My Room - CEO Margaret Zita & Mayor CGD Cr. Lana Formoso
Last Week's Meeting
27th August 2024
Presentation by Brian Ashworth, Disaster Aid Australia
Bhutan Review & DAA Update
Review of the Bhutan 2020 Project
At our meeting on 27th August, our member, Brian Ashworth, delivered an insightful presentation on the Bhutan 2020 Project Review, which he carried out in March this year.
Key highlights from his talk
The ambitious goal of this project was to provide safe drinking water to every major school across the whole of Bhutan, resulting in the installation of 120 SkyHydrants.
Brian proudly noted that Disaster Aid Australia successfully completed a nationwide initiative exceeding $1,000,000—a remarkable achievement few Rotary Clubs can claim.
Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the project continued uninterrupted due to the strategic approach of training local installers, ensuring ongoing progress when many aid agencies had to stop delivering aid.
The review involved visiting a representative sample of the 120 units and the installation of an additional two units.
The sustainability of the project is largely attributed to a focus on the psychological aspects, ensuring long-term success. Units installed in 2018 are still functioning effectively due to reinforcing good maintenance by:
Brian having his photograph taken with every SkyHydrant operator he met, to emphasize their vital role in the project’s success.
Demonstrating trust in the system by refusing bottled water and exclusively drinking water from the SkyHydrants at every site he visited.
Brian’s presentation also featured stunning slides showcasing the picturesque landscapes of Bhutan.
Brian's presentation highlighted the significant impact of the Bhutan 2020 Project, both in terms of its scale and its enduring success, thanks to the commitment of Disaster Aid Australia and local empowerment.
We extend our thanks to Brian Ashworth for kindly providing photos from the Bhutan 2020 Project Review.
Northern Thailand Flood Response
Emergency Response for Flood-Affected Communities in northern Thailand
In light of the recent devastating floods in northern Thailand, which have severely impacted provinces such as Chiang Rai, Phayao, Nan, and Phrae, Disaster Aid Australia has been called upon by Disaster Aid Thailand for assistance. Recognizing the urgent need for clean drinking water in the flood-stricken areas, our Disaster Aid Response Teams (DARTs) will be deploying four SkyHydrants this week.
These SkyHydrants are critical in providing safe drinking water to thousands of affected households. The situation remains dire, with ongoing efforts to manage water levels and assist displaced communities. Our coordinated response aims to deliver vital aid where it is most needed, reflecting our commitment to serving those in crisis.
Please keep the people of northern Thailand in your thoughts as we work together to bring relief and support to these communities.
North Thailand Floods Appeal
DAA needs our support to assist people affected by the disastrous floods in northern Thailand
The Disaster Aid Australia team will be traveling to Thailand this weekend, where they will collaborate with Disaster Aid Thailand, to assist those affected by the severe floods in the northern region of the country. Their efforts will include providing safe water through the use of Rapid Response Kits, one of which has been generously sponsored by the Rotary Club of Glen Waverley.
Disaster Aid Australia has launched an appeal to further support these efforts. To learn more and contribute, please click the link below:
Special Presentation by 'My Room' Children's Cancer Charity
On behalf of President John Peck and Leanne Byron, we are delighted to extend a warm invitation to all members, their partners, family, and friends for a special presentation by Margaret Zita, CEO of 'My Room' Children's Cancer Charity. Margaret will be joined by the City of Greater Dandenong Mayor and My Room Ambassador, Cr. Lana Formoso.
Date:
Tuesday, 10th September
Time:
6:30 PM for a 7:00 PM start
Venue:
The Dandenong Club, Heatherton Road, Dandenong North
Cost:
$35 per head for a 2-course meal (Drinks available at bar prices)
Please RSVP via email to Leanne Byron by Tuesday, 3rd September.
This promises to be a wonderful evening, and we look forward to your company!
R U OK Day at Chisholm
Chisholm is hosting its annual R U OK Day on Wednesday, 11 September, to support the mental health and well-being of their trade students. As always, there will be a BBQ, and our help has been greatly appreciated in the past.
We’re looking for volunteers to join us in cooking up some snags—everything will be provided, just bring your smile and a helping hand!
Plus, we have a fantastic opportunity to set up our own Rotary stall, giving us a chance to promote Rotary and connect with the community.
If you can spare a couple of hours, please reach out to Phil Thurgood as soon as possible.
Lyndale Secondary College - Interact event Wheelchairs for Kids Wheelathon
Friday, 13th September
On Friday, September 13th, Lyndale Secondary College will host an Interact event, the Wheelchairs for Kids Wheelathon.
Rotary will provide food and drinks for a BBQ lunch, which will be available to all students at the school. All proceeds from the lunch will go directly towards supporting the Wheelchairs for Kids initiative, helping to maximize the fundraising efforts for this important cause.
We are requesting volunteers from our Club to attend and assist with cooking and serving the BBQ lunch on the day of the Wheelathon.
Start Time: 9:00 AM
BBQ Lunch: Provided by Rotary, approximately 1:15 PM
If you'd like to volunteer for this event, please reach out to Leanne Byron as soon as possible.
Footy Themed Social Event Tuesday, 24th September
Get ready for a night of fellowship, fun, and friendly competition at our Footy Themed Social Event!
Join us as we come together to celebrate the excitement of the footy season with fellow members and friends. Enjoy a delicious two-course meal while immersing yourself in the lively atmosphere.
Date:
Tuesday, 24th September
Time:
6:30 PM for a 7:00 PM start
Venue:
The Dandenong Club, Heatherton Road, Dandenong North
Cost:
$35 per head for a 2-course meal (Drinks available at bar prices)
Wear your team's colours with pride and join us for what promises to be a memorable night.
Mark your calendars—we look forward to seeing you there!
Joint Meeting Invitation Thursday, 3rd October
We have received a gracious invitation from the Rotary Club of Noble Park-Dingley to join them for a special joint meeting on Tuesday, 3rd October.
Guest Speaker:
District Governor Colin
Date & Time:
Tuesday, 3rd October, 6:30 PM
Venue:
Keysborough Golf Club
55 Hutton Road, Keysborough
Cost:
$30 per person for a two-course meal (Drinks available at bar prices)
The members of the Springvale City Rotary Club will also be joining us for this event. This is an excellent opportunity to strengthen our bonds with neighboring clubs and enjoy an evening of insightful discussion, fellowship, and networking.
RSVP: Please confirm your attendance by 3rd September to Phil Thurgood via email, SMS, or club meeting so we can provide the final numbers to the host club.
NB: There will be no club meeting on Tuesday, 1st October.
Inaugural District 9815 Conference 8 - 30 March 2025
Bookings for the Inaugural District 9815 Conference to be held in Bendigo 28 - 30 March 2025 open from Monday 29th of July.
Partners, family, friends, potential members, supporters, and alumni are welcome.
Early Bird Tickets are available between 29 July - 30 September 2024 for $295. Individual session details and costs are outlined on the booking site.
Please check out the menu on the left-hand side for useful links including FAQs, Accommodation, Tourist Information, Exclusive Winery Tour details, and Committee information.
We look forward to collaborating and celebrating with you in Bendigo.
2024-25 District Conference Committee
Support the Monash Children’s Cancer Centre and the DG Partner Project by purchasing a Rotary TJ Bear today. Each bear is $40 and makes a meaningful difference.
To purchase, Click here, or scan the QR code below:
FUNDRAISING EVENTS
Our Club has secured two upcoming Bunnings BBQ fundraising events, which are scheduled as follows:
21st September & 13th October
Our upcoming BBQ events are more than just a chance to connect with the community—they play a crucial role in funding our projects and initiatives.
Your help is vital in making these BBQs a success.
We encourage you to join us and lend a hand, as every contribution makes a difference.
A failure to breathe at birth kills an estimated 900,000 infants each year and is the leading cause of neonatal mortality in low- and middle-income countries. However many newborns can be saved if healthcare workers are trained to begin resuscitation immediately.
Since 2022, Rotary members have offered a training program called Helping Babies Breathe to more than 650 nurses, midwives, and other health workers in Sierra Leone.
Massimo Ballota, a member of the Rotary Club of Feltre, Italy, used to struggle with an answer when people asked about his Rotary pin. But then he began remembering those moments in his Rotary journey that made him feel most like a Rotarian.
A new treatment for stroke patients Jason Palazzo - Australian Rotary Health Scholar
Did you know that more than 100 Australians have a stroke every day!
A recent research study funded by ARH has kick-started a revolutionary way we may treat blood clot formations in the brain. Scholar, Jason Palazzolo, and a team from Monash University investigated a clot-busting agent, called ‘SCE5-scuPA’, uncovering significantly positive results.
Attendance and Participation: Regularly attend club meetings and participate actively in club activities and projects.
Service Projects: Engage in community service projects, both locally and internationally, aimed at addressing humanitarian needs, promoting goodwill, and fostering peace.
Fundraising: Contribute to fundraising efforts that support Rotary's service projects and charitable activities.
Vocational Expertise: Share their professional skills and expertise to benefit others within the club and in service projects.
Ethical Standards: Adhere to high ethical standards in their personal and professional lives, reflecting Rotary's commitment to integrity and ethical behavior.
Networking and Fellowship: Build relationships and network with other Rotarians and community leaders, fostering goodwill and understanding.
Membership Growth: Support efforts to grow Rotary's membership and extend invitations to prospective members who embody Rotary's ideals.
Rotary Foundation: Contribute financially to the Rotary Foundation, which funds international scholarships, humanitarian projects, and other charitable efforts.
Public Image: Promote Rotary's mission and achievements within the community and advocate for Rotary's values and initiatives.
Leadership: Serve in leadership roles within the club or district, providing guidance and direction to advance Rotary's goals.
Overall, Rotarians are dedicated to making a positive impact in their communities and the world at large through service, fellowship, and ethical leadership.
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