Community Service Committee handover 2023/4 to 2024/25
& summary of 2023/24 projects
(2023/24 Committee members Katrina Flinn, Director, Assistant Director Denbigh Richards, plus, Dorothy Gilmour (RFS), Pam Crockett, Sue Zidziunas (MHU project), David McNamara (support for Salvo Hawks), Sheridan Brown, Robyn Sparks. With support from Noel Halford & Pam Crockett.
Project updates.
Support for Salvo Hawks project (project lead; David “BigMac” McNamara).
Project: This project was initiated by Lawrence Reddaway some 7 years ago. Members support Salvo hawks football team they play in the Reclink program, it is mainly for people that have suffered drug and/or alcohol addiction.
Home games are attended by a number of members providing score board support (thanks to Doug, the king of the scoreboard) and goal umpiring and of course collection pizzas for after the game. BigMac has done an awesome job co-ordinating this project. The Salvo team and players certainly appreciate our support. In addition to support at home games, some years ago the Club funded new jumpers for the team.
Time frame: during Salvo Hawks home games held on a Wednesday generally during May-August.
Project status: continuing in 2024/25Budget: $600 pa for the purchase of pizza for the players at home games.
MHU project Consortium (project lead on behalf of RCH Katrina Flinn-supported by Sue Z, Denbigh and RCH members)
Bronwyn Stephens who is the project lead for the whole project has asked Katrina to take over as Project lead. Bronwyn will continue to be an active member of the project including primary contact for The Alfred.
Packing sessions for care bags for The Alfred at Notting hill are held periodically throughout the year (at B & H in Notting Hill -owned by RC Malvern member Barry Smith) . In each session 6-7 members of RCH and other clubs pack over 200 care bags. Other consortium also hold packing days (RC Brighton North & Malvern) during the year and assist with packing and sorting clothing at DIK and also packing clothing for The Alfred which is stored at DIK.
Sue Z looks after packing and delivery to Upton House when Katrina is away, Denbigh is also willing to support where needed. Gordon has been able to collect supplies from DIK when he is there on Thursdays. Thanks to Pam Crockett for donation to the project of $350 from a fundraising lunch
Current status:
The project is being expanded to include St Vincent’s Hospital (SVHM) and hopefully Royal Melbourne hospitals MHU wards.
Our contact at SVHM has moved on and although staff have told us the project would be very much appreciated we are having some difficulty in finding the person to liaise with.
I will try to find someone that may be able to make an introduction (Tilak, Kevin?).
The person (Jo) at the Alfred that had the idea for this project and was critical in its creation is now working Royal Melbourne, so we are looking at ways we can extend the service to Royal Melbourne .
We have been advised that a grant has been approved by RC Balwyn for SVHM, RC Glenferrie and RC Williamstown are also joining and RC Port Philip has returned.
Bronwyn and I feel that with the extra Clubs we can service the 4 MHU wards.
With so many Clubs we may be able to apply for a District grant for Royal Melbourne.
The current shortage in stock for contents of the care bags is plastic water bottles-we seemed to have had an endless supply via DIK but this has now literally dried up (DIK is just not getting them donated, they must be going somewhere else. Any ideas? I will be in touch with Givit. We have agreed if we cannot get an alternate source, we will not purchase them. The packs work without them.
The Alfred now collects clothing from DIK (packed by RC Williamstown members from MHU aisle).
DIK open day 10th August (DIK is not just for International projects!). Come along and see MHU clothing aisle and other projects. In April, Katrina facilitated a volunteer day with Telstra employees who packed and sorted, underwear and t-shirts.
Once we know more about St Vincents and Royal Melbourne we will have a team get together to confirm various roles.
Also, it would be good to prepare draft an organisational agreement/MOU between RCH as consortium lead club and each hospital and also document project processes.
We will also endeavour to engage other clubs, we are flexible on contribution balance between finance/packing/delivery and/or introduction of suppliers. A stand was at the recent District Assembly, Bronwyn could not attend at the last moment so Pam Dittmer and Wendy Stirling were able to represent the Consortium.
Support for Box Hill, MHU adolescent ward: improvement of the sensory garden
(team, Katrina, Sue Z, Denbigh & Noel Halford). Contact at AIPU Linh Nguyen
Last year we held a working be in the sensory garden (attended by my husband Mick Tyrrell, Denbigh, Sue Z & Noel Halford & I).
As planned we did a tidy up (pruning, weeding). It was a bigger job than thought, with some extra bits and pieces such as rotten pallets hidden in the overgrown garden. We later purchased and delivered a aluminium outdoor table and chairs and replaced the pump in the water feature and Sue Z did some extra work on the cactus garden wall feature. Murals have been added (co-ordinated by an art therapist) . Planter pots were supplied and filled with herbs and flowers.
Since then shade system has been purchased for them which has been attached to the wall by hospital maintenance team
In February , Denbigh and Noel cleaned the pavers in the sensory garden with a Kartcher and replaced the pump in the water feature & we attended a staff and community lunch (Doug, Sue Z, Katrina, Denbigh and Sue Felton representing John Carre-Ridell’s family.(the project was funded by a bequest from JCR) .
Since then, we have supplied some sensory items, sporting balls and pencil pouches.
Staff had the idea to supply the pouches to the adolescents when they leave the unit. The concept is to include some items that may settle them when they are stressed. We have purchased some pouches and I am looking for donated products.
This is a nice way of continuing the relationship.
Project Status: continuing .
Budget for next year
$500 to allow purchase of sporting balls, pouches etc as needed. Perhaps we will do some Christmas donations for the ward.
Support for Rochester flood victims (project lead Doug McLean)
Refer Doug’s reports under special business -We have provided funding for sensor lights and fire blankets. Also, there was supply of vouchers to spend at various local stores. plus of course last year’s project supplying doonas and sheets which was part of a District drive.
Overall I think we can be proud that we have made a difference.
Katrina visited Rochester in April (for a Bowls tournament). The town is much improved with only a few people still caravans.
Project status: finalised
It would be nice to arrange a club visit some time (like our Nhill visit) and attend a RC Rochester fundraiser or the like. Thereby continuing our relationship and support for this small rural club in D9800 district. (something for next year’s Committee to consider)
Support for Camcare: winter appeal (this is a repeat from last year’s appeal); Project lead Pam Crockett
Project purpose:
To provide non-perishable products to Camcare periodically. Members are encouraged to purchase a few extra items of non-perishables when they shop for donations to those that are in need (distributed via Camcare).
Co-ordinators
Pam Crockett
With support from Sue Z & Denbigh
Duration of project: During 2023/24 2 drives were held
August/September 2023 (winter)
Christmas Drive (November/December), topped up with donations from Ego Pharmaceutical (also provided product to Boroondara Outreach, but they seemed to be well supported>
And now winter drive 2024.
In 2024/24
June/July -winter drive. Pam is co-ordinating. This year, Auburn High has joined the drive (ending 6th June) and we have offered assistance with delivery to Camcare. This came about after Ross Pritchard told us that the students are looking for projects.
Goods required
Non - perishable foods, including more expensive items - soup, cooking oil, coffee granules, easy to prepare meals (e.g., pasta sauce), cans of fish (tuna, salmon, sardines) - preferably no baked beans.
Primary collection point
Large container at Club lunches at Kooyong -during June/July
Distribution to Camcare : Periodically delivered to Camcare
Publicity :Further detail in Bulletin and verbal reminders to members -
CWA Longest morning tea for Cancel Council (co-ordinated by Pam Crockett)
I was pleased to hear that so many members attended this event held on 25th May at Auburn Bowls Club).
Support for Education Chances Foundation
2023/24 donation of $1500 (2023/24 $2500 which include $1000 donated from Rotary Kew Opp shop). Donation funded via SST
Rotary SAFE Families
Rotary SAFE Families:
• Much increased viewing of films on FB eg. 740 plus viewing of Male Abuse film;
• Invited to present at Yea, Wangaratta, Myrtleford, Pascoe Vale, Eltham and Kerang.
• Much increased viewing of our website.
• Invited by Rotary Club of Holbrook (NSW), and surrounding areas and Holbrook Police to present workshops to Rotary Holbrook, Meals on Wheels Community (re Elder Abuse), Holbrook Netball and Football Teams (youth and family abuse), and a Combined local community Group in September over 3 days.
We are seeking some Rotary Hawthorn support by using and displaying our banner and handing out flyers and wallet cards at Club events. It would be greatly appreciated.
Inclusive Communities Initiative:
• Ron Moss (Caroline Springs), Lookman Lawal (Rotary Richmond) have joined our Team.
• Provided a Workshop Event at the East African Women’s Foundation for 60 Somalian Australian women in July. Much interest in Child Abuse and its prevention.
• With the help of Robiel Abraham (co-founder and chair African Youth Initiative, Projects Manager for Headspace), I am creating a workshop for young African youth. Trying to get young Africans to remain at school, play sport and keep off the streets.
• Translations of our Guide now include Somalian.
Draft Community Service Budget 2024/25.
Possible Source of Funds | ||
MHU consortium (annual contribution) | Survey Street trust | |
Upton House & AIPU MHU extras | SST plus Kmart & Coles vouchers from Givit. | |
Salvo Hawks support for 2024/25 (pizza for home games | ||
Chances Scholarships donation | Survey Street trust ? | |
Xmas gift project | ||
Rotary SAFE Families | ||
Note: not all the funds previously approved has been expended as I have been able to source vouchers. But rather than have a running total it is cleaner to re-approve a budget.
My plan has been to have active projects that engage members in the time that they have to give. I think that we have achieved this.
It has been a privilege to service as Community Service Director and I look forward to supporting Kevin Rose next year.
Katrina Flinn – 4.6.24
Community Service Director 2023/24