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President's Message 31 May 2025
Bruce Turner
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Greetings and welcome. Thank you for joining our online news and updates.
A change to my usual format here, and I’ll start with a member update. A new relief fund has been set up by RWACS to provide relief related to the drought in western and southwest Victoria as there is very little support for, and awareness of, the difficulties currently being faced by communities in that area. Lesley, Kelly and myself joined an online meeting on Thursday night, set up by the RAWCS National Projects Supervisor Brad Quilliam to inform us of this fund and to encourage clubs to consider how they may be able to assist with promotion of the project, provide support in various ways and consider how the RAWCS funds may be best used. More information can be found on the District Facebook page or the RAWCS page. As usual, can you please like and share the relevant posts to assist in promoting this campaign. We will keep you informed on developments and what we as a club are doing.
It is difficult to do a quick reflection on the last week’s activities, but I’ll touch on a few of the highlights. Last weekend saw our members scattered across the district as we had attendees at the President Elect Learning Seminar and District Assembly in Horsham as well as members enjoying the Club’s “ABBA” social night at the Bowls Club. You will find a report on the social night, along with photos, later in the bulletin and it sounds like it was a fun event. Those of us who attended the Assembly were treated to a fast moving, information packed day. We were given reminders and updates on various aspects of Rotary and more importantly had the opportunity to share ideas and consider our own clubs direction and focus for the year ahead. It is always good to hear from other clubs on what they are finding successful and what difficulties are being faced. My overall takeaway from each of these information sharing events is that, although there is always room for progress and new ideas, as a club we are actually doing a great job and we all deserve a pat on the back. We were reminded on the weekend that, as volunteers we are in a minority group. Research suggests that only 5% of communities take on volunteer roles so well done to everyone for being part of this small but elite group.
As we all are very aware the influence of Rotary is far-reaching, but we should take note of the local impact of Rotary Clubs. As this year has progressed, I have been invited to participate in several Probus Club changeovers. Erika and I were privileged to attend the 10-year anniversary celebration of the Probus Club of Torquay Zeally Bay. Each accredited Probus Club is associated to a Rotary District and each Probus Club was sponsored by a Rotary Club within that Rotary District; it was pleasing the organisers acknowledged this link and included Margaret Robinson (Rotary District Probus Chair), Erika and myself in their celebrations. Gerard McNamara spoke about the Club’s background from as he was the person behind setting up this and other Probus Clubs within Torquay. What an amazing service this aspect of Rotary is when we consider the 100s of community members who are benefitting from the “Fun, Friendship and Fellowship” that comes from the social connections developed within these groups. The slide show that was presented across the afternoon contained many familiar faces highlighting the close connection between this Probus Club and Torquay Rotary. Congratulations to Gerard, Presidents and committee members on the success of the club over the last 10 years.
You may remember that we sponsored “Team Bogan” in the Shitbox Rally last year as a fundraiser for The Cancer Council. We have again sponsored the team this year with drivers Nick Vivian (Manager, Tyrepower Torquay) and Ryan Reed (son of a reasonably well-known local Rotarian). We had the privilege of viewing the car with its sponsorship stickers proudly on show. This, according to participants, is a fantastic event and we wish Nick and Ryan well for their short drive from Perth to Darwin….. oh, and by the way, they are also driving across to Perth and then home from Darwin. A total of 15,000km in just 3.5 weeks. Feel free to share this link to help them achieve their donations/sponsorship goal - Team Bogans
Monday June 30th, Kithbrook Park. This will be taking place at the time and location of our regular club meeting. Join us as we reflect on the “12 Months that Were” and welcome our new Board and President for 2025-2026.
District Changeover
Sunday July 6th, in Nhill. Details provided as they come to hand.
Looking forward to seeing many of you on Monday night as we welcome two more new members to the club, along with hearing from guest speaker Kate Marshall as she updates us on All Aboard’s “Junction Project”.
Many members will be saddened by recent news from our friends at Strathewen Primary School.
School Principal Jane Hayward's husband Paul, was in a tragic accident on Monday 12 May and sadly passed away at 66 years of age.
Jane and Paul had been looking forward to returning to Vietnam during the upcoming school holidays. They were also planning another trip to Bali in October to check in with the many youngsters they have sponsored over the years through the Bali Orphan Day Centre.
Established to nurture children who have suffered the loss of one or both parents, this educational day training centre aims to ensure each child receives a full education to the completion of Year 12 or to whatever level they are capable of reaching. Some of Jane and Paul's kids have gone on to complete university.
Support Drought-Affected Communities in Western Victoria
Rotary Australia World Community Service (RAWCS) is stepping up to support communities in Western Victoria devastated by severe drought. Through our network of local Rotary Clubs and in partnership with local support agencies, we’re providing vital assistance where it’s needed most.
Farming families are facing unimaginable hardships—parched land, dwindling water supplies, and a desperate shortage of livestock feed. Many are sacrificing their own wellbeing just to keep their animals alive. The emotional and mental toll is profound.
This RAWCS project is raising funds to deliver humanitarian relief to those doing it toughest in the drought-stricken regions of Western Victoria.
Note from Martin Kae , Head Master Lese Oalai School, Gulf Province (from John Oswald Torquay Rotarian):
"Don Warne Memorial Primary School Lese Oalai, this afternoon welcomed 11 trainee teachers from Sacred Heart Teachers College Bomana.
They will be here for the next 6 weeks doing their final year practicum.
Their stay will be very helpful to the students and teachers, as we look forward to learning more about the new curriculum.
Our great appreciation to the gulf governor hon. Sir Chris Haiveta for the assistance in transportation and food rations.
Thank you and kind regards.
Martin Kae"
Martin Kae also organised a conference of teachers from local schools. Those teachers are all enthusiastic about being involved and assisted by arms of Rotary Australia World Community Service. this is the first time that a conference of this form has been held in Lese Oalai. We believe that recent developments at Lesse Oalai school are giving all the surrounding schools and communities hope that there will be, in the longer term, developments in their communities as well.
Plastic Rivers: Showcasing Solutions to Emerging Threats from Source to Sea.
In the lead-up to World Environment Day, the growing challenges of plastic pollution, microplastics, PFAS and other emerging contaminants, exploring their impact on human health and ecosystems was addressed.
Hearing from global experts representing science, academia, industry, community and policy, one undeniable truth emerged: change is possible—but only if we act.
From strengthening plastic and pollution policies to empowering communities at the local level, the speakers presented innovative, practical solutions that have the power to drive real impact.
These discussions were only a taste of what’s to come.
The conversation will continue at targeted sessions during the 26th International River Symposium (IRS), taking place from 8-10 September 2025 in the vibrant river city of Brisbane, Australia.
Offering Master Classes for Continuing Professional Development, an engaging program tailored towards real-world outcomes and access to high-level networking events, IRS 2025 is your opportunity to connect with changemakers driving real impact for rivers worldwide.
Engage with Year 9 and 10 students in this nationwide STEM Program as they compete in fun hands-on activities involving the principles of science, technology, engineering and maths.
You will work in groups of three alongside Deakin staff and engineering students to guide, encourage and support the high school students completing in challenge activities.
You don't need a science background to volunteer, simple training material will be provided before the event.
