Meetings are held at 6.30pm on the first and third Thursdays of the month.
Meetings are held at 6.30pm on the first and third Thursdays of the month.
At the 19 March meeting certificates of appreciation were presented to the club and the club's fund from Dire Dawa Health Service for recently delivery donated equipment through the Horn of Africa Project.
Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Rotary Action Group
In keeping with this month’s theme the latest newsletter from this group highlights their work. At a recent global gathering, WASH-RAG Ambassadors and Rotary leaders highlighted the urgent need for action on water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) issues. While progress on the UN Sustainable Development Goals has improved lives worldwide, only 27% of targets are on track for 2030. ......
Annual Funding Round Announcement.
The Rotary Club of Footscray is pleased to invite DGR1 charitable organisations to apply for funding. The Club's Foundation, known as Footscray Rotary and Community Services (FRACS), plans to distribute $308,000 to charities that support residents in the City of Maribyrnong and surrounding municipalities. If you would like a copy of the Grant Application Form, please send an email to rotaryfootscray@gmail.com
Many years ago the Rotary Club of Footscray donated six standard roses to the original Footscray Hospital in Eleanor St.
Prior to relocating to the new site on the corner of Ballarat and Geelong Roads these roses were thoughtfully returned to a number of club members. The plaque reads "Planted, nuurtured and cheished by staff and community, now carefully relocated so its legacy may live on".
This is a very generous and thoughful gesture by the managemet of Western Health.
Our two returning Youth Exchange Students spoke about their experiences in Czechia. Eloise was in Czechia for a year and Gemma’s exchange was for three months.
They both experienced school life, living with a local family, trying to learn the language and customs around special times such as Easter and Christmas.
The last shipment to the Jigjiga hospital facilitated the establishment of an Intensive Care Unit. The outcomes have been very rewarding and increased the capacity for more advanced surgery and supporting critically ill patients.
Previously a 4-year-old girl ain critical condition with severe meningitis and respiratory failure would have required transfer.
A number of our members have had the opportunity to tour the new Footscray Hospital.
It is an amazing new facility and a wonderful asset for the people of the Western Suburbs.
A message from DIK Manager Colleen d’Offay with details of how Rotarians can assist in providing aid to those devasted by the bush fires.
As we are all well aware, the past two weeks in Victoria have been devastating, with fires impacting communities across the state.
Many of us are keen to help by providing assistance and donating items. However, it is critical that any support offered aligns with what affected communities can realistically manage and genuinely need. These needs will also change over time.
Captain Paul Trotter, Salvation Army Officer at Altona, was our speaker and discussed the challenges of managing homeless people.including the lack of housing, the cost of living crisis and the need to re-create a sense of community.
Our last and featured a special meal, a Christmas trivia quiz and the AGM of the club fund.
The quiz was won by the “wizard of quiz”, Jamie Robertson.
Thanks to Rodney for coming up with some interesting and probing questions about Christmas.
It was appropriate that Fred attended a recent community event “Game On” event in Maddern Square, in the heart of Footscray.
Jama Farah has provided an update regarding the Horn of Africa Medical Equipment, Mobility Aid & Diplomacy Foundation project.
"Our 20th container of essential goods has now been loaded and will depart shortly for its destination of Dilchora Referral Hospital in Dire Dawa City Administration, Ethiopia."
A comprehensive report is avaiable here.
At our meetiing on Novemebr 20, after being in Australia for four months, our exchange student Lenka educated us about her homeland and reflected on her experiences here so far, "From There to Here"
On July 18th we were pleased to welcome Cindy Richendollar from the Rotary Club of Washburn, Maine. USA. Cindy was visiting family nearby and spoke briefly about her many roles with Rotary and exchanged club banners with President Bob Newman. Cindy sent the following message- “I had a great evening with your club. Wish I could be here longer and get to know you better. Please send my utmost gratitude to the club for their hospitable welcome.” Another highlight of her visit to Melbourne was a visit to the football! It was great to have Cindy with us for the evening.
Latest News on Horn of Africa Project
On Saturday June 1st Rotarians joined with members of the Ethiopian community at Donations in Kind for the packing of the latest container of medical equipment and supplies bound for Djibouti and then onto Ayder Hospital in Tigray, regional state of Ethiopia.
The local federal member of parliament Tim Watts made a special effort to be there. Jama Farah, President Bob Newman and Tim Watts all spoke about the program. Members of the Tigray Community provided traditional food which was enjoyed by all present.
Official presentations can be viewed with this link:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OQhPW16qYaCn_-jlpkTKe4kB8cQn4pws/view
On Saturday July 27th 10,100 “For a Meal” packs were packed at an event arranged by Jama Farah. A team of 35 included Rotarians, mainly from the RC of Canterbury and members of the Ethiopian Community achieved this feat over a period of a few hours. The packs will be included in a container due for shipment to Ethiopia later the year and is planned to be directed to the Hararian community. A great effort.
Jamie Robertson and John Rogers spoke at our meeting on July 18th about their research into the dental public health in Victoria. Spurred on by a love of history and their experience in dentistry they reviewed the past 50 of public dental health service and published an authoritative document, looking back with ideas for the future.
The presentation highlighted a passion for improving dental care in a comprehensive review worthy of a scientific meeting.
During the period of review a stand out public health measure was the fluoridation of water in Victoria during the 1970’s.
The need for advocacy was emphasised as the delivery of programs is so dependent on the incumbent government. The National Health Alliance has benefited dental care but an well established voice in Canberra with access to the minister is vital.
Elwyn Davies was the speaker at our meeting on July 4th.
Having initially worked as a labourer after leaving school in the UK, Elwyn applied for nursing training and was accepted.After completing training he specialised in Acute Care nursing gaining expertise in cardiology and intensive care. During a recruitment drive for nurses in Australia, he migrated in 1986. At the time he arrived there was the turmoil of the nurses strike here in Victoria. Fortunately the strike had no impact on Acute Care departments and he settled in to working at Western Health. The outcome of the strike was significant improvement in conditions for nurses and better patient care.
The Changeover, or "Rollover"as we call it due to lack of change, was a happy and successful meeting with a large turnout.
The incoming DG, Michael Lapino gave a brief and punchy talk about "the magic" of Rotary, David Dippie of North Essendon, gave us his idea and hopes for the new groupings of clubs, and the old Sergeant, JR, was exhumed for a true story.
A new member Che Granger was inducted and we look forward to his involvement inthe our club.
Adding to the VIPs present, Peter Shepard DGE was a welcome guest.
Start Well - Finish Brilliantly
The Vice Chancellor of Victoria University, Professor Adam Schumacher spoke at our meeting on June 6th. He spoke with great pride and enthusiasm of the university’s innovation in the tertiary education sector, improving student outcomes and student satisfaction
Prof Schumacher believes the “flipped” campus is the campus of the future and this already a feature at some of the campuses of VU. The model connects tertiary education both higher degrees and TAFE with industry and provides opportunities for research. VU embraces the flipped campus where at least one industry partner is physically situated on campus. This allows a wide range of students to be actively involved in education and work placements, internships and in some fields the opportunity to work directly with the public.
Valentina Bolados Cornejo and Alice Giang from Audika spoke about hearing issues.
Hearing is fundamental to our connections with others and is the third most common problem over 70 and more common in men and diabetics.
Hearing loss results in:misunderstanding, emotional impacts, stress in relationships, depression/anxiety/social isolation and is associated with dementia.
To minimise impact of hearing loss they advocated regular hearing checks and avoiding noisy environments.
They also briefly discussed the common symptom of tinnitus - ringing in the ears. There are many causes including stress, and although there is no cure, they advocated distraction as the best management.
Through the generous support of health services, donations of valuable medical equipment continues.
Jama has recently taken delivery of 40 hospital beds and matresses from a nursing home in Kew and this week Western Health donated XR and anaesthetic machines and more ultrasound equipment. Western Health recently published an article in one of their newsletters featuring the association with the Rotary Club of Footscray and this wonderful project.
Over recent years we have developed a strong relationship with Vicrtoria University, particularly by providing a BBQ for their special occasions. Over the last two weekend we have provided BBQs at the Sunshine and City campuses for Open Days. Both were great financial successes and opportunities for club fellowship. At the city campus we were particularly busy with ~1500 sausages cooked. Our proceeeds from the two weekend was approx $7000. There are plans for us to be involved in future events.
