Two clubs, one stronger future. Only a couple of months away..........
Colac Otway Rotary unites our passion, experience, and fresh energy to create an even greater impact for our community. For our current members—this is your moment to be part of something bigger and even more vibrant. And for those looking to make a difference, build connections, and belong to something meaningful—come and join us.
In this bulletin, you’ll find highlights of our guest speaker, Johnathon Graham, 2nd Colac Sea Scout leader.
With the merger of our clubs we are currently in the process of 'Club visioning for our future': (Rotary Club of Colac Otway) We have sourced a facilitator to put together a 5-year plan. Robert has started the process, zooming into our meeting last week starting the strategic plan using the information collected via a club survey. We look forward to the next phase.
Gellibrand Community event to thank everyone from firefighters, to cooks, to general helping hands and the community as a whole. - Amanda, Lyn, Phil, Bev and myself, traveled to Gellibrand to help out on their community day. We cooked up a storm and helped serve the many grateful people that attended. The were appreciative and it was a very entertaining day. Larrie, from the Rotary starthrower program was on hand to provide information to the women effected by the fires. See more about the Starthrower program in this bulletin.
Crickey!!! we have had some ups and downs to our Rotary West Comp ladder!!!!
Our leader board is starting to show our top 3 tippers vying for 1st 2nd and 3rd.
Lyn Crook, 49 is on top with Paul Walsh 48 a very close second and Trish Hickey on 47. Anybody could take over top spot.
Down the other end, we have Ben in 10th place. Something has happened to Blaney, who says he paid and joined up, but there is no sign of him in our AFL tipping app. Perhaps we had better help him with the technology. Sorry Blaney you might get a fine at the next meeting!!
🎟️ Rotary Club Raffle - Come on everyone, pass the QR code onto your friends. Please support this fundraiser and tell your friends about it as well. It's also on our facebook page.
Is anyone available to do some socialising outside Tattslotto Friday and Saturday mornings. Let Amanda know if you can help on 0409165027.
First Prize is this fabulous car.
Your personal club QR code scan and to purchase or click this link
Link - https://www.raffletix.com.au/?ref=by7pw&sref=b7zrwmpp
The Star Thrower Project was created to support rural women in Victoria affected by natural disasters such as drought, floods, and bushfires, including those in areas like Carlisle River and Gellibrand. It offers a short coastal retreat, providing a much-needed break from daily challenges.
Through this initiative, Rotarians aim to offer more than financial support—demonstrating genuine empathy in a practical and personal way.
With the support of the Rotary Club of Bendigo, guests enjoy a caring and restorative 3-day, 3-night experience, with a range of relaxing and pampering activities to choose from.
Our club has supported two participants to attend this program, they have both returned with glowing reports. Another retreat is scheduled for May 26th - 29th. The program provides valuable support to those impacted by the recent fires. We are proud to be able to support this program.
"Why is that tree blue?..."This question sparks a conversation that can change everything. Blue Trees, standing across the globe are powerful symbols of mental health awareness - silent yet unwavering reminders that you're not alone.
VOLUNTEER EXPO THIS MONTH
Event Date- Tuesday May 19th COPACC Foyer 11am - 6pm
The Rotary Clubs will have a display at this event. We will be asking for some members to help on the day. This is an opportunity to showcase our projects, give an understanding of what Rotary is about, find out the needs within our community and encourage new friends of Rotary and prospective members. We may also be able to let the community know of the clubs merger and announce our new Club name.
GUEST SPEAKER - Johnathon Graham.
2nd Colac Sea Scout Group
About the group:
2nd Colac Sea Scout Group provide fun, adventure and friendship for boys and girls aged 5 - 26 in Colac and surrounding district. Joey Scouts are boys and girls aged 5 - 8 years old who meet at the 2nd Colac Sea Scout Hall at Lake Colac, each Wednesday from 5:00 - 6:00pm. Joey Scouts play games, do crafts, sing songs and learn to Help Other People. Cub Scouts are boys and girls aged 8 - 11 years old who meet at 2nd Colac Sea Scout Hall each Thursday from 5:00pm - 6:30pm. Cubs play games, go on adventures, have sleepovers and are active members of the community. Scouts are boys and girls aged 11 - 15 years old who meet at 2nd Colac Sea Scout Hall each Tuesday 5:30 - 7:30pm. Scouts learn new skills, go camping, hiking and set themselves challenges. Venturers are males and females aged 15 - 18 years old who meet at 2nd Colac Sea Scout Hall each Monday evening. Venturers are self governing and gain confidence, independence and teamwork skills by organising their own activities, including hiking, camping, canoeing and abseiling. They have their own Facebook page at https://m.facebook.com/2ndColacVenturers/ Rovers are males and females aged 18 - 26 years old who meet at the Log Cabin Scout Hall. Rovers are independent adults who have heaps of fun with like minded individuals. As well as outdoor activities including bushwalking, caving, four wheel driving and scuba diving, Rovers also participate in community service and gather for 'Moots'. Visit them here https://m.facebook.com/PatangaRoverCrew/
They enjoy being near Lake Colac and have fun at the Yacht club boating. They have planted fruit trees in local nature stips and turn the Log Cabin into a haunted house for Halloween and Santas cave at Christmas. They are raising funds to have the Log Cabin renovated, it badly needs a new kitchen, among other things. A highlight on their calendar is the mud bash event which sees Rovers making their own cars to race.
Scouting gives many opportunities to travel within Australia and also opportunities to travel overseas. Johnathons scout leader name is Chill.
Thank you Johnathon (Chill) for sharing your scouting experiences with us. You do an amazing job with our youth. Congratulations and well done.
SANDWICH MAKING COLAC FOODSHARE, BATH ST COLAC MAY 25TH 6.30 pm
There have been more schools sign up to this program which is fantastic but also highlights there is a need. These sandwiches are delivered to local schools to ensure all students have something to eat for lunch. You are all welcome to come along and lend a hand. Rotarians, friends and family welcome.
New name badges - If you have a preferred name for your badge ie Sue instead of Susan, Please let Amanda know, as we will be getting new Colac Otway Rotary badges. If she doesn't hear from you, we will presume you are happy with the name that appears on your information in club runner.
A LITTLE HELP NEEDED PLEASE.
We have been invited to make some money by providing a sausage sizzle at a clearing sale. It is this Friday May 8th. The day begins at 9.15am and finishes around 2.00pm. If you can help out for any amount of time during those hours, we would very much appreciate it. Please give Amanda a call or an email to let her know if and what times you can help. You can have a look around the clearing sale and bid on any items that may interest you.
We will also be serving tea and coffee.
50 McCorkells Rd Pirron Yallock.
Tuesday 5 May – Board is Cancelled - No Board meeting.
Tuesday 12 May - Club Meeting - Gerard Kelly, Patanga Park Scout Camp, Barongarook - We will also have a voting session on club goals with Robert Bredin.
Monday 18 May - Meeting of the P&A Society 7.00pm at the showgrounds. Paul Walsh is the Rotary rep and will be attending.
Tuesday 19 May - Volunteer expo at COPACC 11 am to 6 pm. We would love if you could pop in to help chat to people and hand our a brochure or 2. There is no Rotary meeting on the 19th.
Tuesday 26 May - Meeting - Deakin University Medical students.
Sunday 31 May - Bunnings BBQ - Let Amanda know if you can help out please
Tuesday 2 June - Board meeting. Last one for current board.
Tuesday 9 June - Joint meeting with Colac for RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership) presentation from those who attended Kangaroobie camp.
Saturday 13 June - Bunnings BBQ - Let Amanda know if you can help out please.
Wednesday 1 July - Change over and name change dinner - Colac Bowling Club Moore St, catering by Fusion.
John Blane May 10th
Toni and Barney Cuppo 26 years April 29th
Lyn and Brian Crook - 52 years May 10
Free home visits by the CFA to check smoke alarms. Contact Michael on 0447583952.
Please check if you have an up to date volunteer WWC, Ask Amanda if unsure.
Congratulations to Toni on winning the raffle. A big thank you to Blanes for the prize.
Crickey!!! we have had some ups and downs to our Rotary West Comp ladder!!!!
Your personal club QR code scan and to purchase or click this link
