As we approach a relaxation of restrictions it is joyous to be able to see friends and family again.
I had the pleasure of seeing my son and daughter-in-law last Saturday for the first time in 4 months and it was just such a relief. I am sure you are all experiencing the same sense of reconnection.
Last week I attended the AGM of the Flemington Traders and met up with Craig Skelton, Simon Peterson, Jason Watts and other traders. It was a good catch up.
I also attended the meeting of the Rotary Club of Footscray. They had PDG Greg Ross, former Chairman of Australian Rotary Health as their speaker. He was in good voice as always.
I am pleased to report that Ted Frank is showing some signs of improvement follow a stroke suffered on the 14th. After a week of very poor condition, he is now able to speak, follow instructions and engage. While recovery is a distant possibility, he will be moved to the Neuro Rehab unit at Caulfield Hospital when he is assessed as ready.
I have passed on everyone's regards to Helen and she will let Ted know of all the members and friends, past and present who are thinking of him.
Anne Heyes advised me today that our local MP Danny Pearson will use his parliamentary speaking opportunity this Thursday at 9.30am to make a members statement on the life and service of John Heyes. To see the speech
This is an amazing honour for John and Anne and indicative of the regard in which he was held.
The Morning Tea with the DG sessions have been informative and great fun. If you missed the latest session, you can still access the recording and the presentations at the District Learning Centre https://rotarytvs.ulearn.biz/moodle30/login/index.php
Our Guest Speaker next week is Sainab Sheikh, President of the Rotary Club of North Melbourne and Chairperson of the Somali Womens Development Association. She will share her story and also a project their club is working on at a hospital in Somalia.
He is the current Chair of the District 9800 Australian Rotary Health committee and spoke to us about ARH and Lift the Lid.
Suresh presented us with some history about ARH and why they are now focussing on youth mental health.
He made particular mention of Mental Health First Aide developed by Professor Tony Jorm and Betty Kitchener and how it started with a grant from ARH. He also congratulated our club for the initiative to fund a PhD scholar researching children's mental health.
Suresh showed us some startling statistics on mental health:
* 1 in 5 Australians will suffer from some form of mental illness in any year
* Approximately 45% of Australians will experience some form of mental illness in their lifetime
* Mental illness is not visible but is disabling
* Half of all cases of mental health are evident by age 14 and 75% by age 25.
* 14% of 4-17 year olds met the criteria for a diagnosis of mental disorder i the last year
* Less than 54% of those suffering mental illness seek help.
* Australia loses 9 million working days each year due to mental illness.
* Suicide is the leading cause of death in under 25 year olds.
This is why the Lift the Lid campaign and ARH focus on mental health research on children aged 0-14 is so important.
Suresh also advised of a special fundraising ARH event to be held in conjunction with Royal Freemasons Victoria in February 2022 at at L’ Unica Convention Centre at Parkville Victoria.
The Op Shop and the Fit4 Use store will re-open on Wednesday 4th November at their usual trading times.
As per Vic Gov COVID regulations, all volunteers and managers will be vaccinated and COVID safe plans have been updated. QR codes and the Services Victoria APP for vaccine status will be checked by a COVID Marshall at the door and space limitations wil be adhered to.
We thank Mel and Lorry for all the cleaning up and destocking they have done during lockdown and look forward to seeing our volunteers again.
Peter and Bev Cribb have left Torquay and are enjoying a few days on Phillip Island. They caught up with Jon and Robyn Temby last week and Allan and Marg Bruno the week previously. Peter loves to tantalise with some snaps.
Mental health should be on everyone’s agenda and that’s why the Lift The Lid Walk for Mental Health is just that, a walk, not a race. It offers members of our communities an opportunity to get together, to have a chat, “Lift the Lid” on mental illness, and in the process, raise much needed funds for mental health research.
RIMERN is powering ahead and now the highly respected Launch Housing (www.launchhousing.org.au) has just signed on as our latest welfare agency member!
Volunteers are needed with sorting, unpacking and organising donations. According to the COVID protocols, volunteers {Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday 9.30-12.30 or 1.30-4.30} must be fully vaccinated and wear a mask while at the store.
Other jobs will emerge as time goes on, but if you can help with the tasks above, please send your details, including full name, DOB & home address (for permit info) and task/day/shift preference to Rohan Williams rdwrcm@gmail.com asap
We are partnering with Moonee Valley Council and the City of Melbourne to promote nature strips gardens across the community. Our pollinators - bees, insects, birds and butterflies need flowering plants within a 50 metre distance to ensure their food chain.
We need them to pollinate our gardens and food sources.
Do you really need that strip of grass which has to be mowed?
Would you prefer to plant flowers and herbs which could be food for pollinator insects and birds?
MVCC and CoM have information on their websites with guidelines and permit forms.
The Kensington Stock Route, which runs from Racecourse Rd to the Maribyrnong River, has been identified as a potential location for edible tree planting and we want your feedback on:
• whether this is something you support and are interested in
• what types of trees you might like to be grown there, and
• any other ideas you have to help us with this project.
Your feedback will help us develop plans to manage trees in the Stock Route and improve local food production for years to come.
The Multicultural Centre for Women’s Health are offering free interactive Zoom workshops for migrant and refugee women in Victoria. The PACE (Participate, Advocate, Communicate, Engage) Women’s Leadership Program builds on your knowledge and experiences to take on leadership roles in your every-day life, work and community.
Once restrictions ease, Victorian families with a Health Care Card/Pensioner Concession Card can apply for up to $200 to support their child’s sport club membership, uniforms and active recreation equipment costs through The Get Active Kids Voucher Program (round 3). Applications close 5pm Tuesday 30 November 2021.
Tell us what you thinkabout our plans for:
• Improved amenities, additional lighting, signage and park furniture
• More natural shade in activity areas, introducing new trees and rejuvenating garden beds
• Updating the self-guided walk and signage to improve visitor experiences in Melbourne.
Please share this raffle with friends and family: Fundraising raffle for the Its Time Foundation
Paradise Taveuni Resort and Its Time Foundation are giving you the chance to win a holiday of a lifetime on the beautiful island of Taveuni, Fiji. The Fijian people will make you feel welcome like no other.
The prize is fully donated, so the $20AUD per ticket is split:
50% to the Rotary Club you select to spend on their community projects.
40% to Its Time solar schools projects & 10% to Plastic Free Oceans (an initiative of Its Time Foundation). After the prize is drawn you will get an update showing the school you helped.
Drawn 20 Dec. 2021. Prize is valid for 18 months after travel restrictions from your country are lifted. Flights are not included, but ‘spending money’ above is to assist there. And good to know that you are supporting solar in schools, so your travel is certainly carbon offset.
Our club has already received funds from raffle tickets purchased nominating Flemington Kensington as the beneficiary.
Lyn Borghouts is taking orders for our club. Please let her know what you would like to order before 24 November. We will be ordering items for our Op Shop volunteers.
You will all know that the Rotary International Wold Convention will be held in Melbourne 27-31 May 2023 - Hospitality night opportunity
The organisers are looking for clubs and members to host Hospitality nights, to host visiting Rotarians and partners. An opportunity to meet Rotarians from around the world and share a memorable evening.
The evening itself could be a few guests to your home, a club dinner in a restaurant, or any other wonderful evening we can imagine. Perhaps we can share ideas at our next meeting. The event has to be within 15-20km of the CBD. Murray Verso is co-ordinating these events.
Have you seen North West Inner City News yet? We are pleased to be able to contribute stories each month and share our work and activities with residents of Melbourne, North and West Melbourne, Flemington, Kensington, Parkdale and Carlton.
L
RIMERN is powering ahead and now the highly respected Launch Housing (
r pollinator insects and birds?
