The outstanding work of rotarian Jane Cox
Posted by Jo Dumesny
Geelong central rotarian Jane Cox was a director of Australian Rotary Health Foundation (ARH), and her tenure has just come to an end. Jane has contributed to ARH working towards research into health issues, principally mental health. It also helps fund the indigenous health scholarships – for a nurse or other health workers from outback who return to provide services in their community.
 
Jane is pictured receding an award for her outstanding contribution for her time on the ARH board. Congratulations Jane.
Have you had the chat?
Fighting Disease
 
This Month our Guest Speaker was Rotarian Ian Aranyosi, speaking on Donate Life and Organ Donation
 
Fact: If you want to become an organ or tissue donor, you need to tell your family.

💜It makes it harder for families to decide if they don’t know what their loved one wanted.

7 out of 10 families say yes to donation, if they already know that their loved one wants to be a donor. This increases to 9 out of 10 families saying yes, if their loved one is a registered donor.

👨‍👩‍👦‍👦When the family is unaware, only 4 out of 10 families agree to donation. Why not discuss your decision with your family tonight and check to make sure you're registered on our website
 
 
(Adopted from the Donate Life Instagram page)
Volunteer of the Year Award
The Rotary Club of Geelong Central and Rotary Club of Kardinia, in association with Volunteering Geelong are pleased to announce the return of the Geelong Volunteer of The Year. The Awards recognise volunteers across Geelong and honour those who offer their time and expertise to help the local community.
 
With nominations opening TODAY for the 2022 volunteer of the year awards, it's time to nominate those who give back. Do you know of an organisation or person who deserves recognition for their community efforts in Geelong and the surrounding region?
 
Entries close October 7
 
Thank you to sponsors: Geelong Connected Communities, Geelong Insurance Brokers, and Standby Security.
Rotary Youth Exchange Video 2022
Posted by Rotary International
Youth Service
Rotary Youth Exchange allows students to learn a new language, experience another culture, and become global citizens. Checkout the new video here!
Sustainable House Day
Posted by Linda Carr
  
Sustainable House Day 2022 Announced!

Sustainable House Day is on again this year, coming to Geelong & surrounds for its 14th iteration. We are incredibly excited about what we have on offer this year!

Saturday 15th & Sunday 16th October: Put it in your diary as we would love to see you there!

What do we have in store for you this year?!

A full day of in-person seminars and a full day of Open Houses!

 
 

Saturday 15th October: Seminar Showcase

This year we are running three specialist education seminars on the following topics:

These seminars require bookings as there are limited seats, so book now to make sure you don’t miss out!

Secure Your Spot Today
 
 

Sunday 16th October: Open House Day

We’ve got an amazing selection of properties for you to explore for our open house day on Sunday 16th October.

Discover surprising insights, learn about innovative approaches and projects through these sustainable homes and get professional guidance from architects, builders, energy experts and project managers.

This day is free!! Just come along on the day and check out our diversity of open homes.

Take a sneak peak at the nine houses open on Sunday 16th October here.

If you’re thinking about renovating, retrofitting, building, dreaming up a home in the future or just wanting to learn more about sustainability, then this weekend is for you.

We can’t wait to see you there!

Learn More About Sustainable House Day
Rotary Australia Relocating Playgrounds
 
This On the 10th of September members loaded a 40ft container with 9 playgrounds plus school supplies supplied (from DIK) ready to ship to The Rotary Club of Port Moresby, who will have them installed at the General Hospital (Childrens Ward), Police Station (Domestic Violence Unit – to occupy children whilst mum is interviewed), Ella beach, and at 5 schools.
 
Well done to everyone who could assist.
International Peace Day
Posted by Jed Castle on Sep 21, 2022
Promoting Peace
On September 21st, Rotary Celebrated International Peace Day. Each year, Rotary awards up to 130 fully funded fellowships for dedicated leaders from around the world to study at one of our peace centres. Since the program began in 2002, the Rotary Peace Centers have trained more than 1,500 fellows who now work in over 115 countries. For more information, contact our District Peace Fellowship Officer Jenny Acopian and see the District Page and the RI Page.
African Bantu Festival
Posted by Linda Carr
The fabulous Bantu Festival is on again Saturday 8 Oct 2022, 02:00 PM - 07:00 PM. 
 
Bantu Fest is a family friendly event that is held every 4 months in Geelong. The festival gives Geelong residents + visitors to the region the opportunity to experience urban African culture through music, film, dance, arts and food.
 
Our festival showcases the positive aspects of our community while breaking down the social disconnection
 
Types of activities which will be conducted at the Event: African Live Bands, Dance & drum performances, Face painting , Henna tattoos and acrobatic performances. 
Come along for live music, delicious food, drinks, market stalls, + entertainment. This is a cultural immersion showcasing foods from West Africa, South Africa, Jamaica, Ethiopia, and more

Bringing Geelong, a wide range of Africa’s finest tastes, style, home wares, exceptional talent, and more!

  • Barwon Valley Activity Centre. Barwon Valley Activity Centre, Wadawurrung Country, 1 Barwon Heads Road Geelong,
 
The Bantu Collective
Posted by Jed Castle
Bantu collective incorporated compromises of 12 members from different African countries which include Zimbabwe, Kenya, Uganda, Sudan, South Africa, Nigeria, Malawi, Botswana to mention a few. 
 
We create platforms and meaningful ways that our community’s can engage with the wider Geelong community. 
 
The events provide the Geelong community and visitors a unique cultural celebration experience and help to build social cohesion. It boosts cultural pride, social engagement, communication, awareness of our culture, and new knowledge for the Geelong community.
 
We hope it support our community's cultural identity across generations. And increase our capacity to enhance the lives of marginalized or isolated people in our community by trying to make Geelong their new home.
 
Bantu is the Zulu word for people. Bantu is also the name of tribes that are from central Africa all the at to Southern Africa. It is one of the the largest tribes in Africa. 
DG Kathy's Official Visit
Fellowship
Last week we had the District Governors Official visit to the club. DG Kathy Rivett is from RC of Alfredton, Ballarat. She commenced by inducting our three newest members: Jonathan Hines, Vic Hope & Cath Powell.
 
Kathy presented to the club, challenging us to bring fun to our meetings & club activities. She is looking forward to our members attending her District Conference in Ballarat in March and has given the club a jigsaw piece to bring along (President Don was able to change it from Mongolia to New Zealand). She also recommends members attend the Rotary International Convention in May, as it won’t get any closer. She presented on this year’s theme, Imagine, and asked us to imagine the changes we could make in the world. She ran through some of the programs of Rotary, including ROMAC, RYLA, RYGEN & RLI.
 
Kathy was impressed that our club is on the right track in lots of ways, including removal of impediments to visitors & new members being made welcome in the club. We have long ago abolished the old-fashioned things that don’t fit modern society, such as fines sessions, invocation/grace, and singing the national anthem.
August Market 2022
Geelong Waterfront Makers & Growers Market
The Geelong Waterfront Makers & Growers’ Market on Sunday, August 7 was a big day for the majority of stall holders. Whether it was cakes, soaps, jewellery or gem stones, the 7000 strong public attendance made the most of the clear 14 C temperature.
 
 
Remember the next market will be on the waterfront on Sunday, September 4.
Changeover Dinner and Paul Harris Fellowships 2022
 
Fellowship
On Tuesday the 5th of July, we celebrate the conclusion of a Rotary year and the beginning of another with our annual changeover dinner.
 
As we reflected on the year, we looked back at the contributions we have made. Overall, we donated $42,816.61 to various causes. You can see the full breakdown here
 
On the night, President Don made some award presentations to those doing outstanding work in the community.
  • We presented Ken Petzerides with a Paul Harris Fellowship, for his fantastic work with Shoulder to Shoulder
  • We presented Jan McGowan with a Paul Harris Fellowship, for her work with the Christ Church Meals program for the homeless.
Don also presented PDG Phil Beasley with his 5th PHF Sapphire pin & Richard Oakley his 3rd PHF Sapphire pin. Don also presented a Paul Harris Fellow to his wife, Loida Shields.
 
We thanked Phil Beazley for his service to the club over many years and said that although he has transferred to RC of Torquay, he will always be a Geelong Centralarian as far as we are concerned, and he is welcome back at any time.
 
Finally, Ken Petzerides presented the club with a Certificate of Appreciation for the Fuel Safety Cabinet we presented him.
This wonderful night of celebration was a great end to a wonderful rotary year. Thank you to everyone involved for their hard work and dedication.
Geelong Drone Expo 2023
Posted on Jul 27, 2022
Geelong Drone Expo 2023
 
 
The Geelong Drone Expo 2023 will be an exciting addition to our region’s events calendar.  Whether you are an experienced drone operator for business or leisure or just starting out and want to learn more there will be much to keep you enthralled. Come face-to-face with how drones are used in community organisations and industry.  Hear from government and academic speakers on innovation, safety and trends.  The Drone SWAP meet will provide a chance to recycle and met up with like-minded enthusiasts.
 
But let’s be honest, not all the family may be interested in drones so there will be activities for the children and tastings and music to keep all visitors entertained as well.  You can even dine in style at the Winning Post Restaurant. Oh.. and did we mention the Drone Racing Demonstrations?
 
Geelong is a UNESO City of Design and how better to demonstrate this than through the Drone Photo competition, open to all clever and budding artists.
 
And the best bit ………….100% of surplus funds raised will be used by Rotary to assist with housing stress relief in the Greater Geelong area.  Come along – enjoy the day and support our local businesses and community.
Nepal Hospital
Posted by Linda Carr
Saving mothers and children
 
 
District Conference at Port Fairy features a powerful presentation by Dr Louise Harper about genital prolapse prevalent in Nepal.  Dr Harper spoke about the impact Rotary has had on their fundraising to build a hospital to train local medicos and treat young mothers suffering with this easily treated malfunction.
 
Geelong Central is investigating a local event to raise awareness and funds, to complement District’s efforts.  Watch out for more details and check out this site for more information about the hospital. Australians for Women's Health
 
 
"Together we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change - across the globe, in our communities and in ourselves"
    
We are an active club, with not much formality. Twenty-two projects on the go, ranging from supporting a Leprosy mission in Thailand, dismantling local good playgrounds to send overseas and recognising excellence within our own community. We are keen to hear about community needs.  Come and talk to us.
 
We gather weekly to discuss projects and community happenings in cafes around Geelong and on zoom. Tuesdays 7:30am-8:30am. You can see what is coming up further down the page.   
 
Our Waterfront market, held on Wadawurrung country, on the first Sunday of the month, is famous across the region and we can always use ad hoc assistance.  Come on down and see us at the Rotary van, near the carousel and band bollards.
 
All visitors to meetings and the market will be warmly welcomed. We acknowledge that our nation is enriched by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the millions of people who have made a new life here.
Upcoming Events

You can volunteer as a Friend of Rotary at our monthly Waterfront market; overseas playground recycling program, 100 tree planting in June and many other opportunities.  Come along when you can.

Market Site for NFP and Charities
We reserve a market site at each of our Sunday Waterfront markets for not-for-profits and registered charities who wish to connect to a broader audience.  Email waterfrontmarketgeelong@gmail.com for more information.
 
Club Executives & Directors
President
Don Shields
Vice/Immediate Past President
Linda Carr
Secretary, Shared with Assistant
Jane Cox
Assistant Secretary
Jo Dumesny
Treasurer
Doug McDonald
Community Service
Kim Tompkins
Youth Service
Catherine Lockhart
Vocational Services
Gary Robinson
International Service
Colin Peel
Membership & FoR
Don Shields
Rotary Foundation
James Nott
Public Relations
Jo Dumesny
Environment
Linda Carr
Fellowship
Kim Tompkins
Market Manager
Richard Oakley
Food Van
Max Findlay
Bulletin Editor
Jed Castle