The Rotary South Gippsland Cluster covers the six clubs across the Shires of South Gippsland and Bass Coast . Like all clubs we have been significantly impacted by Covid 19, however with Rotary endeavour we have been able to maintain support for our local communities and international. We have commenced combined cluster initiatives local newspaper advertising, membership welcome bags and an international project. Some of the activities undertaken in recent times include:
Rotary Club of Phillip Island & San Remo is co-ordinating a cluster project with South Gippsland Cluster to supply two villages with SkyHydrant water purifiers. One is in the area of Pangantucan, Bukidnon which is in Mindanao, and the second is for Bangsamoro Peace Project, both in the Philippines. The Mindanao village is situated in the mountains, 10 kms off a road and accessible by motorcycle via a dirt track. The population is 1,358. The village people are spread throughout the hills so the Skyhydrant will be situated in the centre of the village. They have spring water but that is contaminated, which necessitates the villagers having to buy in bottled water for drinking and cooking etc, so the Skyhydrant is very much needed. To pay for water every day is an enormous expense for a poor family.
Rotary Opp Shop is more than a business; it is a community asset. Over and above the value it adds to our projects it supports members in our community that may find themselves in dire need due to circumstances beyond their control. We work with the emergency services on Phillip Island and provide goods to assist desperate members of the community get back on their feet after a traumatic event such as a fire, flood, or other events beyond their control.
Rotary Club of Wonthaggi had the absolute pleasure of baking and presenting our exceptional emergency services with a token of our appreciation. It was recognition on behalf of the Bass Coast community for going above and beyond in these tough times to keep our community safe. Thirty-two boxes were presented across Victoria Police, Ambulance Service, CFA, SES and Bass Coast Health.
Rotary Club of Wonthaggi is coordinating a major fundraising effort to secure automatic CPR machines for ambulances across Bass Coast. Mayor of Bass Coast, Cr. Brett Tessari, undertook a Runathon in the Coles Plaza raising an amazing $45,000 towards the project – enough to purchase two CPR machines. Rotarians across Bass Coast are now adding to the total to ensure sufficient machines to service the local community.
Rotary Club of Inverloch is conducting a special market place on the 1st Sunday of each month where members and others in the community can bring their unwanted goods and give them a second chance to be useful again.
Local Parks & Reserves
The Club is heavily involved in enhancing local parks and reserves with a new project undertaking to enhance Thompson Reserve in Inverloch, including a community garden and other facilities.
Rotary Club of Inverloch will again be hosting an Australia Day event with live music and festivities to be held in the Glade Inverloch on the 26th January 2022.
Rotary Club of Korumburra took to a working bee over a weekend earlier in the year to clean up the Skip track from the bottom of Coal Creek. Hopefully the community will now enjoy their walk through to Ritchie's Reserve.
Assisting Students with Internet Access
Since March of 2020, Korumburra Rotary has been providing internet dongles and paying the accounts for usage for more than 10 families who needed support to connect to their education.
Rotary Club of Leongatha has, for over more than 45 years, hosted Art & Photography Show which has become one of the major events and art shows in Gippsland. Over 500 high quality entries come from all over the region, Victoria and interstate to compete in various award categories including a large youth section, 3D, and All Abilities. This major show attracts many visitors, who come to view the works, all of which are for sale. The venue is the Leongatha Memorial Hall, at the corner of McCartin Street and Michael Place in Leongatha. 2022 show will run from Saturday 15th January to Saturday 5th February - so come along and support local artists.
Leongatha hosts the Show & Shine car swap meet. It was one of the few car enthusiast events that was able to take place across Victoria during 2021 and will be back bigger and better for 2022. Leongatha is set in the beautiful and picturesque hills of South Gippsland, making an ideal outing destination for motoring enthusiasts and clubs. In 2011 they added a swap meet to the event and in 2015 we added a Craft & Produce Market, so now there's something for everyone! With great coffee, good food, and children’s activities, everyone will be entertained and have a great day. Judges will have a busy day with some 21 Categories to be judged including best hot rod, best street machine, best veteran, best truck, bike of the show, best custom, best interior, best engine bay, and for the second time the "President's Choice" trophy
Rotary Club of Foster's Time Capsule has been laid to rest for another 50 years in the grounds of the Foster Museum, to be raised in 50 years’ time at Foster’s 200th anniversary. The capsule was interred on April 21st 2012 by Rotary Club of Fosters president Rod Lomax and members and guests. This occasion also marked Rotary Australia and New Zealand 100 year anniversary.
Foster Showgrounds Pavilion.
After an interrupted start due to COVID, the well utilized and popular pavilion next to the playground at the Foster Showgrounds has been completed. A great effort by all and sincere thanks to all who assisted.
