I want to start by saying ' Thank you' to all that were present at the changeover and to those who weren't able to make it but nevertheless, cheering on 'for we get another year to show up and serve the community'.

 

Coming together with members, friends, family and community leaders last week made me realise the importance of the changeover culture. The experience is surreal, keeping traditions like this reinforces the connectedness that we as humans thrive on. The celebration last week allowed us to experience what it means to be a Rotarian by celebrating the accomplishments, acknowledging our contributions in services, sharing in fellowship and looking ahead to continuing to come together for a greater cause. 

 

It's a blessing that  our club has established projects in the community that we grow strength to strength and continue to serve on; drawing on the unique knowledge of a dedicated board and members of the club and community, I am hopeful that we will be able to start new initiatives under various Rotary pillars of service, focusing primarily on 'hands on project.

 

My goal as President this year will be to continue to assist our existing charities and community. The needs in our community are greater than in past years. With our clubs position in the community and our direct connection and experience with the most vulnerable groups, I  am hopeful that together we will be able to come up with a project that serves this urgent need  in the community as we recover from the pandemic impact.  Many in the community may be wondering whether they will have food in the table, many may be facing homelessness, some needing support due to separation,  some wondering where their next paycheck will come from, many worried about their own or their loved ones mental health.  We must identify and meet these needs of our community.  Our members are ears and eyes in the community, working with our many local charities throughout this upcoming year, I am certain we will be able to continue to identify where the need is and contribute where it matters.
 

With this in mind, you will find attached to this newsletter a 'project template'. I'd like to urge each of our members and or community who have an idea or know of a need in the community💡to please take time to complete and submit  a project proposal by 31st July 2022. We will be looking to review and support you in the Implementation of these ideas over the next quarter.
 

For international, we are pursuing the option to apply for District international  grant for 'Back to school' program in Nepal and aiming to register our intention by July 31st, 2022. If there are any other international project, that members are keen to bring forth, this will be good opportunity for us to register for grant together.  Please fill out the template and mark it as international on your submission.
 

I am super excited that we are  going to be able to host our awesome fundraisers again, there have been discussion about restarting our BBQ  and initiating a book club.

We hope to continue on our Mental health awareness drive, looking to provide 'Mental health first aid' training to our customer facing staff and volunteers at the Opshop starting July.
 

Coming back to meeting face to face,  we will continue with keeping our meetings to service both breakfast on first Wednesday of the month and  evening dinner fellowship will remain exciting trying out new spots in the local community every 3rd Wednesday.
If you would like to have any topics covered or have guest speakers on mind, do let me know. We will look to have speakers from other initiatives come and give us insight from time to time- planning underway for breakfast in August to have Rhys Williams come and give us an overview on 'Mentor Match' program.
 

I would like to thank the wonderful members of the Rotary Club of Flemington Kensington and our fantastic volunteers at the Op shops for their participation during the past year. You have been instrumental in keeping the spirit of service.

 

To the general members of the community who have been wondering if they should get involved with Rotary or any volunteering work, feel free to give me a call to chat. I'd be delighted to be connected with you and see if we can help you in your wish.
 

Keep an eye out for these upcoming events and support the Rotary Club of Flemington Kensington with its various initiatives.