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Garrthalala Project Update

Colin shared a short video which updated the Garrthalala project the Club was involved in starting in 2006. It was a major project for the club and one that is dear to the hearts of those who were involved. It was as great to hear from the graduating students in the video and to see recognition of the work done by the Club with this plaque below.

Highlighted in the photos below are the buildings constructed by the Club members:

Primary school classroom initially built at the start of the project and
Where one classroom was added to an already built 2 classroom complex.

This is more about the education program conducted at the Garrthalala site taken directly from their Facebook page:

“The Learning on Country Program is a collaborative initiative between Aboriginal ranger groups and several of Territory schools across the Top End, engaging remote Indigenous students in education, with a focus on ‘both ways’ learning through the combination of curriculum and culture.

The success of the program is attributed to students boarding on country at school during the week and returning to their homelands at weekends to fulfill cultural obligations rather than just hanging out as teenagers often do!

This program is a foundational element of Laynhapuy Homelands School's Makarraṯa Senior Secondary program. Check out this special video celebrating the programs support towards the success of Laynhapuy’s 2024 school leavers.”

Learn more:
You can see the full video, which runs for 3.5 minutes, here, (please note it will take you to a Facebook video)

Rotary Peace Fellowships

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.

Through academic training, practice, and global networking opportunities, the Rotary Peace Centres program develops the capacity of peace and development professionals to become effective catalysts for peace. The fellowships cover tuition and fees, room and board, round-trip transportation, and internship and field-study expenses.

Since 2002, 1,800 fellows trained now working in 140 Countries, many serve as leaders in governments; NGOs; education and research institutions; peacekeeping and law enforcement agencies; and international organizations like the United Nations and the World Bank.

Program Vision

Sustainable peace
Encompassing a network of peacebuilders and community leaders
Dedicated to preventing & resolving conflicts around the globe

Program Levels
Master’s program:

Those near the start of their careers
50 fellows per year (10 per center)
15-24 month course with an applied field experience

Certificate program:

Proven peace and development leaders
80 fellows selected next year (40 per center)
One-year blended learning program intended for working professionals with a social change initiative

Peacebuilding Education Partners:

Eligibility Restrictions

Active Rotary members, or Rotaract members who are also Rotary members, and their spouses or lineal descendants are not eligible
Rotaract club members, who are not also Rotary club members, are eligible to apply.
Rotary Peace Fellows who have completed the certificate program or a Global Grant Scholarship must wait 3 years between the end date of that program and their intended start date for the fellowship.
Candidates must have at least 3 years between the completion of their most recent academic degree program (undergraduate or graduate degree) and their intended start date for the fellowship. Candidates currently enrolled or who will be enrolled this year in an undergraduate or graduate program are not eligible to apply.

What can we do as Rotarians?

Know someone who would be a great peace fellow? Submit their name and email in our referral form and they will receive more information.
Use our promotional resources available on the Rotary Peace Fellowships webpages to promote the program within your communities and networks.
Follow the Rotary Peace Centers Facebook page and share posts and application announcements.
Recruit local candidates and help them apply. Submit a club/district recommendation form within their application

Toilet Block Taking Shape!

In the final week of February further Rotary toilet block site inspections have taken place in Arambol & Dabal in the Goa region of India. At these inspections (see photos of one of the new toilet blocks & rendered internal work) the contractor was given levels for the tiles, urinals and other finishing work.

Nester Sequeira, Rotarian and supervisor of this international project, states he is happy with the progress. “All the civil work is now complete. What remains to be done is the tiling, plumbing, electrical work, fixing of the doors / windows and the painting,” he said.

The British partners in the project are scheduled to visit Goa from March 17 – 20 and at which time one of the toilet blocks is scheduled to be completed. This project has come about with funds from Geelong Central, Panaji in Goa India, Yarmouth Haven in the UK, District support and a Rotary WASH (Water Sanitation Hygiene) Global Grant.

Rotary Overseas Relocated Playgrounds

Recently members of the club completed the loading of a 40ft container with 11 playgrounds which will soon be on its way to Zimbabwe. The container will also include additional items such as 4 wheelchairs which are destined to a shelter for the disabled. These were sourced from RARE (formerly DIK) in North Geelong.

100th Anniversary of Rotary in Geelong

October 2025 is the 100th anniversary of the first Rotary Club being formed in Geelong, from which all other local Rotary Clubs are descended, either directly, or from one of the Clubs formed by the Rotary Club of Geelong – the original club.

To mark the anniversary, there will be a dinner dance held at the Italian Social Club on 18th of October. Please keep this date available and place it in your diary. More details to follow.

There is also a fund being established with the Geelong Community Foundation which aims to raise $100,000, which will be perpetual, and proceeds from the fund will go to supporting the local community. Clubs are being asked to contribute to the fund, but it is also open to business, members, and the public. Contributions are tax deductible.

Finally, a brochure is being produced to record 100 projects that have been completed over the last 100 years by local Rotary Clubs. Each club is being requested to nominate its projects for this brochure.

Please contact President Don if you would like more information

54 Art Fair

Discover the Vibrance of Africa at the 54 Art Fair – Coming April 2025!

Step into a world of creativity, culture, and connection as we bring the 54 Art Fair to life! This event celebrates the rich diversity of contemporary African art, showcasing breath taking visual art, installations, and multimedia works from renowned and emerging African artists and those in the diaspora.

Event Highlights:

Exhibitions: Discover stunning works from local and international artists, featuring a mix of traditional and modern art styles.
Engaging Experiences: Enjoy art displays, music, and interactive workshops.
Cultural Workshops: Immerse yourself in culture with bead-making, crafting, textile art, and live drumming performances!

Whether you’re an art lover, culture enthusiast, or just looking for something unique, the 54 Art Fair promises an unforgettable experience for everyone!

Find out more here!

Bantu African Fest

Get ready to immerse yourself in the heart of Africa! Bantu Fest is back, bringing vibrant energy, rich culture, and unforgettable experiences to Geelong.

Feel the Vibes
From traditional African rhythms to the hottest Afro beats, this year’s festival features an electrifying mix of local talent and international artists who will light up the stage with incredible performances. Dance, drum, and groove your way through an extraordinary lineup of live music and performances.

Taste the Culture
Embark on a culinary journey with delicious dishes and drinks inspired by the diverse flavors of Africa. From spicy stews to sweet treats, there’s something for everyone—including an Ethiopian coffee ceremony!

Shop the Stalls
Discover vibrant market stalls showcasing unique homewares, handmade fashion, and artisan goods. Take home something special while supporting local and international vendors.

Fun for All Ages
Bantu Fest is a family-friendly event with activities for everyone! Enjoy face painting, cultural arts and crafts, interactive workshops, and kids’ entertainment that will leave little ones smiling.

Come celebrate the spirit, sounds, and flavors of Africa in a day filled with music, culture, and community. Be there or be square!!

Find out more here!

2025 Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race

The Rotary Club of Geelong Central made a notable contribution to the 2025 Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race by operating their food van at the event. As one of the key community service organisations, they provided a vital service to spectators, athletes, and event staff, offering a variety of food and refreshments throughout the race weekend.

The presence of the Rotary food van not only supported the race's atmosphere but also demonstrated the club’s ongoing commitment to community engagement and fundraising. Proceeds from the food sales are directed towards the club's charitable initiatives, which include supporting local projects and organisations.

The Rotary Club’s involvement in such a significant event highlights its important role in both the local community and at large-scale events. Volunteers from the club worked tirelessly to ensure smooth operations and positive interactions with visitors. This participation further solidified the Rotary Club of Geelong Central as a dedicated and active force in promoting community spirit and charitable work.

February Market

The February Geelong Waterfront Makers and Growers Market started with a little nervousness, but as forecast the winds were kind to us at the Waterfront. Stall numbers were down but the visitor numbers were up on the previous month.

Those visitors to the Geelong Waterfront Makers and Growers Market who ventured out enjoyed the market and the shelter from the South Easterly winds as only this location can do.

We are all looking forward to returning to our regular Market schedule of the first Sunday of the Month, after the reschedule for February due to the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race Event.

Beanies!

International sailors visiting the Port of Geelong continue to benefit from an initiative started four years ago – making beanies.

Geelong Central Rotary accepted the call to make beanies.

Relaxing Glenda Oakley has now produced 190 brightly colored knitted beanies, which have been handed over to the Mission to Seafarers at Geelong. Rev. Noak Park, chaplain of the Mission to Seafarers, is grateful for the support of Rotary in making this contribution. Glenda is one of many people around Australia who make beanies for seafarers. In December the Mission to Seafarers at Geelong celebrated its 125th anniversary as a community partner in providing support to seafarers from around the world. This has been in the form of offering practical assistance, a safe place to rest and pastoral care to those who are far from their homes.

Collaborative Effort Brings New Toilet Block to Schools in Goa

A new toilet block is under construction in Goa, India, thanks to a collaborative effort. Geelong Central Rotary’s funds, matched by two other Rotary clubs, our district, and a global grant, are making this project possible for multiple schools in Goa.

Rotarian Nester Sequeira from the Goa Club is overseeing the build, ensuring the successful completion of this important facility for the local community.

The Power of Giving

Our Club proudly donated $11,020 to the Rotary Foundation during the 2023-24 financial year as noted in the recently adopted financial report for the year. The donations were made to the Rotary International Polio and World Funds and the Global Grant Funding for the Goa WASH hygiene and sanitation project.

Why give to the Rotary Foundation?

90.8% of funds received go straight to service projects in the seven areas of focus that guide the allocation of Rotary Foundation grants:

Peace and conflict prevention: Rotary supports initiatives that help transform conflict in communities and around the world.
Disease prevention and treatment: Rotary supports activities that reduce the causes and effects of disease.
Water, sanitation, and hygiene: Rotary supports activities that provide access to safe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene.
Maternal and child health: Rotary supports maternal and child health.
Basic education and literacy: Rotary supports basic education and literacy.
Economic and community development: Rotary supports investments in people and communities to alleviate poverty.
Environment: Rotary supports environmental initiatives

Ways you can also Give

Donate
Recurring Giving (Monthly/Quarterly/Yearly)
Planned Giving (through Estates or Financial Plans)
Memorial or Tribute

The Rotary Foundation provides a range of recognition of donors.

Further information

For more information about Rotary Foundation projects and how you can donate, please contact Cath Powell who is the Director for Foundation for the Rotary via the contact us page of our website.

Rotary Overseas Relocated Playgrounds Update

The Rotary Overseas Relocated Playgrounds Project has had a very busy month.

Several playgrounds were recently extracted, including:

Talona Crescent, Corio
Janet Court, Newcomb
Waurn Ponds Tennis Club
Detroit Crescent, Corio

Assistance from other Rotary clubs was instrumental in extracting the following playgrounds:

Ceres Reserve (Highton Rotary)
Lancaster Reserve, Newcomb (Ocean Grove Rotary)
Rosslare Court (Wyndham Rotary)
Winter Reserve, Belmont (Belmont Rotary)

Additionally, the Breamlea swing was collected and will be paired with the Waurn Ponds Tennis Club, which had previously lacked a swing.

In January, two playgrounds will be extracted from Kardinia International College, along with three others from storage. These will be sent to the Chiang Mai campus in Thailand for reinstallation at local schools.

On Friday, a 40ft container will be delivered to Digga Group in Moriac, where it will be loaded with 12 playgrounds bound for Harare, Zimbabwe, in the coming weeks.

Enclosed are pictures of the Detroit Crescent playground in Corio, both before and during extraction, as well as in storage.

Donation of Induction Range to Geelong Food Relief

In recognition of the induction range the club donated to Geelong Food Relief, members and family who attended the monthly volunteering, were surprised by a breakfast to thank the Club. The breakfast was delicious and cooked by Poppy and Archie Summons pictured with their proud dad and club member Tom. Also pictured are members doing their best to highlight the new range, in “Sale of the Century” style.

Donation of Fridge to Outpost Inc.

Donation of Fridge

The club donated $1,384 to Outpost Inc. for the purchase of a fridge freezer which you can see being delivered in the photo below.

The Outpost Inc: Feeding those in need since 1990.

The Outpost was established in February 1990 and is the ONLY non-referral after hours service feeding those in need 7 nights a week in the Greater city of Geelong area.

The Outpost abides by a “no questions asked: policy and serves food to a diverse range of local people including young families and children. Some people are sleeping in cars and doorways, while others aren’t homeless yet are doing it tough.

Not everyone visiting the Outpost is a rough sleeper as noted on their website:

“There’s a no referrals to access The Outpost – people can just turn up. Whoever presents for a meal, we serve.”

The Outpost provides more than serving a healthy hot meal – it is a safe meeting place within a welcoming no- judgemental environment.”

Opening Hours

The Outpost operates 7 nights a week for 365 days a year, providing meals during these times:

Lunch: Wednesday & Friday 10:30 am – 1:30pm

Dinner: 7 nights per week 7:00 pm – 9:00pm.

Services provided

Food and beverages: Hot healthy cooked meals, some of which are provided by Geelong Food Relief which sponsored by Club through direct donations and members volunteering on the 4^th Tuesday of each month. Meals can be eaten in or taken away and fresh fruit, vegetables and bread are also provided when available.

Necessities: such as new and recycled clothing and shoes, blankets and sleeping bags, personal hygiene products and other donated items such as books to read.

For more information about the services provided by Outpost please visit their website here.

"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.