Meeting date:
23 August 2022
23 August 2022
Reporter:
John Ilott
John Ilott
Visitors:
Murray Anderson, Assistant Governor Batman Cluster
Nicholas Oei, Global Scholar and international student mentee
Members’ announcements:
Peter Duras advised that Caprice has once again been generous with their support, on this occasion a donation of swimming goggles. If you have an association with a swimming club or association, please contact Peter.
Millie Swann reported on the success of the reconnection dinners last Saturday, 20 August. Her hard work in organising the dinners was recognised by members. She reminded members of the proposed family event on Sunday, 11 September.
Guest speaker:
Susie Cole, Chair RIMERN, Past President RC Prahran Rotary Inner Melbourne Emergency Relief Network (RIMERN) is a Rotary project established in 2021 by the Rotary Club of Prahran and now supported by 15 clubs, including Rotary Central Melbourne. RIMERN assists people coming out of homelessness, domestic violence, refugee displacement, jail, loss of homes owing to disaster or crisis. These people are clients of member welfare agencies who are helping them settle into homes. RIMERN helps to fit them out.
Guest speaker:
Susie Cole, Chair RIMERN, Past President RC Prahran Rotary Inner Melbourne Emergency Relief Network (RIMERN) is a Rotary project established in 2021 by the Rotary Club of Prahran and now supported by 15 clubs, including Rotary Central Melbourne. RIMERN assists people coming out of homelessness, domestic violence, refugee displacement, jail, loss of homes owing to disaster or crisis. These people are clients of member welfare agencies who are helping them settle into homes. RIMERN helps to fit them out.
RIMERN operates every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday and now has core volunteer groups who are familiar with the work to be done. However casual volunteers are always welcome, including non-Rotarians. Accommodation for clients is “styled” in order to create a comfortable home environment. As most clients are in younger age brackets, RIMERN seeks donations of furniture and furnishings to suit these age groups.
Susie highlighted four key benefits of RIMERN.
- It is a community service for people in need.
- It is beneficial to the environment as it saves unwanted furniture from landfill.
- Membership of Rotary clubs can benefit from its appeal to non-Rotarian volunteers.
- Outstanding public relations for Rotary and clubs whose members are seen as people of action.
Susie outlined plans for the next steps in RIMERN’s growth. These included the acquisition of a van with hydraulic lift, more regular volunteers, effective links to government and philanthropy and the appointment of salaried staff.
After listening to Susie’s energetic presentation, it’s easy to see why RIMERN has been so successful after only one year. She has combined drive with vision and she was able to convey that enthusiasm to members and visitors. More information can be obtained by calling 1300-924-123 or emailing volunteers@rimern.org.au