🌟 Peace, Service & Global Impact

Our latest meeting featured inspiring project updates from around the world and a thought-provoking presentation from Melanie Morrison of the  Sydney Peace Foundation.

Melanie shared insights into the Foundation’s work promoting human rights, social justice, and peaceful solutions to conflict, while exploring the concepts of positive peace and negative peace. Her message highlighted that lasting peace is about more than ending conflict, it also requires addressing inequality, discrimination, and social disadvantage.

The presentation sparked an engaging discussion and reinforced the important role Rotary plays in creating connections, fostering understanding, and building stronger communities both locally and globally.

🎉 Funding Successes

President Susan Benedyka announced two significant achievements for the club:

Successful RAWCS funding approvals for both the SHARE Project and Cambodia Safe Haven Project
Continued momentum following recent community activities and the successful Epic Day of Service

🇰🇭 Rice for Cambodia

Exciting progress continues in Cambodia, with the recently awarded Balwyn Grant funds now transferred and work underway at two health centres.

Additional community support projects are also being explored, including bicycles and water wells for vulnerable families.

📦 SHARE Continues to Grow

The SHARE team reported another busy month, including:

A medical container packed and ready for Uganda
Ongoing support for local communities
New pallet racking funded by Bendigo Bank
Preparations underway for the Papua New Guinea container

Volunteers are also being sought for upcoming working bees and a medical focus group.

🌏 Teacher in a Box

Positive news for Teacher in a Box, with a project manager secured for the next stage of the Papua New Guinea rollout. Discussions are also underway to expand support through additional Rotary partnerships.

🤝 Epic Day of Service

Members celebrated the success of the recent Epic Day of Service, with projects taking place across Victoria and Central Australia.

Activities included community clean-up projects, humanitarian support work, and hands-on volunteering, demonstrating the power of Rotary members working together to create local and global impact.

🌳 Looking Ahead

Plans continue to progress for the Rotary Peace Arboretum in Kilmore, with working bees scheduled throughout June.

The club also continues to support the Say No to Family and Domestic Violence initiative and the ongoing effort to eliminate trachoma and improve health outcomes across the region.

🚀 Membership & Club Growth

With strong membership growth continuing, plans are underway for another New Members Session to help members learn more about Rotary's global programs, opportunities, and pathways for involvement.

The upcoming Club Changeover Lunch on 5 July will also provide an opportunity to celebrate another successful year of service and impact.

🏅 Congratulations Rtn Rachael Gadd

Congratulations to Rtn Rachael Gadd on being awarded the National Emergency Medal in recognition of her outstanding service during the devastating 2019–20 bushfires in North East Victoria. The award acknowledges Rachael's leadership and dedication while working with Towong Shire Council during one of Australia's most significant emergency events.

A valued Change Maker, Rachael's commitment to supporting communities during times of crisis reflects the very best of Rotary's spirit of service. We are incredibly proud of this well-deserved recognition and congratulate her on this significant achievement. 👏🔥🏅

🌳 Rotary Peace Arboretum Working Bee - Volunteers Wanted

Join us for the next Rotary Peace Arboretum Working Bee on Saturday 13 June in Kilmore.

Volunteers will assist with planting, mulching, maintenance, weed control, fencing, and general site improvements as we continue developing this important community project.

Please wear suitable clothing and footwear, and bring water, sunscreen, and any gardening tools you can spare.

👉 To volunteer, contact Phil Clancy at philip.clancy1@gmail.com.