Bit of a rocky start when no one was there to greet us with an open door to the venue. Thankfully, a Church warden had a key and so a very energetic half hour was spent rolling out tables, finding someone to set up for our lunch meeting.

We had 2 District Governors there, Neta Kirby District 9790 and Ron Payne and Deb, District 9800. Six Rotary Clubs of the area, Shepparton, Shepparton South and Central, Tatura, Kyabram and Mooroopna.  Photo: Dorothy with Ron and Neta, left.

The President of the Ethnic Council, Sam Atukorala who is also a Rotarian, and many of his Community Leaders and a couple from African House were greeted by our ICI Team. Fancy juices and refreshments including African donuts!!! They were a sensational “hit”!

My presentation included the important message that we want to “Give Men a Choice and Women a Voice” and the important role that Community Leaders can play in supporting and helping their diverse communities in prevention of family abuse.

Sam Atukorala commented that this was the first time, he had heard of our work. He was very excited that our Inclusive Communities Initiative has found a holistic approach to prevention of abuse. He loved the concept of family being kept together and not torn apart but given a chance to work together in improving their family dynamics. 

We believe that men need to be given a choice of behaviour when enraged, rather than summoned before a Court. We recognise the “drivers” of their anger – fear, disappointment, anxiety and loss and the need for alternate behaviours whilst empowering women to speak out, for the their safety and the safety of children.

We have been invited back to Shepparton to provide our Workshop to all their Community Leaders in the new year.

Our lunch was absolutely wonderful. Lugunya Mazambi, a Community Leader at African House provided us with a selection of beautiful meats and pastries, rice and donuts! The goat stole the show. Everyone commented that they had never tasted goat meat like Lugunya’s Congolese recipe.

Note: Dorothy was so excited when DG Neta Kirby arrived early on a Spyder three wheel motorbike! “ I have always dreamed of owning a Spyder and I got the chance to sit on it and rev the heated handlebars.  Stereo sound system, a space for my Rosy safely on the back, I have visions of road trips in the future.  Vroom vroom!!!”

See Dorothy having a test-run (left)

Thank you Rotary Hawthorn for your special support of this event.