
 
 
On the public holiday, I took Haruka along to the show.  She had a wonderful experience 
and it was hard to identify what were going to be the best areas to introduce her to.
 
We started with the animals - she loved this, and was very keen to try to pick up a hen.   The roller coaster looked too scary for her - it was much bigger than those she had seen in Japan, with lots more hills and twists so we went gentle.  She loved the dodgem cars, tried her hand at shooting and throwing games - and won a monkey.
 
You cannot go to the show without show bags so we did look at those and she decided on 2.
Unfortunately, she isn't yet used to our weather, and did get sunburnt but now knows to wear a hat and sunscreen.
 
This was a great day out and another experience to add to her list.

            
Moonee Valley Council's Youth Fest Day was the perfect opportunity to launch the new L2P car sponsored by Flemington Kensington Rotary.
 
 District Governor Ron Payne and Deb joined with members, MVCC L2P Coordinator Emma Phillips, Mayor Pierce Tyson, Cr Rose Iser and community to cut the ribbon and free the wheels. 
 
 
 
 
 
         
 
 
This project has been almost 2 years in the planning and result, impacted by COVID and legalities but is now ready to hit the ground and provide access for young people to obtain the necessary 120 hours of supervised driving practice.  Additional mentors are needed to provide the supervision and all members are encouraged to spread the word.
 
This opportunity follows on from our club's successful RoadStart initiative led by PP Peter Cribb in 2013 and launched at Debney Park with then Minister for Transport, Terry Mulder.   At that time, the program was to assist migrants, particularly women, obtain a license.
We welcomed several guests to tonight's meeting:
Assistant Governor Tony Laycock, Anton Hockey from Road Safety Victoria and Emma Phillips, MVCC.
Theo Byard, Year 10 Coordinator at Simmonds College with 2 students Emmy and Bruk {the boys have been doing work experience at the
Op Shop}, Mollie and Sophie Short {Molly has been volunteering at the Op Shop as part of her Duke of Edinburgh program}
 
The evening meeting this month allowed for 2 impressive presentations.  
Anton Hocky from RYDA spoke about the Rotary Youth Driver Awareness program, its history and impact on educating young people on road safety awareness prior to obtaining their Ps.  The approach and data collected was impressive and all of us took something away which was new to us. eg type of music one listens to impacts awareness!
 
Emma Phillips from Moonee Valley Council spoke at the L2P program and how it is helping young people in Moonee Valley complete the necessary 120 hours of supervised driving.  With just 1 car, the challenge has been fitting in the number of prospective drivers and mentors with the hours available.
 
Rotary Flemington Kensington has sponsored another car for the program and this will be officially launched on Friday 22nd at Queens Park during the Youth Festival.
This follows on from our club's previous work with RoadStart in 2013 which was then taken over by council to become  DriveLink.
 
Edith was born and raised in Taipei, Taiwan. Her maternal grandma was with them and she had a bound feet which Edith only saw from the exterior. She walked with a stick which made “Dong! Dong! Dong!” sound on the wooden floor boards. I was a little runner at home to get medicine for her. Sadly without knowing, I visited her at her hospital bed where I normally would be stopped at the hospital doorway. On that particular day I was allowed to enter.  She passed away soon after before I turned five. 

Edith  was born in Taiwan with mainlander parents.  Language wise, I was with Taiwanese speakers who  did domestic services at home.  My mother spoke her dialect with our domestic head who cooked for us and with her relatives which was a language I used to understand but not now.  In addition, my father was educated in Japanese and lived in Taiwan in his younger days, so he was fluent in both Taiwanese and Japanese.  Taiwan was a Japanese colony during 1895 – 1945 and my upbringing had some Japanese influences though not in language. Nowadays,  one may observe Japan “taste” in many areas in Taiwan.
 
Her mother had the fortune not to do anything domestically and financially.  From her, I had always wanted myself to be self-sufficient and self-resilient. Interestingly, she always emphasized how important it was that her children must all be educated and I believe I have done so. My education and my willingness to work had helped me to gain my financial independence since I was 20.   I retired early but was able to make my following focus in community.                                                               Edith the young girl.
 
The day was brilliant and had a spectacular turnout. In attendance were esteemed guests, including Maribyrnong MP Bill Shorten, Member for Essendon Danny Pearson, Sheena Watt, MLA, Moonee Valley Council Mayor Pierce Tyson, Councilors Rose Iser, Katrina Hodgson & John Sipek. 
 
The opening of the Djerring Flemington Hub was marked by a heartwarming smoking ceremony, and heartfelt notes from Mayor Pierce Tyson, and Ministers Danny Pearson and Bill Shorten fit for such a momentous occasion. 
 
During the inauguration, it was deeply moving to hear the reflections on the pivotal role played by our own member and former councilor, Nicole Marshall, and our supporter the late Jim Cusack, in securing funding for this remarkable hub.

In recognition of the unwavering dedication of the late Jim Cusack to our community, the foyer of the hub has been named in his honor—a fitting tribute to a true community champion.
 
Our team was out in full force to contribute to the festivities. Melina, Juan, Alex, Jeff, Karolina, Haruka, and Shraddha took charge of the BBQ. With the incredible turnout at the opening, we managed to serve a whopping 600 sausages to our delighted guests. 
 
        
We extend our thanks to Justine, Pania, and John from the Djerring Hub team for the opportunity to serve our community. We are eagerly looking forward to leveraging this brilliant space to carry out numerous community initiatives. 
District Governor Ron Payne has set each club a challenge of 50% membership of the Polio Plus Society. 
We already have some members, how about making us one of the clubs that achieves that goal?
 
The Polio Plus Society attracts a Bill Gates Foundation contribution 2:1 so your AU$160pa will equal $480!!
 That's a lot of Polio drops.  See Lesley for more information.
Vocational meeting at the Djerring Flemington Hub 
There were lots of members taking the opportunity to see the Hub. 
 
Shraddha was joined by Alex, Abdi, Ching and her mum, Haruka, Jeff, Jo and grand daughter, Len, Lesley, Melina and Mohammed who met Justine and John, the Hub coordinators who gave us the tour.
 
Entering into the main open space, we are faced with the Jim Cusack foyer abutted by what will be the cafe.  Also on the ground floor, the admin offices, reception, sports change rooms, a children's room and several small meeting rooms.  Some of these rooms have an external door which will allow for privacy if meeting with Legal Aid or support personnel.
 
The first floor has an industrial kitchen allowing for large scale formal catered events. It looks out onto a lovely courtyard space with seating.
The major hall space can be divided into 3 parts with full sound and light systems and a lovely wooden floor.  Doors lead out onto a balcony overlooking the sports grounds.  There are also a number of larger meeting rooms here.
All rooms have names in the local indigenous language with an English explanation eg Reception=Wominjeka = Welcome.
 
Rosehill Park Wetlands weas the location for this year's National Tree Day event where 3000 seedlings and 3 mature trees were planted.
 
Drew, Haruka, Jo, Shraddha and Samira, Lesley, Anne, Janet and Alex joined members from Rotary Keilor East, the Friends of Steele Creek, guides, scouts and members of the local community in this MVCC organised event.
 
Holes were pre dug and seedlings placed ready for planting by MVCC workers. There were a number of displays and supportive booths available including activities for children.
 
Uncle Dave gave a wonderful Welcome to Country with a traditional smoke ceremony using local leaves.  He gave us a wealth of information about the basis for the welcome and what it actually means.
        
Our first official meeting for the 2023-2024 Rotary year was at the Doutta Galla Hotel.  
There was a good attendance to welcome our Global Grant Scholar Haruka Tanaka from Niigata, Japan.
 
President Shraddha opened the formalities after dinner with welcomes for Haruka and our guests.  She also welcomed Marty, a prospective member and friend of Melina's as well as welcoming back Nina and Jeff after their European holiday.
Apologies were received from Anne, Karolina, Sandy, Geoff, Dulcie and Len and new members Jo Walker and Herve Carlos.
 
She then invited Haruka to speak.  Haruka is from Nishi, Niigata, Japan and will be studying for a Master's in Education at the University of Melbourne.  She obtained a bachelor's degree in education from Niigata University after graduating from Hokuetsu High School.
Haruka is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Niigata.
She told us a little about herself, her previous education and her thoughts for the future.  She is keen to explore gender and culture as barriers to education.   
  Haruka then presented Shraddha with a banner from the Rotary Club of Niigata.
 
    Pictured left with President Shraddha Sharma.   
    Right with Alex De Bortoli. 
 
 
        
     
 
 
 
 
We then watched the promotional video for Filter Your Future - the musical, created at the series of performances held in May.  Yvonne Farquharson acknowledged the club's contribution to funding for this venture.  She also spoke of the booth at RICON and how successful the promotion was.
 
Yvonne is a former Rotary Youth Exchange student travelling to South Africa in 1973.
 
  
Shraddha also presented official name badges to Nina and Jeff.
 
     
She then reminded all of coming events.  Please check the website for updates and rsvp details.

Nominations for Australian of the Year close 31st July 2023.

   

Do you know someone who inspires and amazes you?  

For 63 years, the Australian of the Year Awards celebrate a group of amazing Australians who go above and beyond for their communities.  

By putting someone forward, your nomination will show that the efforts of a fellow Australian have not gone unnoticed.  It only takes one nomination to elevate their voice, help them access more support or give them the recognition they deserve. 

Categories include: 

  • Australian of the Year 

  • Senior Australian of the Year 

  • Young Australian of the Year 

  • Australia’s Local Hero 

Further information and nomination forms can be found at: https://nom.australianoftheyear.org.au/3C91Wif    

In recognition of the amazing work of our Op Shop volunteers we held our annual Volunteer Week lunch at Mama Bear of 10 July.
 
Manager Melina Caccetta and President Shraddha Sharma welcomed all and thanked our volunteers.
Board members Lesley McCarthy, Edith Chen and Sandy Belcher also attended to acknowledge those present.
We also welcomed Global Grant scholar Haruka Tanaka from Japan who enjoyed the social opportunity.
 
       
The Op Shop assists Bili Nursery by supplying excess/lower quality pillow cases for collecting native seed.  

Bili Nursery is a part of Westgate Biodiversity - an organisation focussed on regenerating inner city vegetation and community education.
We produce around 150,000 plants per year for our local council projects, as well as initiatives for 
Koala habitat restoration, climate change actions and educating local community members and school groups on environmentally friendly approaches to boost the local ecosystem.
 
We really appreciate the help that Rotary Flemington has offered over the past 9 months and look forward to the upcoming seed collection season of summer 2023-24 with added enthusiasm as we will be well-supplied to get out into the environment and get to work.
          
Peter Cribb has initiated this club international project in conjunction with Rotary Strathmore.  It is led by Nihal De Run, a previous visitor with PDG Senake Ameresinghe from Rotary Colombo.
 
The CT scanner installed at Batticaloa requires a major software upgrade {US$35,000} and due to the economic disaster currently being experienced in Sri Lanka, funds are not available.
Peter Dunn from Rotary Strathmore is initiating a RAWCS Project to allow tax deductible donations.
There was a palpable sense of fun, fellowship and exhilaration in the room as we gathered for the 2023 club changeover.   
President Shraddha was delighted to welcome District Governor Amanda Wendt, Assistant Governor Tony Laycock and Rotarians from Keilor East and West Footscray.
Additionally we were delighted to have Moonee Valley Councillors Katrina Hodgson and Rose Iser, and L2P Coordinator Emma Phillips as well as representatives from JobFind, The Wish Group, the Abbey Solo Foundation, PolyGlot Theatre, Unison Housing and Retro Entertainment.
 
The following awards were presented:
Pau Harris Sapphire to President Shraddha
Vance Hilton Community Leadership Award to West Welcome Wagon's Fay Salem
Jim Hosie Trophy to Yvonne Farquharson
10 year Service Award to Edith Chen
Rotary International Service Awards to Peter Cribb, Melina Caccetta and Yvonne Farquharson
Certificates of Appreciation to Sandy Belcher, Job Find, Abbey Solo Foundation, Deb and Jereny from MHFA.
 
 
The first of the playgrounds sent to Nepal last year has been installed.  This project required significant organisation and logistical and geographical challenges.
First the 20' container was shipped to Haldia then to Kolkata then overland to Kathmandu via the Bhairawa customs office.  Due to the terrain and geography, elements of the playgrounds were carried by manpower rather than on trucks.
 
With many thanks to PP Santosh Sharma and the Rotary Club of Tripureswor, this installation was completed at the Gram Sudar School, Gokarneswor.
Thank you to Bob Allardice, Rotary Nunawading and RORP Chair for his efforts in collecting and transporting the playgrounds.
This project was funded by our club.
   
RIMERN continues to move forward at an outstanding pace with new grants being received to help with rent and purchases.
Now Webmaster Ian McMaster has provided a year to date snapshot to the end of May 2023:
*     Deliveries 327
*     People assisted 679
*     Value of donated goods $447,460
*     Items delivered 16,644
 
This is an amazing set of figures and is due to the dedicated volunteers who work at the store every week.
 
RIMERN have just launched this year's Wine fundraiser to help pay for the van and rent.
It's super simple to see the tasting notes and to order, and the delivery time (to your door) is always fast! Just click on this link:
 
When people order there will be a spot to nominate which club they're from OR the option to simply nominate that they're a RIMERN supporter.... let's see how each club goes?
 
Members of the Rotary Club of Flemington Kensington are saddened by the passing of long term Moonee Valley Councillor Jim Cusack after a long illness.   
 
Jim was a great friend to our club and dedicated supported of the Flemington Community. 
He was involved in all aspects of community from Farnham Street Neighbourhood Learning Centre to the Residents Association, Rotary and the traders as well as the local schools and community groups.  Our sympathies are extended to his family.
 
The funeral will be held at St Brendan's Catholic Church Wellington Street Flemington on Friday 9 June at 11am.
The Clocktower was filled with excited voices with accents and languages from everywhere as nearly 300 people came together for an evening of entertainment hosted by our club supported by Essendon, Footscray and Keilor East.  There were guests from the USA, Nepal, South Africa, Japan, India, France, New Zealand, the Philippines and the UK.
 
Colin Scobie from Moreton Bay led a team of 22 from the Recreational Vehicle Fellowship Association and Rotarians from country Victoria came along too.
Silvie Paladino was outstanding and well supported by Wendy Stapleton and the Australian Womens Choir.  Georgia Byrne was an energetic MC.
 
Solid Rock and We are Australian were toe tapping items to get the audience ready and then Silvie burst into song.  There were tears in many eyes as her astounding voice presented Memories.
 
This was a fun filled and joyful event enjoyed by all.  Many thanks to the event manager Sandy Belcher who pulled the musical and technical components together so well. 
 
Thank you to all those who volunteered on the evening particularly the 6 Bus Chaperones: Paul, Deb, Peter, Helen, Nola who gave a potted history of Melbourne, Moonee Valley and the route as participants wound their way from MCEC to the event.
 
Special thanks to local artists Parul, Ursula and Jax who contributed to the evening.
Thank you also to the Marika and the Clocktower staff, Yvonne Osborn for photographs and the Rotary presidents for their support.
 
This year's RICON held at the Melbourne Convention Centre and Rod Laver Arena was another bringing together of Rotarians from across the world. 
Our members; President Shraddha Sharma, Peter Cribb, Abdi Hassan, Yvonne Farquharson and Lesley McCarthy were in attendance and assisting on the RORP, Caring for Kidneys and ESRAG booths as
well as enjoying the plenary and breakout sessions, the House of Friendship and catching up with friends from near and far.
 
It was a delight to meet up with our former Royce Abbey Scholar Jimmy Musiime from Uganda, Shraddha's parents Santosh and Kanchan Sharma from Nepal, Maduri and her team {Nepal} PDG Ajith and Madura from Negombo, PDG Pubudu De Zoysa and PDG Senake Ameresinghe and others.
 Dr Theong Ho Low, PHF was a Charter member of the Rotary Club of Flemington in 1987.
He was a long serving GP in Pin Oak Crescent Flemington and was renowned for his care and compassion, especially in assisting with medical aid to south east Asia.
 
Theong was an early member of ROMAC - the Rotary Overseas Medical Aid program for children and he encouraged the club to support this work bringing children from Vietnam and the Philippines to Melbourne.
In 1996 together with PP Allan Bruno and the club was instrumental in bringing the Boisin conjoined twins from Papua New Guinea to Melbourne for life saving surgery.The Bosin Twins | Rotary Club of Flemington Kensington (rotaryflemington.org.au)
 
Theong is survived by his wife, childhood sweetheart Sue and our sympathies are extended to her and the family.
 
The funeral will be held on Saturday 13thMay at 10am at Le Pine, Gen Waverley.
 
 
Peter Michael Donnellan, a resident of Ormond Street, Kensington and esteemed long term lawyer in Flemington has died after a long illness.  He is survived by his wife Kien and daughter Susan.
 
Peter was a member of the Rotary Club of Flemington Kensington from 2008 until his retirement in 2021. During those years he held the positions of Secretary for 3 years and of Treasurer for 3 years.  He also provided significant financial, legal and administrative advice to the club and was valued for his strong sense of social justice.

At Rotary, he could always be found at a BBQ or in the Op Shop, was a regular careers adviser at the MAC Careers Days and much enjoyed the social side of life including the dinners, Art Shows and gardening events.   Peter was recognised for his efforts with the Jim Hosie Trophy in 2014 and with a Paul Harris Fellow in 2019.
The many attendees were treated to an afternoon of fun, entertaining music followed by afternoon tea.  Hosted by Marbyrnong Park Bowling Club {thanks to Geoff and Dulcie} this was an afternoon to enjoy with good company, socialisation and foot tapping fun.As well as members from a number of Rotary clubs, Geoff and Dulcie brought along 20 members of PROBUS and many of Sandy's regular followers came too.
    
 
Funded partly by a Community Grant from the Federal Government, our club has managed the provision of Teen Mental Health First Aid to 15 members of the wider community presented over 2 days at Kensington Neighbourhood House.
 
Led by Deb Penglase from The Wish Group, who has presented programs for Central Melbourne Rotary, attendees came away with a much greater understanding of mental health problems in teenagers and young people and how best to support those.
 
Amongst attendees were Melina and 4 Op Shop volunteers, 4 members of The Venny and 2 representatives from Jobs Victoria MVCC.

The newsletter update highlights the key points from the planning day, held today on 5th April, including discussions on current and future projects, ideas for a community engagement hub and membership growth, and a focus on mental health training and activities. It also encourages all members to get involved and work together towards achieving the club's goals for the upcoming year.

Flemington Kensington Rotary are proud to support the production of Filter Fun Park The Musical.
Sunday7 May at 2pm at the Floridia Club, Wellington Street Flemington.
 
 
A production by Filter Your Future, and Yvonne Farquharson.  
   Join Brian Brain and his organ employees as they navigate the natural, everyday process of digestion.
 
 
This is a free event - bookings here
 
The Rotary Club of Flemington has opened a Food Pantry for those in need based at the Op Shop.
President Shraddha Sharma and Op Shop Manager Melina Caccetta formally launched this project on Wednesday 15th March.
Funded by the club with support from Kensington Market, Cheaper-Buy-Miles and FoodBank, the pantry will provide staples and basic necessities for those in our community struggling with food supply.  Melina and the volunteers will manage the pantry and ensure stocks and distribution.
 
Donations from members of the community are welcome.
 
The club will continue to support the food pantries operating at Kensington Neighbourhood House and Ascot Vale.
At this week's meeting, President Shraddha Sharma had the pleasure of inducting 3 new members to our club.
She asked for the assistance of members Peter Cribb, Josie Magri and Karolina Sevcikova with the badges.
 
Welcome to Dr Abdi Hassan, Mr Mohammed Abbas Omar and Ms Nina Farmer.
 
         
We look forward to hearing their Member Behind the Badge stories.
It was an amazing event at the 12th Annual Moonee Valley Council Mayoral breakfast organised for international Women's Day. Today's event theme focused on celebration and promotion of gender equity and technology. 
 
We had a students from MAC join us, including Habon and Nasteho, our Del King Scholars, along with 4 year 9 leaders, teacher Maddy and principal Danni. We also had members and volunteers from the Op Shop attending.
   
 
This was a great opportunity for networking, connecting with students and other like-minded individuals. The panelists discussed the increasing importance of technology in our daily lives and the rapid pace of digital transformation which provides for wonderful opportunities to transform our world. However, as the world becomes more digital, it is important to ensure that everyone has access to and can benefit from the opportunities that technology presents.
The speakers were: 
1. Micaela Muscat, who participated in STEM curriculum and was involved in the NASA Coding Program for Women
 2. Creator of digital membership and online community, Women Thriving Together, Natalie Moore,will also be joining our panel
3. Presenter and Producer for Radio 3RRR’s Byte Into IT show, Rowena Murray, will chat to us about her platform
4. Product Analyst for Allens’ Legal Product Lab,Shervie Maramot joins us. Her daily activities are centered in the legal-side of the digital space
Guest speakers will be our Australian Rotary Health PhD scholar Catherine Johnston updating us on her work.
Plus, Jules and Sarah will share with us their RYLA experience and where to for them now.
PP Peter Cribb has shared the latest images and stories from playground installations.
 
1.  Spend It Well - Timor Leste This is a small charity focussed on funding, constructing and resourcing schools. Between 2009-2014 they worked with Kirsty Sword Gusmao to build 9 schools, and since then work independently under an MoU with the Government.  As well as infrastructure, they establish school gardens, provide desks and chairs {Donations in Kind} and playgrounds.  Some members may remember Ian Femby, a former member.  His son Simon is an advisor to the Prime Minister and is a Director.
  
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2.  Cape Town - South Africa.
3 of the 13 playgrounds in the container sent from Mt Martha in September 2022 are now installed.
These playgrounds came from Casey shire and Dandenong Council.
     
 
 
 
Members Behind the Badge  -  Geoff Cawsey and Dulcie Heard

Meeting this warm couple at the Sugarbeat cafe on Langs road and walking down their memory lane was an absolute treat. Here’s the conversation with our charter member Geoff and his wonderful life partner, Dulcie.
 
1. Brief bio:
Geoff: I was born in 1942, in East Melbourne. I changed many schools in early years as my family moved around a bit. I lived early years in Albury in Brighton and went to Bentleigh West, circa 1952. My father was a foundry supplier and also managed scrap metals, my mother was home maker.  As an only child found, on reflection now I appreciate the privilege I had of growing up with both parents’ attention, while I do remember during childhood being desirous of the kind of relationship my friends shared with their siblings.
After I finished year 11, my father got sick and during this time was offered a position at W. Brown and Sons, when he couldn’t take the job, the company owner gave me the opportunity to be trained in the same role. I stayed with them for 7 years and learned a lot, after few years, I then decided to form my own company, and GM Causey Metals and Alloys came to being.
 
Dulcie: I am the middle child, and I think being in that position really taught me to stick up for myself. I was born in Western Australia, my parents had a wheat and sheep farm. I came to Melbourne to attend my friend’s wedding and landed up staying in Melbourne after marrying the best man. My husband passed away young due to complication after blood clot.
Geoff and I met in 1984 at Geoff’s cousins’ place.  We were both independent and working at the time.
Geoff has a son from his first wedding who’s now in Army and I had 2 sons. At the young age of 20, I lost my older son to an accident.
My younger son and family live close to us in Footscray, and between us we enjoy the pleasure of having 4 grandchildren. On the work front, I remember working at Coles in Moonee Ponds and to this day it was the best job, I held, the people, the friendships were all very special.

The Polio Plus Society, a fundraising and recognition program specifically to support the worldwide effort to eradicate polio, is now open to District 9800 Rotarians.    Members pledge to donate at least US$100 annually to the PolioPlus Fund until polio is gone from the world.      To become part of this exciting venture, simply complete the Commitment Form and continue to donate to this vital program until polio is only a memory.     You will receive a certificate and pin; and your contribution will count towards Paul Harris Fellow recognition and Major Donor status. 


Inaugural members of the District 9800 Polio Plus Society will receive their recognitions at a launch event is planned for 15 April. 

The Polio Plus Society brochure and commitment form are here:  https://www.rotarydistrict9800.org.au/sitepage/foundation/polio-plus-society

If you have any questions or would like more information please contact Polio Plus Co-ordinator,
Jane   Pennington.  Email:  Jane.Pennington@rotary9800.org 

December is Disease Prevention and Treatment Month in Rotary.
 
The Board have approved a project to provide AEDs or defibrillators to our local schools and community groups.
The 1st order has arrived and devices will be presented to recipients in coming weeks.
 
The first presentation was to Mount Alexander College today.  Past President Lesley McCarthy presented to device to Stephanie Balaburov at assembly today.  She also spoke to students and teachers, telling them of the value of such devices, and how they are saving lives.
 
From the 1st day of arriving in Manila we were overwhelmed!  Michael Redding from Werribee Rotary was with me as well as my family.
 
Edwin Nombre, whom you know of from the True Manila Street Children feeding program which he started many year ago had arranged for us to travel with him to one of the biggest wholesale markets in Manila.  There we bought T-shirts and were so excited to see such a huge shopping complex.  We got lost and Michael was not impressed!  Edwin thankfully found us and we were on time.

You will remember my request for no presents on my retirement, just money for the Street feeding program. So I had $590. 
When I was in Manila in June with my son Shane, Edwin was in America and his family arranged a small program for my Shane and friends, but I only spent $100 on that feed, but that fed 60 children.  Spaghetti, hamburgers and fruits.
   
The traffic is unbelievable!  bumper to bumper AND you need to give yourself at least 3 hours travelling time to just go a few kilometres. Seriously, and the Filipinos take it in their stride, it’s just how it is!
 
After a quick shower and freshen up at our hotel. Edwin took us to go and collect the food.    My granddaughter, her daughter and mother and Shane's girlfriend and Micheal. 
 
We all had survived the market situation and were excited to be involved with the feeding program. It was a lot different with Edwin conducting it, a lot more excited children, they just love him, he's like the Pied Piper.  Not just because of the food, they totally look up to him as a father figure I'm sure.  It’s wonderful to see how Edwin's family help and support him too.  
 
That first night, we fed almost 300 children and gave them T-shirts. It was simply overwhelming.
 
Michael's Report.
Visit to Rotary
 
Thank you to everyone who helped out on the day.  Special thanks to John Sklenar who was there from start to finish and cooked all day!
Many thanks to Mel for organizing assistance from the Kensington Soccer Club - Alex and Campa were there with John from early on until the end and we also had Susan and 2 of the young players helping out. Thanks to Edith Chen, Peter Cribb, Yvonne & Bob Farquharson, Shraddha & Rakesh, Lesley, Mel and Marty.
 
         ​​​​​​
President Shraddha attended the awards evening for Ascot Vale Heights School [formerly Ascot Vale Special School} on Monday 5 December.
 
The recipient of the club's year 12 scholarship was Sebastian Timpano who was nominated by staff for his outstanding efforts this year.
 
 The senior school team have agreed that Sebastian’s growth academically, socially and personally has been outstanding this year. 
 Sebastian’s efforts to achieve success with his year 12 studies should be applauded. He has demonstrated a high level of commitment towards school, learning and personal growth.  Sebastian attendance is excellent, and we are very proud that he has completed both his VCAL certificate and VET course in Food Processing.
Sebastian has a curious mind and is always willing to take on any tasks and new challenges.  He has a kind and caring nature and his ability to positively connect with his peers, makes him a good friend and positive role model in our school community.Sebastian will be moving onto a pre-employment training program in 2023. The funding provided by this motivational grant will really boost the potential to support him with the costs of training, travel and increasing his links to the community. Funding will help to create pathways for Sebastian longer term that will support him in achieving his employment goals.
Congratulations to Jules Borghouts and Sarah Briggs who have just finished the 10 day long RYLA camp.
Their experiences in learning, leadership and challenge by choice have opened their eyes to possibilities for the future.
We look forward to hearing about the adventures you had in the new year.
 
 
Thank you to Zoe Borghouts who again attended as a leader and to all the RYLA crew for their dedication, support and encouragement.
Past President Lesley McCarthy attended this year's awards evening at the Clocktower.  It was wonderful to be able to celebrate and acknowledge the hard work and determination of the graduating students after the past 2 and a half years.
As well as the awards, there were a number of musical performances which were just outstanding.
 
Several of the students whom we have supported or sponsored in the past received awards including Zoe He {NYSF 2022} who was Dux of Year 12;  Inas Adil Ahmed {School Captain and MC}, Flynn {Op Shop Work Experience student}, Jacinta Klassen {MUNA], Salma Salaat {NYSF}
 
Lesley presented the Del King Award to Nasteho Salaat and the inaugural Ted Frank Vocational Award to Anh Tran.  
Nasteho is the sister of Salma Salaat who attended NYSF this year with Zoe. 
Anh Tran is a Vietnamese student who has been accepted to study Business Analysis at Swinburne University next year.
          
 
 
Below left - Zoe He {NYSF, Dux} with Lesley and Inas Adel Ahmed {Del King Award, School Captain}. 
                                                                  Below right -  Ching Chan,  Lesley, Zoe and Graeme {a long serving teacher.
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
A large group gathered at the Maribyrnong Park Bowls Club on Wednesday 30 November to acknowledge and celebrate the year.
Several people tried their hand at lawn bowls or croquet before dinner.  Rakesh and Bob showed a good eye for bowls, while Beate, Anthony, and Bill, and Samara and friends were excellent at Croquet.
      
 
 
Many thanks to Dulcie Heard, Geoff Cawsey and friend Lesley for the fabulous catering.  This was very much appreciated as was the effort they out into making the room look festive for us all.
 
President Shraddha addressed the group and thanked everyone for their work this year.
She then made presentations to:
Peter Cribb - acknowledging his efforts as a Mentor to her when she first joined the club. 
Edith Chen - as a mentor to Melina Caccetta in her role as the new Op Shop Manager.
She also acknowledged Lesley McCarthy who was Mentor to Yvonne Farquharson. 
The Mentor/Mentoree awards are an initiative of DG Amanda and were introduced as part of her DG Cluster visits.  
 
    
 
Shraddha together with PP Lesley McCarthy then made a special presentation to Dulcie.  She was recognised as an Honorary Member for her 35 years of dedicated service to the club in so many different ways.  Lesley then presented her with a Paul Harris Sapphire pin.
 
We then heard from Ching Chan, Teacher of Chinese and Japanese at MAC who attended with 2 of her students.  She brought along 2 Temari Balls, created by a friend of hers, Keiko Atcheson, also a Chinese teacher.  The balls are for sale.    
 
Melina then presented 'Thank You cards" to the shop volunteers.  She thanked them and spoke of their dedication, friendship and community service.
She then gave an overview of the Silent Auction of a range of jewellery. The jewellery has all been donated to the Op Shop and has been authenticated and valued by a Rotarian Jeweller.
 
 
Our members are helping feed people in our community through the Food Pantries at Kensington Neighbourhood House, Ascot Vale and at Flemington Mission.  Each week one or more of our members provides donations, and at the last weekly meeting several members contributed significant donations of necessities.
Edith, Shraddha, Anne and Lesley take turns to fill KNH and AV while Yvonne volunteers weekly at FM.
The club has made a donation to Flemington Mission to assist with extra supplies in the Christmas period.
Members are encouraged to assist as they can - groceries can be dropped into Melina at the Op Shop too.
 
        
 
 
 
President Shraddha, Geoff Cawsey and Dulcie Heard attended the presentation evening on 12 November. 
They witnessed the great camaraderie, wonderful display of strength, passion and energy among the girls, 2 special coaches, parents, guardians, and the whole community of people behind making this sport accessible and fun for the girls.
 
Our charter member Geoff felt a sense of pride and happiness in presenting the awards to the outstanding players on the night.
The Rotary Club of Flemington Kensington feels very privileged to be able to extend our ongoing sponsorship support to this wonderful club.
Congratulations to Katherine James, Mia Devine, Jessica Dutton, Mavis Chan and Elizabeth Giovannitti Nowak on your awards.
Good luck to the whole team for another year of playing.
Special shout out to Mel Rotary Op Shop - Flemington for all her unconditional effort!
 
   
After 12 months in the planning, first inspired by President Shraddha's visit in August 2021, the container is now packed and on its way.
 
Thanks to the incredible effort by Bob Allardice and a team of people, 15 playgrounds plus 2 extra swing sets were loaded - a new RORP record.   John Arena is very pleased as he has most of his yard free again - but that won't last.
 
Those who helped out during the loading were Peter Cribb, John Sklenar and Sam Nicol from Flemington-Kensington.  
Rotarians from other clubs were Ian Armstrong, Jerzy Ordega, Des Shiels, Isiah Lahai, Gerry van Horick, Matthew Gibney, Roger Wilson, Cheryl McKay, Peter Peyton, and Scott Allardice. 
 
Thanks to Gerry who contacted the Lilydale Star news resulting in the excellent article below.
 
Following his visit to our club and further discussions with President Shraddha, Rotary Central Melbourne's Rhys Williams attended a meeting at the Rotary Club of Tripureshwor while in Nepal recently.  Rhys has worked in international education in Asia for many years, and with Stephanie Woollard of 7 Women fame in the past.
   Rhys is pictured 3rd from the left.
This project is based around drawing together older, longer-term residents with younger, newer residents in a local area they share.
Prior to the COVID pandemic, Gallery Sunshine Everywhere acquired funding from Brimbank Council and implemented the project in Sunshine, a suburb in Melbourne’s west. A report is available in the Projects section of www.gallerysunshine.com.
In 2019, Gallery Sunshine Everywhere joined with the Public Pedagogies Institute in a successful grant application to Moonee Valley Council to run a similar program in Flemington.
The program ran at Debney Meadows Primary School in early November.
Everyone is invited to celebrate the year 2022 with an evening of bowling, croquet, food and fun.    Maribyrnong Park Bowls Club, Holmes Road Moonee Ponds.  
 
Expert tuition in lawn bowling and croquet from resident experts Geoff and Dulcie.
Fabulous meal organised by Dulcie and her crew.  
 
During the evening we will be packing supplies for "Share the Dignity" // "It's in the Bag" so please bring along items as per the list below.
 
Please RSVP to Shraddha by Friday 25th and advise any dietary needs.
The Yarraville Club was packed as Rotarians and partners from the clubs in the Gateway Custer came together on 10 November to welcome District Governor Amanda Wendt.  Together with DGEN Michael Lapina and Alex, AGs Tony Laycock and Peter Shepheard and Club Service Chair Lilli Teichman the room was abuzz.
 
         

A new PhD research project funded by Australian Rotary Health and the /Rotary Club of Flemington Kensington PhD Scholarship. is aiming to equip schoolteachers with evidence-based strategies to tackle mental health problems in the classroom.

Former teacher and hD candidate Catherine Johnson knows first-hand about the impact a student’s sense of wellbeing has on their ability to learn and reach their potential.

“When I started in the classroom, my training did not prepare me for the complexity of student concerns and needs that arose, which led me to want to explore how to best provide training to teachers in supporting student mental health,” Ms Johnson said.

Wednesday 19th October we met at Cucina il Divo.  As well s enjoying a lovely evening of fun, fellowship and chat, we heard from our 
Guest Speakers Katie and Aaron Hester on Live for Lily - Liver Cancer fundraising and research.  
Live For Lily | to cure childhood cancer-: Home   Shraddha presented Katie and Aaron with a donation of $2000 from the club.
 
        
We all know people who are struggling to put food on the table at the moment.  The 3 local food pantries: Ascot Vale Little Pantry, Flemington Mission and Kensington Neighborhood House are supporting hundreds of local families weekly.
 
Shraddha's request is that we who are fortunate support where we can by bringing a grocery item to each meeting.  Each month, we will donate these groceries to one of the pantries.
 
This week, Edith and Lesley took in our donations to Kensington Neighourhood House.
Danny Pearson MP for Essendon has recognized Past President Lesley McCarthy with a Member's speech in Parliament. 
This was recorded in Hansard on 4 August.
Lesley was presented with a framed memento at the breakfast meeting this week by Nicole Marshall.
 
 
 
PP Peter Cribb received a phone call from one of our Somali contacts, Ibrahim Hussein from OzSomCare seeking assistance for a family whose house had been destroyed by fire.
RIMERN quickly came to the rescue and yesterday Ibrahim and Rashid collected furniture, mattresses and household goods for the family of 6.  They had been sleeping on the floor!  So, free of charge - mattresses and bases, fridge, washing machine and microwave, bed linen, bedside tables, sofa, armchairs, coffee table and kitchen goods.  All donated to RIMERN from our wonderful volunteers.
 
Thank you to Sue Robb who picked and packed and made this happen so quickly!
 
Another fantastic help to community - circular economy saving landfill.            
Earlier this year Lesley applied to the Awards for the op Shop under the category of Sustainability.  The submission was well received and we were shortlisted for an interview.      Lesley presented against the criteria at interview last week.  See presentation here.
The award winners will be announced later this month.
 
Our Op Shop is a hub for the circular economy and sustainability through our many connections - almost octopus like with our tentacles.  Did yo know how many partnerships and connections we have made?
 
      
 Are you someone who wants to make positive changes in your community and the world?   Our members are a dedicated group of local people who share a passion for service - in our local community, Australia and worldwide.
   
 Rotary's 7 focus areas include:
* Disease prevention and treatment - we are well known for our leadership and work in ending Polio worldwide.
* Supporting the environment
* Basic education and literacy
* Peacebuilding and conflict resolution
* Maternal and child health
* Community economic development
* Water, hygiene and sanitation
 
     Does this sound like you?  Come along to one of our meetings and learn more
     about us and our work.  Or call in and see Mel at the op Shop.
 
 
Congratulations! Your club has earned the Rotary Citation,
the most significant award a Rotary club can achieve, for 2021-22.

This past year, your club demonstrated a commitment to achieve its goals, which ultimately helps strengthen Rotary and shape our future.
 
Rotary International and UNICEF are partnering to deliver lifesaving medicines, clean drinking water, education materials and other critical supplies to children and families.

The partnership will capitalize on Rotary International ‘s global network along with the alumni of Sri Lanka’s leading schools to raise funds from the Sri Lankan community living overseas.

Donors can also donate through the online platform www.lifelinesrilanka.rotary.unicef.org.au to give a lifeline to Sri Lankans during the current crisis.

UNICEF will use the collected funds to procure essential medicines, medical equipment, water purification tablets, and school stationery to support vulnerable communities facing severe shortages across the country.

The partnership was launched ON 22nd August in Colombo by UNICEF Regional Director for South Asia, Mr. George Laryea-Adjei and UNICEF Sri Lanka Representative, Mr. Christian Skoog together with Zone Director of Rotary International, Mr. A S Venkatesh, and Sri Lanka Rotary District Governor Ms. Pubudu de Zoysa.

 

 

Donations can also be made by direct deposit to:   UNICEF Sri Lanka through the bank details below.  Please note ‘Lifeline Sri Lanka’ in the description.  Please also email notification of the deposit  to: donatesl@unicef.org  

Account name: UNITED NATIONS CHILDREN’S FUND
Bank name: Sampath Bank PLC                               Account number: 002960004747
Account currency: LKR                                             Branch name: Headquarters’ branch
Branch address: 110, Sir James Pieris Mawatha, Colombo, Postal code 00200                            SWIFT BIC: BSAMLKLX 
On Wednesday, 24th August, Leonard and Shraddha met for breakfast at Sugarbeat cafe close to their homes, and what followed was an interesting & insightful walk down a memory lane of Len's life which was lived on the philosophy of hard work, friendship and care for his family, friends and community.

Len was born 11 April 1933 in a small town in Victoria called Murtoa.  We moved when I was still young to Linga, situated between Ouyen and the South Australian border in the Sunraysia region.  There I went to Linga state school. My father was a Bank Manager, and my mother managed the Post Office until we moved to Melbourne in 1940, after my fathers' passing in 1937.
 
Len still remembers the 14 room house they had when his mother managed the Post Office in Linga, it brings back very fond memories of the place. It was getting difficult for my mother alone with two kids, so along with aunty Flo, her daughter Bev, mum, uncle Alan and I moved to Melbourne.
We lived initially in Fitzroy and eventually mum found work to manage a tennis court and milk bar in Union road. Alan & I joined Ascot Vale West Primary school.     
 
Len was introduced to Rotary by another of my school mate Ron King in 1991.  He was the President at North Melbourne Rotary and we used to go to their Rotary dinners. Over one such dinner he introduced me to the president Ross Bradfield of Rotary Club of Flemington & soon after I joined.
We were blessed with beautiful weather despite the forecast of rain.  Thank you to everyone who came along and contributed to the success of the day!
 
Arriving early, Mel and Alex were already hard at work organising marquees and stalls.  After help from Geoff the Coffee Van man with reversing the trailer, the BBQ was set up and ready to go when John Sklenar and Peter Cribb arrived.  They were ably assisted by Geoff Cawsey and Dulcie Heard.   
The book sale covered 3 large tables with more on the ground - Mel has been collecting books for a year so there were plenty to be found in all interest areas.  Debra Ryan was assisted by volunteer Molly.
 
                          
 
Shraddha and Lesley 'floated' from table to table as the need arose and were helped by Mel's Godson Anthony and his mother Carmela.
Karolina and Edith arrived at lunchtime and Edith brought along Carol Qi and a friend to help on the BBQ after Peter left for basketball finals.
 
The Coffee & scones van did a roaring trade and their tables and chairs were appreciated.  Funda Ozkan Tokatlii from Funda Art & Craft had a fabulous stand with many hand-painted watercolour art works, cushions and jewellery.  She and her daughter were keen participants.   We were also joined by Rubina from Jobs Victoria who met many of the attendees and made great connections.     
                
            
Inside the shop, Mel had a huge array of plants {some donated by Bunnings Maribyrnong, some from Lesley and others} vegetables and herbs from the Kensington Garden and the mini repair hub set up in the back room.
 
On Tuesday 6th September we joined with Essendon Rotary at the evening meeting with guest Speaker Josh Mahoney, CEO of Essendon  FC.
 
Our table included President Shradha Sharma and Samara, PP Peter Cribb, PP Anne Heyes, PP Lesley McCarthy, Carolina Sevcikova, Yvonne Farquharson and Bob Farquharson.
         
It was great to catchup with friends including PPs Sunil Pereira, Marioa Kouppas and Lisa Lowcock and Royce Abbey Coordinator Roger Leask, amongst others.
 
vonne was born in Mount Beauty, where her father was working on the Snowy Hydro Scheme; the 3rd of three daughters with a younger brother. The family moved to Ballina in New South Wales where she completed all her schooling. Her father is 99 and still lives in Ballina; her mother died in 2015.

Yvonne has been married to Bob, an Agricultural & Resource Economist for 44 years and they have 3 adult children (a geotechnical engineer, an archaeologist, and an editor in the publishing trade) and 4 grandchildren who live in New South Wales. Education is a big part of our family life! 
 
Yvonne gained a BA from the University of New England and a Diploma of Education at the University of Canberra. Her whole working life has been in education, mostly teaching in high schools and primary schools.  Her last role was as VCE Coordinator at Gilmore Girls College, Footscray.
Congratulations Jimmy!
A Royce Abbey Vocational Scholar success story.  Jimmy has just been inducted as President of his Rotary Club.
 
Jimmy came to Melbourne in March 2015 from Kabale Uganda and spent 3 months based in the Otways.  Then President Hugh Stewart and his family who are heavily involved in agroforestry and landcare in the Deans Marsh - Yan Yan Guurt area arranged a number or vocational visits and learning opportunities.  Jimmy attained a MasterTree Grower Certificate as well as participating in a number of agroforestry experiences.   Together with PP Allan Bruno, a number of experiences were arranged for Jimmy during his time here.
Hugh's brother Andrew had spent time in Kabale exploring forestry initiatives there and had met Jimmy.
 
Jimmy wasn't a Rotarian before his visit but joined soon after and has been Secretary of his club as well s working on youth and community service projects.  His family are immensely proud of his achievements and so are we - and delighted to report on his achievements since then.
photoalbums/2022-jimmy-musiime-update                  
An international project which our club supports is the Sputnik Girls Home and school in Kurunegala, Sri Lanka.
This connection began in 2017 when PP Peter Cribb met Dr Esantha Ariyadasa through friends in Adelaide.  This led to the shipping of a 40' container filled with educational materials from donations in Kind - and a playground.  Thus began RORP.
 
With the extreme difficulties experienced this year in Sri Lanka, Eshantha reached out to us for assistance.  A donation fro the club matched by donations from Rotary Nunawading, Bob Allardice, Jim & Liz Alvey and Peter & Bev Cribb has allowed the home funds to provide a sustainable supply of food; and to complete some much needed work at the home.  The library now has shelves, the girls now had wardrobes for their belongings and there is security.
 
We were delighted to have District Governor Amanda Wendt join us on National Tree Day.  Together with DGEN Michael Lapina and his son Alex, they have produced a video capturing the involvement of Rotarians and community members in a hands on meaningful service project.
 
 
President Shraddha welcomed Rhys Williams from Rotary Central Melbourne and Colleen D'Offay Rotary Brighton to speak to us about Mentor Match.   
 
     MentorMatch is a social enterprise purpose built to manage the  International Student Mentoring Program. 
It follows the very successful Victoria Police & Ambulance mentoring programs run by Central Melbourne for many years.   This is an exciting new collaboration from Rotary delivering an innovative mentoring program to international students.

     It offers an opportunity for Rotarians seeking to “give something back” and provides an opportunity for clubs who are interested in mentoring but were unable to participate in previous   programs.                         

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There was a buzz in the air and lots of chatter as a huge number of community volunteers joined in this National Tree Day event. The plan was to plant 3000 seedlings as part of the Greening the West and increasing tree canopy and wildlife habitat programs.  Well we did!!     
 
Rotarians from Flemington Kensington, Keilor East and Carlton were joined by District Governor Amanda Wendt from Rotary Melbourne and DGEN Michael Lapina and son Alex from Rotary Wyndham.  Mayor Samantha Byrne got her hands dirty and was joined by Ben Carroll MP for Keilor and Danny Pearson MP for Essendon.
         
                                      
               
Milly Burke, MVCC Conservation Programs Officer and her amazing team of workers had predrilled holes, laid out tubestock and spread mulch.  From there it was just a matter of grab your gloves and trowel, a watering can and get planting - which everyone did.
Many thanks to the fabulous team from Keilor East for cooking and serving the sausage sizzle to very grateful planters and workers: David Dippie, Ginny & Alex Billson, Marianne Potgieter, Yvonne Osborn and Tina Ballos.
It was great to see regular partners Moonee Valley Sustainability and the scouts and cubs from Strathmore.
Past President Lesley was very surprised to be presented with a Royce Abbey Award at our Club Changeover.  She joins former members Brian Sinclair and Chris Brock, and current member Cody Bettanin as recipients at Flemington.
 
Lesley recently attended a meeting at Essendon  Rotary, home of the Royce Abbey Awards where she was acknowledged by their members.
She is pictured with Royce Abbey Committee members Maria Kouppas and Roger Leask.
 
 
It was a night to remember!  Thank you to all the members, family, friends, volunteers and community embers who came along to celebrate the 2021-2022 year.   
 
We farewelled Lesley McCarthy and welcomed Shraddha Sharma in a thoroughly enjoyable evening.  Everyone was so happy to get together again and to have the chance to catch up.
 
We welcomed Cr Katrina Hodgson from Moonee Valley who gave the Acknowledgement of Country.  Danny Pearson MP and Nicole Marshall.
Assistant Governor Tony Laycock have the Rotary Toast and assisted Lesley with formalities. David Dippie, Keilor East; Michael Redding: Werribee and Colin Styles: Hoppers Crossing also joined us.
 
            
About Our Club
Welcome!
Flemington Kensington

Service Above Self

We meet In Person
Wednesdays at 7:45 a.m.
Flem Ken Bowling Club
407 Racecourse Road
Flemington, VIC 3031
Australia
Phone:
0417 532 259
1st Wednesday of each month.