I am still working through the responsibilities and trying to balance seeing where we are with looking at the horizon for possibilities.
Our search for partnerships is both for existing work and looking at new projects and new opportunities across our community and across the District.
The work of our members, both locally and internationally, is a testament to the relationships we've not only built, but nourished, and I encourage all of our members to look at the connections and collaborations they are a part of through our club.
Think about how you might make a conscious effort to recognise those who have helped them as well as those who they have helped along the way. Take a moment to say "Thanks", or "You really taught me something", and importantly "You've really done so much, now can I now be of help to you?"
As we see new members join, reflect about how we can help to stoke the fire inside of them: and for those who may be less active than before, how can we help them reconnect, even in some small way, to let them know that Rotary hasn't forgotten about them and their service?
I look forward to another month of growth and fellowship through service with you all!
Jeff
I am getting into the swing of this joint President Caper and appreciating Jeff’s efforts.
We have been busy as a club with my focus on matters International.
We were advised by Dr Harsha Gunasekara, head of Sri Lanka’s Stroke Recovery Department, that the contents of the third container are being distributed to the stroke wards.
He asked that I thank our club for their generosity and is promising photos soon.
We also piggy-backed another container sent to Sri Lanka from RARE (Adelaide), the equivalent of our DIK, with a shipment of ten beds and mattresses for the Emergency Department of the Colombo North Ragama Hospital.
Finally, the container headed to the Maldives with 8 playgrounds and 8 pallets of library books is about to be shipped. Great to have our DG attend and support.
Now the mind is is free to focus on the local initiatives starting next Saturday with a BBQ conducted by Anwar Alishek at the Ethopian National Day celebrations in Footscray Park in support of a schools in that country.
I very much appreciate the efforts from various members to seek support from community groups to allow our Op Shop to open more days. Peter
Congratulations to all members for your contributions in 2025-2026.
Thank you for continuing to be a part of our work, setting and achieving goals and Doing Good in the World.
Dinner meeting 19th August
It was a small group who met again at the Dotta Galla. There were a lot of apologies!
Business from the meeting was the second vote on the Rotary South Pacific proposal for re-districting. Members at both the breakfast and dinner meetings have voted in favour. President Jeff will convey our club's response to District.
The decision from the Board meeting on membership fees was reported.
Reports were received from Chris on Youth, Peter on RORP/the Maldives container, Lesley on the Galkayo Puntland container and Foundation grant applications.
We were delighted to welcome Anna Kelty as our guest speaker for the evening. Anna is a podiatrist who has recently started a business in Farnham Street. Anna previously lived in Eltham: she has 2 young children and is very happy with the friendliness of the community.
People ask Anna why podiatry? Her response is that as a young girl she was into ballet and suffered problems with her feet. A podiatrist was able to help her and as she was interested in a career in a health area, she thought why not?
Anna went through some of the issues that people have with their feet, how to look after your feet, and how podiatry can help. She also answered lots of questions from those attending.
Peter, John Farmery, Jo and Lesley participated with Peter Wilson, Grant Standfield and Gerard Hannan from Pascoe Vale and Stuart, David and John from Williamstown.
We were extremely grateful for the help provided by Glenn MacDonald and the forklift which made moving the pallets of books so much easier.
District Governor Graeme Hope came along to see us in action - and even helped out.
There is still space in the container so additional books and stationery will be loaded 27th August.
Membership fees: each year, clubs are levied fees for each member based on admin, insurance and communication expenses. It is therefore very important that members indicate if they are resigning their membership as the club is charged at 1 July and 1 January.
The Board approved fees at $340pp which is what we are charged. Fees may be paid 6 monthly. Invoices will be sent out this week.
International reports:
The Maldives playgrounds and 5 pallets of books from DiK will load 18th August.
Interest from the Maldives and Pakistan is very strong.
The Galkayo Hospital Puntland/Somalia project has been approved to apply for an international grant through Foundation. Fundraising is progressing, a wishlist has been received and a quote for shipping has been requested.
Shraddha is working on the final acquittal to RI for the Global Grant in Nepal.
Youth report: We have 4 candidates for RYPEN, 2 candidates for NYSF and a candidate for RYLA.
RYDA is scheduled for 4th November with Rosehill College.
Chris and Jo have been meeting with Ascot Vale Heights Special School and Princes Hill College about opportunities to connect. Watch this space.
OP SHOP REPORT: Lesley McCarthy July was another strong month.
Sales are increasing and there is quite a lot of interest in items on Facebook Marketplace.
The window and table displays are now focussed on items for Father's Day.
There is another new volunteer, Keegan, a young dad who will assist on Wednesday/Thursday.
We need more helpers on Friday and Saturday.
Could you find some time to work in the shop - even on a fortnightly basis?
Please spread the message and encourage your friends to be part of our very friendly team.
RIMERN celebrated their 5th birthday on 3rd July, and I am pleased to acknowledge that our club has been a supporter from the beginning. While our members do not have the capacity to help on a weekly basis, the Op Shop distributes excess kitchen and household items to the store.
In the last 5 years, RIMERN has donated over $2.4million worth of homewares and helped 2,815 of Melbourne’s most vulnerable people turn empty spaces into comfortable homes!
Introducing our Community Group Leader
Mike Hamer is a member of the Rotary Club of Woodend and was President 2019-2020.
He is a leadership coach, a mental health counselor and has a master’s degree in counseling and psychotherapy.
Mike and his wife Annie live in the Macedon Ranges. Annie is a qualified Equine Assisted Learning practitioner.
Almoner report:
Sending best wishes to Karolina Sevcikova who has now moved into Roshana Gracelands Aged Care in Elsternwick.
Len Seddon has had some more falls and is finding it difficult to get to meetings. He would love a phone call.
Geoff Cawsey has responded well to his radiation/chemotherapy. Dulcie reports he is improved. They also would love a call/visit to their new home in Moonee Ponds.
FOR YOUR CALENDAR:
Wednesday 2nd September: Breakfast at Mama Bear 8am
Friday 4th to Sunday 6th September: RYPEN at Camp Getaway.
Contact Chris - help needed for pick up
Wednesday 16th September: Dinner at Doutta Galla. Our new Community Group Leader Mike Hamer will visit us.
Wednesday 7th October: Breakfast at Mama Bear 8am
Saturday 10th October: Flemington Multicultural Festival
Wednesday 21st October: Dinner at Doutta Galla
Wednesday 4th November: Annual General Meeting
Wednesday 4th November: RYDA Rosehill College at Melbourne Greyhound Racing Centre, Broadmeadows 9am. Please confirm your attendance with Jo
Saturday 7th & 15th November: The Great Garage Sale Trail - Op Shop
Wednesday 18th November: Dinner meeting venue TBA
District Governor Graeme Hope will visit us
Wednesday 2nd December: Breakfast at Mama Bear 8am.
Collecting for Share the Dignity.
Saturday 5th December: MVCC Carols by Candlelight BBQ
