Stories
It was wonderful to have been a part of the official opening of the African Youth Initiative (AYI) in Melton. Together with some members of Rotary Caroline Springs and Rotary SAFE Families we gathered to celebrate with these amazing and talented young women and men with local Steve McGhie MP and youth council members. Catching up with them gave us an insight into their Girls Chat program by Abak and how they give back to the local community. We talked, played pool, table tennis and shared a meal and soft drinks. Congratulations AYI and looking forward to working with you all on Melton Youth projects together and keeping families safe.
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African Youth Initiative Grand OpeningIt was wonderful to have been a part of the official opening of the African Youth Initiative (AYI) in Melton. Together with some members of Rotary Caroline Springs and Rotary SAFE Families we gathered to celebrate with these amazing and talented young women and men with local Steve McGhie MP and youth council members. Catching up with them gave us an insight into their Girls Chat program by Abak and how they give back to the local community. We talked, played pool, table tennis and shared a meal and soft drinks. Congratulations AYI and looking forward to working with you all on Melton Youth projects together and keeping families safe.
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Victoria Police Guest SpeakerThank you Andrew from Victoria Police for visiting WERN and speaking at Rotary Caroline Springs at our meeting on 28 Aug 2024. We look forward to your continued volunteer support on a WERN hands-on day and with Rotary Caroline Springs projects.
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Volunteer Drivers needed WERNCalling all community heroes! We're looking for a Volunteer Truck Driver to make a real difference with WERN! If you have a valid standard Victorian license, good communication, people skills, and a passion for helping others, we need you! No prior experience? No worries! We provide all the training and support you need. This is your chance to play a key role in supporting our community. Ready to drive change? Join us today! Contact us on warehouse@wern.org or 0490 871 332 |
Appreciation for Tobin Brothers on RYLA ProgramThank you Tobin Brothers for supporting our RYLA program. We look forward to your continued support. |
Dorothy Gilmour on Rotary Safe FamiliesOn 7 Aug we welcomed to Western Emergency Relief Network (WERN) guest speaker Dorothy Gilmour, President of Rotary Hawthorn and Rotary Safe families. Dorothy gave a very informative and thought-provoking talk about Coercive Control within a family. Sadly family violence within Australia continues to grow at alarming rates. We all need to recognise what family violence is about and address it. Rotary Safe Families serves to get communities to understand that family violence is not acceptable in today's world. |
Tobin Brother RYLA CheckOn the 1 Aug we received a cheque from @tobinbrothers for $1000 for Rotary Youth Leadership Award or RYLA. Tobin Brothers celebrated 90 years this year and wanted to give back to the local community. Rotary Caroline Springs appreciates receiving the generous donation alongside the other recipients being St Albans Bowls with Stevensville Primary, St Albans Food Bank and St Albans Secondary College. Congratulations to all recipients of this generous donation from Tobin Brothers. Thank you Tobin Brothers for recognising the volunteer work we do for both the local community and our International projects. A highlight was our own Dr Nivi being interviewed by Magic Radio station. Dr Nivi provided an excellent interview about RYLA and Rotary Caroline Springs. Want to volunteer and know more? DM us. |
3rd Environment and Sustainability LunchRotary Melbourne is delighted to invite you to our 3rd Annual Environment & Sustainability Luncheon! Join us at the RACV Club Ballroom at 12:30 pm, 24 July 2024 as we come together in support of Rotary's commitment to a greener future.
Our keynote speaker, Christine Holgate, CEO of Team Global Express, will explore "The challenges of sustainability while ensuring reliable cost-effective logistics." Celebrity Chef Adam D'Sylva, joined by Clive Scott AM, will discuss the event's sustainable menu and Adam’s new venture, Boca Gelateria. Presentations will also be given by Ian Riseley, Past President of Rotary International, and the 2024 Rotary Melbourne Environment Sustainability Award-winning school, Star of the Sea College. Tickets are expected to sell fast, secure your seat here > https://lnkd.in/gvutD7in? |
Meet Stephanie UrchickGenuine, authentic, kind, committed...a few of the many words frequently used to describe 2024-2025 Rotary International President Stephanie Urchick. Three facts about Stephanie: 1. She's the biggest Pittsburgh Steelers fan 🏈 2. She can Polka with the best of them 💃 3. She studied Russian, Serbian, Italian, and French in school 📚 Urchick is seen as a uniter. Find her at any event and you'll see people gathered around her, listening intently — much like players gather huddled around their coach. They unite, all a part of the same team. Until, 30 June 2025, that team is Rotary and Urchick is our coach. So there's really only one thing left to say: Game on💫 Meet Stephanie: on.rotary.org/4eDqwK2 |
What is Rotary?Wait, so what is Rotary? It’s a way to: A: Join a global community of changemakers B: Cultivate impactful, lifelong friendships C: Connect with causes that matter to you D: All of the above Answer? All of the above! As #PeopleOfAction, we know no challenge is too big when we work together. Get involved on.rotary.org/4byo44Z |
Presidential Changeover 2024It almost seems unreal that I was again chosen to be President of Rotary Caroline Springs. I accept the role willingly and know that I have an amazing group of people backing me. Over the last year we have achieved much but there is still much to be done as we evolve into our magical year of Rotary. It took me some time to understand what the "Magic of Rotary" means. I have had to look back to all the past themes to fully understand it. “We serve to change lives by imagining how we can create hope in the world through the magic of every serving Rotarian who volunteers their time in giving back to the community.” These are the themes over the last 4 years. "Serve to Change Lives," "Imagine," "Create Hope in the World," and our current theme, "The Magic of Rotary." That is the true magic of 1.4 million Rotarians worldwide. |
Monthly Theme |
All About RYLARotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is an intensive leadership experience organised by Rotary clubs and districts where you develop your skills as a leader while having fun, making lifelong friends and coming away empowered. Each year Rotary Caroline Springs sponsors at least one candidate to attend the RYLA camp. At our recent changeover evening, our recent candidate Priya Somabhatta shared the impact of attending RYLA had on her. We were also fortunate to hear from Alex Lapina (President of Rotary Activate) about his time at RYLA. Both expressed that the lessons learned, friendships made and personal growth achieved are invaluable life lessons. |
International Women's Day CelebrationsOn 6 March, combined with our Rotary meeting at WERN, we celebrated Women's Day to recognise all the women in Rotary Caroline Springs and everywhere. It was a special sharing with some of our members sharing a woman that haad made a difference. |
Clean up Australia DayIt was a cool day to get out and about early on Sunday morning to assist on Clean Up Australia Day. With a cool 17 deg C the volunteers gathered to clean a small section of Caroline Springs. Thank you to all that could make it. It's our neighbourhood and everyone can do their part to dispose of waste correctly. I am happy to say that there was a lot less rubbish to collect. Thank you to everyone for volunteering your time. |
Phoenix Rover Scouts Hands on @ WERNWe had another great joint meeting/working bee held at the WERN warehouse on Wednesday night with members of Rotary Caroline Springs and Phoenix Rover Crew (Caroline Springs). Even with the weather reaching the day's highest temperature at 6.30pm, we went ahead and made good use of the 'cool spaces' to complete tasks. One team was making up cutlery sets, using the donated cutlery that Ken D picked up from a local golf club, the second team were putting together crockery packs and the final team were putting together sheet sets. RCS members, along with our AG Cheryl Nash (regular volunteer from Thursdays), steered the activities and all had a fun evening chatting and working alongside these young adults. Such a worthwhile club activity! Many hands make light work as they say. Visit the 1st Caroline Springs Scout group on facebook here. To find out more and how you can give back to your community, contact Kathy / Ronald at rotarycarolinesprings@ Click on read more to see photos. |
Modeina Jungle Jam : A Community Affair |
Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI)Bookings now open for RLI April - Saturday 6, Sunday 21, and Saturday 27. Each session starting at 10am and goes for 1.5 hours. Simply email Jane Pennington to reserve your spot before it books out. 😀 This course is perfect for Presidents-elect and any members who want to learn more about Rotary. We prefer to call this course the 'Rotary Learning Institute'. |
Volunteering at WERNWestern Emergency Relief Network (WERN) was recently featured in the Melton & Moorabool 6 Feb Newsletter and are is looking for regular volunteers at their Ravenhall warehouse. Demand has more than tripled in the last eight years and its asking for extra support to help vulnerable members in the community. Click on "Read More" to view the full article.
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Empowering Woman with MoneyWomen's Connect Master ClassVenue - Lifestyle Deanside Join Julia Scott, founder of Love Luck Wealth, for a 90-minute workshop at Lifestyle Deanside! Discover how you can overcome money blocks, establish effective money systems, and cultivate confidence in building wealth. Gain insights and ask questions while working through financial tools and resources provided by Julia. 🗓 Thursday 22 February ⏰ 12pm to 2pm 📍Lifestyle Deanside Clubhouse, 85 Mushu Street, Deanside RSVP is essential as spaces are limited: https://bit.ly/3HDz6sW |
February is Peace building month"Peace is not the absence of conflict but the presence of creative alternatives for responding to conflict - alternatives to passive aggressive responses, alternatives to violence." - Dorothy Thompson To find out more about what Rotary does to build peace DM us. Tell us in the comments below your thoughts about peace. Imagine all the people's living life in peace - John Lennon |
Modeina Jungle JamSAVE THE DATE FOR MODEINA'S JUNGLE JAM!January 2024 in Events & Local Area SAVE THE DATE FOR JUNGLE BOOGIE FUN!! Modeina is hosting a Jungle Jam Summer Carnival and you're invited!! When: Friday 9th February, 6pm - 9pm Where: Montmarte Boulevard Reserve, Modeina
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Rotary D9800 Conference 2024 |
Community Service Award DinnerRotary Caroline Springs held a fundraising awards dinner on the 17 Nov 2023 at The Club, 1312 Western Highway, Caroline Springs where nominating organisations will have the opportunity to speak about their champion and acknowledge their contribution and achievement. The event was a success and $2400 raised has been donated to Movember The awards dinner focused on the theme "Healthy Men, Healthy World", in line with the Australian Men's Health Forum theme for International Men's Day. |
End Polio WalkFor more than 20 years Rotary Clubs around the world had been walking in the month of October to put an End to Polio.
Whilst Australia is considered free from polio, countries like Afghanistan and Pakistan still have to fight daily this disease. A simple vaccine has helped save many and eredicated polio in most countries except these two. The number of cases there had been reduced dramatically by the dedicated volunteers who often go through all sorts of weather and in poor conditions to give this life saving vaccine. Rotary Caroline Springs are proud to be part of this global movement and every little bit helps. World Polio day fell on 24 Oct but it's not too late to support us. To donate go to to https://www. Or click on the QR code below |
Tap of Kindness - Rotary Club's gift of care to Timor-LesteTap of kindness - Rotary club's gift of care to Timor-LesteArticle in Melton Moorabool StarWeekly digital edition 3 Oct 2023 Liaholiho School in the village of Afalocai. (Provided) Remote areas of Timor-Leste are getting improved access to clean water and working toilets thanks to a project managed by Rotary Club of Caroline Springs president Vijay Susarla. The project is being delivered through Rotary International’s water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) programs, in which Rotary’s people of action mobilise resources, form partnerships, and invest in infrastructure and training that yield long-term change.Since 2017, the Timor-Leste WASH project has delivered 62 water tanks and seven toilets.
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Why Peace !On the 6 Sept we listened to International Institue for Economic and Peace (IEP) Peace Ambassador and District 9800 Peace building chair, Gabe Hau tell us all about Peace in the world or the lack of it. Joining us a guests we had three members from the Caroline Springs RSL, Ken Whitham, Ross Wiltshire and Andy Marshall and Homecourt Nathan Peeters. In his presentation Gabe showed us the Global Peace Index 2023 and spoke about IEP who pioneers the research and insight for Peace. He gave us insight in Negative and Positive Peace and how Johan Galtung, a Norwegian sociologist who is often referred to as the father of peace studies, defined two concepts of peace that are used in this research: negative and positive peace. Installation of Peace Pole at Stevenvilles Primary - St Albans |
The Polio Plus SocietyIntroducingThe PolioPlus SocietyThe PolioPlus Society (PPS) ia a new fundraising and recognition program that specifically support PolioPlus. PPPS encourages Rotary members and others to pledge a least US$100 (A$165) per year to the PolioPlus Fund until polio is eradicated from the face of the earth. Rotary members and their friends who join the Society will be honored with a distinctive lapel pin and certificate, which will be presented at a special ceremony. Your contributions will count toward the Pal Harris Fellow recognition and Major Donor status and will be matched 2-to-1 by the Gates Foundation. The Society will be managed within D9800 by the D9800 Coordinator: To view the good works that the PolioPlus Society can achieve visit "The plus in PolioPlus" |
Beyond Water - Equip HerBeyond Water - Equip Her (by Sharon Crean)Recently I was in Northern Uganda where our team were building a block of toilets for the girls at a school. From around 1986 until 2008, the LRA (Lord’s Resistance Army) had wreaked havoc in the area. It became widely known for atrocities of war and the use of child soldiers. 1.5 million people were displaced. War always brings in an influx of international funds, emergency services and media. Once it ends, everyone leaves – especially support services. It is at this time that development needs to happen, but often doesn’t. It takes more than a generation or two to recover from war. Development is brought about by empowering children, most especially girls and providing them with the resources and support they need to thrive in their education. This is not only a matter of equity and justice but also a strategic investment in the future. Educated girls and women have the potential to positively impact families, communities, and societies in so many ways. Therefore, it is important to equip them and avail all the amenities they need to stay motivated to focus on developing themselves and blossoming them into impactful women in the society. We not only were able to give the school a second set of latrines but also reconstruct the shower block for the girls. Now they have privacy and dignity when bathing and toilets that are clean and usable. Development takes time. Development takes money. Development transforms communities. Development leads to self - sufficiency. Thank you to our donors who make our work in recovering communities possible. We appreciate you all. Sharon Crean Global CEO |
Rotary Consortium Timor Leste WASH Project 2023The Timor Leste Rotary Consortium team - Vijay Susarla and Justine Paragreen are back visiting Timor-Leste, on a scoping trip for the next stage of our Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Project. As part of this scoping trip for the next stage of the Timor Leste Rotary Consortium WASH Project, we’ve been undertaking due diligence and assessing potential sites for toilet blocks and water tanks in several villages, such as Triloka as the project expands into the Manatuto and Vikeke Districts. Here’s a map location of where we are, if anyone’s in the area? |
Deepti Alurkar - The Conversation HourIt's always a pleasure to have Deepti Alurkar from the Multicultural Association of Community Empowerment Inc.Mums Club (MDC). Deepti is a frequent speaker on ABC - The Conversation Hour. so when I heard her speaking to Richelle Hunt on migration and the assimilation into Australian culture, I just had to ask her to tell her story to us. She is always honoured and privileged to get invited to speak on ABC by Richelle Hunt to give her point of view on the conversation hour. You can listen to Richelle, speaking to Deepti on the conversaiton hour here. This was her second time speaking at our club. The last time was to raise funds to feed those in India. We are proud to say that through her efforts, combined with the Rotary Club of Bombay Calculatta (Kolkata) and Rotary Caroline Springs we raised 75,000 meals to feed the hungry during Covid. Rotary does indeed connect. For more on this please Click on "Read more" to view the full article. |
Four Way Test |
Speaker - African Youth InitiativeAt our meeting on the 16 Aug held at the Club in Caroline Springs we invited Robiel Abraham to speak about the African Youth Initiative (A.Y.I). Robiel is the co-founder and chief executive of A.Y.I whom have recently been awarded a $150,000 government grant to support their initiatives in Melton and across the West. He gave a very inspiring talk on what they have achieved in helping young Africans make an positive impact on society. Since 2020 they help and aspire young Africans through "Weekly Mentoring Program", the "African Aspire Program" in schools and to come and "United Families Forum". |
Induction - Ralph LiewOn 16 Aug 2023 we welcomed Ralph Liew to Rotary Caroline Springs. Ralph, a resident in Caroline Springs from Malaysia, brings with him a wealth of experience in Rotary. Originally a Rotarian from the Rotary Club of Pudu in Kuala Lumpur, Ralph and his family now call Australia home and we are proud to have him join us as a member. One of Ralph's projects will be championing "Rotary Interact" within our local schools to get students to be more involved in our community. He is keen to get this started and share his knowledge and mentorship to the students. The benefits of Rotary Interact are:
Let us welcome Ralph to Rotary Caroline springs. We meet at Western Emergency Relief Network, 23 Westwood Drive Ravenhall Vic 3023 most Wednesdays from 7pm in person and on zoom. To find out more about "Rotary Interact" or to volunteer contact Rotary Caroline Springs via email at rotarycarolinesprings@gmail. |
BusyFeet featured in Star News WeeklyRecently BusyFeet Melton was featured in the 8 Aug in Star News Weekly. BusyFeet is a dance and movement activity for children with intellectual and physical disabilities, aged 6 to16 years. The participants will experience happiness, and develop more self confidence, through the movement of dance. This program provides these kids great enjoyment and as we all know eneryone likes to dance and sing. They are currently dancing at Brookside Community Centre, 17 Federation Way, Caroline Springs at 10.45 for registration, thereafter from 11am to 12 pm for dance. If you know of any children or volunteers who would like to join us please contact Nilda Escalante. Contact: Nilda - 0438594929 BusyfeetMelton@hotmail.com Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/BusyFeetMelton |
Rotary Caroline Springs in Community newsAlways good to have your club featured in the local newspapers. In the Aug 23 Caroline Springs Community news and in the Star Weekly our changeover was featured with the vision of incoming President Vijay Sursala for our Club. The new theme for the year is Create Hope in the World as we move towards eradicating Polio. This being only one of the many programs of Rotary International. |
Ryan Baker (CFA) - Guest SpeakerAt the meeting on 26 July we had our guest speaker from the CFA Ryan Baker (Community Safety Coordinator) join us to tell us a little about the Carolines Springs CFA and the work that they do within the community. Little did we know that Caroline Springs is now home to 75,000 residents and rising. Within 5 years this is expected to grow by another 30,000 residents at least. The brigade comprising of some 40 volunteers, more is needed, cover an area of 75 square kilometres working in conjunction with Fire Rescue Victoria. Their response time is around 4 minutes and on scene a minute later. What plays a big part of what the CFA does, is not only responding to emergencies but education through schools, visits and just their general presence within the community. We are grateful to have these amazing men and women within our community keeping us safe. Thank you Ryan for keeping us informed. Let's give a round of applause to our amazing volunteers. The empty chairs are for new members. |
Rotary Caroline Springs Changeover 2023On Friday 21 July Rotary Caroline Springs had their changeover at the Club Caroline Springs, where outgoing President Ronald Moss handed over to President Elect Vijay Susarla. Vijay Susarla will be the President of Rotary Caroline Springs (RCS) in 2023-2024. We celebrated the year that was 2022-2023 and wished Vijay Susarla all the best in his year 2023-2024. It was a well attended celebration of the year where we "Imagine" what Rotary could do to the new theme for 2023-2024, "Create Hope in the World." As a local community service organisation RCS celebration was attended by local MP Steve McGhie, local councillors - Mayor Lara Carli, Deputy Mayor Julie Shannon, Cr Steve Abboushi and Cr Bob Turner and esteemed guests. Thank you to everyone for being a part of our celebration. To find out more about Rotary and what we do, email us at rotarycarolinesprings@gmail. |
Changeover 2023 - The year that was.On the 21 July 2023 my year as President of Rotary Caroline Springs ended. I handed over the reins to long standing Rotarian Vijay Susarla as President for 2023-2024. In his year he plans to "Create Hope in the World." The theme that incoming Rotary International President Gordon McNally will champion. We are already doing much in Timor Leste and in Kenya with supporting the need for valuable life giving water and education. Including local programs like Wynspeak and connecting with local community groups. We plan to do more such activities in supporting mental health and with the help of Rotary Safe Families more in keeping familes safe from violence within the home. Peace must begin in the home. The theme for my year was "Imagine." Together with Rotary International President Jennifer Jones and our very own District Governor Amanda Wendt we have achieved a lot in their year. Especially in the space of Eradicating Polio and providing meals for those in need. I imagined what it would be like if we increased our visibility within the community and I like to think that we did. To get more volunteers to engage with the community. Attached is a snippet of my year. If you like to volunteer or join us email: Rotarycarolinesprings@gmail.com |
End polio Walk NowMelbourne is renowned for its beautiful parks, gardens and walking trails. Join us on the afternoon of Friday 26 May to enjoy an easy walk from Federation Square, in the centre of the city, along the magnificent St Kilda Road boulevard, past many of the city’s finest landmarks, to reach the Rotary Peace Park. The 2.5 km (1.5 mile) Walk will enable us to raise awareness of Rotary’s number one humanitarian priority – the global eradication of poliomyelitis. Don’t forget to bring your red End Polio Now shirt. Photo opportunities will abound. |
Bella FootprintsMelton Rotary Club recently hosted a special buest speaker which Vijay Sursala (Rotary Caroline Springs) attended. (Exract from Melton Rotary Club Bulleti) Allison Rees is spreading the word about the danger of button batteries being swallowed by children. Her little daughter Isabella was 14 months old when she swallowed a button battery. After 19 days and several GP and hospital visits she died from chemical burns which finally ate through her aorta. Allison asked herself how she could not know that this could happen. Where did it come from? She searched for a missing battery and couldn’t find one. She had trouble accepting that she didn’t know. Shouldn’t she have known the signs and symptoms? She’d never heard of button battery injury. |
Rotary Gala DinnerLet's celebrate our amazing year of Imagining Rotary and International Convention Melbourne at our very own Rotary Gala Dinner, where we will welcome our very special guests Rotary International President Jennifer Jones and Lord Mayor Sally Capp. I'm alsoexcited to share that Rotary International President-Elect Gordon McInally and Rotary International President-Nominee Stephanie Urchick, and many more visiting Rotary leaders will be joining us. This is an incredibly rare opportunity for us all to celebrate with Rotary's current and future senior international leadership at our very own event, a special edition of District Conference dinner for the year the International Convention is in Melbourne. Melbourne’s iconic Plaza Ballroom is the ideal venue for this once-in-a-lifetime evening, serenaded by the legendary singer-songwriter Jack Jones, and compelled to the dancefloor by the energetic Baker Boys dance band. Event proceeds will be donated to The Rotary Foundation. Tickets close Tuesday 16 May 2023, so be sure to book your club’s tables, or individual tickets now. |
ForAMealGet behind Big Difference to help make an even bigger differenceHelp assemble 100,000 FORaMEAL emergency relief meals for people affected by disaster in Ukraine, Turkey, and SyriaRotary District 9800’s Big Difference is hosting 1,000+ volunteers at Fed Square on Saturday 27 May between 10am and 4pm to assemble FORaMEAL emergency relief meals made up of long-lasting ingredients such as rice, lentils, oats, and essential nutrients for people in need. It’s an easy way to improve lives and do good in the world, with no experience or skills required, and participation is free! Volunteers can select all the one-hour shifts that suit between 10am and 4pm. Ingredients, equipment, and sanitary gloves and hairwear are all provided. Big Difference is undercover, outdoors, so dress for the weather, including comfortable shoes. Here’s how you and your club can help
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Wynspeak 2023WYNSPEAK, a youth public speaking competition for secondary school students in the Western Suburbs of Melbourne, was established to provide students with an opportunity to practice and test their public speaking skills in front of a live audience. Through this comprehensive program students develop a skill for life. Since the inauguration of Wynspeak, over 1000 students have participated. The competition is designed for secondary students who:
As a joint project between Hoppers Crossing Apex and the Rotary Club of Hoppers Crossing, WYNSPEAK has also partnered with the Rotary Clubs of Altona City, Caroline Springs and Melton. Local Toastmasters Clubs provide support with adjudication.
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East Timor Presentation - TABCORPWe had a wonderful meeting with the Melton RC last night. Vijay, John and Justine gave an amazing overview of the East Timor water tanks and WASH project. The Melton RC members hospitality was amazing and we had a good time sharing a meal and stories with all the members. We must do more of having meetings within our cluster RC and beyond. Vijay Susarla, Justine Paragreen and John Walmsley with Chairman Dickson Our guest speakers gave a very inspiring presentation about Timor Rotary Consortium (the following information is taken from District 9800 website) |
April 19 marks the 155th Anniversary of our Founder's Birth |
Give Small Lives big Hope - Children First FoundationJessica Redwood, Chief Executive Officer, Children First Foundation Jessica spoke via zoom at our club on the 8 March on the support that they provide to giving small lives big hope. Below is a bio of Jessica and the important role that the foundation provides. The Children First Foundation Board welcomed Jessica to this role in 2021 at the height of COVID. Despite this, at Children First, she has successfully increased the care and life-changing surgery provided to children from developing countries. She has expanded the organisations’ provision of surgery in Australia and overseas, as well as launched two new programs, one to provide follow-up support to children after care (the Back Home Support Program) and one to address the underlying barriers to children accessing safe and quality care in their home country (the Today Tomorrow Project). Most of all, she is excited to partner with exceptional supporters like you to ensure all children can access medical care when they need it most, regardless of where they were born! Prior to her role at Children First, she led the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons charity arm, where she also worked toward ensuring equitable access to surgical care. She supported Indigenous and global health and grew the organisation to be the second-largest surgical education and research funder worldwide. Jessica has also worked in leadership roles with International Social Service Australia, Amnesty International, Save the Children Fiji, UNICEF and others. Besides being a proud Mum of two, Jessica has an MBA, has studied disruptive strategy at Harvard Business School, is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and is a Board member of Netball Australia’s Confident Girls Foundation. |
Visit to Donations in Kind - FootscrayOn the 18 March the Rotary Club of Caroline Springs members visited DIK ( Donations In Kind) Open Day. Our Rotarians learned about the Center and how these donations benefit developing countries like Africa, Pacific Island nations, Asia and Asean to name a few. Goods like (new) clothings, medical supplies like masks, gloves, wheel chairs, hospital equipment like beds, medical machines, surgical instruments, operation theatre garments, educational materials, household goods like refrigerators, bicycles, tables, chairs, dinning sets etc etc are donated and shipped to those in need. |
Lions Club 3rd Annual Music and Picnic FestivalWe are proud to have supported the Lions Club of Taylors Lake third Annual Music and Picnic Festival held a Linear Park off Chichester Drive Taylors Lake. It was a cool and cloudy day but the crowds came nevertheless. Whilst the Lions Club cooked BBQ Sausgages, we served Bacon and Eggs on Rolls. The Annual Free community event to raise funds and awareness about the Lions Club and Rotary Caroline Springs was a successful fun filled day, where everyone that came enjoyed the music and just catching up with family and friends. Keep a look out for it next year. |
Your Hands are my HandsOlga of Melton Rotary on attending the Rotary International Convention. Thank you Olga for your insight. It makes me proud to be a Rotarian and a Volunteer. Below is Olga's talk at that meeting on the International Convention to be held in May 2023 in Melbourne Olga has been involved with Rotary International for 36 years. The first ten years were supporting PDG Vance. In those days Rotary Clubs only had male members and wives supported their husbands. Olga attended 6 International Conferences. The most important part was the House of Friendship which featured all Rotary programs and countries. In those days $50 would build a clean water well for a village. Everyone was proud to be a member of an international group which was the largest service organisation recognised by the United Nations. Olga gave some very interesting insights into the value of the interactions at each Convention. At the 100th Anniversary of Rotary a young lady of Turkish descendant, holding a parasol, stood to address the assembled members. She wore her national costume proudly. She had sat in darkness for most of her life, she had no education and was disabled. Rotary provided her with a computer which opened up the world for her. It taught her that there were other girls in other villages who were like her. Rotary provided her with artificial limbs and she explained that before those limbs were provided there was no way she could have held a parasol, walked to the podium or stood in front of an audience. “Your Hands are My Hands” are the most moving words you will ever hear. “Your Hands are My Hands”. Its not to late to ba a part of that Convention. Thank you Olga Ronald - Rotary Caroline Springs |
District Assembly @ Jasper Hotel |
Phoenix Rover Scouts Volunteer @ WERNBIG THANK YOU AND SHOUT OUT to the Rover Crew and Leader Claire for joining with Rotary Caroline Springs Wednesday night for our latest Working Bee. Good to have extra help supporting those in crisis and the generosity of the Crew with their time and willingness was much appreciated. Looking forward to our next Working Bee to play some more catchup. If you're interested in volunteering with a great, fun team please contact us to find out how. |
Clean Up Australia DayIt was a great Sunday out for our members on 1 March 2023 for our Annual Clean Up Australia Day event. If you missed us you can still donate to our event on the link below. Thank you for your support.
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Bunnings Caroline Springs BBQAt our last BBQ we had some new volunteers at our BBQ. What a great way to volunteer your time and raise funds for the local community. Thanks for your help John, Hamdi and Riyyan. Our Next BBQ is on 30 April 2023. Come and Grab a snag. |
Tabz Graham InductionOn the 7 Dec 2022 at the Club Caroline Springs we welcomed Rotarian Tabz Graham into our family at Rotary Caroline Springs. Its was a simple ceremony and we wish Tabz all the best in her journey as a Rotarian. She will be guided on this journey by her mentor Wendy Gadsby. Thank you Tabz for volunteering. I am sure that you will find it a rewarding experience. Join us in welcoming her in the comments below. |
Kyebe Maternity Clinic - UgandaAt our last speaker meeting, Matthew Proctor gave us a good insight into the plight of the Kyebe Maternity Clinic in Uganda. Kyebe Maternity Clinic is located in the Kyebe Sub-County, Kyotera District, Uganda. The facility was established in the 1950’s to meet the medical needs of the local community. The Rotary Club of Gaba, Uganda, have produced an introductory video for this project. Matthew is seeking assistance and funding to bring the clinic up to a decent standard that can assist not just with regards to woman giving birth but for all other woman's health. |
Lift the lid on Mental illnessLet’s Lift the Lid on Mental Health with Australian Rotary HealthOctober is Mental Health month and World Mental Health Day, October 10th, is approaching fast. Each year, Rotarians and friends make an amazing contribution to raising funds for much needed mental health research through Australian Rotary Health (ARH). From 2022, the focus is on improving the mental health of children 0-12 years old. |
From the Presidents Desk 27 Sept 2022Well Spring has certainly settled in and all the flowers are blooming and the bees are buzzing. The year 2022 is fast approaching to a close with only 3 more months to go. We have had a somewhat busy month in September. Starting off with David Curnow speaking on the “The Psychology of Embezzlement”. The week after that we had a successful and fun filled joint meetings with Rotary Club of Hopper Crossing and APEX at WERN. Our raffle raised $160, and we have jointly agreed to bump that up to $500 to donate to the Olivia Newton John Foundation. The members from Hoppers Crossing gave us a good overview of the projects that they have run over time to raise funds and support the communities here and overseas. Our members too spoke of the projects that we have had and our future plans. Amanda from APEX gave us a good insight into what her club actively involved in, such as Wynspeak, doing and that they will be doing the Christmas Tree sales again this year.
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Bacchus Marsh RC Host Cluster meeting |
Busy Feet Concert - Melton Community HallDear Friends of BusyFeet Melton, you are all invited to join us in celebrating a wonderful year back at BusyFeet. We would love to see old and new friends celebrating with us. For more details contact us on the details below. Come and join us. |
Portland Community Garden!Welcome to the Portland Community Garden. Thank you to all the contributors, sponsors, members and supporters who have made this one of the great community gardens in Australia. If you've never visited us, come down a have a look around and buy some of our beautiful natural produce. Watch the video to find out more and if your down that area. Do come by and get some natural produce. |
From the President Desk Sept 2022I cannot believe that we are now two months into the Rotary Calender year of 2022-23. Where have the months gone. Whilst I have been tending to family matters in Singapore, other members have been busy just keeping things going and continue to raise awareness of our Rotary Club and what it means to volunteer and be a part of 1.4 million Rotarians serving our communities. In the last few months our members have planted more than 500 trees, contributing to the many Rotary clubs that planted over 11,000 trees in various locations around D9800. We have had speakers talk about Police dogs, Belonging Matters and an important update on the East Timor Project by the Rotary consortium. We donated to Beyond Water for vital water projects in Africa. We had two successful Bunnings Caroline Springs BBQs to feed the hungry Bunnings shoppers. We participated in an Information stand at Bunnings Caroline Springs showing our Rotary story and what being a Rotarian volunteer is all about. Thank you for the cool cookies Vicky, they were much appreciated. We also sold a few of our lovely handmade beanies made by Molly Miller. On a lighter note, one of our volunteer member, Nivi had a much needed break and visited her family and friends back in India. By the photos she has been posting, looks like she had a great time. Glad you enjoyed yourself Nivi. |
Rotary Caroline Springs Bunnings Community StandIt was good day on 27 August at the local CS Bunnings and a great chance to say hi to the local community. Giveaways included tasty cookies made by Vicky Rogers from Suga & Spice for the cool cookies were very much appreciated. We also sold a few of our lovely handmade beanies by Molly Miller. Thanks to our volunteers who were able to help out that day, including Nilda Escalante, David and Kathy Hall, Wendy Gadsby Thanks especially to all that stopped by and said hello. This is what Hands on Volunteering is all about. To find out more email us on rotarycarolinesprings@gmail.com Click Read More for more photos. |
Update on Timor Leste Rotary Project"We were fortunate hearing a wonderful presentation on Water, Sanitation and Hand washing (WASH) project, by Ms Leopoldina (Leo) who is the Local Project Coordinator and lives in Baguia in Timor Leste. Leo has been assisting in the implementation of three projects including a Global Grant project since 2017, and ably assisting our John Walmsley and Vijay Susarla, our Project Coordinators from RC Camberwell and RC Caroline Springs respectively. Many thanks to Leo for presenting the projects on Timor Leste Zoom to our club with Bob Glindemann and Martin Farrugia on dialing in from Timor Leste. On the update via zoom were Ms Leo, Bob Glindemann (DIK) and Marting Farrugia (Melton RC) Baguia is about 3 to 4 hrs drive from Dili - Timore Leste to Baguia - Timore Leste. |
From the President Desk 15 Aug 2022It's been a very busy month for our club and myself and I wanted to thank all the members for their incredible support and fellowship. My year began with our club Changeover on 1 July at WestWaters Hotel in Caroline Springs, which was a success with so many attending from our community. But the month and a half has certainly flown by quickly for me especially on a personal front . I have been away in Singapore visiting family since the 14 July and returned to Melbourne on 6 Aug. There is a saying that we have from Singapore, when one thing happens everything else happens too. It could not be a truer saying. My 94 year old father had been in hospital after a fall since July 8, hence why I went to Singapore to be with him. The good news is that he is now home but still not out of the woods as he is very weak. My 91 year old mother last week caught Covid and had to be hospitalized for a week in a Covid isolation ward. She has thank fully recovered some what and is now home too. Nothing like being in your own home to recover. I chat with them daily. As for me, on my return to Melbourne I tested positive for Covid just as I was about to start training for a new job. Needless to say it has been a trying month for me personally. Certainly not how I expected to start my time as President of Rotary Caroline Springs. |
Rotary Caroline Springs BBQ @ BunningsCome and grab a delicious sausage on bread at Bunnings Caroline Springs cooked by volunteers of Rotary Caroline Springs. Top it up with mustard, ketchup and onions and warm up. All proceeds go towards support for your local community. We are there from 9am to 4pm, so come on down.
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National Tree Planting Day - 31 July 2022Thank you to the 30 Volunteers that joined us on the 31 July. Great team work by RCS & the many hands on volunteers Thanks for the support to everyone who pitched in and helped. Despite the freezing weather we had around 30+ helpers and council estimated we planted about 500 trees.. regardless of the numbers it was a great effort. The trees were planted at 9 Boronia Drive Hillside VIC 3037 Click read more to view the photos of that day. |
Belonging MattersAt our last meeting on 6 July at Western Emergency Relief Network (WERN) our guest speaker was Pat Wilson who gave a presentation on Belonging Matters. Joining us were some members from the Rotary Club of Bacchus Marsh. It was an inspiring presentation by Pat Wilson.
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Meet Rotary International President - Jennifer JonesRotary International President Jennifer Jones has hit the ground running as she takes office on 1st July as the first female president in Rotary history. Find out about her Presidential Initiatives here. |
New Member Induction - Vijay SusarlaOne of the highlights of our Rotary Caroline Springs changeover on the 1 July 2022 was the induction of a new member, Vijay Susarla. Vijay was inducted by our very own John Gregory and Past President Kathy Hall. |
Volunteer at WERNDear WERN Supporters, A BIG THANK YOU what you have done and are doing in support of WERN. Our new purpose-built warehouse is quickly becoming like home and getting better organised by the day. With the expansion of our services WERN has several vacant volunteer roles and positions within our program. As current or past volunteers with WERN you are best placed to know what important work WERN does and if you could share this email to your clubs, networks and friends you would be assisting us greatly. Do you know someone wanting to make a major difference in people’s lives within our own community? WERN can provide that opportunity with just a little of their time. Your help in sharing the attached Vacancy Notices and flyers would assist greatly in helping WERN identify potential suitable volunteers and help grow our program even more. WERN has supported over 7,000 people in crisis and now has the opportunity to help even greater numbers with your help. Please don’t hesitate to contact me for further details. Warm Regards, Ross Butterworth Administration Manager, Western Emergency Relief Network (WERN) Rotary International District 9800 District Governor 2013-2014 23 Westwood Dve., RAVENHALL, VIC, 3023 M: 0411 228 311 | E: administration@wern.org For more of our story visit Western Emergency Relief Network (WERN) at: www.wern.org |
Welcome Alban Rebello - Rotary Club of AmbatturAt our last meeting we welcomed Rotarian (Rtn) Alban Rebello from the Rotary Club of Ambattur. Rtn Alban Rebello was the Past President from 1997 to 1998 Alban is visiting his daughter for several months and as a Past President of the Rotary Club of Ambattur was happy to catch up with a local Rotary Club in Caroline Springs. We were fortunate that he was able to join our meeting to also welcome our newest member Hid Khan. It made the ceremony that more special for Hid becoming a Rotarian.
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Our newest Rotarian - Hidayathullah KhanRotary Caroline Springs are proud to welcome our newest Rotarian Hidayathullah Khan to our service oriented club. Standing beside him are his lovely wife Aish and daughter Ayanna. Let us congratulate Hid. |
NEW RELIEF WAREHOUSE OPENS IN RAVENHALLMay 26 Melton Council Media Release A new purpose-built warehouse in Ravenhall will support the expansion of services offered by the Western Emergency Relief Network (WERN). WERN works to support people experiencing homelessness, mental health conditions, family violence, fire or flood situations, or those who are refugees, by supplying them with quality second-hand furniture, electronics, and whitegoods.
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Bunnings Caroline Springs Community EventMembers of Rotary Caroline Springs attended a regular Bunnings Community Event on the 18 May 2022 at Bunnings Caroline Springs. Attended by Lions Club Caroline Springs, Comm-Unity Plus (Previously known as Community West) Neighbourhood House (Deer Park), and Melton Square Dance Club the meet helped us understand some of the many groups in and around Caroline Springs. Bunnings Caroline springs recognises that 2020-21 has been challenging for our community groups and would like to provide you with an opportunity to reconnect.
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My First D9800 Conference (Albury)D9800 Conference in Albury Rotary Four Way Test
Being a first time attendee to a Rotary conference, I was impressed with the outstanding work that many Rotarians are doing in so many areas. Host Rotary Brighton did an outstanding job in organizing the conference. Four members from our club attended and were joined by Martin Farrugia from Melton Rotary. My wife and I carpooled with Nilda and together made our way to the conference. Kathy and David met us there. Nilda kept us entertained with her many years as a Rotarian and gave us valuable insight into the history of Rotary on our drive to Albury. She gave a some detailed knowledge of how Rotary commenced by Paul Harris and a few friends which became a worldwide movement today, serving to change lives. I truly understand now the meaning of the "Four Way Test" and what it means to be a Rotarian in the way we think, say or do. On the first day it was an honor to be welcomed to Wiradjuri country by the traditional smoke ceremony, then to visit see the many showcase displays of Rotary in Action that covered Community, the Rotary Foundation, Environment, International, Public Image, Vocational, Youth and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Click on the image below to listen to the Welcome to country. A smoking ceremony is an ancient aboriginal custom in Australia that involves burning various native plants to produce smoke, which has cleansing properties and the ability to ward off bad spirits from the people and the land and make pathway for a brighter future.
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Western Emergency Relief Network (WERN)Rotary Caroline Springs sponsored a family from interstate recently who had been staying with a relative in Melton for the past 6 weeks following their escape from domestic violence. The family recently managed to obtain private rental accommodation and contacted their local Rotary Club for assistance who referred them to WERN's Administration Team for support. Rotary Caroline Springs were happy to sponsor the family to WERN and within a few short days they have been able to access the WERN resources and furnish their new house with all items needed to recommence their lives again thanks to the generous support of WERN and our wonderful volunteers, great team effort from everyone. A message from the family: 'Thank you so much, my family were so grateful to have their own bed to sleep in last night, Mum was absolutely overwhelmed after a big day she had a huge smile and a few tears and was just so thrilled. Mum said, Wow! 'It just really feels like a home already'. WOW is right. Well done WERN, take a bow. All this while WERN is settling into its new home in Ravenhall compliments to the City of Melton and a BIG shout out for Council's support as it allows WERN to continue support local residents doing it tough but they don't have to do it alone. WERN has assisted over 7,500 local Australians across the west of Melbourne with over 65,000 items delivered since commencing in 2015. WERN is growing and needs your help to help others, if you can you fix a fridge, assist with our laundry and sorting activities, assist clients or complete administration tasks please consider volunteering, it is certainly rewarding and a lot of fun as well. If you have some spare time and would like to volunteer to change someone else's life or you wish to donate please give WERN a call on 8372 4110. Many hands make light work.
Ross Butterworth Administration Manager Western Emergency Relief Network (WERN) For more of our story visit Western Emergency Relief Network (WERN) at: www.wern.org<http://www.wern.o |
World Immunisation WeekThis week is World Immunization Week, Rotary Foundation are grateful that supporters in their Rotary Clubs support the work keep our communities healthy. We know that #VaccinesWork. Rotary members fight diseases such as malaria, COVID-19, and hepatitis — and have never been closer to ending polio. Since 1988, Rotary and their global partners in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative have achieved a 99.9% worldwide reduction in polio cases. In 2020, Africa was declared free of wild poliovirus, and today, cases in the remaining wild-polio endemic countries, Afghanistan and Pakistan, are at their lowest level in history. This is cause for cautious optimism, but before we can celebrate the end of polio, we must remain vigilant and continue to work to immunize up to 400 million children all over the world each year. |
WERN's New Home |
Rotary Foundation - UkraineThe Rotary Foundation creates channel for direct humanitarian support in Ukraine regionIn response to the deepening humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, Rotary International created an official channel for contributions to support the relief efforts underway by Rotary districts. In just a little over a week, Rotary members and donors around the world, have contributed over $2 million to Rotary’s disaster response fund. These donations are designated for immediate-use grants that support relief efforts in #Ukraine and surrounding regions. Rotary districts in and around Ukraine may apply for grants of up to $50,000 each. Learn more: https://on.rotary.org/3KiyhFt |
From the President Elect Desk (March 2022)
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December 2021 activities.We have indeed had a busy time spreading the Christmas Spirit and cheer this December: 1. Christmas Tree sales - Thank you to everyone that came and bought Christmas Trees from us or had them delivered on Dec 4-5 and Dec 11-12. We hope you enjoy the fresh pine scent of the real trees in your home. Your support gives us the necessary funds to give back to the community with projects that help support those in need of care and essential goods from Western Emergency Relief Network. Thank you especially to Your Property Agent (YPA) Caroline Springs real estate company for the excellent signage that helped attract you to our Christmas Tree sales. 2. Deanside Lifestyle Community Village Fair - 5 Dec. Below was our stand at the Fair to sell the famous Rotary Cakes and showcase Rotary Caroline Springs and Western Emergency Relief Network (WERN). The fair was also to showcase the vibrant community at the new Lifestyle Village and their facilities. We had the opportunity to meet the village local’s and others and sold out of our famous Rotary Christmas Cakes and pudding. Overall it was a great success. Thank you to everyone that stopped by and said hello. The village is located 21 Mushu St. Deanside just off Taylors Road. |
Winner 2021 Social Well being Award - Busy FeetBusyFeet Melton supported by Rotary Caroline Springs has just been announced the Winner of the Victorian Sustainability Award in the category of 'Social Well Being (Community).' Thank you so much to all of the volunteers and families who have given their time to bring joy to the special needs children and continue make this dance program so enjoyable every weekend. We at Rotary Caroline Springs love to see the smiles on the children as they show us their groovy moves. |
Meeting 1 Dec 2021What a joy it was again to meet face to face and share some fellowship and discuss how we as Rotarians are supporting the local community in Caroline Springs. At this meeting, we had a speaker who has just moved into the area and is part of the Rotary E-Club of Melbourne, Stephen Sennett. Stephen is the current secretary of the E-Club and couldn't pass up a chance to get to know the local clubs in the area and was invited to speak about the E-Club to us and the work that they do.
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W.E.R.N SEEKS YOUR ASSISTANCE The Western Emergency Relief Network (W.E.R.N) seeks your assistance due to unprecedented demand for household goods. W.E.R.N needs your help to help others. More than ever before, numbers of families in crisis are seeking your help and need material aid for household necessities you and I take for granted. |
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WERN September 2021 updateWelcome to another issue of WERN status updates. Over 7,000 people supported to date, over 57,000 items re-gifted and saved from landfill and our Clubs and Volunteers have put in over 17,200 hours to make it all happen. Thank you to all that have helped in any way over this journey, you have made a significant difference to people in crisis. WERN has never been busier than the last few weeks and if you can share our Story and let people know we need their furniture donations and their time if they have some spare, it will go a long way to putting a smile on somebody’s face. |
Welcome DG Dale HoyWhat a pleasure it was to have District Governor (DG) Dale Hoy and Assistant Governor (AG) Westside Cluster Michael Lapina join us on zoom on 6th Oct 2021 during our weekly Wednesday zoom meeting. |
Elder AbuseWhat is Elder Abuse? Elder abuse, a form of family violence, is the mistreatment of an older person by someone with whom the older person has a relationship of trust. This abuse can best be described as a controlling behaviour or action which frightens or intimidates its victims violating an older person’s basic right to feel safe. It may be physical, social, financial, psychological or sexual and can include mistreatment and neglect. Perpetrators of this kind of abuse can include a partner, family member, friend, carer or an older person experiencing cognitive decline who exhibits abusive behaviours toward an older carer or partner. Sometimes family, friends and carers may not know that their actions amount to elder abuse. |
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History and Meaning Rotary WheelA wheel has been the symbol of Rotary since our earliest days. The first design was made (1905) by Chicago Rotarian Montague Bear, an engraver who drew a simple wagon wheel, with a few lines to show dust and motion. The wheel was said to illustrate "Civilization, Movement and Service work in action." Most of the early clubs had some form of wagon wheel on their publications and letterheads. |
Rotary Walk to End PolioThe Rotary Walk With Us campaign throughout October is a fun way to raise awareness and funds to End Polio Now. Our team has nine walkers so far and we are looking for you to join us on Walk with Rotary Caroline Springs to End polio. There is still time to support us or someone who is walking, running, rolling. We have raised $673 of our target of $2000 so far. What a great way to get active as its so important at this time. Help us to achieve our target while doing what love to do. Walk. Be it walking by yourself, your family, your friends, your neighbours or just walking the dog. Get Involved. For the walkers the total distance you have set for the month is accumulated over the entire month of October. So, you can walk when, where and with whom you want in a COVID safe way. Check out the D9800 Leader Board. |
Meeting 15 SeptemberWe did not have a speaker this week, so what did we get up to. Well we caught up with each other, just to see what we had been up to since the last meeting. Sometimes it just good to catch up and ask R U Ok. We would love to meet in person but for now this is not possible due to the lockdown in Victoria. It was really good to see each other and say hi. Thank goodness for technology. |
Meeting 1 SeptWe had no speaker at this week's meeting. It was mostly a quick catch up to see how everyone was coping with the current lockdown affecting Caroline Springs and with our work life balance. We welcomed the following guests: Peter Schultheiss (former member retired) and Mukand El Kaushik. Kathy who chaired the meeting did the rounds asking everyone how they were and gave a rundown of the Westside Cluster meeting that she attended last week and how DG Dale Hoy will schedule a time to join in one of our meetings. Mukand introduced himself and spoke about how he came to be in Caroline Springs and his time in the Caroline Springs Senior's group. We spoke about Sandra Dunbar and if she had made it back to Melbourne. Peter told us about his round Australia bike ride adventure and how his bike had broken down after a 1000km. His motorbike is still stuck Interstate and yet to be loaded onto a truck to come back here and how he come home on a Lear jet back to Melbourne. It is currently in the safe hands or a Yamaha dealer waiting for Peter's instruction. Peter also mentioned how touched based with Donald Williams, a friend of Ronald, who has a similar motorbike interest. |
WERN's August 2021 NewsletterWestern Emergency Relief Network (WERN) has re-opened for business again (subject to current restrictions of course). QR Codes, sanitizer and wipes at the ready, WERN is up and about helping Australians in need again, albeit a 'Click and Collect’ basis at the moment reducing contact visits to WERN with a wonderful display of support from our ever-helpful Volunteers.
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Project 100 Bee Happy – AUS/NZ Rotary 100 years Centennial April 2021Installation of 100 Bee Hive boxes in the Moonee Valley region over the next 3-4 years to improve pollination in the area and celebrate Rotary Australia and New Zealand centennial 100 years event.Meetings have been held with the Strathmore Men’s Shed, Moonee Valley Council, East Keilor Rotary club and Bendigo Bank. The following progress is under way:
Funding of fabrication of Bee Hive boxes and training is to be arranged from the Moonee Valley Environmental Sustainability grants, Bendigo Bank donations and Essendon/East Keilor Rotary clubs. Other clubs in the area (ie Flemington, Brunswick etc) may also wish to join the project |
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Western Emergency Relief NetworkOUR PART FOR ROTARY DISTRICT D9800 Western Emergency Relief Network (WERN) provides emergency relief and assistance through supplying good quality second hand furniture, electronic and whitegoods, to people in need due to homelessness, mental health, family violence, refugee, fire or flood situations. The people assisted are those who have been identified to have an urgent need for material aid as a result of experiencing trauma or loss, where they have a need to move or perhaps cannot afford basic living requirements, where they are struggling to buy essentials such as furniture and other household goods. WERN manages a group of volunteers responsible for the collection, assessment, the repair and cleaning of donated goods. WERN facilitates the supply of all appropriate items to be available to individuals and families in need through our network of Member Welfare Agencies. With over 40 partner agencies and 220 accredited Case managers the WERN program is making a marked difference on the ground in assisting those in crisis. Rotary Clubs from Bacchus Marsh, Caroline Springs, Essendon North, Hoppers Crossing, Melton Valley, Werribee, Wyndham and Yarraville are taking a lead role in managing WERN to provide this service. The Program currently operates from a warehouse located in West Footscray. WERN is on target to having assisted over 600 families within our own community since inception. Area of Operations: The Municipal Councils in the WERN region are: Brimbank; Hobson’s Bay; Hume; Maribyrnong; Melton; Moonee Valley; Moorabool; Moreland and Wyndham. Program Representative: Tony Ebejer (Wyndham) |
Run for Rotary 2021In collaboration with Multicultural Association of Community Empowerment Inc (MACE), Rotary Caroline Springs has raised funds via their "Run For Rotary" fundraising. Dr Nivedita Nagarale with her husband and running mates have run a half marathon on the 19 June 2021 around Lake Caroline in Caroline Springs. Our Run for Rotary fundraising campaign has come to an end. Our club members are all super proud to let you know that together we have raised $2905 so far (towards our goal of $3000). Deepti Alurkar from Multicultural Association of Community Empowerment Inc, Kathy Hall our Rotary club president and Wendy Gadsby met to discuss the next steps of the campaign and also the results of the MACE fundraiser. Both are raising funds to go to Covid Relief in India / Feed the Hungry Campaign. Together these two campaigns are just shy of raising $6500 (only $218 to go.. how great is that)! What an amazing effort by all concerned. Together We Connect. |
Rotary’s Response to the 1918 Flu PandemicAn estimated 500 million people worldwide became infected. Many cities closed theaters and cinemas, and placed restrictions on public gatherings. Rotary clubs adjusted their activities while also helping the sick. This is how Rotary responded to the influenza pandemic that began in 1918 and came in three waves, lasting more than a year. The Rotary Club of Berkeley, California, USA, meets in John Hinkel Park during the 1918 flu pandemic. |
Rotary at the Start of the United NationsRotary and the United Nations have a shared history of working toward peace and addressing humanitarian issues around the world. During World War II, Rotary informed and educated members about the formation of the United Nations and the importance of planning for peace. Materials such as the booklet “From Here On!” and articles in The Rotarian helped members understand the UN before it was formally established and follow its work after its charter. Many countries were fighting the war when the term “United Nations” was first used officially in the 1942 “Declaration by United Nations.” The 26 nations that signed it pledged to uphold the ideals expressed by the United States and the United Kingdom the previous year of the common principles “on which they based their hopes for a better future for the world.”
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History of Women in RotaryWomen are active participants in Rotary, serving their communities in increasing numbers and serving in leadership positions in Rotary. The 1989 Council on Legislation vote to admit women into Rotary clubs worldwide remains a watershed moment in the history of Rotary. “My fellow delegates, I would like to remind you that the world of 1989 is very different to the world of 1905. I sincerely believe that Rotary has to adapt itself to a changing world,” said Frank J. Devlyn, who would go on to become RI president in 2000-01. The vote followed the decades-long efforts of men and women from all over the Rotary world to allow the admission of women into Rotary clubs, and several close votes at previous Council meetings.
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Young Inventor Eco-Friendly Bricks Come Full CircleEvery hero has an origin story. “I was 10 years old when the entire journey started,” explains Binish Desai. It began with a cartoon called Captain Planet, an animated TV series from the 1990s about an environmentalist with superpowers. Desai can still recite the show’s refrain: Captain Planet, he’s our hero / Gonna take pollution down to zero! “That tagline stuck in my mind,” he says. “I wanted to do something to help Captain Planet.” |
First Club in Philippines Opens Door to Rotary in AsiaIn early 1919, Rotarian Roger Pinneo of Seattle, Washington, USA, traveled to the Philippines to try to organize a Rotary club in Manila. Leon J. Lambert, a Manila business leader helped Pinneo establish the club. Several months later, on 1 June 1919, the Rotary Club of Manila was chartered and became the first Rotary club in Asia. The club would be the only one in the country for more than 12 years. Eventually, Manila club members organized Rotary clubs in the Philippine cities of Cebu (1932) and Iloilo (1933). Iloilo club members then started a club in Bacolod (1937), and Rotary continued to expand across the country. |
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