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Joint meeting with Strathmore Rotary - Jessie Harman Zone Director

This month's dinner meeting is a shared meeting with the Rotary Club of Strathmore at Windy Hill.

Hear from Zone director Jessie Harman on all the latest news on International Assembly, RICON23 and more.

Thursday 16 February 6.30-8.30pm

Bookings essential Dinner in the Bistro from 6.15

RICON23 - Book now

Book Now for your once in a lifetime opportunity to attend a
Rotary International Convention in Melbourne.

First Meeting for 2013

Join us for our first meeting of the New Year at Mama Bear Cafe.

Wednesday 1st February 2023 - 7.45am for an 8am start. We aim to finish by 9am but all are welcome to stay on for conversation, planning and event discussions.

Catch up with friends you haven't seen since December and find out what is in store for the next few months.

The Op Shop reoens on 1stFebruary too. Pop in and say hello to Mel and the volunteers.

RORP January Update

PP Peter Cribb has shared the latest images and stories from playground installations.

1. Spend It Well - Timor Leste. This is a small charity focussed on funding, constructing and resourcing schools. Between 2009-2014 they worked with Kirsty Sword Gusmao to build 9 schools, and since then work independently under an MoU with the Government. As well as infrastructure, they establish school gardens, provide desks and chairs {Donations in Kind} and playgrounds. Some members may remember Ian Femby, a former member. His son Simon is an advisor to the Prime Minister and is a Director.

2. Cape Town - South Africa.

3 of the 13 playgrounds in the container sent from Mt Martha in September 2022 are now installed.
These playgrounds came from Casey shire and Dandenong Council.

Members Behind the Badge - Geoff and Dulcie

Members Behind the Badge - Geoff Cawsey and Dulcie Heard

Meeting this warm couple at the Sugarbeat cafe on Langs road and walking down their memory lane was an absolute treat. Here’s the conversation with our charter member Geoff and his wonderful life partner, Dulcie.

1. Brief bio:

Geoff: I was born in 1942, in East Melbourne. I changed many schools in early years as my family moved around a bit. I lived early years in Albury in Brighton and went to Bentleigh West, circa 1952. My father was a foundry supplier and also managed scrap metals, my mother was home maker. As an only child found, on reflection now I appreciate the privilege I had of growing up with both parents’ attention, while I do remember during childhood being desirous of the kind of relationship my friends shared with their siblings.

After I finished year 11, my father got sick and during this time was offered a position at W. Brown and Sons, when he couldn’t take the job, the company owner gave me the opportunity to be trained in the same role. I stayed with them for 7 years and learned a lot, after few years, I then decided to form my own company, and GM Causey Metals and Alloys came to being.

Dulcie: I am the middle child, and I think being in that position really taught me to stick up for myself. I was born in Western Australia, my parents had a wheat and sheep farm. I came to Melbourne to attend my friend’s wedding and landed up staying in Melbourne after marrying the best man. My husband passed away young due to complication after blood clot.

Geoff and I met in 1984 at Geoff’s cousins’ place. We were both independent and working at the time.

Geoff has a son from his first wedding who’s now in Army and I had 2 sons. At the young age of 20, I lost my older son to an accident.

My younger son and family live close to us in Footscray, and between us we enjoy the pleasure of having 4 grandchildren. On the work front, I remember working at Coles in Moonee Ponds and to this day it was the best job, I held, the people, the friendships were all very special.

Polio Plus Society

The Polio Plus Society, a fundraising and recognition program specifically to support the worldwide effort to eradicate polio, is now open to District 9800 Rotarians. Members pledge to donate at least US$100 annually to the PolioPlus Fund until polio is gone from the world. To become part of this exciting venture, simply complete the Commitment Form and continue to donate to this vital program until polio is only a memory. You will receive a certificate and pin; and your contribution will count towards Paul Harris Fellow recognition and Major Donor status.

Inaugural members of the District 9800 Polio Plus Society will receive their recognitions at a launch event is planned for 15 April.

The Polio Plus Society brochure and commitment form are here: https://www.rotarydistrict9800.org.au/sitepage/foundation/polio-plus-society

If you have any questions or would like more information please contact Polio Plus Co-ordinator,
Jane Pennington. Email: Jane.Pennington@rotary9800.org

Defibrillators for our community

December is Disease Prevention and Treatment Month in Rotary.

The Board have approved a project to provide AEDs or defibrillators to our local schools and community groups.

The 1st order has arrived and devices will be presented to recipients in coming weeks.

The first presentat

ion was to Mount Alexander College today. Past President Lesley McCarthy presented to device to Stephanie Balaburov at assembly today. She also spoke to students and teachers, telling them of the value of such devices, and how they are saving lives.

Lorry Rowe visits Manila

From the 1st day of arriving in Manila we were overwhelmed! Michael Redding from Werribee Rotary was with me as well as my family.

Edwin Nombre, whom you know of from the True Manila Street Children feeding program which he started many year ago had arranged for us to travel with him to one of the biggest wholesale markets in Manila. There we bought T-shirts and were so excited to see such a huge shopping complex. We got lost and Michael was not impressed! Edwin thankfully found us and we were on time.

You will remember my request for no presents on my retirement, just money for the Street feeding program. So I had $590.

When I was in Manila in June with my son Shane, Edwin was in America and his family arranged a small program for my Shane and friends, but I only spent $100 on that feed, but that fed 60 children. Spaghetti, hamburgers and fruits.

The traffic is unbelievable! bumper to bumper AND you need to give yourself at least 3 hours travelling time to just go a few kilometres. Seriously, and the Filipinos take it in their stride, it’s just how it is!

After a quick shower and freshen up at our hotel. Edwin took us to go and collect the food. My granddaughter, her daughter and mother and Shane's girlfriend and Micheal.

We all had survived the market situation and were excited to be involved with the feeding program. It was a lot different with Edwin conducting it, a lot more excited children, they just love him, he's like the Pied Piper. Not just because of the food, they totally look up to him as a father figure I'm sure. It’s wonderful to see how Edwin's family help and support him too.

That first night, we fed almost 300 children and gave them T-shirts. It was simply overwhelming.

Michael's Report.

Visit to Rotary

Carols in Queens Park

Thank you to everyone who helped out on the day. Special thanks to John Sklenar who was there from start to finish and cooked all day!

Many thanks to Mel for organizing assistance from the Kensington Soccer Club - Alex and Campa were there with John from early on until the end and we also had Susan and 2 of the young players helping out. Thanks to Edith Chen, Peter Cribb, Yvonne & Bob Farquharson, Shraddha & Rakesh, Lesley, Mel and Marty.

Ascot Vale Heights School Scholarship Presentation

President Shraddha attended the awards evening for Ascot Vale Heights School [formerly Ascot Vale Special School} on Monday 5 December.

The recipient of the club's year 12 scholarship was Sebastian Timpano who was nominated by staff for his outstanding efforts this year.

The senior school team have agreed that Sebastian’s growth academically, socially and personally has been outstanding this year.

Sebastian’s efforts to achieve success with his year 12 studies should be applauded. He has demonstrated a high level of commitment towards school, learning and personal growth. Sebastian attendance is excellent, and we are very proud that he has completed both his VCAL certificate and VET course in Food Processing.

Sebastian has a curious mind and is always willing to take on any tasks and new challenges. He has a kind and caring nature and his ability to positively connect with his peers, makes him a good friend and positive role model in our school community.Sebastian will be moving onto a pre-employment training program in 2023. The funding provided by this motivational grant will really boost the potential to support him with the costs of training, travel and increasing his links to the community. Funding will help to create pathways for Sebastian longer term that will support him in achieving his employment goals.

RORP December Update

RYLA Success

Congratulations to Jules Borghouts and Sarah Briggs who have just finished the 10 day long RYLA camp.

Their experiences in learning, leadership and challenge by choice have opened their eyes to possibilities for the future.

We look forward to hearing about the adventures you had in the new year.

Thank you to Zoe Borghouts who again attended as a leader and to all the RYLA crew for their dedication, support and encouragement.

Mount Alexander College Awards Night

Past President Lesley McCarthy attended this year's awards evening at the Clocktower. It was wonderful to be able to celebrate and acknowledge the hard work and determination of the graduating students after the past 2 and a half years.

As well as the awards, there were a number of musical performances which were just outstanding.

Several of the students whom we have supported or sponsored in the past received awards including Zoe He {NYSF 2022} who was Dux of Year 12; Inas Adil Ahmed {School Captain and MC}, Flynn {Op Shop Work Experience student}, Jacinta Klassen {MUNA], Salma Salaat {NYSF}

Lesley presented the Del King Award to Nasteho Salaat and the inaugural Ted Frank Vocational Award to Anh Tran.

Nasteho is the sister of Salma Salaat who attended NYSF this year with Zoe.

Anh Tran is a Vietnamese student who has been accepted to study Business Analysis at Swinburne University next year.

Below left - Zoe He {NYSF, Dux} with Lesley and Inas Adel Ahmed {Del King Award, School Captain}.
Below right - Ching Chan, Lesley, Zoe and Graeme {a long serving teacher.

Christmas Celebration

A large group gathered at the Maribyrnong Park Bowls Club on Wednesday 30 November to acknowledge and celebrate the year.

Several people tried their hand at lawn bowls or croquet before dinner. Rakesh and Bob showed a good eye for bowls, while Beate, Anthony, and Bill, and Samara and friends were excellent at Croquet.

Many thanks to Dulcie Heard, Geoff Cawsey and friend Lesley for the fabulous catering. This was very much appreciated as was the effort they out into making the room look festive for us all.

President Shraddha addressed the group and thanked everyone for their work this year.
She then made presentations to:
Peter Cribb - acknowledging his efforts as a Mentor to her when she first joined the club.
Edith Chen - as a mentor to Melina Caccetta in her role as the new Op Shop Manager.

She also acknowledged Lesley McCarthy who was Mentor to Yvonne Farquharson.

The Mentor/Mentoree awards are an initiative of DG Amanda and were introduced as part of her DG Cluster visits.

Shraddha together with PP Lesley McCarthy then made a special presentation to Dulcie. She was recognised as an Honorary Member for her 35 years of dedicated service to the club in so many different ways. Lesley then presented her with a Paul Harris Sapphire pin.

We then heard from Ching Chan, Teacher of Chinese and Japanese at MAC who attended with 2 of h

er students. She brought along 2 Temari Balls, created by a friend of hers, Keiko Atcheson, also a Chinese teacher. The balls are for sale.

Melina then presented 'Thank You cards" to the shop volunteers. She thanked them and spoke of their dedication, friendship and community service.

She then gave an overview of the Silent Auction of a range of jewellery. The jewellery has all been donated to the Op Shop and has been authenticated and valued by a Rotarian Jeweller.

Rotary supporting the Food Pantries

Our members are helping feed people in our community through the Food Pantries at Kensington Neighbourhood House, Ascot Vale and at Flemington Mission. Each week one or more of our members provides donations, and at the last weekly meeting several members contributed significant donations of necessities.

Edith, Shraddha, Anne and Lesley take turns to fill KNH and AV while Yvonne volunteers weekly at FM.

The club has made a donation to Flemington Mission to assist with extra supplies in the Christmas period.

Members are encouraged to assist as they can - groceries can be dropped into Melina at the Op Shop too.

Kensington City Soccer Club Awards Night

President Shraddha, Geoff Cawsey and Dulcie Heard attended the presentation evening on 12 November.

They witnessed the great camaraderie, wonderful display of strength, passion and energy among the girls, 2 special coaches, parents, guardians, and the whole community of people behind making this sport accessible and fun for the girls.

Our charter member Geoff felt a sense of pride and happiness in presenting the awards to the outstanding players on the night.
The Rotary Club of Flemington Kensington feels very privileged to be able to extend our ongoing sponsorship support to this wonderful club.

Congratulations to Katherine James, Mia Devine, Jessica Dutton, Mavis Chan and Elizabeth Giovannitti Nowak on your awards.
Good luck to the whole team for another year of playing.

Special shout out to Mel Rotary Op Shop - Flemington for all her unconditional effort!

Playgrounds to Port Blair

After 12 months in the planning, first inspired by President Shraddha's visit in August 2021, the container is now packed and on its way.

Thanks to the incredible effort by Bob Allardice and a team of people, 15 playgrounds plus 2 extra swing sets were loaded - a new RORP record. John Arena is very pleased as he has most of his yard free again - but that won't last.

Those who helped out during the loading were Peter Cribb, John Sklenar and Sam Nicol from Flemington-Kensington.

Rotarians from other clubs were Ian Armstrong, Jerzy Ordega, Des Shiels, Isiah Lahai, Gerry van Horick, Matthew Gibney, Roger Wilson, Cheryl McKay, Peter Peyton, and Scott Allardice.

Thanks to Gerry who contacted the Lilydale Star news resulting in the excellent article below.

Rhys Williams visits RC Tripureshwor

Following his visit to our club and further discussions with President Shraddha, Rotary Central Melbourne's Rhys Williams attended a meeting at the Rotary Club of Tripureshwor while in Nepal recently. Rhys has worked in international education in Asia for many years, and with Stephanie Woollard of 7 Women fame in the past.

Rhys is pictured 3rd from the left.

Intergenerational Maps

This project is based around drawing together older, longer-term residents with younger, newer residents

in a local area they share.
Prior to the COVID pandemic, Gallery Sunshine Everywhere acquired funding from Brimbank Council and implemented the project in Sunshine, a suburb in Melbourne’s west. A report is available in the Projects section of www.gallerysunshine.com .
In 2019, Gallery Sunshine Everywhere joined with the Public Pedagogies Institute in a successful grant application to Moonee Valley Council to run a similar program in Flemington.
The program ran at Debney Meadows Primary School in early November.

Cluster event - District Governor's visit

Please book and pay through Humanitix:
https://events.humanitix.com/gateway-east-cluster-event

Christmas Party with fun

Everyone is invited to celebrate the year 2022 with an evening of bowling, croquet, food and fun. Maribyrnong Park Bowls Club, Holmes Road Moonee Ponds.

Expert tuition in lawn bowling and croquet from resident experts Geoff and Dulcie.
Fabulous meal organised by Dulcie and her crew.

During the evening we will be packing supplies for "Share the Dignity" // "It's in the Bag" so please bring along items as per the list below.

Please RSVP to Shraddha by Friday 25th and advise any dietary needs.

District Governor Cluster visit

The Yarraville Club was packed as Rotarians and partners from the clubs in the Gateway Custer came together on 10 November to welcome District Governor Amanda Wendt. Together with DGEN Michael Lapina and Alex, AGs Tony Laycock and Peter Shepheard and Club Service Chair Lilli Teichman the room was abuzz.

Australian Rotary Health PhD Scholarship

Equipping Teachers to Respond to Mental Health Problems in the Classroom – Australian Rotary Health

A new PhD research project funded by Australian Rotary Health and the /Rotary Club of Flemington Kensington PhD Scholarship. is aiming to equip schoolteachers with evidence-based strategies to tackle mental health problems in the classroom.

Former teacher and hD candidate Catherine Johnson knows first-hand about the impact a student’s sense of wellbeing has on their ability to learn and reach their potential.

“When I started in the classroom, my training did not prepare me for the complexity of student concerns and needs that arose, which led me to want to explore how to best provide training to teachers in supporting student mental health,” Ms Johnson said.

Live For Lily

Wednesday 19th October we met at Cucina il Divo. As well s enjoying a lovely evening of fun, fellowship and chat, we heard from our

Guest Speakers Katie and Aaron Hester on Live for Lily - Liver Cancer fundraising and research.

Live For Lily | to cure childhood cancer-: Home Shraddha presented Katie and Aaron with a donation of $2000 from the club.

Filling sandbags for flood affected Ascot Vale residents

Thanks to everyone who helped out at the Essendon SES on Saturday. Filling sandbags for flood affected residents.

Big shout out to President Shraddha and Essendon Rotarians.

Playgrounds to Port Blair India

Almost ready to ship .... Costs have skyrocketed due to COVID, now approx $12,280.
Thank you Bob Allardice.

President Shraddha's Food Pantry Project

We all know people who are struggling to put food on the table at the moment. The 3 local food pantries: Ascot Vale Little Pantry, Flemington Mission and Kensington Neighborhood House are supporting hundreds of local families weekly.

Shraddha's request is that we who a

re fortunate support where we can by bringing a grocery item to each meeting. Each month, we will donate these groceries to one of the pantries.

This week, Edith and Lesley took in our donations to Kensington Neighourhood House.

Lesley recognised in Hansard

Danny Pearson MP for Essendon has recognized Past President Lesley McCarthy with a Member's speech in Parliament.
This was recorded in Hansard on 4 August.

Lesley was presented with a framed memento at the breakfast meeting this week by Nicole Marshall.

RIMERN helps one of our Somali families

PP Peter Cribb received a phone call from one of our Somali contacts, Ibrahim Hussein from OzSomCare seeking assistance for a family whose house had been destroyed by fire.

RIMERN quickly came to the rescue and yesterday Ibrahim and Rashid collected furniture, mattresses and household goods for the family of 6. They had been sleeping on the floor! So, free of charge - mattresses and bases, fridge, washing machine and microwave, bed linen, bedside tables, sofa, armchairs, coffee table and kitchen goods. All donated to RIMERN from our wonderful volunteers.

Thank you to Sue Robb who picked and packed and made this happen so quickly!

Another fantastic help to community - circular economy saving landfill.

City of Melbourne Awards

Earlier this year Lesley applied to the Awards for the op Shop under the category of Sustainability. The submission was well received and we were shortlisted for an interview. Lesley presented against the criteria at interview last week. See presentation here.

The award winners will be announced later this month.

Our Op Shop is a hub for the circular economy and sustainability through our many connections - almost octopus like with our tentacles. Did yo know how many partnerships and connections we have made?

Flem-Ken News Spring Edition

Members featured in 4 separate stories in this edition.

Connecting to your community

Are you someone who wants to make positive changes in your community and the world? Our members are a dedicated group of local people who share a passion for service - in our local community, Australia and worldwide.

Rotary's 7 focus areas include:

* Disease prevention and treatment - we are well known for our leadership and work in ending Polio worldwide.
* Supporting the environment
* Basic education and literacy

* Peacebuilding and conflict resolution
* Maternal and child health
* Community economic development
* Water, hygiene and sanitation

Does this sound like you? Come along to one of our meetings and learn more
about us and our work. Or call in and see Mel at the op Shop.

2021-2022 RI Citation

Congratulations! Your club has earned the Rotary Citation,

the most significant award a Rotary club can achieve, for 2021-22.

This past year, your club demonstrated a commitment to achieve its goals, which ultimately helps strengthen Rotary and shape our future.

Rotary and UNICEF Sri Lanka partnership

Rotary International and UNICEF are partnering to deliver lifesaving medicines, clean drinking water, education materials and other critical supplies to children and families.

The partnership will capitalize on Rotary International ‘s global network along with the alumni of Sri Lanka’s leading schools to raise funds from the Sri Lankan community living overseas.

Donors can also donate through the online platform www.lifelinesrilanka.rotary.unicef.org.au to give a lifeline to Sri Lankans during the current crisis.

UNICEF will use the collected funds to procure essential medicines, medical equipment, water purification tablets, and school stationery to support vulnerable communities facing severe shortages across the country.

The partnership was launched ON 22nd August in Colombo by UNICEF Regional Director for South Asia, Mr. George Laryea-Adjei and UNICEF Sri Lanka Representative, Mr. Christian Skoog together with Zone Director of Rotary International, Mr. A S Venkatesh, and Sri Lanka Rotary District Governor Ms. Pubudu de Zoysa.

Donations can also be made by direct deposit to: UNICEF Sri Lanka through the bank details below. Please note ‘Lifeline Sri Lanka’ in the description. Please also email notification of the deposit to: donatesl@unicef.org

Account name: UNITED NATIONS CHILDREN’S FUND
Bank name: Sampath Bank PLC Account number: 002960004747
Account currency: LKR Branch name: Headquarters’ branch
Branch address: 110, Sir James Pieris Mawatha, Colombo, Postal code 00200 SWIFT BIC: BSAMLKLX

Member Behind the Badge - Len Seddon

On Wedn

esday, 24th August, Leonard and Shraddha met for breakfast at Sugarbeat cafe close to their homes, and what followed was an interesting & insightful walk down a memory lane of Len's life which was lived on the philosophy of hard work, friendship and care for his family, friends and community.

Len was born 11 April 1933 in a small town in Victoria called Murtoa. We moved when I was still young to Linga, situated between Ouyen and the South Australian border in the Sunraysia region. There I went to Linga state school. My father was a Bank Manager, and my mother managed the Post Office until we moved to Melbourne in 1940, after my fathers' passing in 1937.

Len still remembers the 14 room house they had when his mother managed the Post Office in Linga, it brings back very fond memories of the place. It was getting difficult for my mother alone with two kids, so along with aunty Flo, her daughter Bev, mum, uncle Alan and I moved to Melbourne.

We lived initially in Fitzroy and eventually mum found work to manage a tennis court and milk bar in Union road. Alan & I joined Ascot Vale West Primary school.

Len was introduced to Rotary by another of my school mate Ron King in 1991. He was the President at North Melbourne Rotary and we used to go to their Rotary dinners. Over one such dinner he introduced me to the president Ross Bradfield of Rotary Club of Flemington & soon after I joined.

Op Shop Super Spring Saturday Sale

We were blessed with beautiful weather despite the forecast of rain. Thank you to everyone who came along and contributed to the success of the day!

Arriving early, Mel and Alex were already hard at work organising marquees and stalls. After help from Geoff the Coffee Van man with reversing the trailer, the BBQ was set up and ready to go when John Sklenar and Peter Cribb arrived. They were ably assisted by Geoff Cawsey and Dulcie Heard.

The book sale covered 3 large tables with more on the ground - Mel has been collecting books for a year so there were plenty to be found in all interest areas. Debra Ryan was assisted by volunteer Molly.

Shraddha and Lesley 'floated' from table to table as the need arose and were helped by Mel's Godson Anthony and his mother Carmela.

Karolina and Edith arrived at lunchtime and Edith brought along Carol Qi and a friend to help on the BBQ after Peter left for basketball finals.

The Coffee &

scones van did a roaring trade and their tables and chairs were appreciated. Funda Ozkan Tokatlii from Funda Art & Craft had a fabulous stand with many hand-painted watercolour art works, cushions and jewellery. She and her daughter were keen participants. We were also joined by Rubina from Jobs Victoria who met many of the attendees and made great connections.

Inside the shop, Mel had a huge array of plants {some donated by Bunnings Maribyrnong, some from Lesley and others} vegetables and herbs from the Kensington Garden and the mini repair hub set up in the back room.

Visit to Essendon Rotary

On Tuesday 6th September we joined with Essendon Rotary at the evening meeting with guest Speaker Josh Mahoney, CEO of Essendon FC.

Our table included President Shradha Sharma and Samara, PP Peter Cribb, PP Anne Heyes, PP Lesley McCarthy, Carolina Sevcikova, Yvonne Farquharson and Bob Farquharson.

It was great to catchup with friends including PPs Sunil Pereira, Marioa Kouppas and Lisa Lowcock and Royce Abbey Coordinator Roger Leask, amongst others.

Member Behind the Badge - Yvonne Farquharson

vonne was born in Mount Beauty, where her father was working on the Snowy Hydro Scheme; the 3rd of three daughters with a younger brother. The family moved to Ballina in New South Wales where she completed all her schooling. Her father is 99 and still lives in Ballina; her mother died in 2015.

Yvonne has been married to Bob, an Agricultural & Resource Economist for 44 years and they have 3 adult children (a geotechnical engineer, an archaeologist, and an editor in the publishing trade) and 4 grandchildren who live in New South Wales. Education is a big part of our family life!

Yvonne gained a BA from the University of New England and a Diploma of Education at the University of Canberra. Her whole working life has been in education, mostly teaching in high schools and primary schools. Her last role was as VCE Coordinator at Gilmore Girls College, Footscray.

Congratulations Jimmy Musiime

Congratulations Jimmy!

A Royce Abbey Vocational Scholar success story. Jimmy has just been inducted as President of his Rotary Club.

Jimmy came to Melbourne in March 2015 from Kabale Uganda and spent 3 months based in the Otways. Then President Hugh Stewart and his family who are heavily involved in agroforestry and landcare in the Deans Marsh - Yan Yan Guurt area arranged a number or vocational visits and learning opportunities. Jimmy attained a MasterTree Grower Certificate as well as participating in a number of agroforestry experiences. Together with PP Allan Bruno, a number of experiences were arranged for Jimmy during his time here.

Hugh's brother Andrew had spent time in Kabale exploring forestry initiatives there and had met Jimmy.

Jimmy wasn't a Rotarian before his visit but joined soon after and has been Secretary of his club as well s working on youth and community service projects. His family are immensely proud of his achievements and so are we - and delighted to report on his achievements since then.

photoalbums/2022-jimmy-musiime-update

Otway farmers are using agroforestry to help Ugandan communities | The Weekly Times (weeklytimesnow.com.au)

Sputnik Girls Home

An international project which our club supports is the Sputnik Girls Home and school in Kurunegala, Sri Lanka.
This connection began in 2017 when PP Peter Cribb met Dr Esantha Ariyadasa through friends in Adelaide. This led to the shipping of a 40' container filled with educational materials from donations in Kind - and a playground. Thus began RORP.

With the extreme d

ifficulties experienced this year in Sri Lanka, Eshantha reached out to us for assistance. A donation fro the club matched by donations from Rotary Nunawading, Bob Allardice, Jim & Liz Alvey and Peter & Bev Cribb has allowed the home funds to provide a sustainable supply of food; and to complete some much needed work at the home. The library now has shelves, the girls now had wardrobes for their belongings and there is security.

photoalbums/2022-sputnik-girls-home

Volunteering with the DG

We were delighted to have District Governor Amanda Wendt join us on National Tree Day. Together with DGEN Michael Lapina and his son Alex, they have produced a video capturing the involvement of Rotarians and community members in a hands on meaningful service project.

VIDEO

Mentor Match

Posted by Lesley McCarthy

President Shraddha welcomed Rhys Williams from Rotary Central Melbourne and Colleen D'Offay Rotary Brighton to speak to us about Mentor Match.

MentorMatch is a social enterprise purpose built to manage the International Student Mentoring Program.
It follows the very successful Victoria Police & Ambulance mentoring programs run by Central Melbourne for many years. This is an exciting new collaboration from Rotary delivering an innovative mentoring program to international students.

It offers an opportunity for Rotarians seeking to “give something back” and provides an opportunity for clubs who are interested in mentoring but were unable to participate in previous programs.

READ MORE

National Tree Day

There was a buzz in the air and lots of chatter as a huge number of community volunteers joined in this National Tree Day event. The plan was to plant 3000 seedlings as part of the Greening the West and increasing tree canopy and wildlife habitat programs. Well we did!!

Rotarians from Flemington Kensington, Keilor East and Carlton were joined by District Governor Amanda Wendt from Rotary Melbourne and DGEN Michael Lapina and son Alex from Rotary Wyndham. Mayor Samantha Byrne got her hands dirty and was joined by Ben Carroll MP for Keilor and Danny Pearson MP for Essendon.

Milly Burke, MVCC Conservation Programs Officer and her amazing team of workers had predrilled holes, laid out tubestock and spread mulch. From there it was just a matter of grab your gloves and trowel, a watering can and get planting - which everyone did.

Many thanks to the fabulous team from Keilor East for cooking and serving the sausage sizzle to very grateful planters and workers: David Dippie, Ginny & Alex Billson, Marianne Potgieter, Yvonne Osborn and Tina Ballos.

It was great to see regular partners Moonee Valley Sustainability and the scouts and cubs from Strathmore.

Royce Abbey Award

Past President Lesley was very surprised to be presented with a Royce Abbey Award at our Club Changeover. She joins former members Brian Sinclair and Chris Brock, and current member Cody Bettanin as recipients at Flemington.

Lesley recently attended

a meeting at Essendon Rotary, home of the Royce Abbey Awards where she was acknowledged by their members.

She is pictured with Royce Abbey Committee members Maria Kouppas and Roger Leask.

Home | The Royce and Jean Abbey Vocational Scholarship and The Royce Abbey Award

2022 Club President's Changeover

It was a night to remember! Thank you to all the members, family, friends, volunteers and community embers who came along to celebrate the 2021-2022 year.

We farewelled Lesley McCarthy and welcomed Shraddha Sharma in a thoroughly enjoyable evening. Everyone was so happy to get together again and to have the chance to catch up.

We welcomed Cr Katrina Hodgson from Moonee Valley who gave the Acknowledgement of Country. Danny Pearson MP and Nicole Marshall.

Assistant Governor Tony Laycock have the Rotary Toast and assisted Lesley with formalities. David Dippie, Keilor East; Michael Redding: Werribee and Colin Styles: Hoppers Crossing also joined us.

Photo Album

Congratulations Mary and Karolina

At this week's meeting, PP Lesley presented awards to 2 people who were unable to attend the President's Changeover.

Karolina Sevc

ikova was presented with the James Hosie Trophy for "Member of the Year". Karolina has participated in every club event and activity as well as being a regular volunteer in the Op Shop and at RIMERN. She even put her tool skills to work helping to remove the playground from JJ Holland Reserve.

Congratulations Karolina- you are following in some very big footsteps!

Mary

Keating, Editor of Flem-Ken News for 18years was presented with a Community Service Award {and chocolates}. She has been a dedicated link in the Flemington and Kensington communities sharing stories, celebrations and connecting people. Mary is retiring at the end of this year and we hope to entice her to participate more in Rotary.

Kensington City Soccer Club

The Rotary Club of Flemington Kensington accepted a request for sponsorship of the Kensington City Soccer Club. It was seen as a way of supporting and encouraging young g women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to participate in sport.

Our sponsorship is targeted at young women from disadvantaged socio economic backgrounds and contributes towards their membership and playing fees as well as their uniform.

These young women develop physical skills at soccer, as well the social and relationship skills which result in being part of a team which trains, plays and then socialises together.

Farewell Lorry Rowe

Saturday 21 Ma

y saw a large group of Rotarians and volunteers join together at the Fit4 Use Store to farewell and thank Lorry Rowe for her 6 years 8 months term as Manager of the store. Lorry is retiring and moving to Queensland to be closer to her children and grandchildren.

Lorrys' role was the seed for the store after she approached PP Allan Bruno with her desire. Allan, Ted Frank and other members soon had the store identified, fitted out and opened with a great celebration in August 2017 under the leadership of then President Hugh Stewart.

RIMERN Update

Last week, Edith Chen, Carolina Sevcikova, Shraddha Sharma and I volunteered at RIMERN in East Brunswick. We joined members from the Rotary Clubs of Glenferrie and Preston on organising, sorting, cleaning and packing goods.

It was an enjoyable, friendly afternoon and not hard work. Thanks to Ros McMaster for your encouragement All members are free to participate and encouraged to attend on Thursdays when our team is rostered on.

The store is located at 32 Lincoln Street East Brunswick on the corner of Moreland Road. 1pm-4pm.

BREAKING NEWS!
RIMERN has been awarded a coveted Centenary of Rotary in Australia Grant for $25,000 from the wonderful Rotary Club of Balwyn to enable us to buy our own VAN!! This is the best news and we are so grateful to Rotary Balwyn for their generosity!

Let's Talk About Mental Health

With 4 inspiring speakers, attendees learnt more about mental health - the causes, stresses, symptoms and signs. Then the impact of mental health and responses in multicultural communities - the stigma, language issues, inability to access treatment and visa and migration hurdles. Mental health a lived experience from a young volunteer through Headspace - a conversation and how sufferers try to protect their loved ones. So where to get help, hw schools support students and families and the poer of Mental Health First Aid.

Thank you so very much to Maria Ruberto, Fatima Ibrahim, Parisa Shiran and Catherine Johnston for their time ad expertise, and for their empathy towards the audience and their concerns.

https://clubrunner.blob.core.windows.net/00000014585/en-ca/files/homepage/mental-health-forum/Flier.docx

https://clubrunner.blob.core.windows.net/00000014585/en-ca/files/homepage/strategies-for-mental-health/quick-guide-to-student-mental-health-and-wellbeing-resources.pdf

Educating children about healthy kidneys

Friend of Rotary, Yvonne Farquharson is the founder of Filter Your Future, an education program for children. She is willing to speak to clubs and groups on the importance of kidneys to all aspects of our health - and how important it is to teach children. Home - Filter Your Future - Healthy Kidneys Education Project

VALE Ted Frank

VALE Theophil Richard Frank 8 February 1948 - 10 March 2022

Ted Frank passed away on Wednesday 10 March following a stroke in late 2021.

Ted was a Charter Member of the Rotary Club of Flemington and was made a Life Member in October 2021 in recognition of his 33 years of dedicated service to the club, to Rotary and to the Flemington and Kensington communities.

Ted was awarded a number of recognitions by the club including a Paul Harris Fellow Sapphire, a Room 711 Award and the Jim Hosie Trophy on 3 occasions.

For 35 years, Ted has been an enthusiastic, hard working and tireless member of the club participating in every activity and using his knowledge of the people and businesses in Flemington Kensington to gather support for activities.

Together with PP Allan Bruno, he was a BBQ champion helping to organise and run countless fundraising BBQs and raising 100,000's of dollars for club service projects aiding people across the world.

Ted leaves behind his wife of 51 years Helen; 3 children Richard, Michael and Natalie, and 6 grandchildren Matilda, Daniel, Olivia, Alexia, Jessie and Sadie, and a sister Elizabeth.

The funeral will be held on Friday 18th March at 11am at St James Lutheran Church, 416 South Road Moorabbin.

International Women's Day

4 outstanding speakers addressed the audience at today's International Women's Day breakfast hosted by Moonee Valley Council at the Clocktower. The room was full - Rotarians, students and teachers and community members taking the opportunity to join together to celebrate women's achievements - and to realise that although we have come a long way, there is more to do.

Mayor Samantha Byrne's address was on point and challenging and set the scene.

We were delighted to sponsor 4 students from Mount Alexander College: Habon, Muna, Amelia and Lexie together with Stephanie Balaburov, Student Leadership Coordinator.

Other guests were Nicole Marshall and Caitlin, Yvonne Farquharson, Michelle, Barbara and Debbie from the Op Shop, Edith, Carol and Kiran, Karolina and Lesley.

We were also able to network with others from the community, catch up with Rotarians from Keilor East, Essendon North and Essendon, the ladies from Mamma's Kitchen and our council staff.

NYSF Reports 2022

Zoe He and Inas Adil Ahmed presented to the Rotary Club of Flemington Kensington at the 2 March meeting.

They were accompanied by the Science teacher Miriam Feldsher Berkovich.

Zoe's report Inas' repot

First face to face meeting for 2022

We're back! Our first meeting for 2022 is tomorrow, Wednesday 2nd February. We are meeting at Mama Bears Cafe on the corner of Crown Street and Racecourse Road. 7.30AM for a 7.45AM start and finish by 9AM.

Del King Scholarship at MAC

The Del King Scholarship was inaugurated in 2019 following the tragic death of our Past President Del King.

Del had been a serving policewoman in the Flemington and Kensington areas for many years, working with multicultural families and young people. She had a passion for empowering these young people through education and "walked the talk". She took on a role with our district in supporting the Rotary Youth Exchange program and hosted many international students for their exchanges here in Melbourne. She also undertook the Kokoda Trek with students from MAC and St Bernard's with other police officers on 2 occasions. Del also visited India on a Vocational Study Exchange with PDG Murray Verso.

The Del King Scholarship is awarded annually to a student entering Year11 and covers the 2 years of VCE for the nominated student.

Award recipients have been:
Haniyah Abdou Said - 2019-2020 now studying art and fashion design at RMIT.
Zebin Gebreslase - 2021-2021. Zebib has just completed VCE.
Inas Adil Ahmed - 2021 - 2022 Inas has completed year 11 and will also attend NYSF in January 2022
Habon Sani - 2022 - 2023

At this year's graduation -

Inas, Habon and Zebib.

In 2019, Del's widower Sean was able to present the award.

RORP - Kensington playground removal

Today several members and 2 friends ventured to the YMCA complex at Kensington where the playground had been donated for RORP. Bob Allardice from Nunawading Rotary, current overall manager of RORP Multi-district brought along his large tray ute to transport the equipment to John Arena's storage yard at Kilsyth.

Armed with a multitude of tools - wrenches, allan keys, sockets, multigrips and as a last resort a hammer and chisel, we tackled the dismantle.

Led by Bob and Peter Cribb who is experienced at this, John Sklenar, Lesley McCarthy and Karolina Sevcikova tackled the low nuts and
bolts while Jules Borghouts and Suba Pragasam from North Melbourne Rotary tackled the higher elements and the 2 roofs.
See all the photos at photoalbums/rorp-kensington-ymca

It was a relatively easy job apart from a couple of recalcitrant bolts which Bob soon finished off with his hammer and chisel or drill.

This is a good fun hands on activity which was over and done in under 3 hours. Bob says this playground will join several others in the yard awaiting a container and shipping berth. It will probably go to Egypt where SA Rotary has made a connection.

Wildlife Habitat and Pollination Corridor Day #2

Today a number of members met up with Stephanie Way from MVCC to review the condition of our Wildlife Habitat and Pollination Corridor at Fairbairn Park.
We planted another 50 understorey plants to extend the planting towards Flemington.

The groundcover and understorey plants we planted in May are flourishing, obviously enjoying the amount of rain they have received this year.

The mature trees are also looking good and have shown significant growth. Unfortunately so have the weeds, so we spent some time pulling them out.

Our original plan to install some seating was delayed by budget restraints and then COVID but this is now on the agenda again. We discussed locations, types of seating and the possibility of some sort of shelter/shade as well as a water fountain for adults and dogs.

A working bee is planned for early 2022.

Op Shop Super Weekend Extravaganza

What a super weekend this was. With her usual verve and panache Manager Mel organised her volunteers and sought outside suppliers for food, coffee, refills and the repair hub. With sandy and Sean providing entertainment, and supplied with fresh produce and plants as well, shoppers had lots of opportunities to grab a bargain - and they did.

Man thanks to Mel and Alex, Betty, Edith, Anne, Carolina, Sandy, Jessica, Barbara, Nahla, Vinh and all the volunteers.

Annual General Meeting

Sadly we still cannot meet face to face due to restrictions on the number of people who can be catered for. All our favourite venues have a limit of 10 people, but not to worry.

I have a wicked plan. Think of it as a progressive dinner/dinner party with a twist!

Wednesday 17 November at 6pm - invite a fellow Rotarian, friend or potential member to join you for drinks or dinner at your home and ZOOM into the meeting.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84563388299

We will have the chance to share the news, catch up on everyone's lives and our plans for Christmas. Then Past President Anne Heyes will reminisce on her year and present the Annual Report which will showcase the impact we had and the good work we were able to do despite COVID.

District Governor Dale Hoy visits our club

On Wednesday 6 October, District Governor Dale Hoy will visit our club meeting via ZOOM.

This will be Dale's first visit to us and is a wonderful opportunity for all members and friends to meet him and hear of his plans for the coming year.

Please make every effort to attend. ZOOM https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84563388299

Dale would like to catch up with members of the Board at the end of he meeting too. Please try to allow time for this.

Fundraising Raffle - Solar in Schools Fiji

Would you like to WIN or GIFT a great resort holiday in tropical Fiji? https://sustainablesocial.org/Home/RafflePage/105517

Support the Rotary Club of Flemington Kensington projects + Give kids on remote islands a modern education + Save carbon emissions and plastics.

Paradise Taveuni Resort, Its Time Foundation and Rotary are giving you the chance to win a holiday of a lifetime on the beautiful Fijian island of Taveuni. The Fijian people will make you feel welcome like no other. A well earned treat after COVID restrictions or perhaps a nice gift for a friend to let them know you are thinking of them (an editable gift certificate comes with your receipt).

50% of ticket sales is returned to our club. 40% pays for solar panels and 10% for Ocean Cleanups.

The Its Time Foundation and Sustainable Social are registered charities. Rob Edwards, OAM, is the founder and a member of the Rotary Club of Corrimal, NSW.

Walk for Polio

Join our Flemington Kensington Family and walk or donate to End Polio this October.

Rotary Walk With Us End Polio - Flemington Kensington family

Fit4 Use Store assisting Afghan refugees in Wyndham

Supplies for new arrivals from Afghanistan reach Christine at the Wyndham Park Community Centre.
Grocery packs and clothing were supplied from the JET Foundation and Flemington Kensington Rotary's Fit for Use store in Werribee.

Thanks to Phil Hartcher and Sue Selleck at Wyndham Rotary and to Lorry Rowe, Manager at the Fit4 Use Store and her volunteers.

VALE John Heyes

It is with deep sadness that I advise that our Honorary Member John Heyes passed away last night September 9th after a short fight against liver cancer.

Our sincere sympathies are extended to Anne, David and Bec, Matthew, Paul and Lee, Jake and Luke.

The funeral for John Vernon Heyes will be held at Le Pine Funerals Essendon on Friday 17 September 2.25-3.55.

The funeral will be livestreamed due to COVID restrictions.

https://www.oneroomstreaming.com/login password 313H72

Guest Speaker Wednesday 18th August

Our Guest Speaker this Wednesday will be Catherine Johnson. She is a researcher at the Centre for Mental Health at the University of Melbourne and was referred to us by Betty Kitchener.

Catherine will speak to us on her research into mental health in children and her interviews with teaches and parents.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8581980266?pwd=YWhQM2tYR2U5ZkNSTFIyd3J1Z0FNQT09

Meeting ID: 858 198 0266
Passcode: 675123

Intergenerational Maps

Professor Maureen Ryan from the Arts and Education Department at VU has invited us to participate in this project which has been funded by a grant from Moonee Valley Council.

The projects aims to collect visual and written responses to the important places and buildings in Flemington as gained from long term residents, newer migrants and children.

PP Anne Heyes, Edith Chen and President Lesley have been joined by historian Sheila Byard and others to commence exploring the concepts and plans.

Donation from Flemington Central to RIMERN

On Tuesday, I visited Peter the Manager at Flemington Central, formerly Quest Flemington. He had advised of a donation of surplus blankets and doonas for us. May be an image of 2 people and indoor

Together with Susie Cole and her partner Peter, we filled our cars with blankets, doonas, pillows and mattress protectors - all in fabulous condition. 6 car loads of goods were driven to RIMERN in Brunswick East where they were carried up the 2 very long flights of stairs - the lift isn't in yet!

What an amazing donation to set RIMERN up for helping people in need. Thank you so very much to Peter for thinking of us,

Rotary has a reputation for good and these items will be of such value.

May be an image of 2 people, including Lesley McCarthy, people standing and footwear

Congratulations Mount Alexander College

We are delighted with the news that our Corporate Member, Mount Alexander College has achieved such strong results in 2020 despite COVID.

MAC was named as having the most improved VCE Study Score results with a median score of 31.

Congratulations to Principal Dani Angelico, all students and staff on their efforts.

Flemington Kensington Rotary is proud to have supported many students in recent years including 2020 DUX Alex Langley who attended National Youth Science Forum in 2020 and 2020 Growth DUX Haniyah Abdou Said who was the inaugural Del King Scholarship recipient.

Schools that Excel 2021: View results over the past decade for Victorian schools (theage.com.au)

Virtual Changeover

After 2 cancellations due to COVID lockdowns, Anne and Lesley agreed that a virtual event was necessary.

Thanks to Betty Kitchener for preparing the photographic record of the year of COVID. So much was achieved despite the months of lockdowns.

Paul Harris Awards:

PP Peter Cribb: 3

sapphires - for his outstanding and dedicated work on the Rotary Overseas Recycled Playgrounds Project.

Lyn Borghouts: 1 sapphire - for her work as plan coder on the Rotary Overseas Recycled Playgrounds Project as well as her assistance as a Board Member.

Shraddha Sharma - for her work on Rotary Overseas Recycled Playgrounds Project and as a Board Member.

Edith Chen: for her work as Club treasurer and with the op Shop and the Art Show.

Betty Kitchener: for her support at the Op Shop, with the Art Show and as a Board Member.

Anne then presented 2 Life Membership awards:
Geoff Cawsey: Charter Member 1987, Past President 1988-1989: 2001-2002, James Hosie Awardee, Paul Harris Fellow Sapphires. BBQ and Onto Conference Champion.

Len Seddon: 30+ year member, James Hosie Awardee, Paul Harris Fellow, BBQ, Op Shop and Club Service Champion.

The James Hosie Trophy was presented to John Heyes for his contributions to the op Shop, the Art Show and for club service during the year of COVID.

The Vance Hilton Community Leadership Award was given to Sandy Belcher for her outstanding leadership of the Art Show.

Introducing RIMERN

We are pleased to announce our support for RIMERN - the Rotary Inner Melbourne Emergency Relief Network which has recently opened in Brunswick.

We are joining the Rotary Clubs of Prahran, Albert Park, Central Melbourne, Carlton, North Melbourne, Balwyn, Camberwell and Canterbury to establish the organisation.

Based at 32-34 Lincoln Street, East Brunswick this charity provides free household goods to people experiencing loss and trauma.

They may have suffered from a range of crises, including long term illness, unemployment, domestic violence or homelessness, refugee displacement, incarceration or other situations of hardship, such as fire or flood.

The premise is that followed by the Eastern Relief Network in Mitcham and Western Emergency Relief Network in Melton.

Through donations from businesses, real estate agencies and everyday people, they are able to offer basic household furniture, bedding, manchester and kitchen goods.

Referrals are accepted from accredited social service organisations who support those needing aid with the process. Agencies working in the of Melbourne, south Moonee Valley, Port Phillip, Darebin, east Moreland, south Banyule and northern Bayside and Yarra are invited to apply for accreditation and to access resources.
Access the application form here.

RIMERN is run solely by volunteers so if you would like to assist, please contact Lesley.

Have you seen our video

Op Shop TV on Vimeo

Share and celebrate the work we have done and the impact we have had.

District Governor's Changeover

It was a celebration not only of the year that was, but of the opportunity to get together and enjoy the company of other Rotarians.

Past District Governor Phillip Archer recognised some remarkable Rotarians and corporate partners before welcome incoming District Governor Dale Hoy to the role.

The Rotary Foundation Distinguished Service Award was presented to Bob Fels from Rotary Melbourne for his many, many years of work on the Peace Scholars program, and a feat unmatched by any other district in sponsoring 41 scholars over the years.

The Rotary Melbourne Fels Peace Award was given to Robert Helme of Rotary Melbourne for his work in the Peace scholars program alongside Bob.

Paul Harris awards were made to Melissa Hocking, PDG Grant Hocking.

Dale spoke of his vision for the year and the focus on service and doing good in the world based on this year's theme of Serve to Change Lives, surely the basis of all our work in Rotary.

North West Inner City News

Have you shared this story with your friends,
family and neighbours? It gives a strong
overview of what we do,
who we are and how we work to improve lives.

Join us

The Rotary Club of Flemington Kensington has been serving our local & international communities since 1987. We have an active social and project program. Our members love being part of our Club and enjoy participating in all our activities. You are invited to come along to:

join in with our many volunteering opportunities
make new friends and
learn new things.
give back

Once you get to know us, you might like to become a Rotary Friend or even to join the 1.2 million Rotarians as a club member. We will make you feel very welcome.

World Polio update

There have only been two recorded cases of wild polio virus infection in 2021, one case in Afghanistan and one case in Pakistan.

They were both detected in January. This is outstanding compared to a total of 140 cases in 2020.
More work needs to be done to reach rural and hard to reach communities and the need for ongoing funding to eradicate the disease completely remains.

All contributions will be matched 2:1 by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation again this year. Donate online here or contact the treasurer to make a donation through the club.

Club Changeover

CLUB CHANGEOVER:
Join us to celebrate President Anne Heyes year of COVID and Rotary Opens Opportunities and handover to Lesley McCarthy for Serve to Change Lives. Rotary Theme 2021-2022 – Awards California

Rotary Theme 2021-2022 – Awards California

Due to COVID restrictions the event has been rescheduled.

Sunday 18th July 12.30 to 3.30pm

The Hotham Room, Mercure Hotel, corner Flemington Road and Harker Streets, North Melbourne.

$45pp for a 2 course meal, water, tea and coffee.
Drinks at bar prices.

RSVP to Secretary@rotaryflemington.org.au by 12 June.

20 Helium Balloons - Chrome Assortment - Melbourne Helium Balloon Bouquets

When people ask us what we do.

National Volunteer Week

This National Volunteer Week we acknowledge it’s time to RECOGNISE. RECONNECT. REIMAGINE. volunteering in Australia. #NVW2021 #waveforvolunteers
Did you know that each year these volunteers dedicate over 600 million hours to help others. Let’s recognise the significant contribution of Australia’s almost six million volunteers and reconnect with what is important by giving your time to help others.

We thank all the volunteers who have helped us help others this year: those who work in our Op Shop and Fit4 Use Store every week, the man people who suport5ed the Art Show, the Rotary Overseas Recycled Playgrounds Project, at Donations in Kind and Western Emergency Relief Network and at the Rotary100 Tree Planting and Habitat Development Day.

We are looking forward to a bigger, better and brighter future where we can all make a difference.

Rotary 100 Tree Planting Day report

What an inspirational and rewarding morning we had on the banks of the Maribyrnong River in Asco Vale today.

Working with Moonee Valley Council, we were able to plant 100 trees and 380 groundcover plants sourced from the Victorian Indigenous Nursery Co-Op in Fairfield. Council also planted 4 River Red Gums and 6 Banksia on our behalf - 1.5 metre tall trees to give some structure and support for the new plantation. 3 large blue mudstone rocks were sourced from TransRock in Wonga Park and will form both a barrier and seating. A plaque commemorating the planting is placed on the front rock.

Moonee Valley Council Conservation Officer Milly Burke has been outstanding in her support and encouragement for this project and was a joy to work with, as were her crew Aron, Charlie and Ruth today. Councillors Katrina Hodgson and Rose Iser participated in the planting and formally opened the Rotary Flemington Kensington Forest - a wildlife corridor and pollination source for wildlife travelling along the river. Councillor Samantha Byrne also attended.

This project is our club's Rotary 100 Project celebrating 100 years of Rotary in Australia and we were delighted with the support from the Moonee Valley Conservation group and the Indian Environment group who assisted us today. Working together with partners has increased and enhanced the impact of this work and led to the furthering of relationships for the next event.

To learn more about Rotary and Environment as the new Area of Focus, go to esraganzpi.org

RORP wins District Award

At the District 9800 Conference on Saturday 1st May a number of awards were given out to clubs which had shown significant action and impact across the areas of focus.

The Rotary Club of Flemington Kensington accepted the environment award for Rotary Overseas Recycled Playgrounds project which saves a significant quantity of metal, plastic and timber from landfill each year by repurposing playgrounds. See RORP

Congratulations to PP Peter Cribb, PP Sam Nicol, Lyn Borghouts and Shraddha Sharma who have led the RORP team in our club.

Congratulations must also go to every club, council and contractor who has participated in the project since 2016 especially the multi district leaders Bob Allardice, Wayne Jenkins, David Balshaw and Don Shields.

RORP demonstrates impact and achievement of the recognitions through:

Volunteer Opportunities
Humanitarian Focus
Community Engagement
Public Image Focus

Secretary Lesley McCarthy accepted the award on behalf of the RORP team.

Happy 100th Birthday Rotary Melbourne

At our meeting on April 21st, members celebrated the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Rotary Club of Melbourne and of Rotary in Australia.

Rotary100 is a project for Australia and New Zealand with clubs being established in Melbourne, Sydney, Auckland and Wellington this year.

President Anne Heyes had arranged for a birthday cake which we enjoyed after breakfast.

Our Op Shop and Fit4Use volunteers were not forgotten having cake and a celebration too.

Celebrating the 2021 Rotary Art Show

After 18 months of planning and readjusting our timelines due to COVID, the 3rd Art Show is over!

What a wonderful celebration of community as we shared the creativity of artists across Australia - yes Australia, not just Victoria, with entries from New South Wales and South Australia as well as many from country Victoria. The Art Show Committee members have contributed 1000's of hours each on the many planning, logistics and organisational tasks - a number which will magnify the work of Rotarians in our District.

Sincere thanks to our supportive sponsors.

Congratulations to the artists who received awards from our very experienced artist and judge Gwen Krummins:

Hospital Beds to Sri Lanka

Delighted to hear of the arrival and handover of the container of hospital beds and mattresses to assist in Sri Lanka. Many thanks to Laurie Fisher at donations in Kind, the Rotary Colombo and Nihal De Run of the BEAP Foundation for making this happen.

State Minister of Health Dr. Mrs. Sudarshani Fernandopulle officially accepted the beds at the Ministry of Health warehouse. During her short speech she thanked Rotary for all the assistance given to support the Sri Lanka Government to treat the Covid-19 affected patients. She specially mentioned our Rotary Club as well as Colombo. She is pictured with PDG Senake Amerasinghe and President Nithi Murugesu.

Op Shop featured with Flemington Traders

Jason Watts from Nelson Alexander interviewed President Anne Heyes at the Op Shop last week. See the video here.

Flemington Kensington Walk for Polio

Posted by Anne Heyes

Join President Anne and the members to walk and fundraise for End Polio Now. We are ..... this close.

The Flemington Kensington team are well on the way! Please donate now at the link below.

https://www.rotarywalkwithus.org/fundraisers/FlemingtonKensington/walk-with-us

https://www.rotarywalkwithus.org/

Flemington Kensington receives Rotary International President's Gold Citation

Past District Governor Grant Hocking attended the club's meeting on September 17th to present this citation to Past President Lesley and members.

The Rotary Citation recognizes Rotary clubs that support Rotary strategic priorities by completing certain activities. The Rotary Citation is a significant award that honours clubs whose leaders and members show a commitment to success. Clubs that achieve the goals required to earn the Rotary Citation are strengthening Rotary and shaping our future.

For the 2019-2020 year, clubs could also receive the Rotary Citation with Distinction when they achieve the Rotary Citation plus one to three additional goals under the headings; Connect leaders, connect families, connect professionally, and connect community.

ESRAG ANZPI

The ANZPI Chapter of ESRAG met again today with over 30 attendees from Australia and New Zealand.

Planning for project support, advice, templates and communication are underway. Work in District 9800 is being led by Fabienne Nichola RC Camberwell, John McCaskill RC Canterbury, David Dippie RC Keilor and Rob Anderson RC Canterbury.

Check out the draft website at https://www.staging4.esraganzpi.org/

There is no Planet B

Rotary's 7th area of Focus announced

The Rotary Foundation Trustees and Rotary International Board of Directors have both unanimously approved adding a new area of focus: supporting the environment.

Supporting the environment becomes Rotary's seventh area of focus, categories of service activities supported by global grants.

It joins peacebuilding and conflict prevention; disease prevention and treatment; water, sanitation, and hygiene; maternal and child health; basic education and literacy; and community economic development.

Sewing Machines for Sri Lanka

International Women's Day in Negombo Sri Lanka this year was marked by an extra special event thanks to the Rotary Club of Negombo.

Inspired by Mudara Weerasinghe, a member of the Rotary Club of Negombo and daughter of the District Governor Elect Ajith Weerasinghe, the first ever celebration and luncheonwith a Women's Empowerment Seminar, guest speakers and a trade fair for IWD was held on March 8th in Negombo. A very special guest, Mrs World, Caroline Jurie, a former a Sri Lankan actress and mother of one made presentations.

The Rotary Club of Flemington Kensington contributed to the unique event by funding the purchase of industrial sewing machines presented to several deserving women. These machines will enable the recipients to earn an income and support their families.

Our Partners

Flemington Kensington Rotary is proud to partner with a number of organisations in our surrounding suburbs. We work with a number of not for profits, councils and businesses to share and support the work with local residents and people in need.

Amongst our supporters are Bendigo Bank Ascot Vale, Bunnings, Flemington Cycles, Flemington Traders, Gregory Lodge, Moonee Valley Council, Moonee Valley Racing Club, Nelson Alexander, One Good Street, Pepper Café, the Victoria Racing Club.

Rotary Club of Flemington Kensington Foundation

Posted by Lesley McCarthy on Oct 16, 2019

The Rotary Club of Flemington Kensington has established a foundation to manage and disburse funds raised through their two Opportunity Shops. This foundation is a registered company and has received registration as a charity from the Australian Charities and Not for Profits Commission effective 26 September 2019.

The Trustees for the Foundation are: Lesley McCarthy, Peter Donnellan and Lyn Borghouts.

All requests for funding/support from the foundation must be submitted in writing through a member of the Rotary Club of Flemington Kensington and will be considered at a monthly meeting. Criteria for support are those identified by the ACNC for benevolent need. The Rotary Club of Flemington Kensington Foundation also requires all project claims to adhere to the goals and areas of focus identified by Rotary International.

Ascot Vale West Primary School Sensory Garden

Posted by Lesley McCarthy on Sep 07, 2019

Today we held the first working bee at Ascot Vale West Primary School.

The plan is to create a sensory garden to surround the new Buddy Bench,
and create an enjoyable space for children to sit, chat and enjoy the fragrances.

This project has been supported by a Rotary District 9800 Foundation Grant.

The end result looks amazing.

photoalbums/ascot-vale-west-ps-garden

New Playground installed at Ampara

Posted by Peter Cribb on Aug 06, 2019

It is with immense delight we were advised that the first playground from the recent container to Sri Lanka has been installed and officially unveiled today. This playground has been placed at a children's play area in Ampara, about 360 km east of Columbo.

The formal ceremony was conducted by President Dr. Rohana Dayaratne of the Rotary Club of Ampara in the presence of President Sarav Soundar of the Rotary Club of Columbo, Past District Governor Senake Ameresinghe and PP Pubudu De Zoysa Chairman of District 3220 projects as well as Urban Council dignitaries and a large number of Rotarians.

This playground was extracted from the Quantin Binnah park in Werribee.

Pictured at far left is Past District Governor Senake Ameresinghe and far right Past President Pubudu De Zoysa.