Latest News

We had our first meeting for the Footscray Art Prize last Tuesday.

Philip and Suzanne will the Rotary Representatives for the 2023 Arts Prize. Maria will be president when the Footscray Arts Prize and the Footscray Rotary Arts Prize Dinner take place. The Arts Prize will be announced on late May, and the finalists will have their work displayed for about 2 months.

The junior Arts Prize finalists will have their work displayed for a month.  

The Footscray Rotary dinner will occur on 17th June 2023.

Welcome to the new Rotary Year of 2021-22, the Centenary year of Rotary here in Australia and New Zealand in which we follow the lead of our Rotary International President Shekhar Mehta and ‘Serve to Change Lives.’

In between two Covid lockdown restrictions, on 10th July at Hyatt Essendon Fields, 250 Rotarians came together to celebrate the District 9800 Changeover. It was wonderful to enjoy face to face friendship and fellowship again.

Clubs across the District, in many cases forced to juggle dates due to COVID restrictions, hosted their changeover events. Both Maureen and I, plus other members of the District Leadership group attended all Changeovers across the District and we were all impressed by the extent of community activity and impact over the last 12 months especially during the difficult COVID period. 

The District Networker Newsletter will be issued twice a month commencing the first and third week of August.

Our District website has been updated and District events will continue to be published under 'Upcoming Events' on the home page.

The popular Morning Tea with the DG will continue on Saturday mornings commencing August varying the format to include themed events and some interactive sessions. 

Any other feedback on enhancing communication across the District will be gratefully received.

On behalf of the District Leadership team, we look forward to working with clubs and Rotarians to help increase our community impact over the next 12 months.

Dale Hoy

Newsletter

Enjoy reading Rotary Club Footscray President's inspiring Speech from the Changeover Ceremony evening.

Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests. I would like to thank you all for your company on this occasion as I enter the role of President of the Rotary Club of Footscray District 9800. I consider it an honor that you considered me up to the task of this role. I am grateful to be in this position and I aim to carry out my responsibilities to the best of my abilities. We are living in a strange moment, where it seems that no one really knows what to do next. These are the moments where people look for guidance and leadership to show them the way.

We were honoured to have in attendance District Governor Phillip Archer, District Governor Elect Dale Hoy and Assistant Governor Michael Donnelly at the Changeover Ceremony. It was also pleasing to have club honorary member PDG John Davis attend. Due to family illness President elect Jama Farah was unable to attend the Zoom meeting.

The highlight of the meeting was the DG presenting a Paul Harris award to Emanuel Tumino for his service to District 9800’s Youth Exchange program over many years.

Next Meeting: Lunch on Thursday 19th December 12.30pm.
Speaker:Jamie Cheeseman
With our support, Jamie attended the London International Youth Science Forum (LIYSF) in August.
Over a two week period the residential event held at Imperial College London & The Royal Geographical Society, involved 500 students (16-21 years) from 70 countries attending lectures and demonstrations from leading scientists, visiting world class laboratories and universities combined with cultural interaction. All welcome to attend and here about Jamie's experience.
Croatia House, 72 Whitehall St Footscray 19th December 12.30pm

Newsletter

President Suzanne, club members, partners and friends of Footscray Rotary mourn the loss of one of its great stalwarts. As a member for 67 years, Lauchie was a contributor, friend, and gentleman throughout. He will be sadly missed by all and we extend our sympathies to Marie and the whole family for their loss.

Following a request from Western Health to produce face masks, Past President Carol Castano has formed a team of Rotarians and friends. Production is well under way. Carol has made 30 adult, and 10 children’s masks herself whilst one of the amazing team has made 120! There are 10 team members, working on the project, including Faye Lanyon from Pt Gellibrand Rotary Club, and 7 of from Caesia Gardens Retirement Village, 5 of whom belong to the Village Rotary Craft Group. Carol says,”it’s good to be able to do such a small thing to help out”
“Service above Self"

A successful dinner with auction was held on Saturday 22nd in conjunction with the Footscray Art Prize. Guest speaker Mary Long gave a thought provoking presentation "Business and Art -Strange Bedfellows”. Funds raised will support our youth programs. Thanks to Bruce Postle, Oslo Davis and Susan Dang for the works they donated for the live auction. Many club members donated a diverse range of items for silent auction.