This amazing Rotary Club project took place at Dandenong Primary School (DPS) on Saturday 16th September 2023. The team of volunteers from our Club (RCGD&EH), The Endeavour Hills Men's Shed (EHMS) and Dandenong Primary School (DPS) started work at 9.30am and completed the GA-GA Pit in around 4 hours.

So what is a Ga-Ga pit? It is often an octagonal shape where the players can hit a ball (open hands so cannot pick up and throw) either directly at or by bouncing off the walls, to hit other players below the knees. The game is a bit like poison ball or dodge ball of the bygone era but hopefully due to the rules avoids the bloody noses and the walls help contain the ball so there are no breaks in the game. The game seems to have been created in the 1970's and has since spread around the world and proven incredibly popular. A video link explains the game better. 

 

The wooden sleepers were purchased by the school and delivered to site. Some of the sleepers were then taken to the EHMS to prepare the 8 vertical corner posts and 8 mid span vertical posts to simplify and speed up the on-site construction on the day.

 

The story of how this project came about is a very moving story about a young boy who loved the GA-GA pit at a school camp and asked 'Why can't we have one at our school?'.  The Principal was approached by the young boy, then EHMS was approached. Unfortunately, the DPS isn't in the EHMS jurisdiction so Howard (one of several RCGD&EH members that helped establish the EHMS and still members of both) brought it to the attention of our Rotary Board and our club took on the project.

 

President Elect, John Peck will elaborate on the young boys’ achievement in getting this project up and how our Rotary club got involved at our meeting this coming Tuesday night (19 September 2023). This is another example of how Rotary can 'Create Hope in the World' and make a difference to others. 

 

A huge THANK YOU is extended to Howard and to all Volunteers on behalf of our club. Our dedicated Rotarians, Howard, John, Phil (very unusual he missed the photo opportunity) and Hans are to be commended for their hard work and achievement.  

 

It's really pleasing that we have renewed our connection with the school (post covid) which opens the door to further Rotary opportunities.

 

This coming Wednesday (20 September) The Rotary Club of Berwick (one of our cluster clubs), will have a special guest speaker Dave Cox talking about Guitars for Vets Australia to talk about helping our Armed Services Vets cope with PTSD through music. It should be a very interesting meeting and very much in line with this years Rotary theme of ‘create hope in the world by working for peace and mental wellbeing’. You can find out more and register here.

 

From Rags to Riches - Harry Sanders, raising awareness of Youth Homelessness. 

 

"At age 17, Harry Sanders was left homeless after his parents separated but now, just 8 years later, he’s a multimillionaire who is determined to give back and help others get back on their feet." 

We are so incredibly lucky to have Harry coming to speak to us about his incredible journey and raising awareness for youth homelessness and his story recently featured on The Project 

Please join us for a fantastic night at the Beaconhills Golf Club (85-87 Stoney Creek Road, Upper Beaconsfield). 25th September 2023, 6:30PM for 7PM start, $40pp inc. 2-course meal, drinks at bar prices. 

 

Final date for reservations: 18th September 2023. Please include dietary requests when booking or send to: Secretary, Lucy Rowlands - sales@sojourn.com.au or 0488 089 403.

 

Tables set for 10 per table.