Hearty congratulations to the 16 projects from 15 clubs that were awarded District Recognitions for 2022-23 in the Rotary International ’People of Action’ categories.
Recognition under the ‘CONNECT: Connecting to make things better’ category went to:
Rotary Bacchus Marsh, Flower & Garden Show
Taking over management of the Bacchus Marsh Flower and Garden Show in 2021to provide a welcome and much-needed post lockdown social outlet for people of all ages from school children to the elderly. The Flower and Garden show not only connects the community, but is a showcase for Rotary Bacchus Marsh and Rotary in general.
Rotary Glenferrie, Boroondara Farmer's Market
The only club project not interrupted by Covid. During the pandemic it played a significant role in connecting club members, stallholders, producers, patrons and the wider Boroondara community.
Rotary Wyndham, Kitting for a Cause
Established during the pandemic, providing an opportunity for members and friends to use their skills in a different way – using donated yarn to knit garments for people in need as widely distributed as the Pacific Islands, Nigeria, India, and locals, connecting club members, volunteers and recipients.
Recognition under the ‘EMPOWER: empowering those who have big dreams to achieve great things’ category went to:
Rotary Central Melbourne, South Sudan Menstrual Hygiene and Education
Building upon their South Sudanese Health Matters project, established by their member, Mawien Ariik, a refugee from South Sudan. The project distributed 800 re-usable menstrual hygiene kits along with an education program on women’s sanitary hygiene. The outcome was to improve school retention and education performance and empower girls in their community.
Rotary Hawthorn, Rotary Safe Families
Rotary Stopping Abuse in Families Everywhere, or (SAFE) Families program which promotes a model for recognition and prevention of all forms of family abuse. With a wide a range of supporting materials, the program has been widely adopted, empowering individuals and communities to recognise and prevent family abuse in all its forms.
Recognition under the ‘FIGHT HUNGER: Fighting hunger to build stronger communities’ category went to:
Rotary E-Club of Melbourne, Rotary E-meals
Harnesses club members and volunteers to turn donated food goods into nutritious meals to be distributed by club members to recipients facing hunger. By consuming the meals, beneficiaries end their hunger, making them more likely to make positive contributions to society.
Recognition under the ‘INSPIRE: Inspiring the next generation’ category went to:
Rotary Brighton North, Recycle Regatta
Community boat race of teams who have built watercraft from 100% recycled materials. Nearly $10,000 was raised for Teen Mental Health First Aid - a truly inspiring outcome. With support from Foundation and Bayside Council grants, and participation by 90% of club members, as well as local Scouts and many other community members.
Rotary Rochester, Community Flood Recovery And Support
Flood recovery both away, in the northern rivers region of NSW during their floods; and at home, when floods hit Rochester in October 2022. The club members harnessed numerous Rotary clubs, community organisations and donors in their wide-ranging pre- and post-flood activities, from filling sandbags to gardening and foodbanks, a truly inspiring effort from a small country club.
Rotary Werribee, Orphanage School, Philippines
Funded – including a The Rotary Foundation grant – the purchase of equipment for eight new classrooms at the Bahay Ni San Jose Orphanage in the Philippines. The school, a dream of the Dominican Sisters who run it, caters for children in trouble and at risk. Their specialist education provides a foundation and inspiration for the children to further their learning.
Recognition under the ‘LEARN: Learning together to explore what’s possible’ category went to:
Rotary Altona City, Australia Day Community Event
A pilot Australia Day event at Central Square Shopping Centre, Altona Meadows. Recognising that Australia Day is a is a day to reflect, respect and celebrate, activities included a focus on Indigenous performers and articles, providing brochures explaining Australia’s flags and symbols, and entertainment. The event reached over 6,000 people, with the opportunity to learn more of our history.
Recognition under the ‘PROMOTE PEACE: Promoting peace through understanding’ category went to:
Rotary Melbourne, Peace Bells, Rotary Melbourne Peace Park
Public installation of four Peace Bells in Rotary Melbourne Peace Park commemorating the four steps to peace: seek peace within, make peace at home, create peace in your community, and foster peace between peoples and lands. The park will provide a focal point for an annual event on the club’s calendar and for peace-based celebrations in the city.
Recognition under the ‘SAVE LIVES: Working together to save lives’ category went to:
Rotary Bendigo South, Natalia Project Stage 2
Arranged for pro bono radical surgery for West Papuan (Indonesian) young woman, Natalia, who suffers from neurofibromatosis, resulting in facial tumours and a badly broken leg. Prior to surgery, Natalia suffered bullying, and was living the life of a recluse. Since surgery, Natalia has become outgoing and physically active. It has literally saved her life.
Rotary Central Melbourne, Youth Mental Health Workshops
Initiated in response to growing evidence of youth mental health issues, particularly post pandemic. The program covers identification of mental health issues, the broad causes, and how to intervene. Over the full program, 84 people will be trained, an outcome that will surely save lives.
Rotary Footscray, Medical Equipment for Horn of Africa
Brings medical equipment, particularly dialysis machines, to locations such as public hospitals, where they are either unavailable or in short supply. Lives have been extended for patients who don’t have the resources to access dialysis in private hospitals.
And recognition under the ‘TRANSFORM: Uniting problem solvers around the globe’ category went to:
Rotary Melton, Hay Runs To Flooded Areas
Which supported delivery of many truckloads of hay, specialist feed, and care products, to drought-affected farmers and families in New South Wales. Cattle that had become sick from eating mud were saved, to the delight of the local farmers; and the recipients of the care packages felt that someone cared for them. A major project, with multiple donors and participants that transformed a community.
Rotary Keilor East, Water for Education, Cambodia
Project W provides clean drinking water for four rural high schools in Siem Reap Cambodia. Biosand filtration provided potable water, transforming the lives of 2,664 students, and 400 families. The communities are healthier and happier and, a by-product, the need for 40,000 plastic water bottles annually has been eliminated.
Imagine Rotary and the impact the great work of the people of action in those clubs has made to improve lives across the globe.
