MADAM PRESIDENT:
  
December arrived swiftly, marking the rapid passage of 2025.
 
We held our final Food and Friends dinner for the year, where ladies from Community prepared three wholesome and tasty meals for more than 130 people.
 
This vital initiative is a partnership between MVCC, Djerring Hub, and our club, with support from LIFE Church West Melbourne. The event received an enthusiastic response, highlighting the local impact of food insecurity. Volunteers from the local community, along with Rotarians from our club and neighbouring clubs in West Footscray, Williamstown, Pascoe Vale, and Essendon, joined forces. Altogether, we served over 600 meals across three sittings—a truly outstanding effort from everyone involved!
 
Looking ahead, the Club aims to make this a weekly event at the Djerring Hub in 2026, with financial support from the Op Shop, grants, and contributions from other clubs in District 9800. Danny Pearson, Federal Minister and staunch supporter of our Club, is impressed by our accomplishments and keen to assist in the coming year.
 
I also wish to express my sincere thanks to President John Francis and the members of the Rotary Club of West Footscray for generously donating $500 to host a Food and Friends dinner in 2026. Their support is invaluable, and our Club deeply appreciates it. Special thanks also goes to Peter and Denis O’Brien for volunteering at our inaugural dinner—the brothers witnessed firsthand the importance and reach of such an event.
 
I attended the Moonee Valley City Council dinner celebrating the 15th anniversary of L2P—a program that began with our club as RoadStart, dedicated to supporting migrant women. Peter Cribb played a significant role in its inception, and it is wonderful to see the program continue to grow stronger each year.
 
I had the honour of presenting Citizenship awards to two Grade 6 students at Kensington Primary School. It is inspiring to witness students with ambitious dreams and clear goals forging ahead.
Our District Governor’s visit coincided perfectly with our Christmas dinner, resulting in a fantastic turnout.

Lesley McCarthy did a remarkable job of organising the venue and ensuring it was warm and inviting for guests. Thank you also to Chris Richardson and Drew Sheehan for their contribution. 
PHOTO ALBUM
 
Alongside DG Peter Shepheard, I had the great pleasure of inducting three new members into our Rotary Club.
 Soreeya Mohamed   
Shirhan Abdulkadir  
Jean Turnbull
How wonderful that our Club is growing!
 
In partnership with Donations in Kind, we delivered an impressive number of children’s toys to the Community Kitchen project based at LIFE Church.
Their Community Kitchen feeds over 600 people weekly and providing underprivileged children with a variety of toys was a true privilege. My thanks once again to Lesley McCarthy for organising this opportunity.
 
I would like to leave you with this heartfelt message: In light of recent events in Sydney, it is so important for us to all “Unite for Good.” Now is the time to come together as a community and support one another through acts of grace and kindness.
 
Extending compassion to those who may be struggling this season is vital. Even the smallest gesture can make a significant difference.
By consciously supporting those around us, we help create a more caring and understanding world.
 
I wish you and your loved ones a blessed and joyful Christmas and a prosperous New Year, and I look forward to seeing you all in 2026.
 
     
 
Carols by Candlelight at Queens Park:
This was a joyful evening despite the threat of rain. 
Thanks again to Anwar for bring the BBQ trailer, and to the ever reliable John Sklenar for his work on the tools.
We resurrected the marquees with the threat of rain - last used pre COVID!
 
We were very busy and sold out of all sausages by 8pm.  A surprise visit by Allan Bruno lightened the work and he even helped out with preparing bread and serving drinks.
 
Thanks to our onion queen karolina, Deb, Lenka, Jean and John Farmery for their assistance.  
    
 
MVCC L2P 15th anniversary
 
Melina, Peter and Bev and Chris attended this celebration at Djerring Hub.
Mayor Rose Iser presented certificates of appreciation to Peter and Mel as well as acknowledging and celebrating the mentor drivers.
  
 
 
Share the Dignity
Thanks to all members for their donations to this year's collection, Sincere thanks to Colleen at Donations in Kind for their assistance with soap and toothpaste, hand sanitiser, socks and caps, notebooks and pens.
Vinh, Tui, Febra, Lenka and Chris assisted with packing - 40 bags were delivered to Jenny this year.
  
  
CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR OUR COMMUNITY:
LIFE Church distribution of toys. Thank you to Donations in Kind.
 

     
OP SHOP REPORT:
We have had another solid year and have extended our network of connections.  Items we cannot use or sell are onforwarded to:
Youth Projects, RIMERN, Caroline Chisholm Society, Red Nose and Savers, Mobile Muster, MVCC Electronic depot and the Ragman.
 
Most weeks, our landfill bins are only half full and the fortnightly recycling bins rarely filled.
 
We continue to support families in need through Djerring Hub and provide picture story and junior fiction to the Maternal & Child Health nurses and the Djerring Hub childrens programs.
 
Thanks to our dedicated volunteers, the shop is open Wednesday to Saturday and provides not only a retail outlet, but a safe and social place for those wanting refuge or a chat.
Debra, Fran, Vinh, Rui, Nahla, Gael and Shraddha, Jo, Chris and Lesley.
 
The shop is now closed until the end of January.
Volunteers will return 21st for clean up, refresh and tidy before opening on 28th January 2026.
 
 
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FOR YOUR CALENDAR:   
 
Wednesday 4 February: Breakfast meeting
We are trying Little Bunny at 512 Macauley Road opposite Hardimans Hotel.  It is managed by Rosie who previously ran Mama Bear.  7.45 for an 8am start.
 
Tuesday 17 February: RYDA with MAC students
 
Wednesday 18 February: Dinner meeting
 
RLI 2025:

Join PDG Julie Mason and team for an inspiring Rotary Leadership Institute one day program.   Djerring Hub 9am to 5pm.
 
For new and experienced Rotarians - learn about Rotary, the Foundation and how to collaborate and accomplish projects.
 Our District Conference partnering with Districts 
9780 and 9510 will Unite for Good.