It was good to see The Shadow reappear in last week’s Bulletin. Having been originally discovered by our very own talent scout Bernie Walshe, I hope that The Shadow will return to regularity. But s/he depends on input from everyone in the Club. So please let’s all send our news to The Shadow. How? By the wonders of internet sharing, The Shadow can be reached via owendg.owen@gmail.com
Youth! How fine it is to see. There is so much to admire in Nopporn Ganthavee - Boroondara Young Citizen Of The Year (joint winner) who dazzled us at lunch with what she has already achieved.
Next week: A return of Believe It Or Not, our hilarious game that challenges the 4 way test!
Nopporn Ganthavee the young Australian who recently shared the honor of Young Citizen of the Year in Boroondara (that's her receiving the award) was introduced by chairman Geoff Dumayne. Born in Malaysia of Thai parents she proceeded to humble us all as she told of her seemingly endless pursuits in various personal endeavors and within action groups (often which she has set up) in support of those less fortunate in our community.
One consistent theme flowed and that is neatly summarized in the title of her address , ie "Sharing the Path". Her efforts starting from a simple excursion to play piano to entertain some home bound residents have all sought to interact with those socially isolated be they the elderly, sick, refugees, or language bound migrants. The goal is always to encourage these people to connect with the broader society.
The opening experience might be some ordinary thing, such as showing one how to observe society through the internet, or tutor someone, or create a forum for people of different backgrounds to mix, or give free legal advice.
Nopporn demonstrated a passion for social justice and inclusion. Elements of a list of her pursuits, a volunteer at St George’s Aged Care Hospital, and Prague House - a residential facility for Boroondara residents who otherwise may be homeless, and Auburn House - an aged psychiatry facility in Hawthorn East are typical.
She has multiple volunteer roles including playing the piano for patients and residents as well as being an integral part of the ‘Broadband for Seniors’ program, helping residents learn and use the internet.
Nopporn is participating in the ‘Boroondara Inner East Primary Care Opening Doors Project’. Her focus is how we can ensure refugees feel valued and included within our community through volunteering.
She has managed all this volunteering while completing her fifth year of Arts/Law at La Trobe University and a Diploma of Language (she speaks English, Mandarin, Malaysian, Thai and Indonesian).
In 2013 she attended the Australia/China Student Forum, exploring strategies and programs on the ageing population.
Nopporn is also an active volunteer with the Commission of Inquiry Now, advocating for policy and legal reform for child abuse victims seeking justice.
She introduced us to "Humans in New York" a web based service which shows how the plight of homeless or troubled youth can relate experiences with others and so grow.
Question time was interesting. When asked of any specific focus for her ambition beyond exploiting her Arts/Law qualifications and ongoing community work, she indicated a inkling for the public service in government departments which matched her passion for enhancing social inclusiveness in society. Quizzed further she told of a dream to become involved in the judicial process as a means to diminish unfairness in communities here and overseas. One can think that with her drive, skill, passion for the underdog, and doubtless accumulated wisdom her dream is very achievable.
On Saturday the 18th July we need some helpers to do a bit of ground leveling at Romano House 11-13 A'Beckett St, Kew.
It's light work, all one needs is a willing outlook and a spade for a small spot of garden leveling. Commencing at 10 am we should be finished in a couple of hours. A BBQ lunch is planned to enjoy a bit of fellowship, or is it networking now?
Yes, The Shadow owns up to be an ex member of that long gone anti-football League (remember the square ball emblem). Nevertheless he was fascinated to overhear a couple of Bomber supporters (two ex high school mates from Coburg) standing in the doorway drinking their red wine and lamenting their teams current fate while learnedly talking of a lack of finesse in the AFL game today. Oh what fickleness resides amongst us.
Remember to keep Monday 20 July free for our offsite meeting/excursion to Epworth Richmond.
David Rosback is now collating a list of prospective attendees. The list grows to 29 with members Bowtell, Bradshaw, Carre-Riddell, Corrigan, Devereux, Dissanayake, Drury, Dumayne, Halford, Higgins, Jones, McInnes (& Lorraine), Macfarlane, O'Beirne, Owen, Pohl, Pisterman, Rose, Rosback (& Judy), Rush, Scott, Shore (& Ken), Stewart, Warren, Weeks and guest Rotarian Ian Gillies. Let him know if any others would like to attend.
We are to meet at Noon at the Hudson's Coffee and ground floor of Epworth Richmond, 89 Bridge Road. Closure will at 2pm. A light lunch is included.
Remember Geoff Wright collates attendance information and he needs to be told of "make up " events which we attend.
Tell Noel Halford days before of an inability to attend Tuesday. Late or non apologies raise catering costs.
Also please alert him to attending guests. Recently with swollen numbers pursuant to a high profile speaker there were problems for a surprised chef in supplying all meals simultaneously.
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