Meets Thursdays at 6pm for 6.30pm at Heritage Court House, Moore St. Rochester
Apologies to Heather by noon, Wednesday for catering.
043984217
ghwatson1@bigpond.com.au
Meals ordered MUST be paid for
October – Economic & Community Development Growing local economies: Nearly 1.4 billion employed people live on less than $1.25 a day. Rotary carries out service projects that enhance economic and community development and develops opportunities for decent and productive work for young and old. We also help strengthen local entrepreneurs and community leaders, particularly women, in impoverished communities. Thanks to RobertEdgar, RCBendigo, members of RC Rochester have recently provided information about poultry raising to residents of Ainaro, TimorLeste. This could be a project with great possibilities for a small community.
Next Meeting: 8th October at Court House. Come prepared to clean/tidy up. Bring dusters, tea towels, cleaning equipment and wear a hat.
In lieu of the meeting of September 24th, members visited the RC Echuca Moama to hear Bronwyn Stephens from World of Difference share the history of WOD and the amazing successes achieved in the Bosala community in Cambodia. She said more that $300,000 was raised to implement sustainable humanitarian efforts in Cambodia. Bronwyn’s powerpoint presentation demonstrated the difference being made in the Cosala community. When they first went to the community in 2010, the citizens were malnourished and dying from cholera and typhoid fever and in need of emergency first aid and food. In the few short years of WOD involvement, the community and its people are now thriving with the program assisting with the development of 3 dams; guttering systems to collect fresh water; solar powered torches; a 5 classroom primary school; teacher training and wages; maternal and child health programs and vaccinations; pigs and cattle; and computers with solar panel chargers.
All this was achieved through the funds raised by 8 Rotary Clubs including Echuca Moama and a Global Grant. The grant program finishes at the end of 2015 although World of Difference has an ongoing commitment to ensure ongoing training and wages for the schools teachers. (from Echuca Moama Bulletin)
At the meeting of 1st October Pres. Noel welcomed Rotarians Heather, Bryan, Ray, Graeme & Noel, Rotary Partner Robyn and guests Gay Loftus and Kerry Phillips.
Apologies were received from Russell, Stewart and Pam.
Pres. Noel reported on the very successful concert organized by RC Bendigo South featuring Marina Prior and the Victoria Welsh Choir.
Hat Day: PE Bryan has submitted an article for the Campaspe News highlighting Rotary’s involvement in this program.
Meals on Wheels:
Mon. N Lucas Tues. H Watson Wed. N & E Christie Thurs. St Joseph’s Fri. N. Schier
Court House: PP Ray has lodged the permits for the Shed & the disabled entry with Heritage Victoria.
Elmore Field Days: Noel, Robyn & Robert Lucas will again be volunteering at the Field Days, providing escort duty for the heavy machinery used in the demonstration area. There won’t be a ROADEC stand this year but new brochures will be available at the Events Centre Office.
Sec. Heather reported on her attendance at RC Belconnen (Canberra). With a membership of 37, this club runs a very successful market, with takings over a number of years exceeding $5million. As part of their membership promotion, the club is offering corporate memberships and on the night of Heather’s visit, the principals of several car dealerships were present to discuss this membership proposal.
Open Day: Sunday, 11th October 2015. The Court House will be open to interested members of the public from 1.00pm. Displays showing the restoration of the building have been arranged along with visual displays of the work carried out by the Rotary Club of Rochester through the 4 avenues of service. Afternoon tea will be provided and members are asked to provide slices or scones. The opportunity will be taken to promote the sale of books held by the club.
A working bee is to be held on Saturday, 3rd Oct to clean up the yard. (At time of writing this had already occurred and surrounds look far more welcoming.)
2016 District Conference 12-13 March 2016, Bendigo. Move now and register on line. All information is available at the click of a key @ rotary9800conference.org.au
Hat Day is Australian Rotary Health’s national fundraising and awareness day for mental health research, celebrated each year on World Mental Health Day – Friday October 9, 2015. Since the inaugural Hat Day in 2011, Hat Day has claimed two Guinness World Records (most people wearing paper hats & most people wearing red hats). Hat Day recently launched a new logo, as well as a new website with social fundraising features.
REDHS Open Days will be held from Mon. 12th to Thurs.15th October.
ROTARY CLUSTER CALENDAR OF EVENTS Colleen Hewitt Concert, Friday 23 October, 2015 at Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo $50 pp $5 per ticket donated to Violence Free Families