September is Education & Literacy Month.

So it was apt that the Science & Engineering Challenge State Final was being held on September the 3rd in Ballarat.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed in any way to the event making it a huge success, ably lead by our own Rockin’ Rod.
It was yet again a wonderful collaborative effort of Ballarat Rotary Clubs working together towards a common goal, and Newcastle University staff extolling our virtues.
 
The container to Futuna Island, Vanuatu, is ¾ full, so thank you to all who have supplied donated goods and a special mention to the CCCB volunteers who keep insisting I take more!
 
We have much on for the remainder of the year with four BBQs committed to, The Art Show planning, Springfest ‘Hole in One’ and a couple of Christmas projects. Please put your name down for one or more BBQs.
 
It is with regret we see one of our newer members leave us, Lee Anne, to relocate to Geelong for work. She has made her mark in the short time we’ve known her, and we are disappointed to see her go, however, wish her every success with her future endeavours.
 
Thank you to Kay & Deb for stepping in during my absence.
 
Jill

Keep Connected

This Bulletin is not the only way to stay connected with Alfredton Rotary.
Don't forget our website, Facebook and Instagram are places to find out what is, has been, or will be happening.
It is also an important way for us to create awareness and pique the interest of our wider community, so any like, share or comment that you make prompts the algorithms to spread our messages further.
It is another vital way that you can contribute to the club - spreading our 'brand' leads to more opportunities for new members to find us, or sponsors to support us.
- And you don't have to leave your cosy house to do it!

Science & Engineering Challenge Victorian State Final 2025 Report

The event was run over 2 days, 2nd and 3rd September 2025
2nd September
The day started off quite casually with three volunteers in the Community Care Centre truck heading out at 11 am to pick up 60 tables from four different locations.
Around 1pm Newcastle Uni informed us that their van had broken down and would be arriving somewhere between 4pm and 6pm.
The tables were delivered to the school at 3:30pm and with the help of approx. 14 eager volunteers, we setup the tables and chairs and awaited arrival of the SEC Van which arrived at 4:45 pm
The van was quickly unloaded, and the venue was fully set up. People were heading home by 6pm
3rd September
All volunteers had arrived and been briefed by 8:45am and awaited schools arriving.
Once the schools had arrived and been briefed, challenges were allocated to each group of students and then all got under way.
The whole day ran smoothly with only a couple of hiccups that were dealt with quickly.
 
We had enough volunteers to have three people running each of the activities which sped up assistance and assessment. Representatives from several of our sponsors also attended the day and stayed to watch the bridge event. They commented on how good a day it was.
 
The event finished slightly early around 2:15pm and was won overall by Auburn High School from Melbourne. They will go on to represent Victoria at the National Final in Newcastle on October 31.
We have had pleasing fed back from both Newcastle Uni and several of the schools who attended the event, with Anna from Newcastle indicating that it was the fastest and most efficient setup/pack up she had been involved in. This was due mainly to the efficiency of the volunteers who have contributed at both of the events we ran this year.
 
My whole hearted thanks and congratulations go to those people, without them the whole experience wouldn’t have happened.
 
Cheers
Rod Stewart
Ballarat SEC Committee Chair
 

Medical and Play Equipment

Sometimes you might wonder where the items sent overseas end up, and whether they are utilised.
Well the first two photos above show medical staff at Lenekal Hospital, Tanna Island wearing scrubs sent in the first container that we sent to Vanuatu.
Apologies for the grainy quality of the third photo. It is a screenshot from a video showing children running to play on playground equipment near Lenekal Hospital.
The play equipment was also in the Tanna Island container.
So, yes. The items are valued and utilised by the people receiving them and sending these items overseas keeps them out of landfill and fully utilised.
A win for all.

 

Meeting adjourned - let's get social instead!

We are planning a relaxed social night for members, friends and family at Michael Unwin's Wines in October, so clear your diaries and lock it in!
The more the merrier, but please let Cheryl or Steve know as soon as you can so that the Flights of Four and Fabulous Food can be organised.
If you're not a wine drinker, just come for the company and food.
Payment details to follow.
 
Oct 20 - No Meeting - Wine Tasting Instead
Come alone or bring your crew.
Let's get social at Michael Unwin's Wines - if you're not a wine drinker, just enjoy the company and food.
 
Nov 22 Saturday- Bunnings DTC BBQ 
BBQ Captain - Deb  
Volunteer to collect snags, bread or onions
Help cut up sausages beforehand
Volunteers needed on the day 8am-11am, 11am-2pm, 2pm-5pm (or earlier close)
Email Kay  with your availability
 
Nov 29 Sunday - Springfest Hole in One Competition
Help out to run the event
Source small spot prizes for competitors
Spread the word to family and friends
 
Dec 3rd Wednesday - Alfredton Primary School BBQ
BBQ Captain - Steve
Volunteer to collect snags, bread or onions
Help cut up sausages beforehand
Volunteers needed on the day- 4pm-6.30pm
Email Kay  with your availability
 
Dec 4th Thursday - Bunnings Community Christmas BBQ
BBQ Captain - Geoff 
Volunteer to collect snags, bread or onions
Help cut up sausages beforehand
Volunteers needed on the day- 4pm-8.30pm
Email Kay  with your availability
 
Dec 14 Sunday - Bunnings DTC BBQ 
BBQ Captain - Jill & Malcolm
Volunteer to collect snags, bread or onions
Help cut up sausages beforehand
Volunteers needed on the day 8am-11am, 11am-2pm, 2pm-5pm (or earlier close)
Email Kay  with your availability
 
4-9 March Alfredton Rotary's Festival of Art
Plenty of volunteering opportunities involved - join the committee, set-up the Art Show, Opening Night, Art Show supervision, Vino & Van Gough, children's activities, pack up,
catering etc
 
Please support these amazing organisations who have all assisted us in some way. Without them, our reach would be smaller and projects less impactful..

Join us on Mondays 6-7pm

Lakeview Hotel

22 Wendouree Pde

Ballarat

for zoom link, email

alfredtonrotary@hotmail.com

 
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