Rotary Matters: Recent Episodes
Ian Stuart
Rotary Matters hosted by Ian Stuart. Rotary is a world wide service organisation with 30,000 active Rotarians in Australia. Tune into Rotary Matters and hear about the many worthwhile international and local causes, projects and people who make Rotary happen. There are many ways to engage with Rotary and the live to air program includes a What’s On of Rotary community activities open to everyone. Rotary Matters on air every Friday 1500-1600 hrs on community radio Triple H 100.1 FM
What is it really like to spend a year overseas on the Rotary Youth Exchange program? 15 year old Tilly Colville spent 2023 in Brazil, learning the language, the culture, the cuisine and the customs. She travelled widely in Brazil and beyond packing in experiences and making friends which will remain with her forever. www.ryea.org.au
Here is how to thank, to recognise and salutewomen known to you who are doing something exceptional in the community. SueHayward, Chair of the Rotary Inspirational Womens Awards explains why itmatters and how it all works. Stacy Jane a RIWA winner in 2023 explains howfollowing dreadful abuse and violence she founded Escabags a practical solutionto assist and support those fleeing abusive and dangerous situations. www.riwa.com.au www.escabags.org
The Bikers Hand is a group of motor bike enthusiasts who share a passion for charity rides and have a deep commitment to helping the homeless and individuals in need. Donations of food, drink, clothing and other everyday items are gathered and distributed to over 35 charities, support groups and school breakfast groups. Founder Tony Davies explains. www.thebikershand.com.au
Dr Marthe Kondemo is visiting Australia fromthe Democratic Republic of Congo to learn about innovative women's health and livelihood initiatives to see what may be replicable in the DRC. While here shewill meet a wide range of organisations dealing with such issues as domestic violence prevention, conflict resolution, peacebuilding, disability servicesand youth engagement. Despite vast natural resources the DRC has suffered frompolitical instability, a lack of infrastructure, corruption and centuries ofcommercial extraction and exploitation. Her visit is facilitated by LucyHobgood-Brown from the Rotary E-Club of Greater Sydney.
The Rotary Youth Leadership Awards is an intensive leadership experience where students develop their skills as a leader while having fun and making connections. They build communication and problem solving skills and learn from community leaders, inspirational speakers and peer mentors. Thowshi Dimantha, a Sydney student describesher recent RYLA experience and significantly the lessons she learned.
The Rotary Youth Leadership Awards is an intensive leadership experience where students develop their skills as a leader while having fun and making connections. They build communication and problem solving skills and learn from community leaders, inspirational speakers and peer mentors. Thowshi Dimantha, a Sydney student describesher recent RYLA experience and significantly the lessons she learned.
Jemma Wlasichuk transforms old furniture, saves useful items from landfill and turns them into items of beauty. Using trauma inspired design principles she devotes skill, time and inspiration to improve conditions at the Hornsby Kuring gai Womens Shelter. No surprise that Jemma won a Pride of Workmanship Award from St Ives Rotary Club.www.shedeleven.com.au
The Rotary Club of Sydney Cove actively supports the Early Bird Cafe located opposite State Parliament House. Over 20,000 breakfasts are served each year along with clothes, toiletries and books. As the homeless crisis gets worse it is clear that this service totally managed by volunteers is needed more than ever. Marilyn Smith explains. www.earlybirdcafe.org.au
Jade Dunne a student at Barker College Sydney attended the National Youth Science Forum held in Brisbane. Held over nine days the NYSF immerses students in all aspects of STEM. Meetings are held with science researchers, business and community leaders during an intensive program designed to sharpen the students' focus on further study and careers in science. www,nysf.edu.au
Strength training is shown to have an impact on our quality of life and reduces the risk of chronic conditions and injuries. Hamish McConnell, Area Manager for Kieser and a Partner in the Bobbin Head Cycle Classic explains. www.kieser.com.au
The Rotary Club of Sydney Cove provides resources to ease the plight of Ukrainians displaced within their country and those who settle in Australia. Another fine example of putting service above self. Guy Glenny also explains their long standing Sailing Regatta which raises funds to support families of sailors lost at sea on the Sydney Hobart yacht race.
The Tree of Joy ensures a gift at Christmas for hundreds of elderly residents of nursing homes and aged care facilities. Collection of gifts and their distribution is handled by enthusiastic members of St Ives Rotary Club on Sydney's upper north shore. Harold Morgan explains.
More today from the Corrimal Rotary Environmental Group. A thriving community garden, a Sustainability Expo, Green Connect Farm, the Imagination Library and Wildlife Rescue. Dilys Hoser and Gerri Wood explain.
Cycling and e-scooters are growing in popularity, with measurable impacts on our health, the economy and the environment. Peak body, We Ride commissioned EY to probe this and to quantify the results. Matt Colston, Associate Partner, Sports, Events and Venues Advisory, explains.
Environmental issues are a major concern for Rotary all over the world, but none more so than at Corrimal on the NSW South Coast which has established the Corrimal Rotary Environmental Group, tackling a wide range of problems like cleaning up the waterways, plant propagation and monitoring micro plastics in the soil. Dilys Hoser and Gerri Wood explain.
Anita Robinson
ChairEastern Region
RotaryOceania Medical Aid for Children - ROMAC
ROMACis a project of the Rotary districts in Australia and New Zealand.
Mobile: 0417457055
eastern@romac.org.au
www.romac.org.au
ROMAC - Rotary Oceania MedicalAid for Children
“To provide medical treatment for childrenfrom developing countries
in the form of life-saving and/or dignity restoringsurgery not accessible to them in their home country”
Anita Robinson
ChairEastern Region
RotaryOceania Medical Aid for Children - ROMAC
ROMACis a project of the Rotary districts in Australia and New Zealand.
Mobile: 0417457055
eastern@romac.org.au
www.romac.org.au
ROMAC - Rotary Oceania MedicalAid for Children
“To provide medical treatment for childrenfrom developing countries
in the form of life-saving and/or dignity restoringsurgery not accessible to them in their home country”
For the first five minutes we join the train ride to end polio...189 stations all in one day! We then discuss ROMAC providing surgical treatment in Australia for Pacific Island children unable to receive the appropriate levels of surgery, treatment and rehabilitation in their home countries. Again...Rotarians putting service above self. www.romac.org.au/donate
Brilliant Sydney researcher Mikaela Coleman wona Rotary Global Grant to investigate the scale of TB and Leprosy in the PacificIslands. She meets community leaders, politicians and donors who all want toeradicate these diseases. But they don't always see eye to eye where thesolutions are often frustrated by rising sea levels inundating some of thehealth facilities. Listen to this passionate and eloquent young Australian.
Brilliant Sydney researcher Mikaela Coleman wona Rotary Global Grant to investigate the scale of TB and Leprosy in the PacificIslands. She meets community leaders, politicians and donors who all want toeradicate these diseases. But they don't always see eye to eye where thesolutions are often frustrated by rising sea levels inundating some of thehealth facilities. Listen to this passionate and eloquent young Australian.
Brilliant Sydney researcher Mikaela Coleman wona Rotary Global Grant to investigate the scale of TB and Leprosy in the PacificIslands. She meets community leaders, politicians and donors who all want toeradicate these diseases. But they don't always see eye to eye where thesolutions are often frustrated by rising sea levels inundating some of thehealth facilities. Listen to this passionate and eloquent young Australian.
Brilliant Sydney researcher Mikaela Coleman won a Rotary Global Grant to investigate the scale of TB and Leprosy in the Pacific Islands. She meets community leaders, politicians and donors who all want to eradicate these diseases. But they don't always see eye to eye where the solutions are often frustrated by rising sea levels inundating some of the health facilities. Listen to this passionate and eloquent young Australian.
Highly talented artist from the Lower Blue Mountains, Michael Harriden explains his passion for painting, how it has taken him around the world and the impact that his generosity as an artist (and as a long distance cyclist) has had in enabling the construction of schools in Cambodia and Papua New Guinea. A truly generous Rotarian. His exhibition Art for a Cause is at Glenbrook Cinema Hall, 27, 28 October.
Thanks to volunteers from the Sydneyophthalmology profession, supported by Rotary, eyesight problems in SantiagoCity, Philippines were substantially reduced. This same dedication applied whenthe program was introduced with great success to Griffith and neighbouringtowns in New South Wales. Mark Hedges, International Director, TurramurraRotary Club explains.
Thanks to volunteers from the Sydneyophthalmology profession, supported by Rotary, eyesight problems in SantiagoCity, Philippines were substantially reduced. This same dedication applied whenthe program was introduced with great success to Griffith and neighbouringtowns in New South Wales. Mark Hedges, International Director, TurramurraRotary Club explains.
Thanks to volunteers from the Sydneyophthalmology profession, supported by Rotary, eyesight problems in Santiago City, Philippines were substantially reduced. This same dedication applied whenthe program was introduced with great success to Griffith and neighbouringtowns in New South Wales. Mark Hedges, International Director, TurramurraRotary Club explains.
Santiago City, Philippines were substantially reduced. This same dedicationapplied when the program was introduced with great success to Griffith andneighbouring towns in New South Wales. Mark Hedges, International Director,Turramurra Rotary Club explains
8.6 Australians die every day by suicide. More than double the road toll. Suicide is the leading cause of death for Australians between the age of 15 and 44. But Rotarian Lester Pearson decided to do something about this founding SOKS, Save our Kids from Suicide. Hundreds of lives have now been saved. Lester explains how it started, how it works through sports organisations and the complementary focus on supporting Rotary programs for youth enrichment.www.soks.org.au
Kirsten Veldhuis of the Lower Blue Mountains Rotary Club is determined to improve the Club's sustainability footprint. She patiently tracks the output of the Rotary Recycles Op Shop and is about to do the same at Glenbrook Markets. These initiatives have helped grow the Club's membership who share the sustainability values and raise community awareness of Rotary's environmental goals. www.lowerbluemountains.org.au
Kirsten Veldhuis of the Lower Blue Mountains Rotary Club is determined to improve the Club's sustainability footprint. She patiently tracks the output of the Rotary Recycles Op Shop and is about to do the same at Glenbrook Markets. These initiatives have helped grow the Club's membership who share the sustainability values and raise community awareness of Rotary's environmental goals. www.lowerbluemountains.org.au
PR powerhouse Di Barnes foreshadows the huge array of delicious food, wine, attractions and entertainment to be enjoyed at the famous St Ives Food and Wine Festival, Sunday 17 September. Not only will there be the popular Rotary Dress Up Booth but a new feature is the Paw Parade where families are encouraged to bring their dog along and dress up in a fancy outfit. www.stivesfoodandwine.com
The Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment enables teenagers to develop life skills and motivation to help them cope with the challenges of a very competitive future. RYPEN convenor Amanda Barnes explains what it is all about and we learn what it meant to two graduates from the Winter RYPEN, Celeste and Grace.
Bringing his many years of service at senior levels in business Dallas Booth, new President of Turramurra Rotary Club outlines his goals, including greater community engagement, an increase in members and a reduction in domestic violence,
RYLA the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards is a transformational residential week designed to put leadership into practice in a supporting and encouraging environment. Matt Cross MP for Davidson in the north of Sydney explains what RYLA meant to him when he attended 15 years ago and where this has taken him. We also meet Georgia Lowden a more recent RYLA graduate and an Advisor to the Parliament of NSW.
As Rotary clubs struggle to retain and attract new members, is it time for a new approach, a way to serve without the protocols associated with the traditional Rotary Club model? Greg Newling explains the background and early achievements of the innovative Kuring gai Rotary Community Network. krcn@kuringgairotary.org.au
Club Presidents usually serve a one year term of office. Today we meet Ian Spencer former senior businessman, retiring as President of Turramurra Rotary Club where he explains how he became President, the training provided for incoming Presidents, his goals at the start and reflections on their success.
The Rotary Inspirational Womens Awards acknowledge and celebrate community service performed by women through their various activities and endeavours. Chairperson Rae-Anne Medforth explains Applications for the 2023 Awards close on 18 June. If you know a woman who you believe goes over and above the call see www.riwa.awardsplatform.com Or www.riwa.com.au
Tuesday 6 June sees the final in the Climate and Peace webinar series hosted by Rotarian, Jeremy Wright. Tune in at 6 pm for a topical and thoughtful discussion on the challenges facing the community as we grapple with the challenges of climate change. www.climateandpeace.com.au
To hear the webinar itself, click on www.climateandpeace.com.au
Tuesday 6 June sees the final in the Climate and Peace webinar series hosted by Rotarian, Jeremy Wright. Tune in at 6 pm for a topical and thoughtful discussion on the challenges facing the community as we grapple with the challenges of climate change. www.climateandpeace.com.au Jeremy also discusses his passion for bees, why we need them and what we can do to ensure their survival.
The Science Experience provides students in years 9 and 10 with an insight into the activities, the work, study and career possibilities for people working in science. They do this at tertiary campuses under the guidance of scientists who donate their time and love their work. Representing Rotary on the Science Foundation which coordinates the Experience all over Australia, we meet Marilyn Mercer from the e club of Greater Sydney. www.scienceexperience.com.au
Chris Lewis President of Kuring gai Rotary explains the many projects delivered by his club....from a huge community fun run, to the Bobbin Head Cycle Classic to supporting a local school, cleaning up the environment, running a dementia cafe and funding youth programs. www.kuringgairotary.org.au
RYPEN for 14-16 Year olds is an intensive residential weekend camp where the students develop increased motivation, improved life skills, better self image, pride in themselves and an understanding of setting and achieving goals. Convenor, Amanda Barnes explains. Apply by 15 May for the June 2023 winter Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment.
Chris McMillan, Australian, applies his energy, expertise and vision to improve the lives of a community in Senegal. He introduces sustainable agriculture practices enabling the successful production of fruits, vegetables and honey. And in doing so raises the standards of living at Kaffrine in Senegal. An inspirational story.
Putting their lives on the line every day, our emergency services workers rarely get the credit they deserve. They shun the limelight and are truly humbled when they are recognised and saluted with a Rotary Emergency Services Community Award. Ron Browne and Warwick Richardson explain RESCA. Nominations are sought by the end of April. www.rescawards.org.au
With only 18 members, Hornsby District Rotary Club punches well above its weight with a suite of projects for youth, for the local community and internationally. Of special interest is the Foreign Coin Repatriation Program which has raised over $500,000. Sadia Niazi and Simon Bryan explain. www.hornsbydistricrotary.org
Who can men turn to to share the major upheavals of life....house moving, job changing, family problems and so on? Mentoring Men is the answer and the CEO Simon Jarvis explains. www.mentoringmen.org.au
Lucy Hobgood-Brown updates us on the inspirational work she is doing to improve the lives of people living in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Micro finance loans, emergency medicine education and helping pygmies harvest honey, sustainably....and more. www.handup.org.au
Opera in the Arboretum is an open-air, all-weather, BYO picnic style annual charity event hosted by the Rotary Club of Woy Woy.
This community event brings together a star-studded line-up of artists to perform Opera’s much loved arias, duets and ensembles in the coastal rainforest setting of the Crommelin Native Arboretum in Pearl Beach on the Central Coast. This unique venue is an easy 60 to 90 kilometres drive north of the Sydney CBD, and about 80 kilometres south of the Newcastle CBD. Funds raised support local initiatives and help to buy Shelterboxes to relieve the distress of earthquake victims in Syria and Turkiye.
One in five men are likely to experience anxiety in their life time. Mentoring Men offers free long term one to one life mentoring for men going through challenges or changes in their life. John Milham explains.
With an ageing population the incidence of dementia is on the rise. But people with dementia and their carers can now access support and social connection through dementia cafes aka D Cafes. Michael Midlam from Kuring gai Rotary Club explains how he and his fellow Rotarians are involved and make it all work.
With cycling becoming more and more popular it is good to learn about Bicycle New South Wales, their advocacy for cycling, their services and position on topics like e-bikes, rail trails and minimum passing distances. CEO, Peter McLean explains. BNSW is a major supporter of Rotary run Bobbin Head Cycle Classic, 26 March 2023. www.bobbo.org.au
Courtesy of Tony Butera from Radio Northern Beaches, we meet Tony James from the Upper Northern Beaches Rotary Club who explains a humanitarian program he launched to change the lives of children in one of the poorest countries in the world, Cambodia. An inspiring example of putting service above self.
We meet Tamara Sloper-Harding who speaks with Tony Butera from Radio Northern Beaches about the work she does in Soibada, Timor L'Este, a town brought to its knees by invading forces and now flourishing again thanks to Tamara and her determination to make a big difference to this beleaguered community. Tamara also explains the influence that Rotary plays in her life.
Modern communications technology enables nurses and midwives from all over the world to connect, share professional experiences and expertise. They are members of the Global Nurses and Midwives Rotary Club. Dr Wendy McIntosh explains how it all works, how they meet and the causes they support. www.gnmrotaryclub.com
We foreshadow the Giant Lifeline Book Fair at Barker College 10-12 December. Michael Cleary explains what its all about, how it works and why its a must for pre Christmas bargains. Over 80,000 titles with something for everyone. www.lifelineh2h.org.au
Flora Chan, trainer and assessor won a Pride of Workmanship Award from Wahroonga Rotary Club. A qualified accountant, lawyer and language teacher, Flora works tirelessly for her students (up to 93 yrs!) ensuring their integration into the local community. A worthy and inspirational winner.
Two fine examples of Rotary at work. Sydney Cove's annual corporate regatta to save lives at sea and their initiatives to provide relief and support for besieged Ukrainians and Ukrainians who have made it to Australia. Past President Guy Glenny explains.
With 150 stalls, two entertainment stages and much fanfare the Wahroonga Village Fair has something for everyone in the community. Councillor Sallianne McLelland and Janelle Speight from Wahroonga Rotary Club explain what its all about. www.wahroongavillagefair.com
Rotary Nomads meet online and gather at organised musters where they provide essential services enabling rural communities to enjoy festivals and events. Geoff St Clair explains what its all about and why this form of Rotarianism is becoming so popular. We also caught incoming President of Rotary International Gordon McInally on his brief visit to Sydney.
With proceeds devoted to the Rotary Foundation, author and historian Trevor McAlister introduces his fascinating book Exploring Hidden Sydney which uncovers the secret histories behind over 700 sites and buildings. www.woodslanepress.com.au In this episode we also meet Mark Anderson on the train during the hugely successful End Polio Train Ride.
Foreshadowing the next webinar in the Climate and Peace series, Rotarian Jeremy Wright AM explains why we need to rethink waste and the perspective to be taken by his expert faculty. Webinar is on 8 November. See www.climateandpeace.com.au
The beating heart of Walcha in northern New South Wales is undoubtedly the Rotary Club. Only 24 members but punching well above its weight. Andrew Corlette describes the initiative to provide children going into foster care with a back pack of familiar, comforting items. We learn about a program to introduce school students to the realities of sheep farming. Another great example of Rotary in the community. www.walcharotary.org.au
Can you help plant the first Rotary Peace Pole in the Democratic Republic of Congo? Lucy Hobgood-Brown and Dr Grace Maano explain the background, the purpose and the process to ensure their Peace Pole will join the 250,000 already in place around the world. Yet another Rotary initiative demonstrating service above self. Donate via www.rawcs.org.au and nominate Peace Pole as the beneficiary.
The St Ives Food and Wine Festival is back following two covid cancelled years. Di Barnes tells us what to expect including wines to taste, a variety of food to sample, choirs, singers, jazz band, pony rides, farm animals and activities for everyone. Sunday 25 September
Patrick Price, a Rotarian from Sydney was shocked at the authoritarian and violent approach to teaching he found in Nepalese schools. Determined to do something about it he founded the Centre for Learning and Children's Rights a non profit organisation delivering educational and humanitarian projects in Nepal regardless of age, gender, religion or caste, including the successful Heartland Academy. www.forchildsrights.org and www.heartlandacademy.edu.np
Rupert Guinness, author, commentator and journalist, but above all a world renowned endurance cyclist is Ambassador for the Bobbin Head Cycle Classic aka The Bobbo. Rupert tells his story, how he got started, the long distance rides he has done and how he uses cycling to raise awareness of mental health issues. He provides tips for Bobbo riders, generously and with good grace. A true gentleman. www.bobbo.org.au
A brilliant idea to raise funds to eradicate polio. There are still a handful of cases in countries like Afghanistan and Pakistan. A recent case also emerged in New York City. The Train Ride to end polio is the brainchild of local Rotarians in Sydney who have so far raised $500k. Mark Anderson explains what its all about and foreshadows the 2022 event. www.polioeradication.org
An integral part of the Orange Blossom Festival, the Cross Country Challenge organised by the Rotary Club of Hills Kellyville offers three distances to run, walk or to stroll. 10.2 km, 6.8 km, 3.4 km. You can even take your dog! All for a good cause. at the beautiful Bella Vista Farm. Mike Blair OAM ex;plains. www.crosscountrychallenge.com.au
Everyone all over the world is experiencing the effects of climate change. Be they wild fires in France, record temperatures in the UK or disastrous flooding in Australia. Jeremy Wright AM foreshadows Join the Switch, a webinar taking place at 6 pm Tuesday 2 August, the perspectives and the expert panel. www.climateandpeace.com.au
Homeless people are at a significantly higher risk of suffering poor health outcomes, including higher rates of morbidity and mortality. Streetside medics, a mobile medical service run by volunteer doctors, nurses and supporters takes a medical clinic to the street offering free health advice and treatment to the growing number of homeless in our society. www.streetsidemedics.com.au
Not easy being President of a Rotary Club but Dr Bruce Farnsworth takes it in his stride as he takes office at St Ives Rotary Club in Sydney's upper north shore. We learn about the projects supported by the Club and what Bruce has in store for the next 12 months.
Sydney's biggest book fair offers 110,000 books, CDs, DVDs, jigsaws, games, vinyl records and stamp collections. It is massive undertaking relying on thousands of volunteer hours all dedicated to supporting Lifeline Harbour to Hawkesbury. Michael Cleary explains the history, how it all works and what visitors will experience at this exciting event. Knox Grammar School Wahroonga, 14-17 July 2022. www.lifelineh2h.org.au
The Pride of Workmanship awards recognise exceptional members of the community, going about their work, professionally, calmly and seeking no reward. John Collignon from Hills Kellyville backgrounds the awards program and we meet the delightful Dirce Pinto a recent recipient who manages the catering at St Josephs Conference Centre, in Sydney's north west.
Shelterbags, sourced from S Africa, paid for and distributed by Rotary provide a warm, dry and portable shelter for Australia's homeless. Mary Crammond, Shelterbags pioneer explains the need, the logistics and the impact of this valuable resource, particularly relevant during these colder months.
Castle Hill Rotary awarded seven Excellence in Teaching Awards. We meet Clarissa Greenhalgh, Head of English at Castle Hill High School. We learn about the Foundations of English program, why her many non English speaking background students need it, the benefits it bestows and how they are measured.
Mina Howard, incoming Governor for a District with 67 Rotary Clubs tells us why she joined Rotary and outlines her goals, plans and expectations for her forthcoming year in office.
Rotary recognises women who have gone over and above the call earning themselves a Rotary Inspirational Women's Award. We meet Lindt Cafe siege survivor Louisa Hope and Olivia Hunter-Young clinical nurse specialist in paediatric and adolescent eating disorders. www.riwa.com.au
Hills Kellyville Rotary Club in north west Sydney made Community Service Awards to two generous, warm hearted, creative and selfless members of their local Indian Hindu community. Pankaj Patel led the campaign to provide essential relief to people whose lives were devastated by recent floods. Dilip Darji worked tirelessly to ensure local Indians were cared for with culturally appropriate resources during the worst of the covid lockdowns. John Collingon ties the story together.
Rotaract is a service, leadership and community service organisation for 18-30 year olds. Like Rotary and embodying the same core values of service above self. Krissie Webb, local Rotaract chair shares her passion and tells us what Rotaractors get up to in the Hornsby Kuring gai area. www.rotaract.org.au
We foreshadow an important, timely and very relevant webinar taking place Tuesday 10 May at 6 pm. Jeremy Wright AM, District Governor introduces the topic and the expert faculty who will address it. Decarbonise or Die. See www.climateandpeace.com.au We also find out his achievements after ten months as governor of District 9675, with 58 Rotary clubs on the south of Sydney Harbour.
From its beginnings with two homeless children in Nepal, Jan Pryor, Rotarian and teacher has taken the Didi Foundation from strength to strength to create sustainable, self funding lifestyle programs to educate and empower disadvantaged women in Nepal. The earthquake in 2015 and Covid have not diminished Jan's passion to help change the lives and the futures for thousands of women and children. www.didifoundation.org.au
Solvatten, a deceptively simple device from Sweden enables the production of clean fresh water. The size of a suitcase, the unit uses the power of the sun to generate potable water, relieving many from the drudgery of gathering wood and lighting fires to purify the water needed for consumption and washing. Peter Rheinberger explains how the Rotary Club of Castle Hill encourages local schools and others to donate to this life changing device. www.solarsafewater.org
Wahroonga Rotary Club in the northern suburbs of Sydney, in conjunction with McCarroll auto group raises around $140,000 from its annual Novus Foundation Dinner to support local youth causes. Peter Smith OAM explains how it happens, how the funds are raised and what guests can expect at this glittering occasion with a Latino theme. www.novusfoundation.org.au
Enterprising and generous members of Kenthurst Rotary Club support a plan to build a dental clinic, on the banks of the Sepik River, Papua New Guinea. Karo Haltmeier explains the need, the solution and the impact the clinic will have on the oral health of a community which to date has had no dental services. Another example of service above self.
Cycling in Australia is booming with more bikes being sold and more riders than ever before. Matt Colston from professional services firm EY explains the key findings from the 2021 Cycling and the Economy Report. We also learn how EY encourages a healthy lifestyle among its staff.
Erica Henley leads Operation Hope Australia assisting people living in the refugee camps of Greece and Kurdistan. Funds raised in Australia enable Eric and her team to provide essential medical equipment and humanitarian resources to ease the plight of people trapped in the camps, often in over crowded, unsanitary and desperate conditions. A remarkable gesture from an inspiring Australian. www.operationhopeaustralia.com
Thanks to the creative fundraising efforts of Allan Waldon, hundreds of girls in Nepal are now able to attend school four weeks a month. Allan raises funds to provide personal hygiene pad packs which are reusable, washable, sustainable and environmentally friendly. Allan wants to provide 8000 kits and explains his next fundraising venture.....an ambitious 4000 km ride across outback Australia on a single cylinder dirt bike. As Allan puts it, the greatest risk in life is never to take a risk. Better to try and fail than fail to try. For more see Facebook The Butcher and Nepal.
In 2008 Kenya faced a severe post election crisis resulting in more than 500,000 people being displaced from their homes. Many children were abandoned, orphaned and driven out by parents unable to support them. Mary Coulson, was horrified and it was her determination that led to the founding of Restart Africa. Originally with six children the orphanage now has over 100 children giving them a home, education, care and counselling. We meet Mary, colleague Di Boettcher and Peter Maynard who spearheads the appeal for donations to support this life changing work of Restart Africa. www.restartafrica.org
Abandoned by her adoptive father, Dianne O'Brien is raped at the age of 15, sentenced to Parramatta Girls Home and later forced to marry her rapist in order to keep her baby. Many hardships follow but her fighting spirit is undaunted. Dianne's book Daughter of the River Country is the focus of a dinner event to be hosted by Gosford City Rotary Club. We meet Anne Charlton who paints the picture of Auntie Di and the impact she has on local indigenous people through the Mingaletta Corporation. She has held many senior positions in government organisations and has also worked in legal services as a drug and alcohol counsellor. The dinner and book launch is on 6 April. www.gosfordcityrotary.org.au
Global warming has not abated. We face very real risks, including points of no return. What are these tipping points and are there still actions we can take? These questions will be posed in a webinar, Climate Risks, Making Choices on 15 February. District Governor Jeremy Wright AM foreshadows these questions and introduces the expert panel who will share their views. www.climateandpeace.com.au
For 17 years, Woy Woy Rotary Club has hosted a unique outdoor event, Opera in the Arboretum, raising annually approx $40k to assist local surf and music activities. Wayne Jennings convenor of the event tells us how this is achieved, the performers and the repertoire. www.woywoyrotary.org.au
LIndsay May OAM has been District Governor for six months, with another six to go. We find out his aims ,achievements so far and future areas of focus. Lindsay also foreshadows the challenges of navigating in the Sydney to Hobart yacht race....something he has been doing for 47 consecutive years!
Every year hundreds of residents of nursing homes and assisted care facilities receive a Christmas gift courtesy of the elves at St Ives Rotary Club who manage the Tree of Joy. Di Barnes, Public Image director for St Ives Rotary explains how it all works, how to donate, and the big difference this makes to the lives of those in care.
For most of us living in the relative comfort of Australia we take for granted our easy way of life. But this isn’t the case for thousands of people whose lives have been shattered by natural disasters and war. Many citizens from the Great Lakes countries of Africa, from Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo have now settled comfortably in Australia, particularly in rural towns thanks to the tireless work of GLAPD…the Great Lakes Agency for Peace and Development. Telling us all about it and the impact it has, we meet Emmanuel Mussoni, Executive Manager of GLAPD and Cheryl Duffy, International Project Director for the Rotary e-Club of Greater Sydney
When we think of family abuse most of us think about physical abuse but it also includes emotional, psychological, financial and sexual abuse along with neglect and coercive control of a person. Dorothy Gilmour, trauma, loss and grief counsellor explains how to stop abuse in families everywhere, including how to recognise abuse, how to raise concern and how to refer it. www.rotarysafefamilies.org.au
The Rotary Foundation distributes millions of dollars every year by way of Global Grants to fund humanitarian projects, vocational training and scholarships tenable at overseas universities. Dennis Shore from Victoria, an avid Rotarian has held numerous governance roles with Rotary and explains how it all works.
hanks to Rotary we meet two winners of the Rotary Inspirational Women's Awards. Sarah Bancroft a community police officer and Fibha Frameen a Global Peace Ambassador and activist for the cultural and linguistically diverse community. Rae-Anne Medforth, Chair of RIWA sets the scene,
With the world focused on COP 26, we look at the impact of electric vehicles in an upcoming webinar, the next in a series hosted by Rotarian Jeremy Wright AM. Jeremy explains how this fits into Rotary's focus on the environment and the background of the speakers on the webinar. District Governor Jeremy also reflects on the progress achieved during his term of office and goals for the future. www.climateandpeace.com.au …
Moree East Public School with an 80% indigenous population lacked many of the resources taken for granted in other communities. Pam Pritchard from Turramurra Rotary, assisted by other Rotary Clubs, leads the campaign to fix this....even sourcing huge market umbrellas to shelter the children from the relentless 40 degree summer heat. Rotary in action! To help Pam call +61 411 335 229
Most people at some point in their life need to stand up and deliver a speech. Maybe to impress employers, to sway opinions, to pitch a business case, to accept an award, to debate an issue, to represent constituents and so on. Captivate the Future is a creative competition for high school students where they choose a passion or an idea that might change the world. They submit a short video and are eligible for a $1000 prize. Enterprising tertiary students Kailash Sarma and Tiara de Silva explain how it works. www.captivatethefuture.com
Last year 145,000 people were diagnosed with cancer, that is one new diagnosis every four minutes and a daily death toll of 131. Happily there is hope for those suffering and recovering from cancer thanks to Northern Beaches Community Cancer Care. We meet oncologist Dr Toni Pearson who explains the resources they have...a wig library for example and other equipment and help they need to deliver this life saving program. www.nbccc.org.au
https://soundcloud.com/user.../unsung-heroes-of-resca-mp3 RESCA the Rotary Emergency Services Community Awards recognise and salute exceptional members of the services, while also supporting research into PTSD and vocational training in the Pacific Islands. Ron Browne explains how RESCA works, Stewart Bailey a member of Surf Life Saving and who volunteers with Westpac Helicopter Rescue tells us how he won a medal from the Royal Humane Society. Alison Jack explains how she managed the ceremonial aspects of RESCA in the face of Covid, turning a traditional face to face presentation into a virtual event. www.rescawards.org.au
Humanitarian and Rotarian, Dr Jenny Kerrison, spearheads Rotary's fight against malaria in Timor Leste, the Solomons, Vanuatu and PNG. Using impregnated mosquito nets and an education program, the incidence of malaria with all its painful and life threatening consequences has been dramatically reduced. Jenny also explains the successful campaign she led to rehabilitate communities devastated by tropical Cyclone Seroja. ram.rawcs.com.au
Rotary Youth Exchange provides the opportunity of a lifetime for Australian high school students to live and study for 12 months in an overseas country. They learn the language, experience a new culture and along the way they learn a lot about themselves becoming more confident, mature and independent. Ezra Hill from Sydney is no exception as we hear about the amazing life changing experience on Rotary Youth Exchange in Sapporo, Japan. www.ryea.org.au
Surely we all want peace! Today we meet Diane Tippett an organiser of the Raising Peace Festival starting now for 10 days, online. An initiative of leading peace and women's organisations who have come together to profile peace through exhibitions, speakers, discussion forums, workshops, films, music, activities and entertainment. Diane explains the what, why and how of Raising Peace. www.raisingpeace.org.au The UN International Day of Peace is Tuesday 21 September.
An incoming Rotary Club President gets the chance to review the Club's progress, to propose new initiatives and meet changing community needs. John Hepburn from Kuring gai Rotary Club on Sydney's upper north shore outlines his vision, the challenges to be faced and some of the projects, old and new, supported by his club. From vaccinations for the Pacific Islands to a defibrillator at the local shopping centre. https://kuringgairotary.org.au
The lockdowns and isolation have brought more people to gardening than ever before as the joy of gardening helps many get through these challenging times. We meet John Collignon from the Rotary Club of Hills Kellyville in Sydney's north west, who discusses the success of their newly opened community garden. And we learn about the very popular Hills Community Garden Competition running since 1959. www.hillscommunitygarden.com
In Sydney's Northern suburbs, not for profit Hornsby Connect provides help for those doing it tough and experiencing financial hardship by distributing affordable groceries. They also assist people who are socially isolated and provide personal support to the long term unemployed. Stuart Armstrong, President of Hornsby Connect explains how it came about, how it is run and the difference the service makes. Another fine example of the Rotary motto ....service above self. www.hornsbyconnect.org.au
Hornsby Rotary recognises exceptional citizens through its Pride of Workmanship Awards. We meet Nigel Hook, a local automotive engineer with his own business Auto Haus, specialising in the servicing of German cars. We are joined by Geoff Sell, a long standing member of the Club and the recently appointed director of PR, Marketing and Membership, Sahar Zaidi.
https://soundcloud.com/.../life-giving-surgery-for... Children from the Pacific Islands with locally untreatable medical conditions are brought to Australia and New Zealand for life giving surgery courtesy of volunteer doctors, medical teams and the support of Rotary. Michele Ellery from Rotary Oceania Medical Aid for Children (ROMAC) tells us how it all works and the difference it makes. www.romac.org.au
Bottles, cans and cartons make up a large proportion of the litter found on our streets, beaches and green spaces. But it doesn't have to be like this! Danielle Smalley CEO of the Return and Earn scheme explains how these unwanted items can easily be turned into cash, a perfect way for schools, Rotary Clubs and sports clubs to service their communities and earn vital funds. www.returnandearn.org.au
With clear evidence of climate change all around us we meet Rotarian Jeremy Wright AM convenor of a webinar examining the impact of climate change on defence, energy and food. An important topic of critical importance to our future. www.climateandpeace.com.au
Do you ever wonder what to do with your old computer, laptop, iPAD, notebook, printer or other electronic equipment. Peter Holdenson an enterprising Rotarian from Melbourne repairs and repurposes these items and supplies them free of charge to communities in the Pacific and South East Asia making a huge difference to education and development of thousands of people who would otherwise be unable to afford what we take for granted. www.nucleuscomputerdonations.com.au
What does it take to be President of a Rotary Club? We meet Tim Shea, retiring as President of Turramurra Rotary Club and learn why he joined, his challenges on assuming office, lessons learned and thoughts on the ongoing reason why the World Needs Rotary.
Rotarian James Cunningham from Melbourne provides remote communities with pop up cinema systems bringing isolated communities together to share a meal and experience a movie. Does wonders for the morale of those in regional areas afflicted by the hardships of drought, bush fire, floods and the pressure of surviving difficult times. A generous example of service above self.
Rotary in Australia began 100 years ago. To commemorate the occasion and to encourage greater public awareness of the wide range of causes and achievements by Rotarians, Peter Brown from Caboolture in Queensland is driving all over Australia in a 1991 Holden Commodore Station Wagon. The car is painted a bright canary yellow and is adorned with Rotary branding, raising eyebrows wherever it goes and giving Peter a perfect opportunity to spread the news about Rotary. See images https://www.facebook.com/rotary.caboolture
One in a hundred people have an autism spectrum disorder. It occurs in all racial, ethnic and social groups and is four times more likely to affect boys than girls. Many people with ASD may be over or under sensitive to sight, touch, smell, sound, temperature and pain. Because of these sensory imbalances they often experience overwhelming anxiety, frustration and confusion when faced with the demands of everyday life. Jenny Loughnan, Head of Primary at Giant Steps a specialist school for people with ASD explains the condition and the services provided by this one of a kind school.
Despite the surge in electronic book publishing there remains an ongoing thirst for the printed page, the tactile and tangible experience you can only get from paper and board. Lifeline hosts a massive annual Book Fair 1-4 July at Knox Grammar School, Wahroonga, in Sydney with over 110,000 titles. We meet Michael Cleary who tells us all about it and how the books are culled, collected, cleaned, priced, sorted and stored and the difference this enterprise makes for Lifeline. www.lifelineh2h.org.au
https://soundcloud.com/.../rotary-recognises... Chances are you'll know a woman who is doing something remarkable and inspirational...but probably shuns the limelight. The Rotary Inspirational Womens' Awards are designed to identify and salute women who are going over and above the call putting service above self. We meet Rae-Anne Medforth, Chair of RIWA and Sue Hayward, a Past District Governor to tell us what we need to know about RIWA and how to apply. Closing date for 2021 nominations is 16 June. www.riwa.com.au
What is the biggest mental health concern facing young people today? It used to be drugs and alcohol but is now stress and anxiety followed by body image. Tackling this with great effect is KYDS, the Kuring gai Youth Development Service, now collaborating with other agencies across Sydney's upper north shore, offering face to face and tele health options. We meet Helen Jarvis, Chair of KYDS who tells us all about it. An inspiring story. www.kyds.org.au
Do we ever stop to think what it must be like to be the police officer, the ambulance officer or the firey confronting a life threatening situation, often with fatal consequences? Well RESCA does. The Rotary Emergency Services Community Awards salutes emergency service personnel across seven agencies who have gone over and beyond the call displaying courage and leadership in and out of the work environment. We meet Ron Browne, Chair of RESCA in NSW who explains how it all works and the essential need to help emergency service workers impacted by post traumatic stress disorder. www.rescawards.org.au
H Y William Chan is a remarkable young Australian architect, an urbanist and design strategist with a passion to create resilient and inclusive places. A Global Grant from Rotary enabled him to study in Milan and fine tune his ideas about the social outcomes of architecture and the need for community challenges and perspectives to be considered from the outset. Keep an eye on him!
Belrose Rotary Club recently announced winners of their Pride of Workmanship Awards. We meet Rhonda Hayes who manages the philanthropy program for her employer, and Francisco Cafferena whose company Sprout Stack pioneers indoor agriculture growing delicious salads and vegetables in a climate controlled facility in Brookvale. Could this be the way of agriculture in the future? www.sproutstack.co
From the 1820s for 120 years more than 500 large wooden ships were constructed on Brisbane Water, just an hour north of Sydney. This maritime history is commemorated on 2 May with the Shipbuilders Heritage Walk, an initiative of Kincumber Rotary Club. We meet Peter Rea who expands on the history and some of the famous ships built there. Peter explains the background to the Walk, the attractions along the way including some exquisite ship models, dioramas, historical displays, vintage machinery and classic cars. www.shipbuildersheritagewalk.com.
Proper menstrual health management is a universal human right, a critical component of gender equity and one that is vital to women and girls in reaching their full potential. We meet Australian farmer, the inspirational Allan Waldon who is determined to provide over 5000 hygiene kits to girls in remote Nepal, an area where just a few years ago he was instrumental in rebuilding a village school high up in the hills. Search The Butcher and Nepal in Facebook and visit www.sambhavnepal.org
Where do men go when they experience distress or a sense of helplessness? Mentoring Men is a registered Australian charity providing free life mentoring programs for all men regardless of their background or beliefs. We meet John Milham who explains how the process works, who benefits and how Mentoring Men fills in the gaps left by other mental health agencies, drawing on the power of the "camp fire" conversation. www.mentoringmen.org.au
Electric bikes are taking the cycling world by storm. Riders can now tackle hills which were previously inaccessible. They are fun to ride, relatively inexpensive to own and to run. There are E bikes to suit all styles of cycling...road, mountain, cargo, cruiser and more. We meet Jake Southall whose company Sydney Electric Bikes is a sponsor of the Rotary owned Bobbin Head Cycle Classic..aka The Bobbo. Jake tells us what to look for in buying an Ebike, what they cost and how to make the right choice. www.sydneyelectricbikes.com.au
Hornsby BMW a car dealership on Sydney's upper north shore are sponsors of the Bobbin Head Cycle Classic, annual community bike ride with over 2000 riders, organised by four Rotary Clubs. A major fundraiser for Lifeline. Ian Stuart asks Mikki Weinand, Marketing, Product and Lifestyle Manager about tyre pressures, the right fuel to use, the purpose of the Eco button and his thoughts on the advent of electric cars. www.hornsbybmw.com.au
The media keeps reminding us that Australia faces a shortage of young people willing to pursue study and careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths. But to thrive we must harness our smarts, exploit our curiosity, open our minds and take nothing for granted. And that's what scientists do. Today we focus on a remarkable program the National Youth Science Forum, now running annually, nationally and originally developed as a Rotary Youth project. We meet three past graduates, their teacher and Sue Owen who coordinates the involvement of Wahroonga Rotary Club. www.nysf.edu.au
The Eye Clinic at Westmead Children's Hospital in Sydney treats a range of complex conditions including cancers, glaucoma, retinal disease, vision loss and more. But they lacked a vital piece of equipment, a diagnostic eye imaging device enabling the detection of changes in children's vision including the progression and regression of tumours. Rotary came to the rescue! We meet Head Orthoptist Katie Geering and Haran Ramachandran local Grants Chair for the Rotary Foundation. Through his creativity, enterprise and enthusiasm Haran raised $168,000 to provide Katie with a Spectralis OCT machine, putting the Eye Clinic at the forefront of eye health.
Sydney school girl Zoe Evans went to Santiago Chile in early 2020 with Rotary Youth Exchange. Within weeks Chile went into Covid lock down giving Zoe an unusual but nonetheless successful and rewarding year coping with restrictions and attending school remotely. Despite this she managed to do some local travel, learned local customs., made good friends and mastered the Spanish language. An inspirational story
Shelterbags are durable, protective sleeping bags, light, waterproof and warm. A perfect solution for Australia's homeless and rough sleepers. We meet Mary Crammond President of Terrigal Rotary Club who originally planned to make them here using volunteers and donated fabrics. But that was a day dream. In South Africa where millions are unemployed they can be made for only $40. Mary tells us how the project came about, who makes them and the difference they will make. 30 have now arrived in Australia with more on the way. Another inspirational story from Rotary.
Sea levels rise, temperatures rise the polar ice caps recede and storms lash our coastlines. Climate change is all around us. Today we meet Jeremy Wright convenor of the Rotary Climate and Peace webinars, a creative initiative to put the spotlight onto the issues and what can be done about them. Jeremy introduces his expert panel who deal with this at a free webinar, Tuesday 16 February. We also learn of Jeremy's priorities and plans to ensure Rotary remains at the forefront of local and international issues when he becomes a District Governor later this year. www.climateandpeace.com.au
Giraffe in a Hospital? Nepean Hospital on the outskirts of Sydney serving a large geographical area has a busy but under resourced emergency department. Medical equipment however can be expensive which prompted local ED nurse Carolyn Fitzpatrick to raise funds to purchase two essential items....a giraffe shaped resuscitation device and a hand held retinal camera. Total cost approx $50,000. She succeeded thanks to Rotary and in particular the support of the Lower Blue Mountains Rotary Club and Haran Ramachandran, Rotary Foundation Grants Chair. Hear how this came about and Haran's engagement with the burns unit at Concord Hospital.
How do young people find a career that suits them? What do they know about the world of work? In a unique program the Rotarians from Belrose host a bunch of students from Peak Hill School, in rural New South Wales for a five day experience in Sydney, visiting the main sights but importantly they also get an inside look at commerce, manufacturing and service industries. Later in the year, Rotarians travel to Peak Hill to provide advice on resume writing, career planning and to undertake mock interviews. We meet Chris Brownlee President Belrose Rotary to tell us more.
How do you stage a public performance of Christmas Carols in the days of Covid 19? We meet Roseanna Gallo the Musical Director of Carols on the Common, an annual event hosted by the Rotary Clubs of Macquarie Park and North Ryde (in Sydney) who explains how they will present the event in 2020, via a curated concert, skilfully put together and accessible from 7 pm, 13 December, on Facebook. A great example of creative thinking at a time when choral singing is restricted by Health Orders. We learn who is helping put it together and the charities which will benefit.
Jan Pryor an Australian high school teacher was working quietly behind the scenes setting up a Learning Centre for orphaned children in Nepal. This led her to set up the Didi Foundation to empower women by providing the tools, education and encouragement towards self sufficiency. Jan was in Nepal when the earthquake struck bringing widespread devastation and loss of life. She tells us how she survived the ordeal and outlines some of the creative ways she is helping the community to rebuild. Jan is President of the Rotary Club of Northlakes Toukley and Coordinator for the Rotary Australia Worldwide Community Service. An extraordinary woman. www.didifoundation.org.au
ShelterBox an international relief agency provides shelter to communities following natural disasters in countries like the Philippines, Haiti, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Cameroon, India and Syria. Aid provided includes tents, mosquito nets, cooking equipment, sleeping mats, solar lights, water filters, food and basic tools. Hard enough at the best of times but made much more difficult in over crowded places like refugee camps where personal hygiene, sanitation and social distancing call for great vigilance, education and strength. We meet ShelterBox ambassador Peita Byer who has worked at the front line of natural disasters and is tireless in her quest to raise funds to support this essential humanitarian work. www.shelterboxaustralia.com.au
Remote indigenous communities in Central Australia are 30 times more likely to suffer from kidney disease. Communities are left without elder leadership, families are broken and culture is weakened. But thanks to the efforts of many including Rotarians, the Purple House project was launched providing much needed support including 18 remote clinics and a mobile dialysis unit called The Purple Truck. Bob Aitken AM, long serving and tireless Rotarian tells the story and also explains how he got involved in Rotary, his career in media and in supporting the End Polio Now campaign. www.purplehouse.org.au
Where do women who go whose lives have been ruined by domestic violence and homelessness? Where can they find a bed, sympathy, food and shelter? We meet Louise McCann, President of the Hornsby Kuring gai Women's Shelter who explains what they do, who they serve, how the facility is managed, and importantly the huge difference it makes to the lives and prospects for women in distress. www.hkws.org.au
Now more than ever the community needs to address and deal with the impact of a changing climate. Rotarian Jeremy Wright has convened a Climate and Peace Forum to understand our prospects for coping with future natural disasters including US and Australian bushfires. The forum is by webinar, Tuesday 10 November, featuring Greg Mullins AO, former commissioner for Fire & Rescue NSW, Lucinda Corrigan Chair of Farmers for Climate Action and Simon McKeon AO, Chancellor of Monash University. Listen here to Ian Stuart's interview with Jeremy Wright and tune in to the webinar via www.climateandpeace.com.au (its free)
A home with books as an integral part of the way of life encourages children to read for pleasure and encourages discussion among family members about what they have read thereby providing children with information, vocabulary, imaginative richness, wide horizons and skills for discovery and play. We meet Peter Large, CEO of Books in Homes, a not for profit organisation which has provided over 2.7 million books to children in disadvantaged and remote communities across Australia. We learn how it works, how the books are selected and thee ways in which the program is supported. A great story enabled by many Rotary Clubs. www.booksinhomes.com.au
A great way for artists to showcase their talents, for art lovers to browse the gallery and purchase unique art works for their enjoyment or as gifts. We meet Trudy Stevenson from Carlingford Rotary Club in Sydney's northern suburbs who explains how the idea came about, how to enter, the different categories, the prizes and the judging process. Chief judge is celebrated Australian artist and national living treasure, Ken Done OAM. An online art show, a creative way to celebrate art and to support two essential charities dealing with domestic violence. www.carlingordcommunityartshow.com.au
The mission of Dress for Success it to empower women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. We meet Vicki Hartley CEO of Dress for Success, Sydney who explains how it all works, the role of Rotary, where the garments come from, how funds are raised and the impact that the program has on women seeking to enter or re-enter the workforce. And how they are managing during the Covid 19 restrictions. www.sydney.dressforsuccess.org
Type One diabetes is a form of diabetes in which very little or no insulin is produced by the pancreas. The cause is unknown but is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. However, insulin therapy delivered through an insulin pump attached to the body, can radically improve the lives of people with Type One diabetes. But these pumps are relatively expensive, so it is heartening to hear from John Waterhouse of St Ives Rotary Club about the successful and creative campaign he has led to raise the funds to procure and distribute insulin pumps to people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
https://portal.clubrunner.ca/.../diabetes-insulin-pump...
We continue the conversation with Rotarian, Ahmad Elzoghby and learn more about the Cross Egypt Challenge, what riders can experience and the sights they will enjoy. See www.crossegyptchallenge.com . See also Part One of this program
We meet Ahmad Elzoghby from the Rotary Club of Alexandria Cosmopolitan and learn about the annual Cross Egypt Challenge, a unique opportunity for motor cyclists and scooter riders to experience a ten day guided ride to enjoy the monuments, the sights and the history of Egypt. Riders stay in 4-5 star hotels and enjoy one night camping in luxury. Everything is included and riders can hire machines in Egypt or bring their own. Rotary meetings are held along the way, in the desert. www.crossegyptchallenge.com (see also Part Two of this episode)
This week we take a look at the Rotary Club of St Ives, on Sydney's upper north shore. Russell Crofts the President explains how it all started, the way that the club is governed and some of the community projects they support. Di Barnes, PR Director for the club discusses the Pride of Workmanship Award and the successful Tree of Joy project. St Ives is a relatively affluent suburb with good schools, shops, transport, some large homes, leafy streets and is surrounded by beautiful national park. We conclude with a look at laterite and its significance, geologically and as an aid to educational understanding. As a finale, we hear the wonderful Leonard Cohen song Hallelujah, performed by the long standing Sydney Male Choir. www.stivesrotary.org.au and http://www.facebook.com/StIvesRotaryNSW
https://soundcloud.com/.../books-in-homes-and-beirut... Books in Homes provides free books to remote and disadvantaged communities. We meet Carmel Robinson from Castle Hill Rotary Club who explains how her club supports this initiative and its relationship with a small school in far north west Australia. We also learn about the Club's active response to the recent Beirut disaster, channeling funds to be used by the Rotary Club of Beirut at a time when traditional aid agencies and NGOs have their access delayed due to the impact of Covid 19. To support and donate go to https://gf.me/u/yufxzj
https://soundcloud.com/user-410080704/mobile-leprosy-clinic-2 Almost 3 million people in India live with leprosy related deformities. Leprosy is a long term infection that causes severe disfiguring skin sores and nerve damage in the arms, legs and skin. The Rotary Club of Hills -Kellyville in Sydney's north western suburbs has raised funds to support a Mobile Leprosy Clinic to alleviate the situation in Uttar Pradesh. The clinic offers multi drug therapy, education and improves the capacity of local health care professionals. We meet the tireless and passionate Haran Ramachandran who leads the funding campaign at Hills-Kellyville. See Hills-Kellyville Rotary Facebook page.
Rotaract is a service, leadership, professional and community service organisation for young men and women. The Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Rotaract Club in the northern suburbs of Sydney started in August 2019. Today we meet the newly elected President Charlotte Weatherall and Vice President Tiana Jarmyn who explain what they've done, how they engage with their demographic and their plans for the future. An inspiring story of young people putting service above self. Contact hornsbyrotaract@gmail.com or find them on Facebook.
Allan Waldon witnessed significant poverty and hardship and determined to help rebuild a local school which was small, damp and totally lacking in any resources. He raised money to get the project going by collecting donations at his butcher's shop in exchange for dog bones. This led to endorsement by Rotary and has now made a huge difference to the education of children in this remote part of Nepal. But that's not all. Allan is now raising funds to buy sanitary kits to prevent girls and their female teachers from missing out on education. An inspiring story. See Facebook: The Butcher and Nepal for details and how to get involved.
Thanks to the generous work of Sydney Rotarian Indy Singh OAM, thousands of people with poor sight have attended free eye health care clinics in India, Cambodia, Nepal, Myanmar and Ethiopia. Working with volunteer ophthalmologists this selfless work has changed the lives of people in the developing world. See the charity that Indy founded and consider donating via www.visionbeyondaus.org
Multiple Sclerosis is horrible and there is no cure. Yet, thanks to the generous work of Di Dorney and Pinky McLean a support group on Sydney's upper north shore offers comfort, company and entertainment to MS sufferers and their carers. Run by volunteers the group raises funds through bridge days and is supported by the girls choir from Pymble Ladies College. The group meets at the Wildflower Gardens in St Ives. Wahroonga Rotary Club is a long term supporter.
The Model United Nations Assembly simulates the workings of the UN. Teams of secondary school students represent different UN countries in debates on matters of world political and social concern. Along the way they forge alliances, they lobby, they make compromises and experience all the diplomatic manoeuvering which are the hall marks of the UN. Bruce Jacob of Epping Rotary Club in Sydney takes us through this inspirational activity sponsored by Rotary.
Each year there is a changing of the guard at Rotary Clubs all over the world. A new Board is elected and in today's episode of Rotary Matters we meet Janelle Speight newly elected President of Wahroonga Rotary Club in Sydney's upper north shore.. Janelle explains how the Club is governed, the areas of focus and priorities for the year ahead.
Virtual Neighbours is a new initiative of the Beecroft Rotary Club in Sydney, meeting a real need to reignite the often overlooked local community feeling of being valued and included during a time of social distancing and isolation. We meet Vinita Deodhar the driver behind this timely and important community service.
We meet Bob Selinger from Chatswood Sunrise Rotary in Sydney whose club has paid for 156 Hippo Rollers to be made in Cape Town and sent to Pomfret a disadvantaged township in the north of South Africa. Hippo Rollers are a 90 litre rigid plastic drum pulled with a handle along the ground, saving countless hours of time and replacing the traditional methods of fetching water in buckets and containers carried on the head. Usually by women and children. www.hipporoller.org A simple idea, changinglives.
If you travel, own an RV or a motor home then Rotary Nomads may be the club for you. Nomads meet all over Australia and devote their time to a wide range of public service activity supporting communities, raising funds and pursuing a wide range of interests with fellow travellers. It could be delivering meals on wheels, assisting at a festival, or taking part in the Henley on Todd regatta. And much more. We meet Wayne Kemmis who explains who they are, where they go, what they do and the great fellowship that Rotary Nomads enjoy. www.rotarynomads.org
A new network aimed at 20-40 year olds already engaged with Rotary who have not yet found a place in the Rotary family that meets their needs. No weekly meetings, no traditional Rotary rituals. But they make a difference, they meet via Microsoft Teams and they measure the social impact of what they do. Could this be the way of the future for Rotary? We meet the passionate and persuasive President of the Rotary Social Impact Network, Rebecca Fry.
Determined to arrest the incidence of youth suicide on the Central Coast of NSW, Lester Pearson OAM and his colleagues from the Rotary Club of Gosford North, set up SOKS a program to help teachers, counsellors, parents and sports coaches to identify signs of suicide and to intervene. Over 658 lives have been saved. This remarkable outcome is due to compassion, hard work and a determination to save lives at risk. No surprise that Lester has been recognised with an Australian honour for his work. Enjoy this interview, by Zoom.
We meet Paula Nolan who went to France as a Youth Exchange Student over 20 years ago. We learn how she applied, where she went, what she did, where she travelled, who she met and importantly the lifelong leadership and reliability lessons she learned and can call on today in her position as a senior executive in an Australian bank. A great example of Rotary's investment in talented young people.
The Congo is a contender for the least lucky country in the world having suffered wars, the Rwandan holocaust, cholera, ebola and volcanic eruption. But thanks to the humanitarian work of Rotarian Penny Vos, education is now being provided and the colourful buntings made by adults to raise funds enable the purchase of sewing machines with which they are made. The international language of Esperanto enables the community to communicate and we learn about the role Esperanto can play in uniting people all over the world. www.mondeto.com and www.bonvolo.net
YIPA, is a program enabling young people on the Central Coast of New South Wales, with outstanding talent to showcase their skills in a series of variety concerts. We meet YIPA director Gary Jackson who explains how it all works, the audition and coaching process, the benefits to the performers, some of whom have won national talent contests and one who went on to perform in London's west end. YIPA was started by the Rotary Club of Gosford North and the annual performances take place at Laycock Theatre. To see some of the amazing young talent go to You Tube and search for Coast Connect.
Designed to recognise and honour emergency services personnel who reflect the Rotary motto of Service Above Self, RESCA also funds a Research Scholarship into PTSD in emergency services workers and supports a Vocational Training Team to assist an Asia Pacific country with their own disaster preparedness. We meet Dot Hennessey OAM, the tireless and passionate visionary who pioneered RESCA and its expansion about to become an Australia wide initiative. www.rescawards.org.au
In late 2019, rural communities in NSW were devastated by drought. No stock, no feed, no water and plummeting morale. Rotarians from Turramurra Rotary Club adopted three towns in the Upper Hunter region, providing vouchers redeemable in local businesses, assistance with community events like a bike ride and a Cuban dance event. Dr Parry Monckton explains where they went, who they met, what they did, why it mattered and its impact.
Right now around 88 million people around the world have been made homeless by natural disaster and conflict. Shelterbox Australia is working to change this. By providing emergency shelter and tools for families robbed of their homes by disaster, Shelterbox is transforming despair into hope. Mike Greenslade CEO of Shelterbox Australia and a member of Alstonville Rotary Club is joined by Johanna Johns current President of Beecroft Rotary Club as they explain how the process works, how and where relief is distributed, how it gets there and the role of Rotary in making it all happen. www.shelterboxaustralia.org.au
The National Youth Science Forum delivers immersive and transformative youth-led experiences for young Australians to encourage life long literacy in science, engineering, technology and maths. Lyndall Pearson from St Ives Rotary Club explains how the NYSF works and Kira Trahana, student at Barker College, Sydney describes her experience at NYSF in early 2020, what she did, who she met and the impact that the program has had on her career thinking.
www.nysf.edu.au
For 26 years Belrose Rotarians have provided a unique opportunity for Yr 11 and 12 students from Peak Hill Central School to spend five days in Sydney, experiencing the attractions but significantly, gaining an insight into the world of work by visiting local businesses and government. They are billeted with local Rotary families. Later in the year a group of Belrose Rotarians reciprocate by visiting Peak Hill and providing insightful career advice as well as guidance on how to apply for a job, resume writing and interview techniques.
Dress for Success provides a network of support, professional attire and the development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. Through the program, women from all walks of life can acquire thoughtfully curated clothing, shoes and accessories to create the best impression at job interviews. Women also receive career guidance, counselling and training. Online resources like Zoom are used at this time to run workshops including advice on make up. We meet Tanya Jackson-Vaughan, CEO of Dress for Success and also Sue Hayward, a past Rotary District Governor who explains the link between Rotary and Dress for Success and the development of pop up fashion stores.
Sydney schoolgirl Grace Colville spent 2019 as a Rotary Youth Exchange student in Chaumont, northern France. Knowing no French language she quickly immersed herself into the French way of life, staying with host families, attending school, meeting fellow exchange students and travelling widely within Europe. Grace shares her impressions, the lessons learned and the cultural differences between the French and Australians. Her mother Cath Colville provides a parent's perspective and explains how Rotary's history, culture and values assured her that Grace would be in safe hands while overseas. https://rotarydistrict9685.org.au/sitepage/ryep
We meet Kalma McClellan current governor of a large Australian Rotary District, north of Sydney. We learn how and why she joined Rotary and how Kalma and Rotary have responded to a string of natural disasters occurring in Australia over the summer period. We consider the role of contemporary communications technology and their use as an adjunct to traditional face to face meetings.
We meet Peter Kipps who manages the international projects portfolio for Kuring gai Rotary Club on Sydney's upper north shore. We learn about Shelterbox, the School for Life in Uganda, the Fiji Electricity project and the club's support for RYLA, the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, in East Timor. All excellent examples of Rotary quietly going about making a huge difference to people in need. www.kuringgairotary.org
During the Rotary Program of Youth Enrichment (RYPEN) young people develop increased motivation, improved life skills, better self image, pride in themselves and an understanding of setting and achieving goals. In this episode of Rotary Matters we meet Beau Seale from Empire Bay who not only attended RYPEN 2018 in the Blue Mountains near Sydney but went on to spend 2019 as a Rotary Youth Exchange student, in Austria with a host family, meeting other young Rotarians and even cycling 500 km in five days from Lake Constance back to Vorarlberg in Austria! Amanda Barnes local RYPEN coordinator and International Service Director for Rotary District 9685 tells us how RYPEN is structured, the application process and the benefits. She also explains the emergence of Rotary E-Clubs and reasons for their popularity. www.rotarydistrict9685.org.au Here is an edited version of the program
Successful Australian businessman on a visit to PNG came across piles of unused and unusable medical equipment donated in good faith by Australians. Determined to fix this he arranged for new equipment such as ultrasound and diagnostic machines to be supplied from China and the USA. This generosity has now extended to 63 countries around the world, many in Africa. We meet Dave and his daughter Marnie who explain how it all works, the impact that it has and the way this selfless gesture changes lives. We also hear about other initiatives in eye surgery and women's health. An inspiring story. www.dak.org.au and www.rawcs.org.au
A team of volunteer surgeons, nurses and anaesthetists travels to Bangladesh to repair cleft palates, cleft lips and burns. Barbie Mitchell OAM tells us how this remarkable project was conceived, how it operates and the huge difference it makes to disadvantaged communities in this developing country. We also meet Suzie Mikschl who explains the way her local Days for Girls program enables girls in Bangladesh and now the Solomons to attend school during their menstrual cycle. Surely this is Service above Self! SeeFacebook for Aussie Bangla Smiles and Days for Girls.
Opera in the Arboretum is a creative event hosted by Woy Woy Rotary Club to raise funds to support their local and international projects. Now in its 15th year it is held in the open air, a picnic style event at Pearl Beach. We meet spokesman Russell Grove who explains how it is organised, the talent they attract and the repertoire to be enjoyed on 28 March 2020.email operarotarywoywoy@gmail.
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards is an intensive leadership experience organised by Rotary clubs and districts to develop skills as a leader while having fun and making connections. We meet Mitchell FRATER-BAIRD who tells us about his recent residential RYLA week in northern Sydney, the lessons he learned and how the program impacts his ideas and thoughts for the future. Mitchell's participation was sponsored by the Rotary Club of St Ives whose support is explained by Rotarian Peter Lorschy.
We meet Victoria Diep a 15 yr old student who attended the three day Conoco Phillips Science Experience at the University of Technology Sydney. The program takes place over 35 universities and tertiary institutions within many different laboratories and lecture theatres. Participants perform experiments in the laboratories, meet and hear senior lecturers, attend site visits and experience what its like to be on a tertiary campus. Peter Lorschy from St Ives Rotary Club explains his Club's support for youth focussed activities and their involvement with the Conoco Phillips Science Experience.
Kalma McLellan Rotary District Governor explains the way that Rotary is helping Australian bushfire victims and the channel through which financial donations should be made. www.rawcs.org.au and go to Bushfire Donations. We also find out what Rotary is planning tor 29 February when the 2020 leap year will be recognised by a mass dancing of Nutbush City Limits. Lots of fun and a fundraiser for bushfire victims.
The Pride of Workmanship Award recognises people in the community who have gone over and above the call. People offering exceptional service. John Rae not only runs Shoe Guru a very successful shoe retailer but he recycles sports shoes and school shoes sending them to disadvantaged communities in Australia and overseas. Furthermore John leads walking groups in his community and is a firm believer in the health benefits of walking. Di Barnes from St Ives Rotary Club explains the services of her club and how they select recipients of the Pride of Workmanship Award.
Ian Scott AM from Sydney's Blue Mountains explains the benefits of alternative dispute resolution and how he came to be leading the training for mediators working in Mongolia, one of the world's poorest countries. Rotary is the key and a source of support through RAWCS...the Rotary Australia Worldwide Community Services program.
Graffiti, the scourge of public walls, shops, fences, commercial premises, schools and infrastructure in Sydney's upper north shore is tackled successfully by a team of dedicated Rotarians led and inspired by Roger Norman. We learn how they go about erasing graffiti, the profile of a typical tagger and the options we have to report graffiti. Roger covers the annual Graffiti Removal Day, its extent and success.
With mental health problems on the rise the need for the services of Lifeline and their Way 2 Wellness program has never been more acute. We meet Simone Isemann, Clinical Services Manager from Lifeline Harbour to Hawkesbury who tells us what its all about. www.lifelineh2h.org.au (note some of the audio is crackly...apologies!)
Its not enough to simply give money. It needs to be spent wisely and sustainably. Hear how Rotary is doing this in Cambodia.
We meet Assoc Professor Anne Prescott, dedicated Rotarian, devoted to making a difference in earth quake shattered Nepal. Helping with the rebuild and training teachers in how to teach. Anne also supervises projects in Cambodia, Mongolia, Sri Lanka and South Africa. A truly inspiring story. To volunteer for her next project in Nepal anne.prescott@uts.edu.au
Lucy Hopgood-Brown explains the life changing work of her NGO, HandUp Congo. Villagers in the remote community of Lotumbe in the Democratic Republic of Congo are supported in their efforts to secure food such as ducks, cows and grain. An education program teaches emergency medicine skills and thanks to micro-financing villagers can begin their own sustainable businesses. It's not a hand out but a HandUp. www.handupcongo.org To volunteer: handupcongo@gmail.com
For the past 35 years 300 disabled and disadvantaged children plus their carers have experienced the ride of their life as they go aloft in a Qantas Jumbo Jet, for an hour including a return to Sydney at 1500 feet over Sydney Harbour. Turramurra Rotarian Rob Byrne fills in the gaps and brings us up to date with Rotary's world wide campaign to end polio, where every dollar donated is matched twice by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Polio is almost eradicated but can still be found in remoter parts of Afghanistan and Pakistan, Singer songwriter John Wright beautifully plays two of his recent easy on the ear, recent compositions...
RYLA is a week long residential personal development course for 18-27 yrs old, which gives young people a chance to come together in a supportive environment to learn about teamwork, communication and motivation and to develop life long leadership skills. We meet RYLArian Luke Prangell who attended RYLA 2018 and John Steel, from St Ives Rotary Club who directs RYLA in this area. An inspiring story of Rotary in action.
Dr Radha Simhadri is a qualified audiologist with special expertise in paediatric and adult hearing and assessment. From her base in Sydney and with some help from Rotary, she supports and manages nine clinics in rural Mysore, India allowing for early detection of hearing loss and installation of cochlear implants. Radha also leads a program in remote rural areas of India enabling the disabled to collect, process and weave plastic bags and other waste into useful, saleable and sustainable ite
The Rotary Youth Exchange program enables school students to spend a year abroad, going to school, learning the language and customs of another country. We meet Zoe Evans from Sydney who is soon to go to Chile and Barbora Wallova from Germany currently in Sydney. We find out their expectations and how this unique program may fashion their future career thinking.
Although Cambodian families have been slowly building their lives since the Khmer Rouge genocide, Cambodia remains one of the poorest countries in the world. Rural areas of Cambodia still face severe poverty, lack of health care and low levels of education, economic opportunity and resources. Tony James from the Upper Northern Beaches Rotary Club in Sydney determined to correct the imbalance and raises funds, resources and awareness making a massive difference to these communities through the Build Your Own Future Today program transforming lives with a focus on infant mortality, water supply, education, microloans and healthcare.
Nusa Tenggara just a few hundred kilometres north of Australia is a poor country where people live on less than US$1 per day. Chris Curtis and colleagues from Lane Cove Rotary Club in Sydney raise funds to make small grants to install water tanks, sanitation, education facilities and agriculture advice making a huge difference to this community.
Epping Boys High works closely with Epping Rotary Club in Sydney raising funds and providing water and other essentials to help the disadvantaged community at Oecusse in Timor L'Este. We meet year 9 students Maea Applegarth and Harry Bowen and discuss how this volunteer work complements their school work and influences their career thinking. Bruce Jacob from Epping Rotary Club outlines the structure and impact of the Model United Nations Assembly, a competition whose international winners compete at the UN in New York
We meet enterprising Rotarian Rob Edwards from Corrimal New South Wales who launched Its Time, a scheme providing solar power to schools in Fiji. Also with us is Laisa Digitaki from the Rotary Club of Suva, to discuss the impact of the program and its potential to assist many more schools in saving money and enabling them to connect to contemporary electronic communications systems. We also learn about the Plastic Free Oceans campaign, gathering momentum locally and around the world. Who wouldn't want to pick up at least one piece of plastic litter, a day?
We meet Di Barnes the power house from St Ives Rotary Club on Sydney's upper north shore describing all the good things to be found at the St Ives Food & Wine Festival, 8 September 2019. A wide variety of tasty and unusual food, wines from the Hunter and from Mudgee. Lots of entertainment for children and stalls from many local community service organisations. Proceeds from the event enable the Rotary Club of St Ives to support Diabetes Alive and Room to Read. www.stivesfoodandwine.com
We meet Peter Kirkwood OAM a Rotarian and all round community leader who throughout his life has always put service above self. Peter's commitment to youth and community development is exemplified in the driving role he played in the creation of the thriving Police Citizens Youth Club in Waitara, on Sydney's upper north shore. An inspirational Australian.
Modern day slavery exists in many forms....forced labour, human trafficking, debt bondage, forced marriage, the sale of children and sex slavery. We meet Doug Malcolm, Rotarian, founder and driver of Paint4Freedom a National Art Competition dedicated to raising awareness of slavery and raising funds to counteract it. www.paint4freedom.org
Today we meet Doug Reid long time Rotarian and newly elected President of Wahroonga Rotary Club in the upper north shore suburbs of Sydney. Doug outlines the club's active support and engagement on a range of youth, community and international projects. And Doug shares his thoughts on how he intends to pursue this year's international theme that Rotary Connects the World.
Rotaract Clubs pursue the same values as Rotary Clubs in providing opportunities for service above self. We meet Joshua McKenna, President and Charlotte Weatherall, Secretary of the newly formed Rotaract Club of Hornsby and Kuring gai. They outline their plans and how to get involved in this exciting new initiative targeted at 18-30 year olds. https://www.facebook.com/HKRotaractClub/
Social problems in Ethiopia have been increasing at an alarming rate due to poverty, HIV/AIDS, various diseases, drought and conflict. Among other social problems the number of orphans and vulnerable children is increasing rapidly. We meet Karen Kendall, Australian who founded and runs an extraordinary orphanage and place of refuge for children, marginalised women and the wider local community.
The National Youth Science Forum runs residential programs to encourage young people in their passion for science, technology, maths and more. We meet Chloe Kneebone a Year 12 student from Sydney who explains her experience at NYSF in Brisbane, what she did, who she met and how it has impacted her thinking on what to study and where it might lead. Also on the show is Peter Crawley, Rotarian who coordinates the selection of students many of whom receive financial support from Rotary Clubs to attend the Forum. www.nysf.edu.au
We meet John Corney from Epping Rotary Club in Sydney who details the creative and life changing projects he leads in the Oecusse region of Timor L'Este to provide villagers and a remote school with potable water. using bio sand filters. But it isn't only water.....recent donations include computers repurposed from Epping Boys High School and from local businesses. Another inspiring story of Rotary quietly at work but making a huge difference.
We meet Kim Pearce and Kath Davis visionaries from Sydney's north shore who founded the Possibility Project empowering a community in Jaipur India to realise their potential through recycling, re purposing and bringing to market a range of colourful, hand made fashion items from clothes to beads to accessories under the slumwear 108 brand. Their philosophy of social entrepreneurship has led to other projects including a program for Australian schools offering a mindset of creative thinking and hands on projects that can easily be used to reimagine solutions to some of our most difficult problems. See www.thepossibilityproject.com.au
School for Life is an Australian non profit organisation working in rural Uganda building holistic education models to empower communities to help themselves. Today we meet co founder Annabelle Chauncey OAM from a sheep and cattle property at Canyonleigh NSW who at the age of 21 travelled to Africa and started what is now, twelve years later, two primary schools, one secondary school, 1000 students and 140 staff. Making a huge difference to students many of whom would otherwise continue ill educated, mal nourished and with limited prospects. This heart warming project is supported by Rotary. www.schoolforlife.org.au
Teeth and Toilets is an inspirational initiative of local dentist Dr Sandra Meihubers AM, a Rotarian who has devoted her working life to improving oral health and sanitation in outback Australia, in Timor L'Este, Nepal and Bangladesh. Working under very difficult conditions often following natural disaster, Sandra leads teams and develops policies to tackle significant health problems often overlooked by government authorities. www.teethandtoilets.com.au
The Rotary Inspirational Women's Awards are dedicated to recognising and acknowledging the achievements of women who best exemplify Rotary's motto of "Service above Self". The community service performed by women above and beyond their normal role. RIWA is discussed by Sue Hayward, District Governor and stories of recent winners are provided by Rae-Anne Medforth, Chair of RIWA. Questions by Ian Stuart and Peter Crawley.
The remarkable story of Dr Nuli Lemoh and his wife Margaret who raised funds and set up a children's hospital in the town of Bo, Sierra Leone. Poverty, illiteracy, poor nutrition and limited access to sanitation, health services and safe drinking water are among the main reasons for the high mortality rate in a country wracked in the past by civil war and in 2014 by the Ebola epidemic. The hospital now with 30 beds and a thriving education program is changing lives and is supported by many Australians including the Rotary Club of Turramurra. Australia. www.bochildrenshospital.org.au
A dedicated team of teaching and medical staff runs a four day Children's Holiday Camp, with a set of activities designed to help the children. Each child is teamed up with two Year 11 students from Shore and Pymble and the students enjoy the experience , the joys, challenges and demands involved in caring for a child with special needs- a life changing experience for the students as well. Rotary is very proud to support these wonderful camps which are all about Changing Hearts-Changing Lives. The program is supported by the Sony Foundation and in this episode of Rotary Matters we meet Melissa Boyd, teacher at Pymble Ladies College and Chloe Colfer a PLC student who took part as a companion in the latest PLC Shore Sony Foundation Camp
Hornsby Connect supported by Wahroonga Rotary Club is a low cost food distribution centre in Hornsby (a northern suburb of Sydney) for those experiencing financial hardship providing bread, milk, groceries, fruit and vegies as well as offering a café with free tea, coffee and cakes. We meet Stuart Armstrong outgoing President of Wahroonga Rotary who also explains his club's recent initiative to launch Rotaract a club for 18-30 year olds. See www.hornsbyconnect.org.au