FROM THE LAST MEETING

FROM THE LAST MEETING – 1st September 2026

 Guest Speaker: Anne Mitchell – Steps Outreach Service (Concern Australia)

The Steps Outreach Service is a Melbourne-based youth homelessness program run by Concern Australia. Operating since 1985, workers and volunteers meet and support children, young people, and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness through night-time street engagement around the CBD and ongoing daytime support.

How the Service Works

  • Street Outreach: Teams meet young people directly where they gather, famously including the steps of Flinders Street Station, during night patrols.
  • Daytime Support: Provides ongoing relational care, advocacy, practical material aid (like food and clothing), support at court, Centrelink and referrals.
  • Holistic Pathways: Connects youth with long-term housing solutions, educational support, mentoring programs, and life-skills training.

Every night in Australia there are more than 122,000 homeless people. Rough sleepers have increased by 10%. Victoria has 30,000 homeless people and 24% are youth.

Steps Outreach Services and Rotary Central Melbourne collaborate in a number of ways:

  1. Bernie Gerlinger Hope for The Future Scholarship – supports young people to stay connected to educations. This aims to break the cycle of poverty and disadvantage. The program provides material aid, mentorship and introduces participants to extracurricular activities such as sport or the arts. Ultimately the aim is to help young people reach their potential.
  2. Tree of Joy – With RCM’s support Step Outreach has been able to develop relationships corporate partners who have been will to support the annual Christmas gift drive for young people. RCM has played a significant role in making some of these introductions.
  3. Christmas Hampers – are produced and procured each year by RCM members. These are distributed to families to assist with the basics during the festive season.

Anne highlighted Steps Outreach Services “maintain hope for people until they have hope for themselves”. 

Anne thanked RCM and it’s members for their ongoing support.

 

Members’ Announcements

Neville John – highlighted the significance of the clubs Bunnings sausage sizzle activities. In the absence of alternate major fundraising activities, the sausage sizzles provide a significant ongoing revenue source for the club. These funds are what enable RCM to deliver many of the services and support to the community.  Member’s support to conduct these activities is crucial. 

Rhys Williams – provided an update Mawien Ariik’s home village of Lou Ariik in South Sudan. Tribal violence continues with 60 people dead and many displaced. He extends his gratitude for the donations. Donations can be made at http://southsudanesehealth.org/donate

The Fundraising and Foundation committee are seeking creative fundraising activities to complement the club’s current efforts. 

The committee has also reintroduced regular raffles. The first has been sent to members and will support fundraising during Foundation month.

 

Elias Lebbos – would like to remind members that our Music Exchange student, Rosa Mendez from Germany will be arriving in Melbourne next Wednesday 9 September. Rosa will be staying with Rhys, Roy and Elias. Her music schedule hasn’t been finalized yet so it is difficult to determine when she will be available to spend time with club members. I’ll keep you posted.

Presidents Announcements

Paul Fowler – informed members the Board had met on 19 August and a number of changes to the way club members meet were agreed.

  • The introduction of hybrid meetings was approved. The necessary equipment has been purchased and is being tested. These meeting should go live before the end of 2026.
  • The club will trial an evening meeting on Tuesday 17 November. This meeting will commence with a short 15 minute session in the auditorium and followed by drinks and dinner in the bar across the hall.
  • The club AGM will be conducted online at 7:30 am on Tuesday 24 November. Members are encouraged to attend as it is important that we have a quorum.
  • This year’s Christmas Party will be held as a luncheon at the Savoy Hotel. Details to follow.