In the Chair: President Geoff
Members: 13
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ShelterBox Australia and the Trek
Andrew Raadgever introduced us to ShelterBox Australia.
ShelterBox Australia grew out of the original ShelterBox founded by Rotary in the UK over 20 years ago. ShelterBox says:
‘Right now, over 120 million people around the world have been made homeless by disaster and conflict. ShelterBox is working to change this.
By providing emergency shelter and tools for families robbed of their homes by disaster, we’re transforming despair into hope.
We want to see a world where no family is left without shelter after disaster.’
Their vision
No one without shelter after disaster.
Their mission
We provide shelter, essential items and technical assistance to help some of the world’s most vulnerable people recover and rebuild their homes after disaster. We listen and adapt our support to the needs of each community, working together with those affected by disaster, alongside our supporters and partners.
Their values
Our values run through everything we do. They are the principles that guide how we approach our work with the people we support, our volunteers and our staff.
What they believe
Shelter is the foundation for life – for survival, stability and dignity. It offers a place to feel safe, stay together, stay healthy, earn a living and help children get an education.
What they do
‘We started over 20 years ago with our iconic green ShelterBoxes. Today, we do much more.
Right now, over 100 million people worldwide have been forced from their homes by disasters, conflict and climate change – and that number is growing every day. So, we have to scale up our response and work in new ways.
We listen. Hearing what people need, creating tailored support to meet complex situations.
We support. Giving emergency shelter and aid essentials. Shelter repair kits, water filters or solar lights. Helping people build, repair or return home.
And we share. Using our expertise to support those affected and champion local partnerships and environmental sustainability.
Disaster, conflict and climate change are forcing more people to flee their homes than ever before. We must act now to change this.
Why shelter?
Shelter is the foundation for life.
It is a place to feel safe after days or weeks of fear. It offers protection from the weather, privacy, and helps to preserve dignity. It’s a space to heal from trauma. Shelter and other essential items help people protect themselves from diseases like malaria. And it can prevent communities from scattering, meaning people stay connected and build resilience together.
When you don’t have to keep moving or worry about where to sleep at night, you can think about tomorrow. Items like tents, tarpaulins, tools, blankets, mosquito nets, cooking sets and water filters help to meet the most urgent needs, so you can start to earn a living, send children to school and rebuild your home.
Recovery doesn’t happen overnight, but a dry and warm place to sleep, prepare meals and be with your family is the vital first step.’
ShelterBox are already active in Nepal
Trek4Shelter: Explore the Hume & Hovell Track
Andrew is taking part n October 2026 for a 4-day hike along Stage One of the iconic Hume and Hovell Track in South-Eastern NSW to support for people around the world who have been displaced following disaster and conflict.
The details
Dates: 15th–18th October 2026
Distance: 72.1km
Estimated Time: 25 hours (over three days)
Grade: Moderate
Terrain: Mixed farmland, gravel roads, fire trails, and natural bush track
Cost: $500
Fundraising target: $2000
He will trek, to fundraise to support ShelterBox Australia, enabling them to continue their life-saving work around the world.
They have done their utmost to keep costs as low as possible.
Total cost of Trek: $500
What’s included: Campsite fees, luggage transfer, meals on the trek, drinking water, excursions (Cooma Cottage entry, boat transfer, distillery visit), transport back to Yass, if required.
What’s not included: Travel insurance, getting to and from Yass, camping and trekking equipment.
Much of this information was taken from the ShelterBox website
https://shelterboxaustralia.org.au
Andrew is on track to raise the $2000 and donations can be made through the ShelterBox website
Donate • Hume & Hovell Trek 4 Shelter
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Brain Teaser
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Director’s Reports
President Geoff
RAWCS has established an urgent appeal for the Nepal disaster. Donations urgently required. There is a QR code for the appeal
Don’t forget to register for the Mental Health training on September 29.
Registration is essential.
For more information and to register, visit:
https://collaborativecare.au/leeton. The workshop is proudly supported by Rotary Club of Leeton, Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP) and the Leeton Collaborative Care Project.
STOP Press: An additional course has been added on 30th September
Also don’t forget the volunteer training opportunities through WRCC
- Courses available include:
- ✅ Food Hygiene
✅ Food Safety Supervisor
✅ Barista Training
✅ RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol)
✅ RCG (Responsible Conduct of Gambling)
✅ First Aid
✅ White Card
For more information contact Kim Handsaker at WRCC.
Barry
Usual market day on Saturday 5 September.
Greg
Next Thusday the program is Legacy (it si Legacy week).
Peter
Rotunda is going through the DA process. Due to the powder coating, the joints will be bolted – not welded. Have tried to contact Essential Energy re power but this is taking time.
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Lap it up Leeton BBQ
It was beautiful weather for the BBQ on Saturday 29th August. The weather and cars brought out the crowds and we were kept very busy to keep up with the appetites.
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Fivebough Tree Planting Market
Another day – another BBQ. This time for the tree planters at Fivebough Wetlands on Sunday 30th.
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Seat #2
Three enthusiastic Rotarians turned up to install seat #2 on Wamoon Avenue.
Although there were a few issues, it is now firmly in place. Thank you to Chester for collecting it from Shep. and for providing the tools and expertise.
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Are these Old Jokes?
1. When one door closes and another door opens, you are probably in prison.
2. To me, "drink responsibly" means don't spill it.
3. Age 60 might be the new 40, but 9:00 pm is the new midnight.
4. It's the start of a brand new day, and I'm off like a herd of turtles.
5. The older I get, the earlier it gets late.
6. When I say, "The other day," I could be referring to any time between yesterday and 15 years ago.
7. I remember being able to get up without making sound effects.
8. I had my patience tested. I'm negative.
9. Remember, if you lose a sock in the dryer, it comes back as a Tupperware lid that doesn't fit any of your containers.
10. If you're sitting in public and a stranger takes the seat next to you, just stare straight ahead and say, "Did you bring the money?"
11. When you ask me what I am doing today, and I say "nothing," it does not mean I am free. It means I am doing nothing.
12. I finally got eight hours of sleep. It took me three days, but whatever.
13. I run like the winded.
14. I hate when a couple argues in public, and I missed the beginning and don't know whose side I'm on.
15. When someone asks what I did over the weekend, I squint and ask, "Why, what did you hear?"
16. When you sit down, are your knees supposed to sound like a goat chewing on an aluminum can stuffed with celery?
17. I don't mean to interrupt people. I just randomly remember things and get really excited.
18. When I ask for directions, please don't use words like "east."
19. Don't bother walking a mile in my shoes. That would be boring. Spend 30 seconds in my head. That'll freak you right out.
20. Sometimes, someone unexpected comes into your life out of nowhere, makes your heart race, and changes you forever. We call those people cops.
21. My luck is like a bald guy who just won a comb."
A: Yes: If you don’t believe it, try covering the lines.
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