16^th February 2012 - Jo Cowling - Women in Rotary

Celebrate International Women's day on Thursday 8 March with a dynamic breakfast Q&A.  A first class panel will tackle challenging issues facing men and women working together.

23^rd February 2012 - The Man behind The Badge - Larry Sbisa

One of our newest members, will give us some insights into the Larry Sbisa story!

9^th February 2012 - Dinner - Rob Byrnes - End Polio Now

Rotarian Rob Byrne from the Rotary Club of Grafton is riding his bicycle in various parts of Australia to help End Polio Now (EPN). To date he has raised over $50,000 towards his target of $100,000.  He has been right up to Northern NSW and Queensland coasts (he  rode into Cairns with Opposition Leader Tony Abbott) before riding all the way down to Melbpurne with many stops on the way.
The riding position on his long-wheelbase recumbent bicycle  is  like driving a car or reclining on a lounge chair. This allows him to cover 50 - 100Km per day even with an arthritic back. 

He told us of his passion for the End Polio Now campaign; that this once global disease has been almost eradicated, but not quite, and that the world simply has not been able to make that last leap!  The levels of new cases, although very low by historical standards, have shown little improvement in 10 years!  The WHO fears that, without a great push, it may come roaring back.  And the world seems to have lost interest with the project's budget being more than 20% under-funded.EPN is an effort to raise awarenes, collect some money and contribute to that last push.

The Club presented Rob with a cheque for $500.00

Any small thing others can do to assist a very determined and gutsy Rotarian will be really appreciated.

Rob has a Facebook page at www.facebook.com/RobsBikeRideToEndPolioNow  and his email address is rob@tourvelo.com  with mobile 0403-238-852.

2^nd February 2012 - Greetings from Mely Sri Lanka

 Representing the Rotary Club of Kandy, Sri Lanka, on a recent visit to Australia, Mely Dharmasena exchanged banners with preident Buce. Subsequently our banner was past on to Leoned De Alwis, President of the Kandy Club. We also received this message of friendship.

26^th January 2012 - Australia Day

19^th January 2012 - Lunch at Cafe L'Incontro

15^th December 2011 - Lunch - Rupert Batheras

Rupert has spent some time with young aboriginal men around Alice Springs and has helped some adapt to life in Melbourne, usually following their footballing dream.  He visited us some time ago and will now give us an update of his recent activities.

8^th December 2011 - Dinner - Club Forum - Future Directions

A chance for members, old new and potential, to contribute to a discussion on where we want to go as a Club and how we might get there.

1^st December 2011 - Lunch - Sophie Dowse, Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar

Sophie  visited us soon after her arrival in our country and as she now nears the end  of her stay, she and will share her experience of this great adventure with us.

24^th November 2011 - Dinner - Emily White - Active and Able

Emily White, principal consultant and service provider

Emily is a qualified Physical, Health and Aquatics Education teacher with extensive experience in working with young people with disabilities in a range of environments.  She has worked as a Physical, Health and Aquatics Education teacher in mainstream, specialist and special developmental schools, as well as through programs and organisations such as Vision Australia, the Statewide Vision Resource Centre, the Support Skills Program, and Blind Sports Victoria.  She coaches Blind Tennis, teaches swimming through Vision Impaired Swim Victoria’s Learn-to-Swim program and presents on inclusive physical and aquatic education for young people with a vision impairment.

Emily is also currently working as a Visiting Teacher in Vision Impairment within the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development in Victoria. She is an active member of the Australian Council on Health, Physical Education and Recreation (ACHPER), the International Federation of Adapted Physical Activity (IFAPA) and the South Pacific Educators in Vision Impairment (SPEVI).

17^th November 2011 - Lunch - Grace Bull - Everyday Rights

       Grace informed us of the history of this organisation, from its begnings under the auspices of the Neighborhood Justice Centr,e through its launch as a stand alone community service and support group.

Everday Rights, works with a wide range of structured and unstructured groupings withis the community to :
* Encourage open discussion of Human Rights
* Educate people about Human rights, and
*Build a culture of Human Rights and the responsbiilies that that go along with these rights.

Her group holds regular meetings and discussion groups at the Fitzroy Town Hall and has held an art show there with each community group submitting works with "Human Rights" as a theme.  They are looking for help and a more suitable venue for a show early next year

We also had a briefing fro Rotarian Philip Morrisey (pictured) on plans for the District Conference in Melbourne over the March long weekend next year.

10^th November 2011 - Joel Beasant - The Success of

Joel is picture, far right with the production's director, Yma Zammit, left, President Bruce and guest and prospective member Larry Sbisa.

The Mill Boys, written and produced by Joel was staged in the underground carpark below the Harmsworth Ministry flats. Joel considered it a great success because of the results achieved artistically, financially and as a community event.
The largely inexperienced cast and crew performed to a very high standard, according to the critics, and it was well received by the public.  The result was that the actors received meaningful financial returns for their work.
A number of local people were engaged in  building the stage a and theatre seating. The Collingwood Men's Shed, who organised  this, said that such meaningful work gave great satisfaction to its  members.

The next play will be quite different. Presented from January 25 to 29, 2012, during the school holidays, it is written to engage and challenge children particularly, though not exclusively.   

3^rd November 2011 - Lunch - Stuart Davey - The Athol Gill Community Centre

Stuart has taken up the reins from Ian Mack.  He brought us up to date with activities and plans for the centre.  They have installed a resident story teller and initiated " A bit of a chat...." ; a series of community conversations about topical issues and grand Ideas.There are a number of evening activities and their soon to be relaunched website will have all the details.

In response to his request  for suggestions for daytime activities, we thought a chat with Bobbi Cheatham at The WEellington  Centre could be worthwhile plus a "Mums and Bubs" Clothing and Toy exhchange market could be interesting.

27^th October 2011 - Dinner - John Liddell - Beyond Zero Emissions

Come and hear how Australia can make the switch to 100% renewable energy in 10 years. Beyond Zero Emissions is an independent, volunteer-based research group. Their award-winning plan was developed in partnership with the University of Melbourne Energy Institute. The plan specifies using technology that is commercially available and is already being built overseas. It is fully-costed and provides baseload power. This is our blueprint for a future freed from climate-changing fossil fuels.

20^th October 2011 - Lunch - Alicia Liley - Soul Theatre

Alicia Liley, pictured centre, and her colleagues Monica and Michael, joined us for lunch and treated us to an an inspiring story of one person's  life's journey, from near tragedy to spiritual fulfillment.

Alicia was involved in an horrific car accident in 1988 which almost claimed her life and left her with Acquired Brain Injury.  You would not recognise this in Alicia these days, but it has concentrated her life since. After a long rehab, she recommenced her drama studies and subsequently formed a theatrical production company, dedicated to exposing this syndrome to the public.  Her other passion, climate change, has laterly been incorporated into the theme within the Soul Theatre's programs. 

The Climamania Project, Soul Theatre Incorporated’s new creation, was chosen to reflect the somewhat manic response to the climate pattern changes that we're starting to experience.

“Soul Theatre Incorporated creates community based, high quality productions of a professional standard that are entertaining and thought provoking. We represent the misunderstood, the disadvantaged and the disenfranchised by educating and enlightening our audience with confronting attitudes of narrow mindedness, bigotry, injustice and ignorance.”

13^th October 2011 - Dinner - Sprit of Sharing - Peter Cole and Greg Wragg

Peter Cole is a member of the Rotary Club of Knox and was awarded an OAM for his charity work, particularly the Spirit of Sharing initiative in Fiji.

Since 2000, The Spirit Of Sharing childrens charity has sent over $1 million dollars worth of donated brand new and second hand sporting equipment to over 300 Fijian schools & into the hands of delighted children. They rely on community support, be it from a school, organisation or individual, and accepts monetary donations and donations of new or good condition second-hand sports equipment.

Peter was asked if he could take on a major project that was in urgent need, to fund a 40 bed dormitory at a secondary college on Fiji's garden island, Taveuni.He  immediately agreed, when he was made aware that it had been identified as the number one most urgent project for the Taveuni Rotary Club. That group has stringent criteria on project application so that the most urgent projects are completed first.

Greg Wragg, of Hampton Rotary has a long history of community service in Fiji and has joined with Peter to raise the money needed for this project.  His club has committed $60 000!!

6^th October 2011 - Lunch - Fr Ernie Smith OAM - Anzac day at Galipoli

Fr Ernie was part of the Rotary Anzac Peace Peace Tour to Gallipoli ths year.

A small goup of Rotarians was hosted by the Rotary Club of Istanbul Goksu, and visited all the historical sites of the Gallipoli campaign. They also joined many thousands at the main on Anzav day services at Anzac cove and Lone Pine.  Fr Ernie found it all  very moving, and an experience he will never forget.

The group also spent time in Istanbul and visited the ancient city of Troy

This Rotary Anzac Peace Tour has been undertaken every two years since 2000, however the next one is the biggy, planned for the 100th anniversary in 2015.  A huge crowd is expected and the Rotary touring party will be accommodated on a cruise ship, which will anchor off Anzac Cove.

29^th September 2011 - Anniversary Dinner at The Leinster

The Club's Birthday will be celebrated over dinner at The Leinster Hotel. 

Special guest  speaker will be Rev Peter Hollingworth AC OBE, Chair of the Wellington Centre Committee of Management.

This is an opportunity for family, friends and colleagues to enjoy an relaxed, entertaining and informative evening..

22^nd September 2011 - Lunch - District Governor's Visit-

Distrct Governor, Keth Ryall pictured at left with President Bruce, Gabrielle Butler and AG John Mc Morrow, was our speaker last week.  He commended the club on their continued commitment to local programs, and recognised the great contribution we have made to international projects . As well as this year's RI theme, " Reach within to embrace humanity", he spoke of the District mission, to "Celebrate the past and commit to the future".

As governor of the largest district in Victoria he encouraged the club to
* recognise what we do well and continue with those programs and activites
*embrace change which leads to improvement: think about modern technolgies which can present our club to a wider more diverse audience, particularly amongst the young: Yes! That's social networking.  GET INVOLVED.

He encouraged us to embrace in the 2012 Conference in March 2012, all details of which are on the website 2012melbourne.com.au.

15^th September 2011 - Dinner -Joe Arcuri - Smith St

Joe is President of The Smith St Traders Association and spoke about the revitalised Smith St. He has been in insurance broking for 30 years, and his first job was working in Johnson St ! He has moved about a bit since, for both home and work, and now has his business AND home in Smith St.

  There have been a lot of changes in the area over the years.  Smith St was once THE premier shopping location outside the CBD.  Things changed socially and economically and people became more mobile. Hence the growth of major shopping centres like Chadstone and the demise of Smith St.  At its low it was a haven for drunks and druggies.

In more recent years, the street has gone through a renaissance, and is now firmly positioned as a community shopping strip with a village feel.  It's still a bit down at heel and grungy, but this is part of its charm. Joe hopes that the unique atmosphere of Smith St will not be lost as new developments come to the area.

 The Smith St Traders are planning a footpath market, on a Saturday towards the end of the year. All shopkeepers will be encouraged to set up on trestle tables on the footpath to promote their businesses  and sell their wares.

President Bruce inducted Joe, as the newest member of our club.

8^th September 2011 - Lunch - Fr Peter Monaghan - Cambodian Study Tour

Collingwood Rotary supported Fr Monaghan on his initial trip to Cambodia, with a group of students, to help build houses in a small village.  Subsequently he led a study tour of teachers back to the region.  He first arranged an appeal to purchase bikes, so that kids could get to school.

1^st September 2011 - Last Week, Mill Boys Outing

Eight members attended this dramatic play about young men, grasping for survival in their working and personal lives. A challenging, absorbing and entertaining work, very well performed in a most appropriate space.

Highly recommended

Picture shows President Bruce Shaw  and John Taylor flanking actor Jo-anne Armstrong and her parents, Rotarian Alf and wife Joan, who were visiting from Albury.

25^th August 2011 - Betty Ann Kitchener - New Generations Youth Mental Health Project

Rotary  has began a new youth mental health project, which involves organising a 14 hour Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA)course for high school teachers in a particular area, such as Collingwood and surrounds. This YMHFA course runs for 4 sessions of 3.5 hours, a total of 14 hours. It is a well established program, whic covers how an adult can recognise and assist an adolescent who is developing a mental health problem, or in a mental health crisis. Further details of course content can be found at www.mhfa.com.au.

18^th August 2011 - Dinner- Jodie Willmer - Travellers' aid

Jodie joined Travellers Aid Australia as Chief Executive Officer in 2006, overseeing a period of continued consolidation and growth. As well as being on the Federal Government's Victoria State Consultative Committee, Jodie is the President of the newly incorporated organisation ER (Emergency Relief) Victoria. She was also recently appointed to the Victorian Council on Social Service (VCOSS) Board, and chairs the Community Services Futures Task Group

The organisation, which celebrates 95 years of Service  this year, has 25 paid staff and 50 volunteers who work with 200 charites to "suppoprt travellers in trouble" Services are located at Flinders St and Southern Cross station, offering personal support, with lounge facilitiy/safe spaces. They also provide training to Public Transport Officers in first line response to travellers who need special help.  A service at Melbourne Airport is part of ther strategic plan.

 Money is raised by them in conjunction with charitable groups to assist kids to get to school, by the purchase of public transport pasess.

Rotary can support Travellers Aid by promoting awareness within community groups who might benefit from these services. There may be an opportunity for them to assist Rotarians travelling to Melbourne during District Conference 2012.

11^th August 2011 - Lunch - Rupert Batheras: Footballer/Artist

Running out onto the field in front of 80 000 people at the beginning of 2002’s AFL grand final, Collingwood Magpies player Rupert Betheras was about to play the single biggest game of his career. What many fans of the crowd favourite didn’t know was that,  just before that grand final game, Betheras had held his first professional, solo art exhibition.

Through his painting visits to the NT, Rupert has made friendships within the Aboriginal community there.  This has grown into a mentoring role as he helps young men, with footballing talent, find their way in Melbourne.  He has had some success, which he puts down to an understanding of the pressures of the cultural divide and a strong personal bond with the individuals.  He acts a s a bridge between the young man and the various interfaces he confronts in a completely alien environment.

The AFL, with the best of intentions, has funded Aboriginal support programs, with significanyt investment in sytems, people and infrastructure, with little demonstrable result. It lacks the one on one focus, and an understansding of the individual and his cultural issues.

Rupert has been invited to be part of a group attending the African Games in Septemberwhere an exhibition Aussie Rules match is to be played.

The Club asked to be kept in the loop as far as Rupert's mentoring activities are concernrd, with an offer our support.

4^th August 2011 - Stuart Cardell, Caley Otter and Alick Weber speak about RYLA

A very diverse group  of 64, work together, learning, doing and reviewing, to gain a better understanding of their own strengths, as well as those of others. The program and its challenges, more mental than physical, may be characterised as follows:

• The RYLA team, all young people themselves, act as positive role models for the participants and model behaviour consistent with RYLA's philosophy of utilising your skills and talents, challenge by choice and following your passion.
• It's an opportunity for young people to meet individuals involved with a range of community projects and motivates them to get involved.
• Participants at RYLA also have the opportunity to experience a range of learning styles and develop skills in communication, negotiation and assertiveness - all skills essential for participation in their community and in life.
• Participants have the opportunity to spend time with and form strong bonds with other young people.

28^th July 2011 - Maria Attard-Dickson

Maria is employeed by the Inner South Community Health Serviced as a Supporting Connections Worker.  She woks in Supported Residential Sevice sector, to promote quality careand accommodationoutcomes for residents of SRS.

Supported Residential Sevice describes the system whereby  the vulnerable, living on the margins of our society i, who, in a previous generation would have been intitutionalised, are accommodated in small groups in domestic style housing. These houses are run by private individuals, for profit and as such can be at risk of  providing a less than ideal, environment. Maria's job is to champion the cause of these residents, and providing practical support to improve  their health outcomes

Her service to a range of social welfare organisations saw her awarded a Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia.

21^st July 2011 - Dinner; Joel Beasant

The Mill Boys is a 12 scene, 2-hour theatre production and will be performed to an estimated audience of 1000 people over a 10 performances between August 27 and September 10 2011 in the Collingwood Underground Theatre which has formed from the reconditioned carpark underneath the Collingwood Housing Estate on Hoddle Street.  It is a story about the desire to make something of one’s life while trying not to lose hope as the world seems to close in. The Author Joel Beasant will tell us all about it!

14^th July 2011 - Aldo Malavisi

Aldo is Coordinator Community Advocacy, City of Yarra.  He is facilitating the celebration associated with the official opening of Victoria Park as a Community Facility. He was joined by Siu Chan, also from the City of Yarra.  They told us of the overall plans for Victoria Park, the new art installations and the plans for the official opening in December. We will certainly be part of that celebration

Pictured are Aldo, Rotarians Frances and Helen and Siu Chan

Paraic Grogan, Happy Football Cambodia/Fair Play, also came along and gave us a brief update of their activities. We presented him with a cheque in support of this program

23^rd June 2011 - Dr Kaye Ballantyne -Catching up to CSI - the sci-fi future of forensic genetics

Dr Ballantyne treated members to one of the best and most interesting presentations we have ever had. The development in the area of DNA and geneticis has been nothing less that spectacular over recent years and the effect on forensic criminal invesigation absolutely dramatic

As a forensic genetics and molecular biology specialist, she is currently working for Victoria Police Forensic Services Department in Macleod. She obtained a BSc from Victoria University in Wellington, NZ, and a PhD from La Trobe University, Melbourne. For the last 3 years, Kaye worked at Erasmus University in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, as a senior scientific researcher. Her research focuses on new ways to use molecular biology to solve crime, the evolution of human groups and how this is reflected in their DNA, and how genetics can aid in answering historical questions.

Members expressed their appreciation and gratitude for the time Dr Ballantyne made available and the enthralling information, so well presented.

16^th June 2011 - Lunch

Collingwood College Principal, Dale Perichon and Vice Principal Chrysanthe Polack, pictured here with Rotarian and former college principal, Frances Laurino, told us about new programs the school has introduced and successfully dveloped over the past four years.  The contribution of the Collingwood Rotary Club played a large part in this success.As well as the direct educational support for individuals made through the Smith Family, the club has supported trips by students of Mandarin, to China, and the muisc group to NZ.  Both have had remarkable results; even being described as life changing.

Subsequently, at the request of students and their families, the school has sponsored some boys and girls on community service activities, in China, during their school holloildays.

9^th June 2011 - Dinner

Roseanne Murphy, Day Centre Manager, St Mary's House of Welcome, located at 165-169 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy. St Mary’s House of Welcome has provided over 50 years of service, standing with the disadvantaged - offering support, solutions and hope.