The President Changeover edition (Jun. 28, 2024)

Changing of the guard: President Shraddha Sharma with District Governor Ron Payne and incoming President Lesley McCarthy.
Friday 21 June 2024.

Drew Sheehan chaired the evening where President Shraddha Sharma celebrated our work in the presence of a number of distinguished guests including District Governor Ron Payne and Deb, Danny Pearson MP, Consul General for Sri Lanka, Mr. Sandith Samarasinghe, Mr Nihal De Run and Mr Sathanantha Kirupanantha from the BEAP Foundation, Laure Fisher and Sondra, Cr Katrina Hodgson, Moonee Valley Council.

Also joining us were our ARH scholar Catherine Johnson, Cathy Connop from Farnham Street Neighbourhood Learning Centre, Danni von der Borch from the Venny, Katie Hester, Live for Lily, Yasin Farah from thePuntland/Somali Association and Dr Francis Aquah MHFA.

We were delighted to welcome Rotarians David Jones and Kevin Walsh from Balwyn, David Dipppie and Deb Sloggett from Keilor East, Larry and Susan Robb from North Melbourne and Peter Boudville from Brunswick Tullamarine.

Awards: READ MORE PHOTO ALBUM

VALE Bryan Griffiths:
Rotarians across the state are saddened at the passing of Rotary Club Rochester President Bryan. He was a well-known and much respected Rotarians who has given so much to Rotary and Rochester over many years.

The funeral will be held on Wednesday 3 July at 1:30pm at the Rochester Cemetery.

===================================================

ALMONER REPORT:

While Karolina, Jeff, Len and Dulcie are on the mend, Geoff continues to have trouble with his leg and was unable to attend changeover. We wish him well and hope to see him soon.

We wish Shraddha and Samira a wonderful trip to Nepal and Jo Walker and great time in Queensland.

Haruka is visiting family in Niigata during the midyear university break.

===================================================
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY:

Wednesday 3 July: First breakfast meeting of the new Rotary year at Mama Bear Cafe - this will be a Club Forum where we seek input and ideas for the year.

Wednesday 17 July: Dinner at Hardiman's Hotel with a guest speaker.

Sunday 28 July: National Tree Day - planting at Fairbairn Park.

Saturday 10 August: Donations in Kind Open Day 10-3.

====================================================

Peter Cribb is celebrating a major milestone birthday soon. With his love for Sri Lanka and his ongoing involvement with the Sputnik Girls school and orphanage, he is seeking support for their meals program.
Donate via their website sputnik.lk/365 scan the QR code or contact Peter for details.

ROTARY FOUNDATION SEMINARS:

Attendance at these is a prerequisite for clubs to obtain Foundation and Global Grants. It is also a great learning opportunity.

Register here

PROJECT UPDATES:
1. Sri Lanka Stroke Project - the container is on its way. The first container shipped from RARE in South Australia is currently in port in Colombo.

2. Books to the Maldives - 10 pallets of books and stationery are on the way.

3. Jarriban Hospital - awaiting a shipping date.

This project will receive a grant from the District Foundation towards shipping.

4. Education and teacher training Nepal - the Global Grant application has-been lodged.

==========================================

COMMUNITY NEWS:

Please have your say about the Racecourse Road transport changes.

Don't forget the major tram works on Maribyrnong Road during the school holidays.

Newmarket area traffic management plan.

Here's what's on this week in Moonee Valley (mvcc.vic.gov.au)

=======================================================

Our club supports both The Venny and Polyglot Theatre and all members are encouraged to attend - and to bring along their children or grandchildren.

Please RSVP to either Lesley or Erica

====================================================

This event is at OUR spot in Fairbairn Park next to the river.

Help needed for planting, assisting Keilor East Rotar with the BBQ and distributing Rotary and club promotional materials, answering questions and helping with a children's activity.

Lots of options for all.

======================================================