1. MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID for members of the African community is set for Tuesday and Wednesday 5, 6, 12 and 13 March 2024 at the Djerring Hub. This course is being run over 4 half days to suit the mainly women participants who have child care issues. Dr Francis Acquah will present {African background with cultural and linguistic knowledge}. Shraddha has created a flier which will be distributed with help from Shadia and Hadia at the Djerring Hub. Assistance will be needed with child care and course assistance.
2. Sri Lanka - medical. Peter Cribb is managing this project to deliver beds and medical supplies to support stroke patients.
Background: There are 19 Rotary Districts across Australia containing 1,000+ Rotary Clubs. Over the past few years there has been a national program of replacing hospital beds throughout Australia. The replaced beds have been donated to various organisations including Rotary. The bulk of the Rotary Donations have been via their DIK (Donation in Kind) warehouses for allocation to various member club projects. There is typically significant demand for these hospital resources.
In the State of Victoria there are now four Rotary Districts: 9780, 9790, 9800 and 9815 (formed recently by the combining of 9810 and 9820). Two districts operate a DIK, 9780 and 9800, with remaining two districts of 9790 and 9815 working through the West Footscray located warehouse in 9800.
The State of South Australia is now a single Rotary District 9510 following the merger of 9500 and 9520 and operates a DIK serving all of their clubs.
Known actions to date:
• The RC Flemington Kensington (District 9800) has committed to the supply of a container to the project through DIK (Footscray) asap. Currently, this is intended to be beds and mattresses. Sufficient stock to meet this project are unlikely before March*.
• The wider equipment wish list supplied by Dr Harsha, the Director of the Stroke Unit is SL, has been forwarded to the medical specialist at DIK to determine likely availability now and in the future.
• A project by the RC Pakenham (District 9815) to send two containers of beds through DIK (Footscray) is in doubt due to funding and supply of beds.
• A request to the RC Geelong Central (District 9780) to assist in the supply of a container through DIK (Geelong) is being considered. I have had a long conversation with this DIK’s manager, Ewin Urquart, who will advise on the possible supply*.
• A request to the RC of Mount Gambier and the DIK(South Australia) manager, Dave Cockshell, to help is progressing.
*It is possible that a container of beds might be possible earlier through contributions from the DIK facilities at Geelong and Footscray. What is important is for the work of all organisations, including those in other states that might be involved through the action of Rotary Sri Lanka, is to coordinate to ensure there is not wastage due to unnecessary duplication.
Peter Cribb 0410548543
5. Nepal education project.
Shraddha and Lesley are working on a foundation grant application for this plan to re engage young people into education in rural Nepal. We are working with the Rotary Club of Tripurshwar, Shradd’s father’s club. This project will train teacher mentors, provide back to school materials for students and equipment for schools. It is based on a similar project recently completed with support from several USA clubs.
6. 1,000 stories project. Many thanks to Carolina who delivered a large quantity of picture story books to Rebecca, the Maternal & Child Health Nurse at Wingate Avenue recently. Thanks to Mel, another 2 boxes were delivered by Lesley this week.
7. RYDA -Rotary Youth Driver Awareness
Shraddha has connected with Kate at MAC and with Anton at RYDA and the program is planned to go ahead in April-May at the Toyota Altona Centre. At this stage we hope to host 50 students with the offer going out to Simmonds College as well.
8. EAHA - Eritrean Australian Humanitarian Association.
Anwar Alishek has asked for our assistance to run some fundraising BBQs in 2024. The first of these is the Moonee Valley Festival on Saturday 24th February. If you can help please let Shraddha know.
Christmas party at Hardiman's Hotel:
She recently attended RYLA {Rotary Youth Leadership award} at Camp Getaway during the first week of December. AT RYLA she met Alex Lapina, also sponsored by our club, Onita from Thailand and Dorothea from Pascoe Vale. Haruka will present to the club in 2024.
Heights and present to Samantha.
vening to Sarah Alman, who had volunteered at the Op Shop. This scholarship will fund Sarah's school expenses through years 11 and 12.
