The Lazarus Community Centre
On Tuesday the Rotary Club of Geelong Central heard from the Lazarus community centre manager on the wonderful work the Lazarus community centre does in our community.
 
The Lazarus Community had the following to say about their mission. “In 2013 a group from The Wesley Centre for Life Enrichment visited the Prahran Mission in Chapel Street. 18 months later in February 2015 the three city Churches in Geelong – St. Mary’s (Catholic Church), Christ Church (Anglican) & Wesley Uniting Church in Yarra Street reviewed social needs in Geelong and focused efforts on addressing homelessness and social isolation.
 
For the next 18 months the three Churches gathered together to form a planning & management group: Wendy Leigh, Michael Nolan, Gary McIlvena, Des Younghusband, Peter Gador-Whyte (minister at Wesley), Colin Hastings and other reps attended. Visits were made to the St Kilda Mission, Prahran Mission & the St Mary’s House of Welcome in Brunswick to inspect operational structures & how to do things well.
 
Our Mission: To provide a safe and welcoming place for people to meet and be supported as valued members of our community.
 
The Lazarus Centre is a place for people to feel safe and welcome. Somewhere where they can take a shower, wash and dry their clothes, have a light lunch, participate in activities, meet with volunteers and receive support from specialist homelessness staff.
 
All people are welcome whether they are homeless or not.”
January Market 2023
The January Market was a smash hit this month with a crowd of 10,000 people attending. The Public Holiday market, held at Steampacket Gardens was attended by 104 stall holders. 
 
Stall Holder Kerri Symes has been a long-standing market vendor, selling her range of baby clothes, cushions & dog mats. 
 
 
The next Makers and Growers Market will be on Sunday the 5th of February. 
 
 
Milo Tins for  the Christchurch Meals Program
President Don and PDG Jane presented Jan McGowan and Ruth from the Christchurch Meals Program with a cheque from sales of Milo tins which were generously provided by Nestlé. Our Club has been assisting this worthy program for over 22 years. Jane also donated a tin to the program. We look forward to further association with the Meals Program.
Milo Tins for Geelong Food Relief
President Don presented a cheque to Geelong Food Relief. This money came from Milo Tin Sales at Business Networking International (BNI), Business Builders Group (BBG), St Andrews in the South Lodge, and Geelong Lodge of Unity & Prudence (Freemasons).
 
Geelong Food Relief are always happy to have volunteers, should any member have a few hours to volunteer to assist.
 
We are looking forward to a vocational visit there next year.
First Aid for Ukraine
In response to an appeal & project between Rotary and the Australian Ukrainian Association, RAPP Australia Pty Ltd recently donated 6 pallets of medical bags & first aid items worth approx. $100,000 retail - which is extraordinarily generous. These pallets have been delivered to DIK Footscray and will be flown to Ukraine by the RAAF.
 
We are very grateful for RAPP Australia's Contribution.
 
Trivia Night
A Night of Fun and Fundraising - all welcome
 
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.
 
 
"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