Hello Daybreakers,
 
We had a very informative Wednesday meeting as our guest speakers, the Kalay Academy Co-ordinator, Sian Thomson
with a year 10 Indigenous student Lily Wilkens-Clarke.
The presentation was excellent.
 
 
 
The Academy role is to encourage Indigenous students to attend and remain at school, self-determination, participating
in co-ordinating programs to achieve aspirations, motivate to leadership roles, build up confidence and more importantly
to be able to transition from secondary education to an independent life.
 
The Kalay Academy is conducted at the Warrnambool College and the program is supported by Worn Gundidj
Co-Operative Ltd, Headspace and other youth support agencies in Warrnambool. Post Covid mental health well-being
has been a focus in the program.
 
The Kalay Academy has no government funding, as it is not part of the Stars Program which is a national program.
This is distinguishable to the Clontarf Academy which is a national program and has both state and federal government
funding. The Kalay Academy relies on private funding.
 
We were moved by the video presentation narrated by past Elder, Uncle Jack Charles, of institutional trauma and trauma
resilience. Uncle Jack, he himself was a stolen generation victim and had shown institutional trauma and trauma resilience
experiences. This video was presented by the Healing Foundation. It provided great insight to these issues.
 
The Kalay Academy also provides support to the teachers at Warrnambool College for a better understanding of Indigenous
students with their difficulties. It provides a better understanding of the strength of identity.
 
The Academy has a vast variety of activities for the students with programs involving cultural art work and mural painting
with the assistance of Sherry Johnstone, our own Cheryl Bellman’s daughter-in-law, particularly with the intentions
of displaying artwork at the Maar meeting place at Lake Pertobe.
 
The girls have sport clinics at netball and football and Bungarra Dance Company visited and workshops were carried out
and the regular Tuesday toasties on a fortnightly basis where teachers are invited to participate and get to know
your students. Careers Day was held at St John of God Hospital.
 
As I reminded the Club, we have supported the Kalay Academy from its inception after supporting the Clontarf Academy.
 
The Red Cup, which was circulated around, had been used to raise funds towards Kalay.
 
Building partnerships is certainly a focus of Rotary and we need to continue to do so especially to obtain support
and involvement with our own fundraising activities or activities which promote Rotary.
 
It was a great idea by Chris Preston after the Warrnambool Rotary Club offered the Bunnings barbecue for
21 January 2023 for the Kalay girls to be involved and fundraiser to be split.
 
This will be co-ordinated as in conjunction with our summer markets barbecues.
 
The roster has been circulated by Ian Harper. Please ensure you put your name down and participate as ‘all hands on deck’.

As I keep reminding members ‘many hands make light work’. It is a long period during the summer months but
this is when we raise our funds putting aside the Long Lunch to be held in May 2023.
 
The next Board meeting will be held on 5 December 2022 and, apart from giving consideration to the Kalay Academy,
there will be other agencies and organisations who we contribute and participate in our funds giving program.
The nominated organisations were to be provided. Any last nominations please email Glenn Rundell as soon as possible.
 
Our Annual Rotary Camp and get-together will be held at Halls Gap this weekend.
 
‘WHAT HAPPENS ON THE CAMP, STAYS ON THE CAMP!!!’
 
No stories. There maybe a few who are willing to venture out.
 
We have our annual AGM to be held on 30 November 2022 the nominated President, Secretary and Treasurer who will be
formally confirmed at the AGM, as well as tabling of the annual report 30 June 2022 including the financials.
The Club has to report to the Office of Fair Trading with the annual report in December 2022.
 
I again thank the catering team for the Christmas party at my residence and will have more information in the near future.
 
So, let’s imagine, Rotary!!!
 
Your President,
Sergio Bacchetti
 
Rotary Celebrations
 
Birthdays:
Barry Moran  November 9
Ian Harper, Ian November 10
Fiona Steenhuis November 15
Alison Dennis November 23
 
Wedding Anniversary
Liza McCosh 2 November
 
Rotary Anniversary
Andrew Suggett 42 years November 1st
Bob Jeans, 15 years November 7th
Mary Bouwman, Mary 6 years November 9th
Ann Barker, 14 years Nov 26
 
 

Grampians Social Weekend