It is a great time to think about projects of local Rotary clubs to assist other communities. For example Ballarat West's amazing Dental projects in the Pacific, Wendouree Breakfast's support of the people of Ambon and our own volunteering supporting communities in Vanuatu, Bali and Zimbabwe. Each one making a difference locally and globally.
Our thoughts go to our members who have family members who have passed away or are gravely ill and know that we as a club are there for you if you need us.
District 9780 Group D or Goldfields Presidents met recently at President of RCBE President Jenny Coburn’s house to discuss what each of us is presently busy with and any future plans. Almost all Presidents were in attendance and appreciated the get together.
The major issue raised was membership. Unfortunately, all clubs except Wendouree Breakfast have dwindling numbers, therefore discussion centred around each club’s thoughts. The good news is that Ballarat South will be running their car raffle once again this year. The newly vamped raffle will be via a QR code or online purchase rather than ticketed as in the past, with 70% of sales going to community clubs.
The Community Care Centre and the Friends of the Canadian Corridor tree planting project continue to be the Goldfields Groups mainstays of working together.
Thank you to our new members, Cheryl & Stephen, for organising the social function to Unwin Wines this month where members enjoyed some fellowship in a relaxed informal setting. A pleasant evening was enjoyed by all.
October 24th is World Polio Day. Please take a moment to reflect and count our blessings. This day matters and is held to raise the awareness of Polio worldwide and honours the efforts of organisations, health workers and volunteers who work together to eliminate the disease. Unfortunately, the wild Poliovirus remains in Pakistan and Afghanistan, highlighting the need for continued vaccination, surveillance and immunisation to keep every child safe.
Alfredton Rotary gives annually to the Polio Plus campaign and we encourage all who can. to contribute to this vital project.
Jill
Yes, it's that time of the year again - Help needed Nov 8!
We have a full board of barbecues lined up from October to December.
October 29, Nov 15, Nov 22, Dec 3, Dec 4 and Dec 13.
We have just been asked by Bunnings to do an extra one on November 8th, as another group has pulled out.
Please let Lee-Anne or Garry know if you can help out with that one, as many of our regulars are away that day.
Shifts are 8-11, 11-2 and 2-5 (or earlier if sold out)
Festival of Art Sponsorship Opportunities
As we gear up towards next year's Festival of Art, during the Begonia Festival long weekend, we have opened up sponsorship opportunities for local businesses to support the group of events.
As you can see by the image above, some sponsorships have already been snapped up, and we truly value the support we have received from these organisations.
In addition to the Art Show & Sale, held from 7-9 March '26, the festival will include creative and immersive opportunities for children and adults.
We welcome individual and organisational support as monetary or in-kind contributions.
Since 1988, cases of polio have plummeted, due to the Polio Plus campaign started by an Australian Rotarian.
This campaign became a joint effort with the World Health Organisation, Governments and other
donors and has eradicated polio in many countries.
The only wild polio cases are now found in Pakistan and Afghanistan and are numbered in the tens each year, rather than the hundreds of thousands. Unfortunately, the threat still remains for polio to take off around the world as vaccination rates drop,
with polio still only a plane ride away. The threat will not be removed until both of these countries are polio free,
Alfredton Rotary Social Visit to Michael Unwin’s Winery
On a beautiful evening, our members and friends enjoyed a delightful social outing to Michael Unwin’s Winery in Windermere. We were warmly welcomed by Michael himself, along with his friendly companions — Arlo the dog and Cyprus the cat — who made everyone feel right at home.
With over 40 years of experience in winemaking, Michael entertained us with fascinating stories from his career, sharing insights into the craft and answering the many questions from our curious group. We sampled a wonderful selection of wines, each accompanied by Michael’s expert commentary. By the end of the session, we all left feeling a little wiser (and perhaps a little merrier!) than when we arrived.
No wine tasting would be complete without food, and our members provided a delicious spread of pizzas, cheese platters, and antipasto to complement the wines. The combination made for a relaxed and enjoyable evening filled with laughter, good conversation, and plenty of fellowship.
Michael’s passion for his work was clear, and his hospitality left a lasting impression on everyone. The visit has certainly been marked in our diaries as a place to revisit, whether for another social gathering or a quiet weekend outing.
For those who missed the day, Michael offers cheese platters and wines for sale at the cellar door — the perfect excuse to plan your own visit soon!
Oct 29 Wednesday - Integra Builders' Breakfast
Egg & Bacon Rolls for 30 builders at Winter Valley
Let Jill or Deb know if you'd like to assist - 9:00 - 10.30am
EXTRA BBQ AT BUNNINGS - VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Nov 8 Saturday- Bunnings DTC BBQ
BBQ Captain - Jill
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)
Monday Dec 15 - Our combined Christmas & Birthday Party
Come along for a fun night together, celebrating what we have done and plan to do - Making a difference locally & globally.
More details next month.
SAVE THE DATE
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..
