Melbourne 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.
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End polio Walk Now
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Ronald Moss
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2023-05-14 14:00:00Z |
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Melton 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.
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Bella Footprints
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Ronald Moss
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2023-05-13 14:00:00Z |
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 Let'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. Visit https://rotarygala.com.au
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Rotary Gala Dinner
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2023-05-13 14:00:00Z |
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 Get behind Big Difference to help make an even bigger difference Help assemble 100,000 FORaMEAL emergency relief meals for people affected by disaster in Ukraine, Turkey, and Syria Rotary 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- Register to help supervise volunteers on the day
- Encourage your club’s community supporters and partners to register their own teams of 24 volunteers
- Promote your club’s meaningful, hands on and convenient project alongside Big Difference
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ForAMeal
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Ronald Moss
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2023-05-13 14:00:00Z |
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WYNSPEAK, 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: Want to improve their public speaking skills. Want to test their public speaking ability against students from other schools. Want to compete for cash prizes and trophies for the best speakers.
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. - Student Nominations Due: 31 March 2023
- Round 1: Thur 27 April, Thomas Carr Catholic Regional College, 35 Thomas Carr Drive, Tarneit
- Round 2: Tue 2 May, Good News Lutheran College, 580 Tarneit Road, Tarneit
- Round 3: Thur 4 May, Altona Civic Theatre, Civic Parade, Altona
- Round 4: Tue 9 May, Hoppers Crossing Secondary College, 2 Fraser Street, Hoppers Crossing
- Round 5: Thur 11 May, Bacchus Marsh Grammar, 37 S Maddingley Rd, Bacchus Marsh
- Round 6: Tue 16 May, Mackillop Catholic Regional College, Russel Street, Werribee
- Round 7: Thur 18 May, Lakeview Senior College- Caroline Springs, College Road, Caroline Springs
- Round 8: Tue 23 May, Tarneit Senior College, 861 Leakes Road, Tarneit
- WYNSPEAK Final: Fri. 2 June, Thomas Carr College Performing Arts Centre, 35 Thomas Carr Drive, Tarneit
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Wynspeak 2023
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Ronald Moss
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2023-05-02 14:00:00Z |
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We 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)
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East Timor Presentation - TABCORP
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Ronald Moss
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2023-05-01 14:00:00Z |
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April 19 marks the 155th Anniversary of our Founder's Birth
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2023-04-08 14:00:00Z |
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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.
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Give Small Lives big Hope - Children First Foundation
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Ronald
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2023-04-03 14:00:00Z |
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On 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. Thank you Donations in Kind (DIK) for a great visit.
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Visit to Donations in Kind - Footscray
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2023-04-03 14:00:00Z |
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We 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.
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Lions Club 3rd Annual Music and Picnic Festival
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Ronald
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2023-04-03 14:00:00Z |
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Olga 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. Ronald - Rotary Caroline Springs
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Your Hands are my Hands
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2023-04-03 14:00:00Z |
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District Assembly @ Jasper Hotel
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2023-04-03 14:00:00Z |
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BIG 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.
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Phoenix Rover Scouts Volunteer @ WERN
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Ronald
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2023-04-03 14:00:00Z |
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It 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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Clean Up Australia Day
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Ronald Moss
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2023-02-28 13:00:00Z |
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At 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.
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Bunnings Caroline Springs BBQ
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Ronald Moss
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2023-02-17 13:00:00Z |
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On 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.
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Tabz Graham Induction
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RONALD MOSS
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2022-12-11 13:00:00Z |
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At 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.
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Kyebe Maternity Clinic - Uganda
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2022-10-04 13:00:00Z |
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Let’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.
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Lift the lid on Mental illness
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Ronald Moss
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2022-09-28 14:00:00Z |
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Well 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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From the Presidents Desk 27 Sept 2022
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2022-09-26 14:00:00Z |
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President Donna Martin introduced our current District 9800 Governor Amanda Wendt.
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Bacchus Marsh RC Host Cluster meeting
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2022-09-05 14:00:00Z |
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Dear 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.
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Busy Feet Concert - Melton Community Hall
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2022-09-04 14:00:00Z |
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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.
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Portland Community Garden!
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2022-09-04 14:00:00Z |
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I 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.
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From the President Desk Sept 2022
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2022-09-04 14:00:00Z |
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It 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 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.
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Rotary Caroline Springs Bunnings Community Stand
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2022-09-04 14:00:00Z |
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"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.
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Update on Timor Leste Rotary Project
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Ronald Moss
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2022-08-21 14:00:00Z |
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It'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.
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From the President Desk 15 Aug 2022
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Ronald Moss
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2022-08-13 14:00:00Z |
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Come 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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Rotary Caroline Springs BBQ @ Bunnings
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Ronald Moss
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2022-07-17 14:00:00Z |
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Thank 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.
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National Tree Planting Day - 31 July 2022
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Ronald Moss
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2022-07-17 14:00:00Z |
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At 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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Belonging Matters
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Ronald Moss
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2022-07-13 14:00:00Z |
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Rotary International President Jennifer Jones has hit the ground running as she takes office on 1st July as the first female president in Rotary history.
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Meet Rotary International President - Jennifer Jones
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Ronald Moss
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2022-07-13 14:00:00Z |
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One 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.
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New Member Induction - Vijay Susarla
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Ronald Moss
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2022-07-12 14:00:00Z |
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Dear 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 For more of our story visit Western Emergency Relief Network (WERN) at: www.wern.org
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Volunteer at WERN
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Ronald Moss
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2022-06-06 14:00:00Z |
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At 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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Welcome Alban Rebello - Rotary Club of Ambattur
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2022-06-05 14:00:00Z |
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Rotary 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.
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Our newest Rotarian - Hidayathullah Khan
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2022-05-31 14:00:00Z |
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May 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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NEW RELIEF WAREHOUSE OPENS IN RAVENHALL
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2022-05-30 14:00:00Z |
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Members 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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Bunnings Caroline Springs Community Event
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2022-05-17 14:00:00Z |
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D9800 Conference in Albury Rotary Four Way Test - Is it the Truth
- Is it Fair to all concerned
- Will it build Goodwill and better relationships
- Will it be beneficial to all concerned
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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My First D9800 Conference (Albury)
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2022-05-07 14:00:00Z |
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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.org>
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Western Emergency Relief Network (WERN)
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2022-05-07 14:00:00Z |
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This 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.
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World Immunisation Week
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Ronald Moss
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2022-04-27 14:00:00Z |
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WERN's New Home
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Ross Butterworth
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2022-03-25 13:00:00Z |
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The Rotary Foundation creates channel for direct humanitarian support in Ukraine region In 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.
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Rotary Foundation - Ukraine
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Ronald Moss
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2022-03-25 13:00:00Z |
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- Friday 25 Feb - Bowling - Members enjoyed a fun filled night showing off their skills at TenPin Bowling centre in Watergardens followed by fellowship dinner. A great night enjoyed by all that attended. John had some great moves, whilst Ross looked like a pro bowler. Everyone had some pretty good strikes.
- Wednesday 2nd March - Guest Speaker : We welcomed our guest speaker Una Hobday via Zoom to hear her presentation on the Food Plant Solutions project. Sharon Crean from BeyondWater joined us from Kenya to hear this presentation.
- Foods Plant Solutions create educational materials that explains what nutritional food is, why our bodies need it and how to grow and use it. They focus on what are often neglected and underutilized plants within a location through their detailed database, plants that are growing in and adapted to their environment, and are high in the most beneficial nutrients. Their materials are designed to empower people, but particularly women, so that they can make informed choices on what plants to grow and eat that will nutritiously feed themselves and their families. Project are cost effective, proven to work, sustainable and enables self-sufficiency. These projects can end malnutrition – it’s as simple as growing the right plant in the right place.
- Sunday 6 March - Clean up Australia: On the morning of the 6th of March, 8 club members from the Rotary Club of Caroline Springs braved the light drizzle and began collecting rubbish along the Springside Precinct, Becca Way, Caroline Springs. The cool overcast day did not stop them from collecting 12 bags of rubbish, along with four car tyres and several other bulky items. So much rubbish in such a small place.
Thank you, Melton Council, for providing a fruit hamper for refreshments. Let’s all play our part in keeping Australia clean every day. Photos can be viewed on our Instagram and Facebook pages.
- Members ended the day with a Movie night screening "The Duke" at the Sun Theatre Yarraville which was enjoyed by all who attended. As the fundraising was to End Polio, Rotary Club Altona gave recognition of part of the proceeds from the movie fundraiser to all clubs that attended via the Rotary Foundation. Those that could met for fellowship dinner after the movie, with Nivi's guests joining us. There was lots of light bantar and much laughter not to mention we all enjoyed the food and drinks at the Yarra Lounge - Yarraville which serves excellent tapas and other meals.
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From the President Elect Desk (March 2022)
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Ronald Moss
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2022-03-25 13:00:00Z |
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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.
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December 2021 activities.
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2021-12-01 13:00:00Z |
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BusyFeet 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.
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Winner 2021 Social Well being Award - Busy Feet
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2021-12-01 13:00:00Z |
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What 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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Meeting 1 Dec 2021
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2021-12-01 13:00:00Z |
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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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W.E.R.N SEEKS YOUR ASSISTANCE
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2021-11-14 13:00:00Z |
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WERN - Sustainable Cities Community Finalist Awards 2021
Western Emergency Relief Network (WERN)WERN, located in Ravenhall, is a Rotary program with a catchment across north and west of Melbourne. WERN supplies good quality second-hand furniture, electronics and whitegoods to people in need without charge. Those assisted are identified as having urgent needs as a result of trauma, loss or being unable to afford basic living items. They include individuals experiencing long-term illness, unemployment, loss of home and belongings through fire, domestic violence, lack of family support, homelessness or a refugee status. Winners to be announced 2nd December. 
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WERN - Sustainable Cities Community Finalist Awards 2021
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2021-10-30 13:00:00Z |
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Portland Community Garden
Speaker Wayne BarrettPDG (2005 - 2006) Rotary Club of Portland Inc District 9780 President Portland Community Garden (PCG) Inc The current community garden is built on 2 acres of land owned by Dhauwurd Wurrung Elderly and Community Health Service and land we also lease from the Glenelg Shire since 2013. It has since expanded to about 3 1/2 acres of land. It proved to be bigger than what they initially intended it to be. Portland is situated on the coast in the western districts of Victoria and a population of approximately 10,000 people. The (PCG) is located in the centre of Portland at 81 Henty Street.
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Portland Community Garden
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2021-10-26 13:00:00Z |
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Beyond Water
Speaker Sharon and Pete CreanWhat a pleasure it was to have Rotarians Sharon and Pete Crean from Beyond Water speak at our last meeting on 20 Oct 2021 about what they do to provide much needed water and essential services for East Africa. Water is such a precious commodity in these areas and a key aspect for BeyondWater is to teach that clean Water matters. Not just for drinking but for washing and to prevent disease. BeyondWater is a not-for-profit organization working across East Africa. Our focus is on ensuring schools, medical clinics, children's home and remote communities have access to safe, clean drinking water and sanitation facilities.' These include deep bore wells, guttering, water tanks, hand washing facilities, toilets and health education programmes. BeyondWater is registered as a trust both in New Zealand and Kenya, and as a charity in Australia.
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Beyond Water
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2021-10-26 13:00:00Z |
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Run for Rotary - Feed the Hungry
Speaker Deepti Alurkar On 29th April 2021, Deepti Alurkar of Multicultural Association of Community Empowerment Inc. (M.A.C.E) went live on Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) Radio Melbourne, conversation hour. She talked with host Richelle Hunt about the escalating Covid-19 Pandemic situation in Bombay India and the aid that Australians can provide to the people of India. Did you know that Victoria is home to the largest Indian community in in Australia? Well, we did not. Through ABC Radio Melbourne, RCS got to listen to stories of many local Victorians, their families and friends about the impact of the pandemic in India at that time. You can listen to the reply here. In May, we invited Deepti to speak at our meeting about the growing impact of the pandemic situation in Bombay India. She informed us that more and more people were going without food due to lockdowns, job losses and business closures. Some members in our Rotary club and many within our local communities have family and friends affected by the pandemic. India too was calling for Global support to help with the rapidly deteriorating situation. This led to the Rotary Club Bombay Central (RCBC) requesting with Deepti assistance from RCS, help to raise funds for ventilators, food and other basic items for those in need. After much discussion with club members, the “Run for Rotary – Feed the Hungry” project was born. 
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Run for Rotary - Feed the Hungry
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2021-10-25 13:00:00Z |
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WERN September 2021 update
Welcome 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.
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WERN September 2021 update
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2021-10-24 13:00:00Z |
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Welcome DG Dale Hoy
What 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.
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Welcome DG Dale Hoy
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2021-10-11 13:00:00Z |
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Elder Abuse
What 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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Elder Abuse
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2021-10-10 13:00:00Z |
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Lift the Lid on Mental Health

WE ALL HAVE SOMEONE TO WALK FOR!The statistics are alarming and more than ever we need your help to make a difference!“LIFT THE LID WALK for Mental Health” will raise much needed funds for mental illness research by Australian Rotary Health (ARH). Funded almost exclusively by Rotary Clubs and Rotarians around Australia, ARH are one of the largest independent mental health research funders having contributed more than $40m to Mental Health Research over the years. To find out more Click here: Lift the Lid on Mental Health
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Lift the Lid on Mental Health
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2021-10-01 14:00:00Z |
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History and Meaning Rotary Wheel
A 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.
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History and Meaning Rotary Wheel
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2021-09-20 14:00:00Z |
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Walk to End Polio
Rotary Walk to End Polio
The 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.
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Walk to End Polio
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2021-09-19 14:00:00Z |
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Meeting 15 September
We 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.
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Meeting 15 September
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2021-09-14 14:00:00Z |
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Meeting 1 Sept
We 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.
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Meeting 1 Sept
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2021-08-31 14:00:00Z |
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WERN's August 2021 Newsletter
Western 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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WERN's August 2021 Newsletter
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2021-08-26 14:00:00Z |
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Project 100 Bee Happy – AUS/NZ Rotary 100 years Centennial April 2021
Installation 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: - Strathmore Mens Shed will fabricate the Bee-Hive boxes and materials and methodology are in progress.
- It is proposed to fabricate 10 Bee Hive boxes before April and then organise media release of Project Bee Happy with the AUSNZ Rotary 100 year centennial celebration and pollination benefits to the Moonee Valley area. This will be a 3-4 year project to complete the overall 100 Bee Hive boxes.
- Installation location of the Bee Hive boxes will be Moonee Valley building, other appropriate facilities and Rotarian homes.
- Three local beekeepers will support all the installed Bee Hives as well as assist the Moonee Valley council with reported Bee Swarms concerns by residents. Arrangements will be made with the local beekeepers for share of the honey produced and surplus honey will be sold at local Moonee Valley markets as a fundraiser.
- Bee Hive Keeping Training will be organised for interested parties.
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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Project 100 Bee Happy – AUS/NZ Rotary 100 years Centennial April 2021
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Andrew Panjkov
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2021-08-17 14:00:00Z |
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#RCE,#beehappy,#bees,#biodiversity,#pollination,#rotaryclubessendon #project100beehappy |
Rotary Volunteers
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Rotary Volunteers
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Ronald Moss
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2021-07-30 14:00:00Z |
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what rotary does
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what rotary does
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Ronald Moss
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2021-07-30 14:00:00Z |
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Western Emergency Relief Network
OUR 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)
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Western Emergency Relief Network
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2021-07-19 14:00:00Z |
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Run for Rotary 2021
In 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.
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Run for Rotary 2021
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Ronald Moss
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2021-07-19 14:00:00Z |
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Rotary’s Response to the 1918 Flu Pandemic
An 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.
Photo by Edwin J. McCullagh, 1931-32 club president. Courtesy of the Rotary Club of Berkeley.
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Rotary’s Response to the 1918 Flu Pandemic
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2020-11-05 06:00:00Z |
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Rotary at the Start of the United Nations
Rotary 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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Rotary at the Start of the United Nations
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2020-11-05 06:00:00Z |
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History of Women in Rotary
Women 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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History of Women in Rotary
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2020-11-05 06:00:00Z |
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Young Inventor Eco-Friendly Bricks Come Full Circle
Every 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.”
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Young Inventor Eco-Friendly Bricks Come Full Circle
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2020-11-05 06:00:00Z |
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First Club in Philippines Opens Door to Rotary in Asia
In 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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First Club in Philippines Opens Door to Rotary in Asia
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2020-11-05 06:00:00Z |
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