WELCOME TO PRESTON ROTARY
Have you ever considered Rotary?
Would you like to be more involved in the community, feel productive and connected?
Have fun, sometimes do hard work?
 
Preston Rotary can stretch your imagination; provide opportunities locally and internationally, offer a lot of stimulation and fun. We’d love to meet you!
 
Rotary Club of Preston meet on the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri- Woi- warring People of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders, past, present, and emerging.
 
         'OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, & INCLUSION'
- We welcome people of all backgrounds, cultures, experiences, and identities
- We strive for the fair treatment, opportunity, and advancement of all participants
- We work to create experiences where all people feel welcomed, respected, and valued
- We understand that cultivating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture is essential  to our vision, where our Members unite and take action to create lasting change."
Stories
ENVIRONMENTAL NEWS: MERRI PADDLE
 
Over the past 12 months, Rotary Preston’s Environment and Sustainability committee joined the Merri Paddle. Merri Paddle is a group of individuals who all have a passion for the uniqueness of the Merri Creek habitat, and seek to highlight all the mitigating factors contributing to the absence of the near- endangered Platypus.
        
Its been a fascinating insight for those of us in Rotary to meet up each month with this group and learn about “Urban Stream Syndrome’,-erratic storm water drainage into the creek, chemical and plastic pollutants, destruction of the creek rimparian zone, and so much more.
During 2024 a few of us have joined with Rotarians from Moreland, Pascoe Vale,  Merri Paddle members, and local community residents in –
.LITTER CLEAN Ups
.PLATYPUS DUSK WALK
.CREEK WATER TESTING
 
We look forward to participating further in 2025!
 
 
INTERPLAST FUNDRAISING DRIVE: CAROL O’CONNOR
 
As highlighted in our weekly Bulletin by our excellent Bulletin editor, John McCarthy ((affectionately known as “Johnny Mac”)  Carol O’Connor, partner of District 9790’s D.G. Stephen O’Connor has nominated this Rotary charity.
Carol writes,” Interplast was originally founded by a Rotarian and a friend back in 1983 who saw the need for expert surgical teams to travel to countries in the Asia Pacific region to perform Plastic and Reconstructive surgeries  for those most in need.
To demonstrate my investment in this Partner Project, I have set myself a personal challenge. I played around with numbers of our district, D9790, and have started on a 987 km walk culminating at the District Conference in Albury in April 2025. I will do the walk in about 10km bursts between our District commitments. My hope is to use the walk also for public image for Rotary and Interplast.”
 
KALTUKATJARA ( DOCKER RIVER)   ART CENTRE
 
The visit to Kaltukatjara (see earlier story) not only yielded first hand some of the challenges the community experience on a daily basis, but important insights into the role of the local Art Centre.
 
Prior to colonization sharing stories orally and via art was THE vehicle for Indigenous cultural and Spiritual  education.  Iconography, cave painting, body painting, drawing in sand, singing, provided, as  Dr Elizabeth Marrkilyi Ellis said recently,  “ an “encyclopedia of knowledge.” Through art one also felt a sense of connection, identity, love and stewardship for country, for community.
In the 1930’s and 40’s the Anangu peoples, ( Pitjantjatjatjara, Ngaanyatjarra and Yankunytjatjra ) were still living on country, and leading  a nomadic lifestyle. They were “encouraged,” many forcibly , to move to Missions, or settlements  such as in Warburton, or  the Areyonga Mission near Hermannsburg. Sadly, many were also rendered very unwell  from the Maralinga Nuclear Testing  during the mid 1950’s to early 1960’s. The number of deaths is unknown. The move to Missions meant that practicing traditional culture was actively discouraged. However, some, like Artist, the late Tjawina Nampitjinpa Porter, lived a traditional lifestyle  until the 1970’s, before re- locating to Papunya, a government settlement.
 
           In the late 1960’s ‘Docker River’- Kaltukatjara as a community was borne, as many Anangu peoples chose to return to their heartland.
 
The Aboriginal owned art centre at   Kaltukatjara is of vital  importance  for residents to paint, share stories, pass on knowledge, and preserve cultural identity. At Kaltukatjara Art centre, they see their primary purpose: ”to preserve and pass on Aboriginal culture through creative practices, while also bringing tangible and economic and social benefits to our communities… over the years we’ve established a strong national presence, supporting leading artists and significantly contributing to the wellbeing of both individuals and our broader community.”
 
Rotary Preston’s Ruth McCall, and husband Peter were delighted to visit the Art Centre, speak with some of the artists, and observe their complex and awe- inspiring work.
 
For more information: go to https://tjarlirliart.com
 
Please note: Agency- an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander not- for-profit has a gallery space at 47 Easey St Collingwood. Weds- Friday 11am-3pm. They are currently exhibiting works by Artist, the late Tjawina Nampitjinpa Porter, with an accompanying video recording reflections by the artist on country.
 


: AN ULTRASOUND MACHINE FOR THE REMOTE KALTUKATJARA (DOCKER RIVER MEDICAL CENTRE!
Like most things in life, “seeing is believing.” Or, should it be said that when you visit a remote Indigenous community thousands of miles from suburban Melbourne, you realise we as a country have a long way to go to “Close the Gap;” ie- address the disparity in living conditions, resources, opportunites for First Nations Peoples.
 It has long been documented that there are serious deficits in the health of First Nations Peoples. Remote communities especially suffer from lack of access to what many of us would consider mainstream medical care.
       Past President Ruth McCall and husband Dr Peter McCall were grateful for their visit to the remote Kaltukatjara community 670 kms SW from Alice Springs recently.
The community comprises 300 Indigenous residents who have strong cultural ties to the area.
( insert photo of may here)
            Challenges to the community are numerous.
When talking to the staff at the Medical Centre, we heard they do not have an Ultrasound machine, so the logistical and cultural challenges for getting patients, namely pregnant women to Alice Springs for Ultrasound monitoring is extremely difficult. The expense is a huge factor, and a community bus trip takes 14 hours one way, assuming the roads are navigatible. Ultrasound scanning is used commonly for a whole range of medical conditions, and is a vital piece of medical equipment that is missing here.
      It is with great pleasure that Rotary Preston have donated $10,000 to the Central Australian Aboriginal Congress so that they are now able  to purchase an Ultrasound machine for Kaltujatjara. We thank also the Rotary Club of Moreland for their donation, and we know that this will be a wonderful asset to the Kaltukatjara people.
      It is worth noting too that the artistry of the local community is truly wonderful. In such a harsh environment, it was a joy to see community come together, expressing their culture and spirituality through art. It also provides much needed income for the artist. More on that next week!
 
Welcome new Rotary members
There’s a definite “buzz” in the air at our meetings, and when we induct new members it is especially “buzzing”!  It was great to induct Suzanne Still recently. Suzanne has been attending Rotary for several years, and FINALLY- we officially welcomed her as a member. Delighted!
    This week we welcomed Eilleen Stevens, and Abdulkadir Hassan ( his preferred name for us Anglo’s is Hassan) as members of Rotary Preston. Both offer their generosity and mutuality in the Rotary motto of “Service above Self.” We appreciate that Suzanne, Eilleen and Hassan bring their unique selves to Rotary Preston.
 
  
Rotary District 9790 Governor Stephen O’Connell 
It was great to have Rotary District 9790 Governor Stephen O’Connell  and his wife Carol visit our club recently and meet with some of our Board members.
Stephen warmly embraced the work of our club, and our ongoing passion for making a difference in our community and the world.
Stephen made some helpful suggestions, which we will aim to adopt.
 
YOUNG MOTHERS ASSISI PROJECT IN UGANDA
 
Great to receive this feedback from Rotary Club Canberra  District  9705 in regards to this project.
“In June the RC Preston Victoria responded to a story in Rotary Downunder and donated $1100 AUD to the Assisi Centre through RAWCS. RC of Canberra transferred this donation to Kampala where Sister Grace used it to equip a group of unmarried young mothers with the utensils and plants they need to start successful vegetable gardens. Fresh food and income from horticulture both provide greater independence for these vulnerable young women and their babies and aides them to avoid further unplanned pregnancies and break the cycle of dependence, sexual exploitation and extreme poverty.
Further funding is sought to quickly expand young women’s skills in welding and metal fabrication, cookery and horticulture to meet the continuing need.
Individual donations as well as from clubs  can be transformative and are tax deductible for the donor through RAWCS.
 
  
  
ROTARY ACTION GROUP FOR PEACE www.rotarianactiongroupforpeace.org
ROTARY ACTION GROUP FOR PEACE- highlights many practical ways Rotarians can be peace- builders.
“Many people are concerned about the state of the world but are not sure what to do about it. Empower them by expanding their vision of what they can do, and their responsibility to become more naturally and energetically engaged…. The key to overcome ignorance and arrogance ( is) through education and interaction.. A starting point for education can be as simple as getting people to stop and consciously take note of shared humanity, shared values, and shared goodness…”
 
Rotary Club Preston has been enriched by its association with #Global Gardens of Peace and recently GGOP co- hosted an event with Sustain: The Australian Food Network #sustain.org.au and GGUP – The Gaza Urban and Peri- urban Agriculture Platform #gupap.org.
Representatives from the JUST FOOD COLLECTIVE www.justfood.org.au  and Borderlands www.borderlands.org.au  also gave brief overviews of their humanitarian focus. Wonderful! It was an enlightening  evening, enhanced   by sumptuous food  provided by Chef Aheda ( you can follow her on Instagram chef_aheda
       Dr Ahmed Abu Shaben, Associate Professor of Agricultural Economics at Al Azhar University Gaza spoke of the  resilience and steadfastness of women Agripreneurs in Gaza supporting displaced families, working small- scale farms, harnessing seed banks, and providing community kitchens in amongst a theatre of war.
       Rotary Action Group for Peace also points to empathy and compassion  as powerful peace building skills, calling for basic respect for all people and the treatment of each other with humanity and dignity.
 Donations are urgently sought for the  LOCAL FOOD PRODUCTION IN GAZA CAMPAIGN go to #sustain.org.au  - all funds are directed immediately to The Gaza Urban and Peri- Urban Agriculture Platform #gugap.org
 
INDIGENOUS HEALTH SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
As noted in the recent ‘Rotary Downunder’ issue ( July Issue 673) –“Australian Rotary Health is supporting the next generation of Indigenous health care providers to achieve an education that will help them assist their communities.” …. The yearly  scholarships are awarded to indigenous tertiary students as a way to address the barriers of tertiary study and qualification in Australian indigenous populations. The program has supported hundreds of students in achieving successful careers within the health industry.
      Rotary Preston supports the Indigenous Health Scholarship program via Rotary Health, and Gerry Lyons attended the recent evening, highlighting some of the scholars within this program.  Gerry was particularly struck by the passion and energy of Yorta Yorta woman, Susanne Chambers. Susanne, who hails from Sheparton is studying medicine and hopes to work in regional areas as a G.P. in the future. We wish Susanne all the very best for her studies.
 
Introducimg Jillian Morris, Carer for Seeing Eye Dog: QUiVER
 
Jillian Davis, partner to Rotarian Norbert Schaber, was recently recognised as a Paul Harris Fellow, ( P.H.F) This recognition is given to Rotarians and members of the community who demonstrate and live out exceptional values of service to community. Jillian invests an enormous amount of energy, compassion and care in the Seeing Eye Dog ( SED) program. Starting in 2021,  Jillian began the complex  application and training process.
       She obtained ‘Quiver,’ a glorious black Labrador in January 2023 as ‘Carer.’ Jillian elected to care for Quiver who had been selected as a ‘Breeder.’ Thus, when Quiver came into season she was returned to the SED in Kensington for 3months to ensure her safety and monitoring. Since then Quiver has had 2 litters. The first litter in July 2022 saw the birth of 8 puppies. Once the puppies were weaned Quiver was returned to Jillian. Over a 9 month period the puppies are assessed for SED suitability and are trained for this purpose.Of this first litter 3 are now working dogs; Jenna, Jedda and Joey. A fourth, Jono is a working dog for a returned soldier who has PTSD.
          In January 2024 Quiver gave birth to 11 puppies.
We are delighted when Jillian and Quiver visit us at our Rotary meetings. Quiver is a glorious animal, and this is such a vital service for visually impaired people. Carers such as Jillian keep this service alive and well. Congratulations Jillian and thank you for your hard work and compassion.
 


END PLASTIC SOUP WORLD- WIDE!!
 
At the 2023 Melbourne Convention is was inspiring to meet with other Rotarians from all over the world who were working to make a difference.
 
Rotary Preston joined the ENDPLASTICSOUP campaign as a supporter club.
At times the issue of plastic pollution seems utterly overwhelming. In the recent ENDPLASTICSOUP newsletter, it highlighted the number of clubs globally who are activating ways to make a real difference.
 
Endplasticsoup’s website: endplasticsoup.org is informative and a great resource for all of us to take action and reduce the stream of plastic polluting our waterways.
 
For example: Use less plastic every day!
Every day :Pick up plastic waste from the street, beach, or waterfront. ( it’s easy,- wear gloves if you prefer, OR buy a long- arm picker ( they are not expensive!)
Use: re- usable shopping bags, paper bags for fresh fruit and vegetables.
Avoid: buying pre-packaged fruit and veges
Use: keepcups when buying your takeaway drinks
Invest: in a Sodastream – if sparkling water is your thing. Its incredible how much you save in $$$ and save in PLASTIC CONSUMPTION
GET INVOLVED : with community groups such as ROTARY PRESTON   & take part in our Merri Creek clean ups.
JOIN RIMERN ( Rotary Inner Melbourne Emergency Relief Network)- re- home  household goods to prevent them going into landfill.
 
These are just a few simple ways we can reduce plastic consumption and waste.
 
Together with 1.2 million Rotarians ( and family friends)  we aim to reduce plastic waste.
 
PACKING UP A SHIPPING CONTAINER WITH RECYCLED PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT

 
We are incredibly blessed in our club to have some truly amazing people.  Past President Peter Peyton, an active member of Rotary Preston for over 50 YEARS!!!- is still going strong. In searing heat down at the ‘Donations in Kind’ warehouse in Footscray,  Peter and 14  Rotarians from other clubs packed a shipping container full to the brim with recycled playground equipment.  This is now bound for Papua New Guinea.
Amazing effort. What joy this will bring to our northern neighbours.
Legend P.P.! Thank you from all your friends at Rotary Preston.
 
PEACE
PEACE- promoting world peace is a pilar of Rotary International.
One can only imagine here in Australia the devastation that is being wrought in areas such as Ukraine and Gaza, with many thousands of deaths by violent acts of war.
The following information was sourced from the Australia Palestinian Advocacy Network, ( APAN.)
Dr Helen McCue AM was recently awarded the 2023-2024 Jerusalem Peace Prize for her unceasing work promoting justice and peace in the Middle East.
     In 1983 Dr McCue was a young Nurse Consultant Educator with the World Health Organisation ,( WHO), in the Middle East. She was seconded then to the United Nations Relief and Works Association  UNRWA, to work in Lebanon. After witnessing the horror of the massacre of Palestinians in Sabra and Shatila refugee camps, she left her role to volunteer in refugee camps alongside Palestinian Nurse Olfat Mahmoud. On returning to Australia she approached the ACTU and co- founded Union Aid Abroad, APHEDA. Their first program was a community Nurse training program for nurses from the camps across the Middle East and Gaza.
     In later years she co- founded Rural Australians for Refugees. She has worked at University Melbourne’s Islamic Centre of Excellence in Islamic Studies and University Sydney Law Faculty – her major focus being Muslim Women in Australia.
       In 2003 Dr McCue was awarded the Member of the Order of Australia for her dedication to refugee issues.
 
       Rotary International as a respected humanitarian organization continues to seek ways of invoking Peace. Congratulations Dr Helen McCue, Peace- Maker, and great Australian.
 
 
RIMERN (ROTARY INNER MELBOURNE EMERGENCY RELIEF NETWORK)
 
This would have to be one of the most exciting and satisfying local community and environmental service’s that Rotary offers. Now, 19 Rotary Clubs are contributing to it’s fantastic mission- to assist our most vulnerable in society to create a home with furniture and household goods that they choose.
 
      Dedicated Rotarians, Susie Cole ( Rotary Prahran,) Ros McMaster (Rotary Prahran), David Gorman ( Rotary Pascoe- Vale) and a number of others keep a meticulous eye on running the RIMERN warehouse, and coordinating Volunteers, Deliveries, Case- Worker Orientation, Funding Grant Applications… the list goes on.
 
Recently RIMERN received a $10,000  Grant from the City of Melbourne’s “Everyone needs a Bed” Grant application. Fantastic! It will purchase metal folding bed bases.
 
Currently 38 Welfare Agencies have joined RIMERN, enabling 300 Case Workers to access household goods for their clients being re- homed.
 
DONATIONS OF GOODS: to donate Goods: EmaiL; donatedgoods@rimern.org.au
OR check out RIMERN”S Website: https://rimern.org.au/contact-us/ 
 
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES ABOUND:
  • There are multiple roles and ways you may volunteer- face to face contact with clients, warehouse duties, monitoring emails/facebook requests, helping with deliveries…..all in a spirit of camaraderie with other like minded Rotarians and community volunteers.
 
RIMERN WAREHOUSE HOURS
 
Tues- Thurs 10am to 3pm
Sat- 10:30-1:30
 
 
 
PLASTIC FREE JULY
Like so many people, we are really concerned about the vast “oceans” of plastic that are threatening our environment. At the Rotary International Convention held in Melbourne in May, it was terrific to see some of the ways Rotary clubs world- wide are working to educate and promote reduction in Plastic Pollution.  Inspired by the “END PLASTIC SOUP” Rotarian movement, our club hopes to explore ways in which we can engage with this much needed environmental action group. ( in progress! !) For more info go to https://endplasticsoup.nl  A brilliant Rotary initiative!!!
 
… Meantime, there is some great information on various websites, such as “ https://www.plasticfreejuly.org. We all can take seemingly simple measures to reduce our single use plastic use seems to be an insurmountable problem.
 
 
 
SPECIAL PRESENTATION TO OUR BELOVED BULLETIN EDITOR JOHN MCCARTHY
John McCarthy is a much- loved member of Rotary Preston, and his fabulous editorial skills, creativity, and succinct writing up of club activities and guest speaker’s presentations, makes for great reading of our Weekly Bulletins.
   We are very grateful to John for the hours he sets aside each week to craft the latest Bulletin. Outgoing President Ruth McCall presented John with a fine bottle of Van Rouge, and the club joined her in congratulating and thanking John aka “Johnny Mac” for his wonderful contribution to the Rotary Club of Preston.
 
 

AU REVOIR PRESIDENT RUTH MCCALL!
Well, Ruth is not leaving the club, but she leaves the position of President in the capable hands of newly inducted Kannan Subramanian. In her President’s Report, Ruth noted, “ I resonated totally with incoming Rotary International President Gordon McInally’s words; “ to make sure Rotary experiences can be as good as it can be….. it all comes down to service. We are a membership organization and a service organization. We need to be out there doing service, because not only will we enjoy that more, we will also  see more people who want to come and join us because they can see us.”
Ruth expanded on this theme by enumerating the ways our club has engaged actively in many different ways, making for a busy and fulfilling Rotary 2022-2023 year. She expressed the strength of relationships and support for one another within our club, enhancing her enjoyment and commitment to her role as President. Ruth was thanked warmly by all who were present at Change- over Night.
 
 
WELCOME PRESIDENT KANNAN SUBRAMANIAN ! 2023-2024
A wonderful night celebrating a busy 2022-2023 Rotary year, we ushered in the new Rotary year with the induction of Kannan Subramanian.
Kannan is a respected and fondly regarded member of the Rotary family. His professional life as a Real Estate Agent for Love & Co in Reservoir, makes him very familiar with the local area in which we are based. At our Change- over event Kannan’s guests included   Director of Love & Co. Michael Love, and his wife Laura. Kannan is an ex- Rotoractor, and thus very familiar of all that Rotary represents.
Kannan is married to Vandana, and she brings great warmth and great presence whenever she joins us for social functions, or assisting with some of our Rotary activities.
 


 
As noted by Bulletin editor, John McCarthy, Kannan noted his gratitude and profound sense of responsibility in taking on the Presidency.He reflected on the true essence of Rotary life- commitments such as resilience, empathy and a desire to make a difference. Naming some of the Past Presidents, Kannan saw his calling as profoundly asserting the Four Way Test: Is it the Truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it be Beneficial to all concerned? Will it build Goodwill and Build Friendships?
The Rotary Club of Preston are delighted to welcome Kannan as our 2023-2024 President, and we know he will bring his unique style and warmth to the role.
ZainabSheikh Foundation
Sainab is the current President of the Rotary Club of North Melbourne.

She is the founder of the ZainabSheikh Foundation, supporting refugees from Africa, using her skills as a Social Worker. Sainab’s warmth and humanity shines through as she talked about her work in community assisting with immigration issues, housing, English classes, setting up homework clubs for students. The list is endless. Building partnerships with Victoria Police, Sainab is helping to break down barriers of misunderstanding, and mis- trust which can at times be mutual. Returning to Somalia in 2009, Sainab was horrified by the devastation wrought by Civil war, drought and famine. In 2020 she organised a container filled with medical equipment from Rotary’s DIK ( Donations in Kind) warehouse in Footsgray to Somalia. Shortages in Somalia abound; water is scarce, so she is seeking funds to establish bore- water holes, and assist in health care and education.
 
Please go to her website: www.zainabsheikhfoundation.org
 
Celebrating the Rotary Anniversaries of Peter Peyton – 50 years, and Wayne O’Neill- 30 years.
 
     Peter and Wayne are much loved members of the Rotary Club of Preston. We enjoyed a fabulous lunch with our District Governor David McPherson travelling down from Albury to present the lads with Certificates and a letter from Rotary International President Jennifer Jones. Honorary member Pauline Josephson was present along with Debbie O’Neill, and friends & family of Peter’s.
       Tributes were read out – one from past member of our club Les Woodland, who now resides in W.A.
  • Another from fellow member, David De La Coeur, as he was recovering from very recent Surgery.  David writes-
  • “Peter Peyton- our history keeper and quiet doer. He will help anyone and all when needed. The work he did in collecting all our memorabilia for the 60th Anniversary ( of our club) was enormous.
  • Wayne O’Neill- Since I joined in 2007 Wayne has organised the Circus Quirkas Fund Raising. He has attended so many meetings to ensure everything is right and then there is every weekend that the shows are on.
Both these men are worthy Rotarians who go about their work in a quiet professional way. Congratulations on your milestones today.
Kindest Regards
David. “
 
    
 
RIMERN ( Rotary Inner Melbourne Emergency Relief Network)
RIMERN ( Rotary Inner Melbourne Emergency Relief Network) under the great leadership and drive of Susie Cole was a place of great hilarity recently as the PR team from Chicago Illinois USA took professional  posed shots of us working in the Warehouse. These photos will be displayed throughout Melbourne in the lead up to the Rotary International Convention in May- to showcase “Rotarians in Action.”
It was a joy to meet up with other Rotarians, Sainab Sheikh ( President Rotary North Melbourne, Anne Frueh,PP Rotary Balywn, and P.E. Herbson Singo, Rotary North Melbourne.
 
RIMERN is such a “good news Rotary story” and deserves publicity. The outreach and support to people requiring household goods is superb. Rotary Preston are proud partners!
 
 
INDIGENOUS HEATLH SCHOLARSHIPS
INDIGENOUS HEATLH SCHOLARSHIPS…. Was the focus of Australian Rotary Health (ARH) who gathered at Best Western Convention Centre in Attwood, celebrating Indigenous  students who have gained scholarships with ARH over the past 12 months.
Rotarians, and guests, listened to stories shared by those who were lucky enough to be recipients of these scholarships and what role Rotary played in supporting each through a tough time, including a worldwide pandemic. The object of this program is to provide a scholarship, which can be used to assist Indigenous students with their day to day expenses while they undertake a course in a wide range of health related professions. The scholarship is paid in addition to the Government Abstudy allowance.
    The purpose of the program is to assist students to gain an education for the benefit of other Indigenous people,- hopefully, but not necessarily, in some of the our remote areas.
       This program commenced with the intention of training doctors to work amongst other Indigenous people, but the scope of the scheme  was enlarged to permit the training, firstly of Nurses, and eventually any health related profession.
The value of each scholarship is $5000 per year. A Rotary Club contributes $2,500 per year and the State or Commonwealth also provides funding for the administration of the program within the Australian Rotary Health office. Since its inception this program has spread, and interested clubs and committees in each of the mainland states and in the N.T. are sponsoring students.
Ruth McCall, President of Rotary Preston, and GMan, General Manager of 3 KND Radio Station, attended this celebratory evening.
 
 
Annual Community Police Awards
 
Always a terrific occasion, Rotary Preston hosted the 11th Annual Community Police Awards recently.
Past President Elaine Price, does a fantastic job in coordinating nominations  from local Darebin Police Stations, - Reservoir, Preston & Northcote.
HIGHLY COMMENDED!
Sergeant LeeAnn Parfett, was recognised with a Highly Commended Award, and was recommended by Senior Sergeant Sam Groves, of Reservoir Police Station. S/Sergeant Groves writes,
  “Sergeant Parfett is a highly motivated member, regarded as reliable & friendly. She is always polite and courteous in her dealings with her colleagues and our community members alike. She views her key strengths as being her adherence to the Victim’s Charter, and her strategic focus on the Neighbourhood Policing Model. ( NPM) The NPM is a new initiative implemented by Victorian Police in early 2022. It involves a greater focus on community issues, driven by the community, and not Victoria Police. Sergeant Parfett  holds the Neighbourhood Policing portfolio for Reservoir and has used hard work & ingenuity  to encourage all members to understand the benefits behind the new strategy…. Lee Ann is the number 1 “go- to” person within the Reservoir Police Station when it comes to enhancing our community engagement opportunities, be it by attending events or utilizing social media to reach out to members of the public and bring them into our policing world….”
The Rotary Club of Preston offer their congratulations, and Senior Sergeant Groves accepted the award on behalf of Sergeant Parfett.
THE 2022/2023  COMMUNITY POLICE AWARD WINNER … went to Acting Senior Sergeant Lee Anne Hamilton from Preston Police Station.  
Inspector Graham Guy wrote, “ Upon her arrival Lee Anne embraced her role and set to work to implement, change and rebuild the reputation of Preston Police Station, both internally and externally. Lee Anne recognised the need to focus on her Sergeant cohort and implemented several changes which resulted in a more intrusive and supportive Sergeant’s network. Sergeants are now more visible and supportive of our junior workforce, providing greater oversight and advice whilst members are confronted with various policing issues in Preston……
….. Lee Anne has also been responsible for oversighting and guiding the Preston Police Station through its efforts to secure its Scope Australia Accreditation… Preston Police Station is now of three police stations Statewide which can provide support & assistance to people who are unable to speak or have difficulty in getting their message across.
      Lee Anne has also played an active role in the Neighbourhood Police Model (NPM) roll out across Preston and has been very active in several community/police & local government committees.
  1. Northland Precinct Action Group
  2. Police & Aboriginal Community Protocols Against Family Violence….
Lee Anne is a hard- working and committed member who
.Demonstrates the values of Victoria Police and instills these in her staff
.Has delivered several initiatives for the Preston Police Station & community
.Has become a well-respected & popular manager for the members of Preston
.Has made Preston Police station a safe & enjoyable place to work, a destination station, which is a significant improvement from when she started in the role.
.Has improved the Preston Police standing in the community.
 
    
The presentation of a Paul Harris Fellowship award
Two remarkable people were awarded Paul Harris Fellowship recognition at our club recently.
 
The presentation of a Paul Harris Fellowship award is the Rotary Foundation’s way of expressing its appreciation for a substantial contribution to its humanitarian & educational programs, and service to community.
 
A true friend of Rotary, Bob Cross was presented with a PHF award for his tireless advocacy for Returned Service Men & Women, and his devoted service as President of the Darebin RSL for 45 years. As Secretary Geoff McIlvenna noted, Bob has supported Rotary with a number of projects, and is an outstanding friend of Rotary.
 
Joan Roose, a member of Rotary Preston was heartily endorsed as a Paul Harris Fellow. Joan founded the charity Jacob’s Well, and continues to make a substantial contribution to the education of children from rural districts in India where education opportunities are very limited. Joan spends many months in the year living at the Rejoice School in India, assisting with the overall management of the school. Her devotion to this rural community in India is incredible. The Rotary Club of Preston heartily thank both Bob & Joan for their outstanding citizenship.
 
 
Secretary Geoff McIlvenna
Reflecting on his childhood in Thornbury during the 1950’s Secretary Geoff McIlvenna held us enthralled with his ability to take us to another era in time! Watching the procession of 1956 Olympic Athletes as they paraded down the length of High Street, was a thrill, as was seeing a young Queen Elizabeth in the parade. Another era indeed with SP Bookies in the local area regularly being ‘raided’ by the local constabulary, plain clothes policeman watching out for errant youths, kids playing on the streets, & a fulfilling long career in the police force were touched on by Geoff with great insight and humor. Great to hear from a fellow Rotarian whose passion for life & service is ongoing!
 
Thanks to Rhiannon Tracey (centre) for her presentation to the Rotary club of Preston at our Zoom meeting last week. Preston Rotary has supported The Next Step SCI since its inception.  A short version of Rhiannon's story appears below.

My name is Rhiannon Tracey and I am the Founder & Executive Director at The Next Step.

After sustaining a spinal cord injury and becoming a quadriplegic in 2009, it became evidently clear there were not enough options for an individual wanting to improve their quality of life post injury. Within the first twelve months of my SCI journey, I met so many SCI survivors who were struggling with their new reality and their families were desperately trying to find answers and amongst all this, hope and this included my own.

I set out to find the best possible recovery options available, which included travelling across the world and collectively began to combine exercise therapy with holistic practices that were improving my own mobility and mindset. During an outpatient visit with my spinal consultant who had once told me to accept my new life in a chair, with me now walking into the hospital with the aid of a frame, I looked around the hospital gym and had a deep realisation that the purpose of having my accident was to show and enable others that life could go on after a negative experience, and how important it now was to turn my own, into something truly positive.

This realisation soon became establishing The Next Step SCI Recovery & Wellness Centre.

Learn about The Next Step Recovery Centre at   
 https://www.thenextstepsci.org.au

 

Living with Post-Polio Syndrome
Bev Watson, Polio Network Victoria Chair, joined us on ZOOM to help us mark WORLD POLIO DAY. The personal perspective she shared on living with polio and post-polio syndrome was much appreciated and re-energised our members as we journey towards eradicating Polio from the world.
 
Bev was struck with polio in 1956 at the age of 6 1/2 years. Her talk took all through from that moment she was paralysed from the waist down.
 
Though muted her audience was gasping at the treatment she endured, while simultaneously envious of her spirit and lifetime achievements. With great care from her mother and after 4 years of rehabilitation she used full callipers and crutches for mobility until her mid 20’s when a manual wheelchair became her preferred method of mobility. Bev was able to attend Thornbury Primary School. On crutches in a two-story school, the teaching staff carried her up and down the stairs. Then off to Preston Technical School where she recalls how her buddies carried her bag and books up the stairs. Completing that stage of her education Bev got a job with a Preston car company where she eventually took over as secretary.
 
Married in 1971 it was off to Box Hill and finally settling on 5 acres at Woodend where she brought up her three children. In 1996 Bev graduated with a BA and became an outreach worker in mental health. She is associated with Polio Network Victoria, Post Polio Victoria, National Polio groups, Bendigo Shire Polio, to name a few, while she is happy to work from her desk at home.
In her rehab years it was strongly inserted in her mind the need to be self sufficient.  Bev has felt the need to achieve, to be competitive, at times to be impatient and work obsessed. With these drives her services in mental health and polio counselling have been very successful.
 
 
Read about our Campaign
In 1985, Rotary International accepted the challenge to rid the world of Polio. This mammoth undertaking has gained traction and shown results beyond imaginings as partners such as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and others joined the campaign. Now we are so close . . .
Past President Lisa has thanked Rotary Club of Preston members for our support and service to Rotary and the community in the 2019-2020 year.
The club is a tightly-knit unit and while members are very proud to have their contributions recognised for helping connect the world, as important is our commitment to looking for opportunities to "do good in the world" going forward.  
 Thank you to Past President Lisa for submitting the application and to Assistant Governor Emma for her support.
Preston Rotary Member Joan reports from India
 
Here we are in the middle of September and no end in sight to the disruption to life in India and most of the world. India is still experiencing well over 95000 new cases daily – a figure that’s hard to get my head around as we’re in a beautiful, remote part of the country where there aren’t teeming millions.
 
Schools were officially closed on March 17th and we all thought after the summer vacation from 1st May till mid June, we would be back to normal school hours. Sadly that wasn’t the case and just last week the Chief Minister (premier) of the state announced schools and colleges would not start until 30th October.
 
7 months for so many children is a long, long time to be away from classes. We have been able to hold coaching classes at Rejoice Centre using phones and What's App, with main focus on classes 7-10 six days a week, so our kids are up to date with their studies. Our middle school kids have languages and math classes and our juniors have lots of play activities incorporating the three languages they’re learning and math.
 
As Whats app requires wifi, classes are held on my veranda – fortunately it’s quite long and has side verandas at each end so the groups are separated. Before the rains began the carport was also used, but it’s too wet in the rainy times.
 
We currently have 163 children living on campus – as the first lockdown was announced with only four hours for people to travel home; some parents were able to come for their children. Other children who are with us under government order were told they couldn’t go to their relatives; they must stay in our care. Then we had a third group who lived in the next district. They became stranded with us as all buses and trains stopped running. Fortunately one of these was Hemanta, one of our senior students doing Fine Arts at Patna University. He’d come to visit his siblings in our centre and was also stuck here… that’s been a real blessing to us as he’s worked with children and staff coaching local language, Oriya and doing some art classes. 
 
This year has been challenging in many ways for all of us. I am so grateful for your support to me personally with messages of encouragement, so appreciated as I sit out lockdown in India. I get quite homesick at times, missing family and friends but am glad I’m here to take a stand, keep our gates locked and ensure the safety of our kids and staff at Rejoice Centre.
Find out More
We are so proud at Rotary Club of Preston, to be able to support our Community
as  a part of Rotary International.
Let's Support The Rotary Foundation - Areas of Focus!

This is what Trachoma looks like. It causes blindness, when the eyelid swells and grows inward, covering the eye.

This is an illustration of the eyelashes growing inward, scratching the cornea following repeated infections.

All we need to do is to enable people to practise better hygiene. Contact: www.endtrachoma2020.org.au

 
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Welcome to the Rotary Club of Preston in Melbourne Australia
 

Wayne O'Neill

member photo

Wayne O’Neill President 2024-2025. Pictured here with his wife, Debbie O’Neill

 

Our Club Information
The Rotary Club of Preston
Preston

Imagine!

We meet In Person
Wednesdays at 12:30 pm
Darebin RSL Club
402 Bell Street
Preston, VIC 3072
Australia
For further info, & get in touch via email: g.mcilvenna@bigpond.com
District Site
Venue Map
Club Directors
President
Wayne O'Neill
President Elect
Gerry LYONS
Vice President
David De La Coeur
President Elect
Gerry LYONS
Secretary
Geoff McIlvenna
Treasurer
Frank Smith
Director
Paul Smarrelli
Director
Peter Peyton
Director
Chris Shields
Director
Gerry LYONS
Director
Kannan Subramanian
Director
Peter Gilbert
Director
Peter Byrne
Contact us at the Rotary Club of Preston
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