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Greetings to Rotarians and Friends of Rotary. It is widely acknowledged that in Victoria we can experience 4 seasons in one day, but our Gippsland neighbours had it all in one hour as bushfires and flooding rains came together in chaotic and undoubtedly traumatic circumstances last week. Our thoughts have been with them all. President's Report It’s great to finally have all our members back from their travels. This week we are having a social night at Volpino in Mt Martha, so a great opportunity to catch up with Rotarians and their partners. Therefore, no regular club meeting this week. Preparations are now well under way for the 52nd Art Show. We will be having another Sponsors’ Night on 18 October for existing and new sponsors. This is an opportunity for us to say thank you to our existing sponsors and to tell new sponsors more about what we do. If you know someone who you think would like to be a sponsor, please let John Parkinson or Richard Vautier know. October 24 is World Polio Day. Rotary has helped immunise more than 3 billion children against polio in 122 countries. Just a reminder that we will be having a combined meeting with Mt Eliza that night, instead of our regular Wednesday night meeting. I’m very much looking forward to having our Padua students who attended MUNA come and talk to us on 1 November. Judy Seager and I found the day to be particularly inspiring and our students really shone in their presentations. I’m sure it will be a great evening to invite partners and friends to hear them speak. Pam Hall Schools Showcase follow up Our Citizenship Award winners: Congratulations again to Bridie from Mornington Secondary College, Sophie from Moorooduc PS, Isaac from Mornington Park PS and Sunny from Mornington PS. Kailaki Water Project New Guinea - Our most recent International project. Richard Godden, a former Kakoda Track guide, initiated the project.  These photos show the process of taking water from the village, across to the school and houses of the teachers. This connection will prevent the need for teachers and children to carry water up by bucket. A simple but important improvement for these villagers in remote PNG. Water on tap! The Rotary Club of Port Moresby became project supporters and responded enthusiastically to a request for help in locating and transporting the equipment required to the very remote village of Kailaki. Recent speakers Member for Flinders, Zoe McKenzie Our guest speaker on 27th September was the Member for Flinders, Zoe McKenzie. Zoe was elected to the House of Representatives in May 2022 following the retirement of Greg Hunt.
Prior to election, Zoe led the Small Business Trade and Investment Advisory, a firm which advised Australian and international entities on their market expansion into Australia or into one of Australia’s current or future Free Trade Agreement partners. She was also on the Board of many organisations. Zoe encouraged all members of the community to bring unresolved, important issues to the attention of her office as, in order to represent the electorate it is important to know what the needs are. Life in Canberra is demanding, but it was pleasing to hear that there is a strong element of bipartisanship and inclusivity in committee work and that, apart from Question Time, work is conducted in a respectful and purposeful manner. Rotarian Joe Siracusa and LNP MP, Zoe McKenzie Mornington Secondary College At our meeting on 4 October Linda Stanton, Principal of Mornington Secondary College, came to talk about a number of items of importance in education. Linda spoke of a significant Professional Development course that she attended on Aboriginal culture and the power of 'Yarning Circles' in learning to actively listen to others.. While there is only a small cohort of students who identify as Aboriginal or TI at the school, the leadership team is encouraging others to consider and learn about all members of the school community. A project is underway to design and create a mural for the main foyer, and establish a garden area for gathering and ceremonies relating to indigenous culture.  Linda also spoke about changes to the National Testing program, NAPLAN, and the improvements that give staff more opportunities to direct student learning in appropriate ways. Changes to Vocational Education and Training were also highlighted as VET programs provide pathways into work and other courses without requiring an ATAR score that universities demand. Community News from Ross Kilborn Make an offer on an e-bike?  A near new folding electric bike together with accessories, including a helmet, has been kindly donated to our club. It is suited to a medium height person and is ideal for riding locally. Before we advertise it on Facebook marketplace is any member interested ? If so contact Ross. Peninsula Trail Sunday's Herald Sun newspaper had a feature article on the desirability of completing the Peninsula Trail and recognition of the support of the eight Rotary Clubs involved.  The Moondah Project A reminder for everyone involved with this project, that we will be having a QLD ( quiet little drink) to say thank you. It is at the MCSC at 4pm on Thursday October 19 (a week later than the originally published date). The Moondah Project is continuing with the left over furniture, and there is plenty, now being assessed by Rosebud- Rye Rotary Club for their furniture warehouse. It’s likely they will take quite a bit. If you are able to help with loading their trucks etc, Ross would love to hear from you. We persisted with trying to move some to flood and fire impacted areas, but the reality is not enough people are back in homes to need furniture yet. A final thought "What we do for ourselves dies with us. What we do for others and the world remains unchanged and is immortal.” Albert Pine, a 19th century English author. Perhaps Rotary is our opportunity to attain immortality!
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