This year’s Dawn Service was inspiring and moving - maybe I’m biased but I think it was the best yet. The crowds came out in force, the weather was perfect, the performance of the singers and musicians was exceptional, and even the birds squawked at appropriate intervals. It is wonderful to have young people from a variety of local schools playing such a large part in proceedings. My thanks to the organising group of Duncan Duke, Bill McKenna and Alan Field from the RSL and Rob Kilcullen and Ken Paynter for the extraordinary amount of work they put in behind the scenes to ensure that the service went off with scarcely a hitch. Thanks to all our members and partners who assisted on the day. The beautiful wreath that I laid on behalf of the Club was made by Lorraine Englefield. Lorraine has made the wreath for a number of years now and I thank her very much for her contribution. Thanks also to Pieross for the breakfast we enjoyed afterwards. I have received several messages of appreciation from people who attended including from acting Senior Sergeant Shawn Kostiw at Eltham Police Complex who said ‘It was a very well run event and a credit to all involved’ Thanks to Eltham Police for their work in closing the Main Road at 3.30am and ensuring that we all stayed safe. Finally, the event would not be as successful as it is if the crowd couldn’t hear or see proceedings. Our thanks to Andrew Stanley for providing the quality staging, sound and lighting we have come to expect.
Last week’s meeting was a chance to catch up with some of the community activities happening in Eltham including the development of U3a. Thanks to guest speaker Guy Palmer for an interesting overview and for his thought provoking challenges around issues such as food security that are sometimes overlooked in our relatively affluent community.
I’m looking forward to our annual Youth Night next week - always a big and important night on our calendar when we hear from the many young people we have supported through the year. Cheers, President Judy
Lower Eltham Park BBQ 9:30 am - 2:30 pm
You are responsible for finding a replacement if you are unable to do your rostered duty and to notify Lyn Truran ljtruran@bigpond.com
This week we hold our very special annual Youth night where we have as guests at our club students from the local schools and their parents. These young adults who will be presenting on the night will be those who have been sponsored by our club and participated in the various programs and forums including Rotaract, Interact, YLead, Lord and Lady Somers Camp, RAIC and NYSF.If you don't know what these programs are then come along and learn how we are assisting young people to develop confidence and leadership skills. Book now for this Thursday 3 May 2018 - it will be a great night.
Judy Sharp: See Bulletin for details of Paul Harris Society Annual Luncheon on 19 May. Shade sails are now installed at Eltham Lower Park. Thanks to Lorraine Englefield for once again providing the wreath for Anzac Day. The McFarlane family will attend our anniversary celebrations on 24 May and donate $3,000 of the funds raised at the recent Golf Day to RCE.
Ann Lynch: We’ve acquired a flag from the Anzac Day service – need to find who owns this – perhaps the RSL?
Brett Linsell: Rotaract is celebrating its 10-year anniversary at their Changeover evening – the day after our own Changeover and also here at Heidelberg Golf Club. Would be great to have representatives present from RCE.
Rob Kilcullen: Thanks to all who were involved in Anzac Day service including Paul Kelly on the BBQ which raised nearly $600.
Paul Kelly: This Saturday a group from our club helping out a woman in Eltham who has been a victim of domestic violence. If you can help let Paul know.
Con Proussalis: On Wednesday 2 May DVLC is having a morning tea to which we’re invited in thanks for $5,000 donated toward chrome books etc for students there.
Jules Aussems: 4 tables have been booked for New Year’s Eve celebrations – let Jules know if interested.
Feeding Program Hout Bay:RC Eltham has transferred $3,500 to assist RC Hout Bay Feeding at the black township of Creche. Sue and Len Horwood presented their feeding and educational support program to RC Eltham in March. I will request some photos and an update from Keith Bull, RC Hout Bay.
Aquabox in India:I sent a proposal to the president to President of RC Central Calcutta in early April. As yet no reply.
Educational Facility in Nepal:Ian Toohill is to brief the International Committee in early May
Days for Girls: This is a charity packing feminine hygiene packs to send to third world countries. They received quite a bit of support from Vic based RCs. We should consider a donation and possibly have them as guest speakers.
10 May 2018 : Guest Speaker - Monica Majok - Co-President, Developing South Sudan Australia
We have an inspirational young lady Monica Majok as our guest speaker. Monica is the Co-President of Developing South Sudan Australia (DSSA). The vision for this organisation is for South Sudanese Australians to engage and collaborate with Australians to develop and helped minimise the current issues arising in Australia, to develop programs and businesses for the benefits of both countries, and to further spread multiculturalism in Australia and the world.
DSSA stands as the mediator between the two countries. DSSA members are the millennial generation who relocated into the first world countries to gain a better living lifestyle, educated and resourced extraordinary experiences. They aim to situate themselves better in the current world they stand in (Australia), which will in turn help in developing South Sudan to its maximum capabilities.
You may have read in newspapers and other media about issues in the South Sudanese community. Come along and hear how an emerging community is working to make a safe environment, the kids to gain better education, families to get along, sporting activities with no dividends, racial profiling dismissed etc.
Overall, DSSA want a safer and a sustainably livable Australia, to be one strong voice for South Sudanese Australians.
10 May 2018 : Guest Speaker - Monica Majok - Co-President, Developing South Sudan Australia
