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October is Economic & Community Development Month in Rotary
Greetings everyone
 
During this extended lockdown it is difficult to implement community development projects as we would usually do.  Yet it is still possible ti make a difference to the life of someone and this may be a significant step to empowering a community.
 
One way we are attempting to do this is in supporting Lorry Rowe with her project to develop a grocery store in the poorest area of Manila, the Philippines.  Lorry has passionately supported several charities in the Philippines over the years, and this activity is through her friend Edwin who runs True Manila. Discussions are still underway and planning with a Rotary Club in Manila is proving a challenge however, we will continue to refine the concept.
 
Today's Walk for Polio photo - I am wearing a mask, just took it off for the photo as Susie Cole queried the last photo identify!  Sponsor me and support the fight to End Polio.
 
I am pleased to report that Shraddha has recovered from the COVID infection and is slowly regaining strength and energy in Kathmandu.  Her return to Australia has been delayed due to flight shortages/cost and now her infection.  She hopes to be home before Christmas.
 
In July, Edith Chen asked for our help in supporting a funding application for the Sewing with Love project at Kensington Neighbourhood House.  This program for elderly migrants was successful and we received a lovely note of thanks from tutor, Amparo Collazos Umbarila.  She has been a tutor at KNH for several years.
 
Peter Cribb and I met online last week with DGE Pubuda de Zoysa and Nithi Murugesu of Rotary Colombo to discuss Pubudu's plans for her year as District Governor.  She is unsure of where and how her DG training will occur due to ongoing COVID infections in Sri Lanka and India, the base for District 3220.
We are a Sister Club with Rotary Colombo and have sent 6 containers of playground equipment plus 2 containers of hospital beds to assist with COVID.  She has several ideas which would be positive connections and projects for our club which will be refined over coming months.  One plan is an international mentoring project online.
 
For now, wear a mask, get vaccinated, stay healthy and be prepared for a resumption of Rotary People of Action again.
 
Lesley
 
District Governor's visit to our club
Last Wednesday 6 October District Governor Dale Hoy joined us for his club visit.  Our Assistant Governor Tony Laycock also joined, We heard from Dale about his plans and priorities for the coming year and shared with him some of our work.  His goal is to help clubs and Rotarians increase their impact, reach and relevance in their communities.
 
This week is also celebrated as Reconnect Week in Rotary where former Youth Exchange, RYLA, NYSF, RIPERN, MUNA students, Peace Fellows and Rotaractors are able to come together and reflect on their experiences. 
We were delighted to welcome to today's meeting Riley Jackson who was an inbound Youth Exchange student from Texas in 2012-2013.  Riley moved back to Melbourne after her undergraduate degree and studied law at Melbourne University.  She is now qualified, a "baby" lawyer and working in Shareholder Class Action.  Riley's mentor and host dad Chris Drenen was also able to join us from Warragul.  Great to see him.
Also joining us Yvonne Farquharson, our guest speaker from September 17 who was an outbound Youth Exchange student to South Africa in 1977.  Both Riley and Yvonne were able to reflect on their experiences and the impact they had on their career and life choices.
Thanks to Lyn for arranging a delicious breakfast, both Zoe and Jules former RYLA attendees joined us to talk about their experiences.  Zoe is now on the RYLA Committee and was a leader at last year's camp which Jules undertook via ZOOM due to COVID.
Unfortunately our MAC sponsored NYSF and scholarship students were unable to attend due to resumption of face to face classes.
 
 
 
 
 
Op Shop and Fit4 Use Store
Both shops are closed due to lockdowns but both Mel and Lorry have been working on clearing stock and refurbishing.
 
Lorry has partnered with Wyndham Rotary and has provided a significant donation of clothing, household goods, shoes and toys for a number of Afghan refugees who have been settled in the Wyndham/Werribee area. Thank you Lorry.
Wyndham Park Community Centre was the hub of activity - this photo shows Labor MP Joanne Ryan assisting.
 
Mel has activated the Op Shop's eBay page and has sold a number of items.
 
 
RORP has a new name!  Rotary Overseas Relocated Playgrounds.
This has partly come about due to some countries concern with the term recycled but still fits with our project and focus on sustainability.
 
Peter Cribb was delighted to share with me the recent container loading event where playground #100 was one of several loaded into a container bound for the Philippines via District 9780 - through Don Shields and his team at Geelong Central.
 
 
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OCTOBER IS WALKING MONTH
 Last October, Anne Heyes, Edith Chen and Lesley walked 100kms over the month to raise money for End Polio.  Together they raised over $1500.

The Rotary Walk With Us campaign throughout October is a fun way to raise awareness and funds to End Polio Now.  It’s easy. Register to walk and donate at www.rotarywalkwithus.org  

Join us as we again take up the challenge.

 

 
 
 
 
October is also Australian Rotary Health's
Lift the Lid campaign month for mental health.  This year, they are encouraging us all to get outside for a walk and help us
 Lift the Lid on Mental Illness.

Mental health should be on everyone’s agenda and that’s why the Lift The Lid Walk for Mental Health is just that, a walk, not a race. It offers members of our communities an opportunity to get together, to have a chat, “Lift the Lid” on mental illness, and in the process, raise much needed funds for mental health research.
 
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RIMERN has received Permitted Activity status and as such are calling for volunteers to begin the task of sorting, unpacking and organising donations.  According to the COVID protocols, volunteers may only volunteer for one half day a fortnight {Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday 9.30-12.30 or 1.30-4.30} and must be fully vaccinated and wear a mask while at the store.
Other jobs will emerge as time goes on, but if you can help with the tasks above, please send your details, including full name, DOB & home address (for permit info) and task/day/shift preference to Rohan Williams rdwrcm@gmail.com asap
 
Any questions re tasks, please contact susie.cole@rotaryprahran.org.au or 0414 907 263.
 
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COMMUNITY NEWS:
Carolyn Webster, former Manager of Kensington Neighbourhood Hose has been asked to complete a review and evaluation of the Kensington Festival.  Our club members have been regular and happy participant at festivals for several years.
A survey is available and all members and residents are invited to submit their feedback.
 
The Venny has had an organisational review amidst the challenges of COVID.
Catherine Hude, Operations Manager; Danni von de Borch, Director of Play and Operations and Lloyd Greenland Play Lead have organised weekly online play sessions and distribution of play kits.
 
Freyja Dixon has been appointed as the new Kensington Neighbourhood House Education Coordinator.  She is a Kensington resident and also works for the Edmund Rice Foundation family support program in Flemington.
 
Melanie from City of Melbourne reported that the Urban Forest Team is replacing some of the old/dead trees on the old stock route with fruit trees.
 
Moonee Valley Council is starting to build awareness in the community about ecological connectivity using the term ‘wildlife corridor’. Our key corridors are along Steele Creek, Moonee Ponds Creek, Five Mile Creek and the Maribyrnong River. They  are measuring how the Green Actions increase biodiversity and connectivity. One such evaluation tool is the measurement of bird species and abundance – particularly small woodland birds. Melbourne City Council has recently developed a program using the Superb Fairy Wren as the flagship indicator species. 
 
 
The Aussie Backyard Bird Count goes from October 16 to 24 - please share.
 
You can count as many times as you like and submit using the webform or the APP.  There are great activities for children on the website too.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Fundraising raffle for the Its Time Foundation and our club - an easy way to fundraise

Paradise Taveuni Resort and Its Time Foundation are giving you the chance to win a holiday of a lifetime on the beautiful island of Taveuni, Fiji. The Fijian people will make you feel welcome like no other.

The prize is fully donated, so the  $20AUD per ticket is split:

  • 50% to the Rotary Club you select to spend on their community projects.
  • 40% to Its Time solar schools projects & 10% to Plastic Free Oceans (an initiative of Its Time Foundation).  After the prize is drawn you will get an update showing the school you helped.

Drawn 20 Dec. 2021. Prize is valid for 18 months after travel restrictions from your country are lifted. Flights are not included, but ‘spending money’ above is to assist there. And good to know that you are supporting solar in schools, so your travel is certainly carbon offset.

   

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The ESRAG Writing competition based on the UN Climate Change Conference has been announced.   Aspiring journalists and science enthusiasts in years 7-10 are invited to submit an article.  Winning articles will be published in the ESRAG Oceania newsletter, on the website and receive a financial prize.  Please share with schools and people you know.
 
 
 
 
Have you seen North West Inner City News yet?  We are pleased to be able to contribute stories each month and share our work and activities with residents of Melbourne, North and West Melbourne, Flemington, Kensington, Parkdale and Carlton.
 
 
Upcoming Events
Morning Tea with the DG
ZOOM
Oct 23, 2021
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
 
Annual General Meeting
TBC
Nov 17, 2021 8:15 AM
 
View entire list
Links
Links
District 9800
The Rotarian
Rotary On The Move
ESRAG
Moonee Valley Council Green Action Plan
Donate to The Rotary Foundation
The Earthshot Prize
Rotary Leader
ClubRunner Mobile