Jenny Foster opened the meeting, welcoming members and guests and introducing Mike Greenslade, CEO of ShelterBox Australia. Mike shared the incredible work of ShelterBox. The organisation began in 2000 with the Rotary Club of Helston Lizard (UK) and has since grown into a global network of 14 affiliates. ShelterBox now tailors its support to each disaster, supplying custom-made shelter kits, solar lights, and other life-saving equipment. Mike’s presentation highlighted the charity’s agility and compassion in helping communities rebuild after devastating events.

A big thank you to everyone who supported the “Lucky Numbers” fundraiser, Change Makers proudly donated $1,880 to ShelterBox to support their ongoing work.

 

 

 

 

Rtn Francis Acquah gave a heartfelt and inspiring five-minute talk about his journey from Ghana to Australia. He reflected on his career as a psychiatric nurse in England and Australia, his specialisation in transcultural mental health, and the founding of the Mental Health and Well-being Foundation in Ghana. Through this foundation, Francis has promoted mental health education and organised a landmark conference in 2013, supported by Rotary and the Australian High Commission, which led to over 100 Ghanaians studying mental health at the University of Newcastle.

 

Project Updates and Club Achievements

President Rtn Susan Benedyka provided a brief overview of club activities, constitutional updates, and the upcoming AGM. She was pleased to share that 87% of members completed the Membership Action Plan evaluation, an excellent result reflecting strong member engagement.

Teacher in a Box: Rtn Jeanette Johnstone reported a busy period with new orders, working bees, and potential partnerships, including a medical shipment team to Timor-Leste.

Rice for Cambodia: Rtn Lawrie Leeman will travel to Cambodia in November to oversee ongoing projects.

Say No to Domestic and Family Violence: Rtn Kathryn shared updates on the campaign’s progress and future plans.

Rotary Peace Arboretum: Rtn Philip provided an update on continuing work at the site, with new plantings and maintenance underway.

Sri Lanka Projects: Rtn Robyn Jones announced that the Ministry of Education has released the laptops from customs; final approval from the Ministry of Finance is pending before they are delivered and installed in schools with teacher training support.

SHARE Project: Rtn Jenny Foster welcomed Peter Collins, a medical engineer, who will ensure all medical equipment is electrically safe and fully functional before shipment to Papua New Guinea.

End Trachoma: Rtn Sandi Fulcher reported on a successful community clean-up in Yakala, where Rotary provided cleaning supplies and coordinated a hard-rubbish collection to improve community health and hygiene.

 

Message from Rtn Carol O’Connell, Co-Membership Chair

Thank you for your dedication to building strong, welcoming Rotary clubs. Your efforts to engage new members and re-energise existing ones are making a real difference. Keep leading with purpose and passion.