Last week's evening meeting was held at the Djerring Flemington Hub and whilst we had a small attendance, the community participation more than made up for this. We welcomed Deb Pengilly from the Wish Foundation and Dr Francis Acquah from the Positive Wellness Recovery Centre who spoke about Mental Health First Aid.
The purpose of this community consultation was to inform members of the Horn of Africa diaspora about MHFA and how it could support them helping their families, teenagers and community.
We were delighted to hear that Dr Francis is a Rotarian, a Past President of the Rotary Club of Greensborough.
He has been in Australia since 1986, originally coming from Ghana, and has a background in mental health having worked at a number of Melbourne's mental health intake centres.
With his background, Francis is able to present MHFA in a culturally sensitive manner. He and Deb have worked together for many years.
Our club received a grant to run this program, and it will be offered in February 2024, dates TBC depending on the advice of Hadia and Shadia, MVCC community support workers at the Hub.
PDG John King, a member of the Rotary Club of Brighton has died. He was 94.
John was District Governor in 1986-1987 and was integral to our club being chartered. During his year, he chartered 5 Rotary clubs with 2 more in planning.
Our sympathies are extended to his wife of 69 years Elaine, and their children Julie and David.
This meeting will be held at the Flem Ken Bowling Club at which time the Annual Report will be presented. Financial statements are also presented for approval.
Additionally, it is the time when we elect office bearers for the coming Rotary year {2024-2025} in anticipation of President Elect training which commences in February.
Please consider your interest in standing for President, President Elect for the 2025-2026 which will be the first year of the new Regionalisation Pilot arrangements.
All members are asked to make an effort to attend.
DISTRICT GOVERNOR'S MEETING - Wednesday 15 November
This dinner meeting will be held at Hardiman's Hotel, upstairs starting at 6pm.
District Governor Ron Payne and Deb will visit and Ron will speak about his hopes for this year of Creating Hope in the World.
Ron will also present President Shraddha with the RI President's Citation for our work in 2022-2023. We are one of only 8 clubs in District 9800 to achieve this and have received this honour several times in the last 10 years.
It is important for as many members as possible to attend and welcome Ron to our club.
Please RSVP to Shraddha.
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CONGRATULATIONS CATHY CONNOP - MVCC CITIZEN OF THE YEAR
Farnham Street Neighbourhood Learning Centre
has been supporting Moonee Valley's community since 1979.
Cathy Connop, thire leader with 34 years of dedication, has been crucial to its success.
The centre welcomes and supports people from all backgrounds, including families, migrants, young and elderly individuals, and those seeking mental health support or personal growth.
Farnham Street Neighbourhood Learning Centre illustrates neighbourhood spirit and impacts countless lives.
Mount Alexander College have nominated 4 students to participate in this year's RYPEN at Camp Getaway near Lancefield.
Tara, Emily, Lewis and Claude will travel by bus organised by the Rotary Club of Brighton's Jo Kwok. They will be picked up at MAC on Friday afternoon and returned on Sunday afternoon.
The students together with coordinator Duncan Hillier have been invited to attend a meeting, probably 15 November.
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KENSINGTON SOCCER CLUB AWARDS EVENING
Melina, Drew and Chiara and Alex joined President Shraddha at this year's presentations.
Plaques were presented to several recipients for their efforts this year. Our club has provided sponsorship to allow some disadvantaged young women play.
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WORLD POLIO DAY - Tuesday 24 October
What you may ask, has Polio to do with me?
We have all benefitted from the Polio vaccine developed by Dr Jonas Salk, and have had the drops/injection as part of our childhood vaccination schedule. We are lucky in that Australia has been free of Polio since 1972, but other countries have continued to suffer.
Poliomyelitis is a highly infectious disease that most commonly affects children under the age of 5. The virus is spread person to person, typically through contaminated water and can attack the nervous system, and in some instances, lead to paralysis.
Although there is no cure, there is a safe and effective vaccine – one which Rotary and our partners use to immunize over 2.5 billion children worldwide.
Thanks to Australian Rotarian and RI President Dr Clem Renouf, Rotary began its fight against polio with a multi-year project to immunize 6 million children in the Philippines. In 1985 Rotary launched PolioPlus and in 1988, together with the World Health Organisation we launched Global Polio Eradication Initiative. There are an estimated 350,000 cases of polio in 125 countries.
In 2000, A record 550 million children, almost 10% of the world's population receive the oral polio vaccine. The Western Pacific region, spanning from Australia to China, is declared polio-free. Polio was still endemic in Afghanistan, India, Nigeria, Pakistan in 2006. By 2014, India was free and by 2019, Nigeria was declared free.
Through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which gives a $2 for $1 grant, over $5 billion has been spent on polio eradication.
BUT, since 2017, the world has seen more paralytic cases of polio due to vaccine-derived polioviruses than wild poliovirus, usually caused by low vaccination rates and communities with poor sanitation. 80% of global cases have been in DRC, Yemen, Somalia, and northern Nigeria.
GPEI estimates that the work of Rotary and the Gates Foundation has prevented 20 million people from being paralyzed and1.5 million people from dying as a result of polio.
BUT if we cease or slow down, the virus will make a comeback and in less than 10 years we will be fighting a bigger fight. It costs justc$3 to vaccinate a child against polio.
District 9800 has inaugurated the Polio Plus Societyand we have members.
An addditional representative is required to join me.
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CLUSTER CLUB NEWS
The Rotary Club of Essendon NorthOaks Day Luncheon at the Hyatt Event Centre in Essendon Fields Thursday 09 November. https://www.trybooking.com/CLKGR Contact: Barry Coleman 0427 852 062
Rotary Club of Keilor East Winery & Wetlands Trip to Nagambie
Sunday November 5th all day - Cost $110
Rotary Club of Essendon Royce Abbey Dinner at Windy Hill, Napier St Essendon.- Friday 17th November. RCE will be announcing the 500th Royce Abbey member on this evening.
The Rotary Foundation
For the 15th consecutive year, The Rotary Foundation has received the highest rating – four stars – from Charity Navigator, an independent evaluator of charities in the U.S.
The Foundation earned the recognition for adhering to sector best practices and executing its mission in a financially efficient way, demonstrating both strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency.
elighted to hear that Dr Francis is a Rotarian, a Past President of the Rotary Club of Greensborough. 
Ron
