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Say NO to Domestic Violence

On Saturday 25^th 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.

During the 16 Days of Activism (25 November – 10^th Dec) 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence 2023 (who.int) activities and awareness campaigns are happening across the world.

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 29^th 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

Something to Think About

Rotarians Grow a little bit more everytime they do something worthy for someone else

ShelterBox Recognition

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.

STORY DOG AT NEWCOMB PRIMARY SCHOOL

At N

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.

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!

Rotary Works toward Peace

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.

Rotary - Working toward a Peaceful World for all

We Will Remember Them

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.

Say NO to Violence

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.

Rotary Foundation Does it 15 Years Straight

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.

World Polio Day - 24th October

October - Mental Health Month

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.

Time to End Polio - Forever

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".

Together, let's stop Polio - Now!

2023 Indigenous Scholar

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.

September Walk against Waste

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.

Rotary Geelong East - Cleaning up the Environment

World Peace Day 21st September

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

You Can't Ask That!!

Rotary in Bali

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 in Bali recently and soon became aware of the work of
Rotary District 3420 as we strolled along the beach front at Kuta.

The tap and basin shown was provided by local Bali Rotarians during the COVID epidemic. It encouraged people to wash their hands thoroughly as a means of preventing contagion.

We then decided to visit two local lunch-time Rotary Clubs. The first was the Rotary Club of Bali
Seminyak (chartered 2002) the second was the Rotary Club of Bali Nusa Dua (chartered 1992). We
thoroughly enjoyed the experience and had great fun comparing the clubs to Geelong East, and to
each other.

Both Bali clubs have adopted English as their official language, and each state that their members are mainly expatriates, representing 12 nation

alities. This is reflected in the names of the current presidents: Marie Francoise de Saint Priest d’Urgel, a French woman, is President of Bali Seminyak, and Matthias Frenzel, a German gentleman and restaurant owner, is President of Nusa Dua. During our visits we met no indigenous Balinese Rotarian. Indeed, our host at Seminyak (the US Consul Agent in Bali) indicated he would like to attract local members but there has been no progress so far.

He was of the view that the cost of meeting and dining at a five-star hotel was an inhibiting factor.
Nusa Dua also meet twice monthly for a two or three course lunch at a luxurious five-star hotel.
While similar in many ways, there were two stark differences. We were advised that Nusa Dua Rotary, the larger club, has two female members while Seminyak was made up of around 50 per cent women.

The second major difference was the degree of formality of their meetings. Proceedings at Seminyak commenced
with an extended grace cum prayer, followed by the Four Way Test recited by all present. Alison and I were formally presented 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.

Walk Against Waste Goes to Bali!!!

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

National Tree Planting Day Success

Just over 600 trees were planted on a property at Murgheboluc on Sunday 30^th 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.

Geelong-wide Rotary Recycling Pilot

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.
Geelong Soul Pattinson Pharmacy, 133 Yarra St, Geelong
Priceline Pharmacy East Geelong, 1 Ormond Rd, East Geelong
Bellarine Village Community Care Chemist, Shop 5,25-29 Bellarine Hwy, Bellarine Village Shopping Centre, Newcomb
Portarlington Pharmacy, 90 Newcombe St, Portarlington
Ocean Grove Terrace Pharmacy, 76A The Terrace, Ocean Grove
Pardey’s Eastbrooke Pharmacy, 75-77 Roslyn Rd, Belmont
Kardinia Pharmacy, 2-18 Colac Rd, Belmont
Direct Chemist Outlet Highton, Hills Plaza, 46 Province Boulevard, Highton.

Representatives of City of Greater Geelong, Phamacycle & Rotary

Rotary Geelong East - Working with others to Change the World

Lid sorting at Queenscliff

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.

Rotary - Working to reduce plastics

Another Successful Walk Against Waste

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?'

A New Rotary Year Begins

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.

Sparrovale – Developing Wetland

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

Special Dog at Newcomb Primary School

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.

For more information, see www.storydogs.org.au

Time you joined?

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.

The Rotary Club of Geelong East donated $1,500.00 to the Mark West Foundation during the senior game of football at St. Albans ground.

The funds will be used to assist disadvantaged children from missing out on the opportunity to play football. In the 2019 season, there are sponsored children playing at 25 Geelong clubs, due to the assistance of the Mark West Foundation.

The Mark West Foundation was established following the tragic death on the football field of Mark West at the age of 19. Mark had played football at all levels of club football and began coaching at the age of 17. A very talented footballer and someone who believed that he had to give back to the game, for the enjoyment he gained from it.

The Foundation has two Mission Statements:

To ensure no child in the greater Geelong region misses out on being able to play Australian Rules football due to financial reasons.

To strengthen the legacy of Mark West who set an amazing example of how to make a difference to those around him through participation, community involvement and striving to be the best you can be.

Details on the Mark West Foundation can be found at the website: http://www.tmwf.org.au/the-foundation

The Rotary Club of Geelong East – Connecting with Other Community Organisations

The Rotary Club Geelong East, together with the City of Greater Geelong and the Corangamite Catchment Authority, launched the Barwon River Safety Markers.

This six year start-to-finish project was the brainchild of Rotarian Keith Dawson of Rotary Geelong East. The idea of the project was to TRANSFORM and make SAFER the activities areas along both sides of the Barwon River. Safer for Walkers, Runners, Riders, Tourists and Families.

A total of 46 double sided Location Marker signs were installed along the Barwon River on both sides. Along approxi

mately 10 kilometres of river on both sides stretching from the Breakwater to the Ring Road.

The two most important pieces of information during a Triple Zero call is the nature of the emergency and its location. When an incident occurs at a specific street address, it is generally easy for emergency services to find the caller. However, if it takes place in large open-spaces, walking trails or beaches where no obvious reference points exist, it takes extra, valuable, life saving time to identify and verify the specific location and vehicle access point.

Another Community Service of The Rotary Club of Geelong East

River’s Gift and Sailability were the recipients of a combined $15,000.00 from the most recent Rotary Club of Geelong East Dinner Auction.

River's Gift is the largest source of funding for laboratory-based SIDS research in Australia. To date, River's Gift has generated over $1 million to save babies lives, by funding scientific research, delivering Safe Sleep Education and raising awareness of Sudden Infa Master Logo - Navy RG-Sky tagline-Sky he

nt Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Sailability is a “not for profit” organisation, volunteer-based, and through the activity of Sailing enriches the lives of people of all abilities – the elderly, the financially and socially disadvantaged as well as people with physical challenges.

The Dinner Auction attracted 150 Guests and was MC’d by media personality and Rotarian, Gary Newton and the auction was conducted by Joe Grgic.

Dozens of local businesses supported the auction by donating goods and services to be auctioned on the night and the club thanks them. The club’s Dinner Auctions are held every two years.

Rotarians working in the Community

The Rotary Club of Geelong East hosted ten Canadians visiting our District. Four couples and two single women travelled from Canada to Australia on a Rotary Friendship Exchange. Ten Australians will go to Canada in August on the return leg of the Exchange.

The visitors were home hosted by local Rotarians both on their way into the District and again on their departure. In Geelong they toured the Bollards, Narana, National Wool Museum, did a tour of Corio Bay, Anglesea Golf Club, attended an AFLW match at GMHBA Stadium, toured Queenscliffe and a Picnic in the (Eastern) Park.

They spent time in Portland, Warnambool, Grampians, Port Fairy and Drysdale.

The feedback from all, was that they thoroughly enjoyed their 14 days in the area.

The Rotary Friendship Exchange allows small groups of Rotarians to go to other countries and meet with locals and experience the culture and so see local sites of interest and animals. A component of the Friendship Exchanges is creating greater understanding and friendships between people of the world.

Rotary Friendship - Worldwide

It is with great excitement that we announce Melbourne as the host city for the 2023 Rotary International Convention, the largest conference secured this century for Victoria.

Melbourne is a Big Events City! Set to deliver over $88 million to the Victorian economy, the Convention is the most valuable conference ever won for the state, with the four-day event anticipated to attract more than 20,000 Rotarians from around the world. The global spotlight will be on Melbourne and how we present ourselves to the world.

The Convention will take place 27-31 May 2023 using superb venues; Rod Laver Arena and the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre. All activities and events are within the Heart and Soul of Melbourne. Over 7000 hotel rooms over 50 properties across Melbourne. Our transport plan uses our famous trams, ferries and buses to quickly and easily move delegates between venues, hotels, event and restaurants. And of course, Melbourne is a very walkable city with many interesting routes and laneways to tantalise visitors.

In addition, the Victorian visitor economy will be bolstered with expenditure from thousands of visiting Rotarians utilising transport, hospitality, entertainment, venues, attractions, tourism services, event planning, freight customs broker services, technology rental, security and various other members of the local business event and tourism supply chain, as well as the flow on benefits across regional Victoria for pre and post touring. Rotary has a business heritage as well as community service. We are proud to make an impact on local business and create jobs.

Rotarians Supporting Victoria

Rotary world-wide, is dedicated to making the world a better place for all.

Through its 32,000 clubs, the organisation and its 1.2 million members work in their local communities, internationally, through youth and professions to do those things that will lead to a more peaceful world.

The illustration below shows Rotary’s Six Areas of Focus. Working to improve five, will help the world move toward the sixth, Peace.

Rotarians - People of Action

Consider your carbon foodprint

If all the climate change solutions, from electric cars to wind turbines, there’s a powerful one that’s staring you in the face — at breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Rotary projects around the globe December 2023

Learn how Rotary clubs are taking action in the United States, Peru, Italy, the Philippines, and Papua New Guinea.

Help Rotary Strike Out Polio

2024-25 Rotary International President Stephanie A. Urchick invites 25 PolioPlus supporters to her hometown of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA, to Help Rotary Strike Out Polio at the $1 Million Baseball Game.

An audacious request transforms South African schools

With the largest Rotary global grant ever awarded in South Africa, Rotarians refurbish 11 schools’ toilets and kitchen facilities.

Links

Rotary A World of Opportunities

RI Blog

RCGE's Facebook page

The Rotary Club of Geelong East Inc.

Service Above Self

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Newcomb Power Football & Netball Club Rooms

141 Coppards Road,
Moolap, VIC 3219
Australia

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0414 324 814

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