Investigating Homelessness as a Service Project

Club  Members have been asking for more local community projects and homelessness in our community is one such project being considered.

Homelessness is a major issue in our community with many organisations working with Council on a number of initiatives to help the unfortunate.  There were about 1280 homeless in the municipality in the 2016 official Census period – up by 33 per cent from 2011 figures.

Mortgage stress is becoming a major problem in the community and will undoubtedly exacerbate the homelessness issue.

On Tuesday 18th September, Bob Lay AM and Sam McCurdy met with Deputy Mayor Amanda Stapleton, Kate Sieh- Manager of Connected Communities and Michelle Williams - Inclusion and Wellbeing Co-ordinator, at Bunjil Place.

The purpose of the meeting was to explore how the Club might be able to assist in addressing the local homelessness issue, as a local service project.  

The meeting covered current initiatives including, agencies, food vans, food handouts, sleep overs, clothing issues, housing, transport, etc. 

A Casey-Cardinia Homelessness Network has been formed, which is made up of CEOs from 45 leading agencies.  The Network meets bi-monthly and is developing an Action Plan to address the problems.  The Plan will cover areas such as advocacy, capacity building, practical support and financial assistance.

The outcome of the meeting is that Council will arrange for the Club to be invited to the next Network meeting in November, to discuss the possibilities open to RCB to work with them, or to identify other options as a long term local community service project.

Timor Lester to Australia: Seven Families, Three Generations Tell Their Stories

The Guest Speaker next week will be Jan Trezise, who has been a School Principal, Councillor and the first female Mayor of the City of Springvale.

In 2002, Friends of Ermera was formed in the City of Casey to assist the people of East Timor in rebuilding their nation following many years of occupation and devastation. Jan became the President, a position she held for 15 years.

Friends of Ermera has focused on education and training programs for the people of the District. Many families from East Timor, who initially fled conflict came to Australia and have settled in the City of Casey.

Jan has developed close links with many of these families and has played a key role in interviewing the families as Editor of the  book, "Timor-Leste to Australia. Seven Families. Three Generations. Tell Their Stories" 

The book is a collection of poignant stories and poems of seven East Timorese families living in Melbourne, whose experiences belong to that long history of human tragedy created where violent conflict of power, land and resources takes place, inevitably visiting on ordinary people, disruption and loss. 

Caulfield's 2nd Camino Walk

PP Mark and Isobel have left Perth to set out on their 2nd Camino walk. 

From Perth they had 2 plane flights, 3 train trips and 1 bus ride to get to Somport and the start of their walk. 

They are on the Aragones Way starting in the Pyrenees, which  Isobel reports are magnificent.

District 9820 Membership Forum

DG Janne Speirs requests that you come to hear inspirational speakers and participate in workshops on how to make Rotary interesting, so as to attract new members and inspire existing members.

When:  Saturday 13 October

Where: Nossal High School, Berwick

Time:    10:00am until 4:00pm

Bohemian Rhapsody

A District 9820 polio fundraiser will be held in the form of a movie night featuring "Bohemian Rhapsody" (The story of the great band Queen).

The actual date and venue are yet to be confirmed.

It should provide a good opportunity to bring as many family members and friends to this Rotary function.

2019 Multi-District Conference

Registrations for the first ever Victorian Multi District Conference are going well with 13 Clubs from D9820 represented so far.

There are now Rotarians from 78 Victorian Rotary Clubs going and that has to be an opportunity to network, inspire and connect!

Remember to register before 31st October to go into the draw for free registration for two people plus accommodation for two nights (up to $500).

The conference will be held at the Melbourne Convention Centre from 15-17 February 2019.

Early bird registration before 30 November will cost:

$175 per person, or

$125 per person for Rotarians < 2 years membership to encourage new members.

$110 per person for the conference dinner, which is optional.

Register online at: http://www.rotaryconference.org.au/registration.html