Rotary Geelong East was fortunate to have two Guest Speakers from MELI, talk about their Program (ROAR) for women who have or are subject to domestic violence. The acronym stands for “Reclaiming and Retelling Our Acts of Resistance”
Participants share and exchange stories, strengthen one another and help to build positive futures. The program was co-designed by women who had been previous clients (and had therefore first hand knowledge of domestic violence). The contribution made by the women included not only content that should be covered, but also how the program should be run.
ROAR is designed to build women’s resistance and strengthen empowerment and creates a platform for changing future stories. It is run over eight weeks. Topics include: Sharing our hopes and our futures, Patterns of Violence, Healthy vs Unhealthy Relationships, Financial Counselling and Cyber Awareness, Children, Legal Rights, Healthy Boundaries and Changing the Story and Self Care.
The two Guest Speakers were Katie Wheeler a facilitator of the program and Celina Bagley who spoke about the benefits of the program.
World Immunization Week holds a special place in the hearts of Rotarians. While the week itself is about promoting vaccinations for all types of diseases, Rotary has a special project of immunization that has been running since the mid-eighties and is very close to eradicating a disease.
Australian Rotarian, the late Clem Renouf proposed a project of immunizing children in the Philippines agains Polio. It was considered impossible and a waste of money. Still, Queensland Rotarians picked up the project and were successful.
At the time that Renouf became the International President of Rotary, between 350,000 and 480,000 children were contracting Polio every year. Some died, some had limb deficiencies (short legs or arms), many would never walk, some lived in Iron Lungs for life and few got away from Polio with no long term effects.
The World Health Organisation joined with Rotary as did UNICEF. Later, the Centres for Disease Control, vaccine maker Gavi and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. All came together as the Global Polio Eradication Initiative to rid the world of this horrific disease.
Rotarians have individually and through their contacts with governments of the world, the United Nations and corporations have raised billions of dollars to tackle Polio and to give its eradication as a 'gift to the children of the world'.
On this day (18th April 2024), only two endemic countries exist - Pakistan and Afghanistan. Afghanistan has had one case of Wild Polio Virus and five positive environmental samples while Pakistan has reported no cases and twelve positive environmental samples. These few, down from hundreds of thousands in the mid 1980's.
The work of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative has provided much more that the eradication of Polio, as important as that is. The laboratories set up in countries that have poor medical assessment infrastructure have been and continue to be used for identification of other disease outbreaks. These include: Ebola, Covid 19, Avian Flu and Marbug virus among many others. The legacy of the Polio Eradication is ongoing and serves poorer countries well.
Inspector (Amy Scott) who showed great bravery in Bondi, received a Rotary Police Officer of the Year award in 2019 - she truly is a hero and saved many lives.
In 2019 Inspector Scott was recognised at the Rotary Club Police Officer of the Year award ceremony when she received the Demonstrated Courage and Devotion to Duty Award.
Australian Rotary Clubs Thank Inspector Scott for her latest heroic act that undoubtedly saved more lives
Each month, Rotary carries a different theme. April is when the focus is on creating awareness about our Environment and its importance to humanity.
Rotary Geelong East will be planting more trees on National Tree Day in a few months time. This is something we have done over many years. In the last two years alone, we have planted over 1,000 trees. While this is not the only Environmental activity the members carry out, it is considered extremely important.
Other Environment and Sustainability activities we carry our include: Walk Against Waste (monthly activity collecting rubbish), Recycling batteries, plastic bottle tops, blister packs, container deposit scheme among other recycling activities.
One of the most important has been the provision of air conditioning and aids for a Sensory Room at Newcomb Primary School. This allows students with problems some 'alone space' free from interuptions and allows them to get back into the right frame of mind to go back to class and continue their education. This is an Emotional Environmental project and it has worked extremely well.
Three of Geelong’s Rotary clubs took part in a delayed Clean Up Australia Day activity.
Two of the clubs had commitments on the actual day set aside for Clean Up Australia campaign. They decided to join together and invite another club to take part on 19th March. The clubs involved were Rotary Bayside Geelong, Rotary Geelong East and Rotary Club of Corio Bay.
With fifteen people (including one non-Rotarian) working for one and a half hours, the clean up was conducted around the Limeburners Point at the bottom of the Eastern Park Gardens. Most of what was picked up was general rubbish, with small amounts of glass and other recyclables. Seven large bags of rubbish were collected and disposed of.
Members followed up with a coffee at Merci in the Eastern Gardens.
Rotary Geelong East conducts monthly clean ups, known as Walk Against Waste. The same process is followed and the area worked on changes regularly. Members, family and friends take part and follow up with a coffee together. Members of the general public are free to join us. If you wish to do so, please make inquiries through the Rotary Club of Geelong East Facebook page:
Each month, Rotary has a different focus in addition to the many projects and programs clubs all around the globe take.
March focuses on Water availability for all and suitable for drinking, Sanitation for all to prevent the spread of disease and Hygiene so that people do not inadvertently catch diseases.
Healthy people = a Healthy World.
Rotary Geelong East - Focused on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene
Rotary was originally a 'Men's Only' club. In 1989, Rotary International at its Council on Legislation, voted to admit women to the organisation. It was not simply that men suddenly felt happy to admit women, but that the United States Supreme Court ruled that Rotary International could not revoke a clubs Charter if they chose to admit women as members.
Since that time, women have made an amazing difference to Rotary clubs all over the world. Their contribution has been enormous and something that clubs are proud of. In the Rotary year 2022-2023 the organisation had its first female International President, Jennifer Jones, (Canada). In the Rotary year 2024-2025, the second female International President will take office, Stephanie Urchick (UA).
Rotary recognises the great contribution that women and men make to the organisation.
Friday 23rd February marks the 119th birthday of Rotary International. Started in Chicago on February 23rd, 1905, the organisation was formed by a small group of business people who wanted to be able to do business with people with good ethics and business practices (remember that this was when Al Capone was demanding 'Protection' money from and tax rorts were commonplace).
From one club that grew rapidly in Chicago, Rotary International now exists in over 200 countries and territories. Rotary is a non-religious and non-political organisation. As such, it is respected by governments, the United Nations and religions of all types.
Today 1.4 million Rotarians around the world do an incredible amount of work to make the world a healthier and more peaceful place. There are seven Areas of Focus that Rotarians work within.
Rotary Geelong East wishes all Rotarians and Rotary International a Happy 119th Birthday
At times like this, it can seem as though the world will never have peace.
Rotary, it's clubs and members do not buy into that belief. Everything that Rotarians do within their communities, nationally and internationally has an end objective of bringing about more peace.
If we as individuals are at peace with ourselves, we can be at peace with our families and friends. It we are at peace with each other, we can build peace within our communities and if we can do that, we can build peace within our nation. Then, we work on the world.
Peace starts with each of us, you included.
Rotary Geelong East - Building Peace in our Community
Rotary is an organisation strongly focused on Peace. Every year, scholarships are offered on a competitive basis to people who meet specific criteria. The study is done at one of seven universities in different parts of the world. The whole course is made up of people there for the same reason - they want to learn about Peace & Conflict Prevention.
There are two types of Fellowship. The first is a two year Masters degree and the second, a one year Post Graduate diploma.
Are you the right person for this type of study? One way to find out is to go to the link below and check if you meet the criteria and learn about the 1,700 others who have done the courses.
There comes a time in most people's lives when they want to give back and help improve their communities, locally, nationally or internationally. With over 1.4 million members in over 200 countries and territories, Rotary provides that opportunity.
Whether your interest is in addressing Mental Health, the Environment, Basic Education &Literacy, Women & Children's health, Disease Prevention &Treatment, Water, Sanitation & Hygiene, Community Economic Development or working toward a more Peaceful World, Rotary can provide opportunities for you.
Consider what you have to offer as an individual (skills and knowledge) and what a difference you could make. Then consider the support you could gain from joining with others in our community and then, consider the impact you and others could have in different countries with different needs to ours.
It is pretty simple really - the difference Rotary has is it's members and you could be one of them.
On Saturday 25th November Rotarians across Geelong and District combined with ZONTA Home | Zonta Club Geelong (zontageelong.org.au) and undertook an awareness walk finishing in Johnstones Park. Although numbers were small, ZONTA was very happy with the turnout – building on previous years annual awareness walk numbers and community coverage.
In Geelong local Rotary Clubs have contributed to the awareness walk, purchased Rotary themed t-shirts, and will be assisting with a Lived Experience Art Exhibition at Deakin University Project Space at waterfront campus – launched Wednesday 29th November – through to end January 2024 (further details will be provided).
Many Clubs have also raised funds, donated goods or had local guest speakers along to their clubs.
Rotary Geelong East is providing a grant of $1500 to a Women’s Lived Experience program operated at Meli (previously Bethany Community Support) to enable them to continue their programming and support of women in 2024. We are also working closely with Barwon Area Integrated Family Violence Committee Barwon Area Integrated Family Violence (baifvc.org.au) on Family Violence training for Rotarians and community members, planning promotional material for our region and also understanding the current services and supports available in our Geelong region for Women and Children experiencing Family Violence.
Rotary - Working with others to rid the World of Violence
Rotary Geelong East has supported ShelterBox, a partner of Rotary International.
ShelterBox, as the name suggests provides shelter (10 person tents), utensils, water purification tools and other basic necessities for people in disaster situations from civil war, earthquakes, floods and the like. The various needs vary from situation to situation. Heavy blankets would not be sent to a country with hot temperatures.
Rotary clubs throughout Australia have provide over 400,000 ShelterBoxes
Rotary Geelong East has just been presented with a Bronze Champion recognition for it's ongoing support. Non-Rotarians can contribute to simply by contacting a local Rotary club.
At Newcomb Primary School this year, Geelong East Rotary sponsored the Story Dog program that is designed to assist reluctant readers to become confident, enjoy reading and improve their literacy skills.
Koby and his master Graeme visited the school weekly and spent one-on-one time listening to stories read by selected students.
The Principal of Newcomb Primary School, Rachael Buck, reports that the reading data for all four students has improved. In the Principal’s own words, Graeme and Koby are the absolute best!!!!
The students said:
Liam: I love when Koby and Graeme come and we read together. My favourite book has been Dog get Lost. I think Koby likes dog books.
Nikita: I like reading with Koby and Graeme and I think my reading has improved because I have been reading more.
Scarlett: My favourite thing is reading with Koby and Graeme and seeing them when they get here in the morning. Graeme always brings good new books to read like Pig the Pug.
Leslie: My favourite thing is picking out a new book to read and spending time with Koby.
Obviously, Story Dogs has achieved its aim at Newcomb Primary School.
Rotary, Graeme & Koby working to improve literacy!
Everything that Rotary clubs do, has one objective in mind - Peace.
Projects of Community Building, Healthcare for Mothers & Children, Literacy, Environmental work and many other seemingly unrelated projects all lead to more peaceful communities and consequently, a more peaceful world.
Rotary has partnerships with the Institute of Economics & Peace, with thousands of Rotarians and Rotaractors undertaking Peace studies. Since 2000, Rotary has trained over 1600 Peace Scholars in Peace & Conflict Prevention at seven universities around the world and joined forces with the Peace Corp to promote peace through joint activities.
Among those who fought and died and those who fought and lived very different lives, were many Rotarians. Rotary as an organisation has a very strong focus on Peace, so that no one has to fight and die, be incapacitated or mentally scared in future. To this end, we have trained over 1,600 Peace Scholars in Peace & Conflict Prevention. These people now work in many organisations from the UN, governments and NGO's to bring about peace in all parts of the world.
We will always remember those who fought for our future.
Rotary clubs throughout District 9780 are taking part in the "Say No to Violence" campaign. Clubs all around Australia are also involved and each club or group of clubs have their own approach to how they are doing it.
In District 9780, clubs are taking part in the "16 Days of Activism" to raise attention to the issue and to determine what actions are required to reduce (preferably eliminate) Domestic Violence in all it's different forms.
The Rotary Foundation, Rotary International's charity, has been recognised for 15 consecutive years by Charity Navigator as the top charity for it's management of funds and it's low cost structure.
The Rotary Foundation disperses grants to Rotary Districts, Natural Disasters, Major Projects, Training of Peace Scholars and manages the funds required for the End Polio Now campaign.
Projects range across the Rotary Areas of Focus which are: Peace Building & Conflict Prevention, Disease Prevention & Treatment, Water, Sanitation & Hygiene, Maternal & Child Health, Basic Education & Literacy, Community Economic Development and Environment.
Rotarians are very proud of their Foundation and in particular, it's recognition as a trustworthy charity.
This month, we recognise the issues and concerns that many people have with mental heals. We also recognise those who work with them to help them improve their lives. Rotary the leading community organisation world wide, uses October to raise awareness and educate people about mental health, the issues people face and how we who are fortunate enough not to suffer, can recognise and help.
In Australia, The Rotary Health Foundation runs a promotional program, "Lift the Lid". The idea is to expose people to mental health as an issue to be dealt with in medical way and the foundation funds research into mental health.
When Rotary first began to work toward the eradication of Polio, in a promise to the children of the world, there were on average over 350,000 cases of polio a year. Some recovered, many were permanently crippled and others died of this terrible disease.
Today (12/10/2023) there are only 7 cases in the world, one in Afghanistan and six in Pakistan. Now we have the chance to rid the world of this disease and allow future children to live life without having to worry about catching it. However, even when the two remaining countries have no more cases, the vaccinations still have to go on for three years before the countries can be declared Polio Free.
In Rotary, we have a saying that scares people (and it is meant to): "Polio is just a plane ride away".
Geelong East Rotary has been a passionate supporter of the Indigenous Health Scholarship program of Australian Rotary Health (ARH). A donation of $2,500 by RCGE is matched 1:1 by the Federal Government, resulting in an Indigenous student receiving $5,000 to support their university studies.
This year, ARH selected Jasmine John as our 2023 Indigenous Health Scholar. Jasmine recently provided a report of her first semester at La Trobe in which she discussed the challenges she faced and the personal and professional growth she has gained.
Jasmine is originally from Broome, Western Australia and relocated to Melbourne at the beginning of 2023 to commence her studies at La Trobe University. She previously completed two years of university studies in Physiotherapy, during which time she participated in tutoring Indigenous youth through the Graham Polly Farmer Foundation. This kept her connected to her community and taught her a lot about herself. She also decided to change her focus to Occupation Therapy as it provides a greater range of opportunities to work in Indigenous communities.
Another Walk Against Waste group of 8 picked up rubbish along the Rail Trail today. Lots of rubbish was picked up and Jenny and the group were very impressed by some extremely large bones.
We had coffee at Betty’s Laneways Coffee shop in Wilsons Rd afterwards.
Many thanks to Warren, Julian, Keith, Bill Bailey, Jenny and Sue and James.
World Peace Day occurs on the 21st of September every year. The idea behind the day, is to hold a day when there is no violence at all - domestic or war.
How can we achieve this? We can do our part by ensuring that 'our' world, is peaceful. No arguments, no physical or psychological violence and doing things in a way that create an environment of peacefulness and tranquility.
Do your bit and make the world just that little more peaceful.
Rotary Geelong East - Working toward a Peaceful World
Two members of Rotary Geelong East were in Bali for much earned break. However, in addition to carrying out a Walk Against Waste(see story below), they made time to visit two Rotary clubs in Bali and get to know some of the people.
This is one of the great advantages of Rotary. Anywhere a Rotarian travels, if there is Rotary club in the town or city, they are warmly welcomed.
The piece below was written by one of the Bali visiting Rotarians, Jenny Acopian.
Rotarians Alison Marshall and Jenny Acopian were on holiday inBali recently andsoonbecame aware ofthe work of Rotary District3420 as we strolled along the beach front at Kuta.
The tap and basin shown was provided by local BaliRotariansduring the COVID epidemic. It encouraged people to wash theirhands thoroughly as a means of preventing contagion.
We thendecided tovisit twolocallunch-timeRotary Clubs. The first was theRotary Club of Bali Seminyak(chartered 2002)the second was theRotary Club ofBaliNusa Dua(chartered 1992).We thoroughly enjoyed the experience and had great fun comparing the clubs to Geelong East, and to each other.
BothBali clubshave adopted English as theirofficial language, and eachstatethat their membersaremainly expatriates,representing12 nationalities.This is reflected in the names of the currentpresidents:Marie Francoise de Saint Priest d’Urgel, a French woman, is President of Bali Seminyak,andMatthias Frenzel, a German gentleman and restaurant owner, is President of Nusa Dua.During ourvisits we met no indigenous Balinese Rotarian. Indeed, our host at Seminyak(the US ConsulAgent in Bali)indicated he would like to attract local members butthere has beenno progressso far.
He was of the view that the cost of meeting and dining at a five-starhotelwas an inhibiting factor. Nusa Dua also meet twice monthlyfora two or three courselunch at a luxurious five-star hotel. While similar in many ways, there were two stark differences.We were advised thatNusa DuaRotary, the larger club,has two female members whileSeminyakwas made up ofaround50 per cent women.
The second major difference was the degree of formalityof their meetings.Proceedingsat Seminyakcommenced with an extended grace cum prayer, followed by the FourWay Test recited by all present. Alison and I were formallypresented with a small club banner by President Marie.
At Nusa Dua we heard of one of their signature projects the Cleft Lip and Palate project. Since 1994, Nusa Dua Rotary has provided over 2,100 operations to children from Bali and its surrounding islands. This year, they plan to provide 210 operations in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Pittsburgh-Collier.
Each meeting hosted an outstanding guest speaker from whom we gained fascinating insights into Bali life and culture.
Two members of Rotary Geelong East were in Bali on a well-deserved holiday. The timing meant that they were going to miss the Walk Against Waste the club was conducting along the Geelong Rail Trail.
Knowing the litter situation in Bali, they decided to do their own Walk Against Waste there. In less than an hour, they had picked up a significant amount of waste. Their work did not go unnoticed by locals who gave them the thumbs up. Hopefully it may inspire locals to do the same thing.
Rotary Geelong East - Cleaning Up the World - One Beach at a Time
On behalf of Polio Australia, I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you for your donation to our End of Financial Year appeal. Donations like yours make a significant impact on our organisation and our mission. We feel it is important to standardise quality polio information and service provision across Australia for our polio survivors. Our vision is that all polio survivors in Australia have access to appropriate health care and support necessary to maintain independence and make informed lifestyle choices.
This past financial year has definitely been a busy one for our team. Polio Australia successfully hosted 22 community information sessions and 20 Zoom sessionsfor polio survivors. These sessions covered various topics such as living with polio, fatigue management, mental wellbeing, and how to navigate NDIS and Aged Care packages. Our clinical educator also delivered 43 educational workshops at various hospitals and clinics around Australia. These sessions, presented to health professionals, focused on how to safely manage the specific needs of polio survivors and their post-polio conditions. To date, we have 309 health professionals across Australia that have signed on to our Health Professional Register.
Just over 600 trees were planted on a property at Murgheboluc on Sunday 30th July, as part of National Tree Day.
Involved were: Four members of Rotary Geelong East, One from Rotary Geelong West, families and friends as well as the property owners. The idea of the owners is to plant trees in designated areas of their small property with a view to encouraging birdlife. In addition to the area planted yesterday, the owners have already planted hundreds of trees on several hills on the land.
All trees were planted in 2½ hours. It doesn't take long - but it sure makes a difference! All trees planted were a variety of four natives.
This was followed by a BBQ and people getting to know one another. A great activity and a great morning.
A Rotary-driven project to recycle medical blister packs was launched across ten pharmacies in the Geelong region on 14 July.
The project is the brainchild of Highton Rotarian, pharmacist and passionate environmentalist, Barb Sheahan. In the early stages of the plan, Barb sought the help of Geelong East Rotary who jumped at the chance of seeing the project brought to fruition. We submitted a grant to the City of Greater Geelong and received $10,000 that will fund the initiative.
The project is a partnership with Australian recycling company, Pharmacycle, and local pharmacies from Ocean Grove, to Portarlington to Lara and in between (listed below). Each pharmacy has been provided with six collection bins to provide easy access for the public to deposit their used medical blister packs.
The packs no longer need to go to landfill, and instead can be turned into useful products. Recovered aluminium is remanufactured into thermal blocks that store renewable energy; and recovered plastic material is used to make a range of building and construction products.
Data collected from the Geelong project will be carefully analyzed and it is hoped the initiative will be introduced across Australia. Interest has already been shown by Rotary clubs in our District 9780. Who knows where it may lead?
A new series of War on Waste due to be shown on ABC TV from 25 July will feature our partner organisation, Pharmacycle, and its role in recycling medical blister packs.
Participating Greater Geelong pharmacies
Peak Pharmacy Corio Village, Corio Village Shopping Centre, Corio
Mitchell and O’Hara Amcal Pharmacy, 154-156 Shannon Ave, Geelong West.
On Friday 14 July 2023, Rotarians Jane Bolton, Alison Marshall and Jenny Acopian, headed to Queenscliff to learn more about the Greater Geelong Lids4Kids program. Our hosts were staff of the Sea All Dolphin Swims Office at Queenscliff Harbour who operate a plastic recycling program.
The Geelong East Rotarians, together with members of the Probus Club of Belmont, were shown how plastic lids were recycled to become useful, attractive objects, such as combs, surfboard wax combs, spinning tops, coasters, key rings, etc. as pictured below.
Much of the morning was spent sorting the thousands of lids that had been collected from drop-off centres across Geelong. We learnt that not all lids are equal, but all can be recycled and need not end up in landfill. While selected lid colours and types can be made into colourful attractive items, others can turned into soft bases for playgrounds, garden seats, road base, etc.
Greater Geelong Lids4Kids hopes to make the program self-sustaining through sales of special-order lids. So please keep collecting those lids. Jenny, Alison and Jane are happy to receive them.
On Tuesday, four members of the club spent one and a half hours cleaning up waste on one section of the Geelong Rail Trail. In that time we removed broken glass, plastic in different forms (bottles, wrappers, hard plastic etc.), one car wheel and tyre, one bike tire, cartons, glass bottles,
and styrene.
This is a regular activity by club members and this week was one of the largest collections of rubbish we have had.
The question is, 'How do we get people to take responsibility for their waste?'
To Rotarians all around the world, we wish you a happy and wonderful year of service to our communities.
This is the commencement of a new Rotary Year and is led by our new Rotary International President, Gordon McInally and newly appointed District Governors and club Presidents. We wish you all the very best in this new Rotary Year.
Recently, as part of a series of activities undertaken by five Geelong based Rotary clubs, members of the public were invited to join with Rotarians for a preview of Sparrovale, a newly developing Wetland.
The Wetland is a City of Geelong project and is 500 hectares of land that will capture stormwater runoff from the Armstrong Creek development. Progressively the Council will create Public spaces, remove pest plants and wildlife and replace it with native flora and fauna.
Sparrovale will eventually be connected to the Barwon River Trail and will be promoted to the public and visitors to Geelong.
At present, it is not open to the public to visit. The Rotary activity was a special event and allowed both Rotarians and non-Rotarians a once off visit.
The project is a long-term activity, expected to be completed around 2040.
The Rotary Club of Geelong East - Joining with others to promote our natural heritage
Thanks to an initiative by Geelong East Rotary, from Term 3, 2023 students at Newcomb Primary School will enjoy the company of Story Dog ‛Koby’ and his owner.
Story Dogs is a reading support program where selected children read to an accredited dog and its handler. The mission of Story Dogs is to make reading fun for children so they become lifelong readers. Reading takes place in a quiet area of the school where each child is one-on-one with the Dog Team.
When children read to a dog, the results have been proven to bring amazing results:
The children have fun
They are not judged
Their focus improves
Their reading skills increase
Their confidence soars
Dog Teams must pass accreditation by a certified dog trainer as well as being immaculately groomed, vaccinated and vet checked. The dog’s temperament, obedience and willingness are of utmost importance. The children’s safety is paramount.
We look forward to learning more about the program and meeting ‛Koby’ and his owner.
Following the Rotary International Convention in Melbourne recently, more Australian's are aware of the power and value of the organisation. Delegates from all over the world attended, made new friends, discussed everything from Peace to Health, from Environment to Literacy and a whole host of other projects and needs to be met in all corners of the globe.
The morning sessions had Key Note Speakers who inspired, motivated and helped people to see outside their own area of focus. Afternoon sessions were Breakout sessions on various topics. People attended those sessions they had an interest in or wanted to know more about.
All in all, Melbourne put on a great show for so many international as well as Australian visitors. Many people made it a holiday, adding to Victoria's economy and that of Australia.
Rotary values the contribution that female members make and the difference that they bring to Rotary. Members also focus on the needs of women in developing nations (and here in Australia) who have particular needs. Educating young females is an important focus of clubs.
This year, 2022 / 2023 we celebrate the first woman President of Rotary International, Jennifer Jones of Canada.
Rotary valuing the contribution and leadership of women in the organisation, in business and in communities
We know how important safe drinking water is to all life. Many don't have access to safe water and Rotary provides support in the form of drilling wells, providing water filters and in short term situations, safe drinking straws that filter the water that is available.
Covid has taught many of us of the importance of sanitation and hygiene. Again, there are many in this world who do not have access and in some cases the education to understand the importance of these things. Rotary provides education and supporting infrastructure to help communities with sanitation and hygiene.
The Rotary Club of Geelong East and the Lions Club of Geelong, worked together at the recent Truck & Vintage Machinery Show to raise funds.
The clubs provided food for the hungry hordes. Operating out of the Lions Club stand, members to cook hamburgers, egg and bacon rolls, chips and serve soft drinks etc.
Members of both clubs indicated that they enjoyed working together. Each club will share the takings and put the funds to their various community projects.
Rotary & Lions - Working Together for the Community
The Rotary Club of Geelong East has conducted the Rotary Junior Community Service Award at a number of Primary Schools for about five years. The East Geelong Primary School has been the most consistent and has promoted it to eligible students.
Mr. Bloink, Grade Six teacher has strongly encouraged students to take up the program. He has great plans for next year already in play.
The students have to demonstrate that they have carried out the following tasks to be able to receive the award.
Community Service
Skill Development
Physical Recreation
Social Experience
Past President of The Rotary Club of Geelong East, Jenny Acopian, has been the driver of the program from the club's point of view. Below, Jenny is pictured with the 2022 Graduates of the program.
Rotary is the largest Service organisation in the world. Not only do you join a local club working in the local community, but you join a World-Wide group of like minded people. There are opportunities to use your skills and knowledge to help other communities to grow stronger and more peaceful and thus, make a real impact in Peacebuilding.
Rotary Club of Geelong East is welcoming New Members Now - enquire today - 0414 324 814
Nine members of The Rotary Club of Geelong East and friends worked for two hours and planted 447 trees. The trees will eventually join up with a Bird and Animal Corridor to provide safe haven for breeding, nesting, food and other needs.
This undertaking from a Rotary perspective is part of the club's Environment & Sustainability Interest Group. Over the last twenty years, members have planted close to 10,000 trees.
The group included family members, two women from Bunnings and one from Landcare and the property owner. Below are a couple of photos of the group.
Rotary joins with its Partner organisation, the United Nations and all who value peace throughout the world, to celebrate World Peace Day on 21 September.
Rotary is a leading organisation in the promotion of peace through education and practical solutions. Over 1,500 Rotary Peace Scholars have been trained and now work with governments, non-profits and other organisations with a view to making our world a more peaceful place. There has possibly never been a more important time to focus on peace than now.
Think about how you can make the world a more peaceful place.
For International Day of Peace 2022, the theme is 'End Racism.Build Peace'. The United Nations state that this is a date dedicated to strengthening the ideals of peace through a non-violent period of a 24-hour cease-fire. The United Nations also wants to address hate speech and violence directed at racial minorities.
The reduction of plastic waste and the recycling of lids to make useful products, such as prosthetics, is a project of our Rotary Club.
A major source of lids is a large donation bin at GENU’s Eastern Hub that keeps on giving as the attached photos show. The range of colours, sizes and shapes is extraordinary and sorting into categories is an essential part of the process.
The other key source of lids is from Rotarians themselves and their families.
In addition, members of the Rotary Club of Geelong East collect batteries, medicine blister packs, pens and bread tags. Members are educated about the soft plastics taken by Coles and Woolworths, and a range of items taken by Office Works.
Tuesday 5th July, 2022 saw the changeover from one club President to another. President Graham Thomson completed his twelve months at the helm of the Rotary Club of Geelong East. Following a series of recognitions and awards, Graham handed over the responsibility for leading the club for the next year to Gary Newton.
Graham was recognised for his service to the Club. Paul Harris Fellow recognitions were presented to John Birrell and Adrian Innes for their extensive service over 20 and 30 years respectively. Graham Thomson was also recognised for both his service and in particular taking on the Presidency for a second time.
Ros Thornton was inducted as an Honorary Member.
Sam Hayward, Club Secretary, was awarded the prestigious Bill Pratt Award. This is presented to a member who has been in the club for less than five years and made a significant contribution to Rotary.
Greg Champion of the Coodabeen Champions entertained the members much to the delight of people.
The photo below depicts two happy Presidents - one completing his year, the other contemplating his. Graham Thomson (right) and Gary Newton (left). Photo courtesy of Pauline Stewart.
Rotary is about helping others and improving our world. No matter what area your interest lies within, it is bound to be an area that Rotary is already working in. We serve local communities, international communities, people, the environment and peace. Think about it - then come and join us.
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It is a tragic and sad time for the people of Ukraine and the world.
At #Rotary, we are deeply concerned by the deteriorating situation in Ukraine and the escalating loss of life and humanitarian hardship there. Continued military action against #Ukraine will not only devastate the region, but also risk spreading tragic consequences across Europe and the world.
As one of the world’s largest humanitarian organizations, we have made peace the cornerstone of our global mission. We join the international community in calling for an immediate cease fire, withdrawal of Russian forces, and a restoration of diplomatic efforts to resolve this conflict through dialogue.
In the past decade, Rotary clubs in Ukraine, #Russia and nearby countries have transcended national differences and have actively engaged in peace-building projects to promote goodwill and to marshal assistance for the victims of war and violence.
Today, our thoughts are with our fellow Rotary members and others in Ukraine coping with these tragic events. Rotary International will do everything in its power to bring aid, support and peace to the region.
Rotary International - Statement on Situation in Ukraine
Barwon Child, Youth & Family (BCYF), a major community service provider in the Barwon region, has teamed up with 12 Geelong-based Coles’ supermarkets and Geelong Rotary clubs, to provide essential supplies for some of the community’s most vulnerable members.
Throughout July and August, Coles stores across the region are facilitating customer donations of food, toiletries and other non-perishable items. The donations are being collected, sorted and packed by a team of around thirty Rotarians and friends, and distributed to BCYF’s clients in need.
Food insecurity is a growing issue in the Geelong region, compounded by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Demand for essential supplies has increased significantly over the past year across the wider Geelong region, as it has across the country. The donated supplies are provided to some of our most vulnerable community members, some of whom may not have access to any other food at any particular point in time. Every donation is greatly appreciated – every item helps to relieve basic physical needs.
In the first eight weeks of the partnership, Rotarians have compiled over 500 food packages, cooking equipment, pantry items, dozens of boxes of hygiene articles and around sixty parcels of baby items. These have been distributed to clients of BCYF through its Youth Services, Family and Community Services, and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse departments.
Rotary Club of Geelong East – Working in Partnerships
Human dynamo, Lucy Koszela was recognised by the club as a Paul Harris Fellow.
The recognition was given to Lucy, a non-member of Rotary for her decades of work with the Lithuanian community in Geelong, volunteer work with the Fight Cancer Foundation Recycle Shop and numerous individuals in need throughout Geelong.
The recognition was made at the club’s Changeover Dinner.
Her service includes:
Geelong Lithuanian Sports Club VYTIS
Lucy played basketball with the Lithuanian Basketball teams in the 1970’s and 80’s and was responsible for helping to get the club established and continuing to this day
Joined the Basketball Committee in the early 1980’s
Actively involved in organising a sports carnival in which Lithuanian sports clubs from around Australia took place (Geelong was the host city)
Served as Club President
Served as Club Secretary
Active in other roles over many years
Australian Lithuanian Sports Federation
Lucy was recognised in the national organisation for her work representing Lithuanian sports in Australia and was made a Life Member
Geelong Lithuanian Community
The Community organisation covers a range of functions and oversees a number of different groups within the Community. These include:
Care of elderly citizens
Scout troop
Lithuanian Dance Group
Social activities
Lucy has been involved in all these areas since their formation.
Rotary clubs around the world have been working to improve the environment and sustainability for many years. Each club works on projects that meet the needs of their communities. Many worked on their projects through the Rotary initiated ‘Preserve Planet Earth’.
The Rotary Club of Geelong East has also been environmentally active. In this club’s case, it has focused on tree planting for different reasons.
The largest project undertaken by the club was in the planting of trees to create a wildlife corridor that ran between the You Yangs and Brisbane Ranges. The idea was to create a sanctuary for birds and animals that allowed them to move with security through from Ballarat to Geelong.
A number of cold winters saw Rotarians (and one year Belmont Cubs and Scouts) planting trees at Limeburners Point. In this case the idea was to prevent erosion of soil. Most of the Limeburners planting was of grasses.
A number of plantings have been done at three different sites along Hovell’s Creek and the last three years, the club has focused on Eumeralla Scout Camp. At the camp, trees are being planted increasing the bushland and preventing erosion of soil.
Rotarian Peter Funston who has managed these projects estimates that over 5,000 trees and many grasses have been planted over the years by the club.
The Rotary Club of Geelong East - Preserving the Environment
Rotary clubs around the world support youth in various ways. Perhaps the best known publicly, is Rotary Youth Exchange. Students go overseas and have twelve months experiencing another culture and educational system. Many make life long friendships, thus helping to build understanding between communities in different parts of the world.
Other Rotary programs for youth include Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, Rotary Junior Community Awards, Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment as well as specific local club activities aimed at youth.
The Rotary Club of Geelong East has provided bursaries to students at Geelong High School and Newcomb Secondary College, iPads, books and shelving to Whittington Primary School, books for a new library for Newcomb Park Primary School, Trainee of the Year Awards and scholarships for apprentices at the Gordon TAFE, sponsorship for youth with disabilites through Blue Bird Foundation to learn to play music, write stories and create artworks.
The club has also sponsored a Rotaract Club and Interact Club.
Rotary - Providing Opportunities for Youth to Grow and Develop
Today, people are looking for fulfilment each to their own needs. It can be cultivating friendships, doing something different to their daily routine, sharing their skills and knowledge with others or simply volunteering as a way to forget about their troubles for awhile.
However, people seek to enhance their lives, it is a safe bet, that Rotary can provide most of what they seek. The video below illustrates that. Take time and take a look.
"Samaritan House Geelong is a not-for-profit organisation which relies heavily on the kindness and generosity of the Geelong community - individuals, companies and charitable organisations - both in financial ways and through volunteering.
Established in November 2017, Samaritan House Geelong exists to help men experiencing homelessness in the Greater Geelong Region by providing welcoming accommodation, an evening meal and ongoing support.
Since April, The Rotary Club of Geelong East Community Committee has been actively involved in maintaining the gardens and the general upkeep of the property. Volunteers from the Club have been donating their time, their gardening prowess as well as trees and compost bins. Their aim is to create a vegetable garden so that residents can benefit from the fresh produce.
Another example of Rotary Club of Geelong East supporting our Community
Over the past few years, the Newcomb Power Football Club has introduced award winning junior programs which work with local schools. Record levels of participation and a growing number of teams has meant Building better facilities for players, coaches, volunteers and fans with a view to encouraging more locals.
The primary foci of the programs are to engage young people who would not have the opportunity (usually financially) to take part in football and to get children into healthy activities. Both boys and girls take part in the programs. The programs have been so successful, that the club is now considering using the model on their Netball program.
This will give the club the space they need to grow, store equipment and provide greater
flexibility to train and win avid junior FC players, Newcomb Power Netball Club
and Newcomb Cricket Club.
The Community Service Committee of The Geelong East saw the need and worked with Newcomb to provide financial support. The Rotary club has been a major sponsor providing the club with a $6000 district grant. Newcomb FC has also played an integral part in supporting our main events like the Geelong Show BBQ, Bunnings Sausage Sizzles and for this received a further $1500 and $200.
The Rotary Club of Geelong East – Sporting Partners
ewcomb Primary School this year, Geelong East Rotary sponsored the Story Dog program that is designed to assist reluctant readers to become confident, enjoy reading and improve their literacy skills.
with 12 Geelong-based Coles’ supermarkets and Geelong Rotary clubs, to provide essential supplies for some of the
Brisbane Ranges. The idea was to create a sanctuary for birds and animals that allowed them to move with security through from Ballarat to Geelong.
ge. Students go overseas and have twelve months experiencing another culture and educational system. Many make life long friendships, thus helping to build understanding between communities in different parts of the world.
al schools. Record levels of participation and a growing number of teams has meant Building better facilities for players, coaches, volunteers and fans with a view to encouraging more locals.