Keen to develop partnerships with other NGOs, Deb identified community groups and businesses in the area as a means of multiplying the resources and resulting impact of projects.  In that vein, she also explained that they have in excess of 200 keen volunteers available which Rotary could well tap into for the benefit of all parties.

 

The gazebo that Rotary provided some years ago is heavily used and a nature play area has enhanced the surrounds.

 

The Community Shed, too, has proven to be very popular and is well used to make gifts and toys for distribution to needy children and for fundraising, notwithstanding its importance in addressing loneliness. The Community Shed also hosts regular Repair Cafe Days with volunteers helping to reduce waste.

 

The majority of the funding of the Hut comes through grants from state and federal and local government departments so Deb's current focus is on increasing membership, patronage and revenue. An alliance with similar community centres is a recent initiative and shows promise of  increasing the foot print and scope of programs and opportunities for larger and more varied grants.

 

Members were left with a decidedly positive impression that under Deb's stewardship, the Hut (and the community) is in good hands.

  

Don has expressed his heartfelt thanks to the club and, in particular, all those who gave of their time and labour, to help them in their hour of need.   Members sifted through the rubble to retrieve as many personal items as possible, many of which held great meaning to them both.

 

                                     

 

The immediate crisis has passed and he and Donna assure us they are now safe and well and getting used to their new circumstances.  While nothing could fully replace their loss, they still have their treasured memories.  He wanted to let us to know that all is now well in hand with continuing support from family, government agencies and from his insurers.

 

Here are a few photos taken on the last "Metal Recycling Day

 

             

 

             

 

Great effort folks!

 

A reminder from the Community Committee that two events that have been posted for two weeks without a response, need your support.. 

 

Click HERE for the Salvation Army BBQ at the Stirling Market on Sunday, 23 May (6 people required) and

 

Click HERE for the Trees for Life Planting Day, Sunday, 6  June,  (all members!)

 

Note that the tree planting day is in lieu of the Monday night meeting so it is, in fact a designated 'meeting'. Many hands make light work! 

 

Both of these events are examples of real community service.  We won't make any money from them but our impact will be great. 

We have three guest speakers on Monday night - all under 30 years old and all great examples of how Rotary has impacted their lives.

 

We will be hearing briefly from our own Charli Denver and her experiences at RYLA and then from Ben Gast about his experience with a quite a different NYSF model this year. We supported Ben to attend NYSF jointly with Mt Barker Club.

 

Our third and main speaker is Linus Faustis who has a GREAT story to tell.

 

                  

 

Orphaned at age six and living on the streets of Dar es Salaam for two years, Linus was admitted to an orphanage at the age of eight.

 

Given the opportunity to go to school, he worked hard and completed high school in Tanzania before relocating to Australia for university. Through the financial support of the Rotary Club of Taree on Manning in 2017 he was named NSW International Student of the Year. Linus completed his first degree at the University of Technology Sydney while Vice President of the UTS Student Union and then went on to complete his Masters in Construction at Bond University. 

 

He has since travelled extensively to promote Human Rights for children, including to the UN in New York, and for youth leadership activities to India, China, North Korea, Thailand, Rwanda and Australia. Linus is very passionate about politics and social justice. His immediate aim is to pursue a successful career in the construction industry here in Australia but, in time, to seek a political role in Tanzania. Looks like a very interesting evening!