Rotary Central Melbourne – Meeting Report
Tuesday 4th August 2026
Tuesday 4th August 2026
Speaker: Shane Juge, Founder, Safe Roads For Us
Topic: Choices, Resilience and Ripple Effects
Topic: Choices, Resilience and Ripple Effects
Shane shared a deeply personal presentation based on his lived experience following a fatal motor vehicle accident 15 years ago. His story illustrated how a single moment and choice can have lifelong consequences for individuals, families and communities.
Motivated by this experience, Shane founded Safe Roads For Us, a road safety and resilience initiative that uses storytelling and open conversations to help young people reflect on responsibility, risk-taking and safer choices. Its focus includes sporting clubs, parent groups, community organisations and youth groups. Shane also works as a facilitator with RYDA, complementing its school-based road safety programme.
Shane invited Rotary to support the initiative primarily through introductions and community connections rather than direct funding.
Potential Rotary actions:
- Explore a partnership with Safe Roads For Us.
- Connect Shane with City of Melbourne youth services.
- Facilitate introductions to Victoria Police contacts.
- Introduce the programme through community and sporting club networks.
Key message: One choice can change lives forever. Honest conversations before risks become realities can help prevent future tragedies.
Congratulations to Catherine “Cat” Crook, recipient of the 2025 RMIT Apprentice of the Year Award (Built Environment & Sustainability). Cat shared her inspiring journey from fine-dining chef to fourth-year plumbing apprentice, highlighting the importance of leadership, mentoring fellow students, and embracing career change.
Tree Planting Success
A strong Rotary turnout helped plant approximately 1,220 native plants at the recent environmental project. Thanks to all members and volunteers who contributed to a highly successful day.
A strong Rotary turnout helped plant approximately 1,220 native plants at the recent environmental project. Thanks to all members and volunteers who contributed to a highly successful day.
Fundraising Update
The recent Bunnings BBQ raised approximately $1,100 despite challenging weather conditions. Another BBQ fundraiser will be held at Port Melbourne on 9 August. Bunnings events continue to provide valuable funding and public awareness for Rotary projects.
The recent Bunnings BBQ raised approximately $1,100 despite challenging weather conditions. Another BBQ fundraiser will be held at Port Melbourne on 9 August. Bunnings events continue to provide valuable funding and public awareness for Rotary projects.
NGSE Scholar Confirmed
We look forward to welcoming Rosa Mendoza from Nuremberg, Germany, from 9 September to 19 October. Rosa is a violinist, music educator and strong advocate for community engagement. Members will have opportunities to host and support her during her stay.
We look forward to welcoming Rosa Mendoza from Nuremberg, Germany, from 9 September to 19 October. Rosa is a violinist, music educator and strong advocate for community engagement. Members will have opportunities to host and support her during her stay.
Strength for Healthy Ageing
Hamish McDonnell from Kieser Australia presented on the critical role of strength training in maintaining mobility, independence and wellbeing as we age. Members were invited to a special Rotary information evening at Kieser Melbourne on 8 September.
Hamish McDonnell from Kieser Australia presented on the critical role of strength training in maintaining mobility, independence and wellbeing as we age. Members were invited to a special Rotary information evening at Kieser Melbourne on 8 September.
Club Reminders
- Please ensure your Working With Children Check remains current.