"International House: Promoting Intercultural Understanding and Personal Growth"
In 1945 the Australian government invited university students from countries in South and South East Asia to study in Australia as part of an aid program called the Colombo Plan.
A significant number of these students came to study at the University of Melbourne. Various groups within and outside the University of Melbourne were interested in making these students feel welcome and assisting them to form friendships with Australian students. It was felt that the establishment of a new residential college for local and overseas students would best serve this interest.
The model of this new college was inspired by the International Houses'Worldwide Movement, particularly International Houses which were already operating successfully in Europe and the United States. The founders of the House wanted to produce graduates who were broadly educated and well informed on international affairs, and expected residents to acquire a keen appreciation of the values and cultures of others.
Tamra is Director of Marketing and Development at International House Melbourne. She has a Bachelors Degree in Communication Management and a Masters Degree in Arts. Tamra has worked in University education for nearly 20 years with the last 11 years at International House.
She finds her role most satisfying when she recruits Australian students from rural Australia and is able to give them the experience of living in a diverse and supportive community, something they may not found within their previous situations.
President Frank is very pleased to invite all associated with our club to 'Conference' next March.
" This year's District Conference is in Warrnambool from Friday 16 to Sunday 18 March 2018. March is the perfect time to visit Warrnambool. As is the norm, this Conference is being organised by Balwyn Rotary, the home of DG Peter Frueh.
Please now consider whether you are able to attend. EarlyBird Conference bookings/registrations close on 30 November 2017.
Our On To Conference Co-ordinator, is Sarah Overton, and Sarah will be pleased to help with any questions. You should book accommodation as soon as possible. Our Club has made a limited block booking at the Central Court Motel, 581 Raglan Pde, Warrnambool ( www.centralcourt.com.au ) and rooms can be reserved via Sarah - Standard Queen units are $135 p/night and Standard Twin $155 p/night. Details can be seen on the motel website. You can obviously arrange separate accommodation should you wish.
Also please let Sarah know if you plan to attend our Club Dinner at the Steakhouse Restaurant attached to the Central Court Motel on the Friday evening. All Club Dinners are being held at various venues on Friday 16 March after the Welcome event at Flagstaff Hill.
I look forward to seeing many of you at the Conference in Warrnambool. Don't forget to book before the Early Bird offer closes."
David Sia, CEO Techware Corporation [Australia] Pty Ltd
‘Personal Journey from Refugee to Success in Australia’.
David gave an inspiring talk covering his childhood in Laos, his family’s escape to Singapore and their ultimate arrival in Australia, where they have established a successful technology business. Although an IT company, the primary focus of this business is to help people to be able to build a better life.
David was born into a comfortably-off family in Vientiane, just before the Communists took over in Cambodia and slaughtered so many of its residents. Fearing a similar situation could occur in Laos, his parents, Chinese Christians, desired to flee Laos with their 5 young children. After several abortive attempts, his mother, together with three of the children, made an escape down the Mekong River to the sound of gun fire. She was subsequently reunited with her husband and two other children, who had had to escape separately, in a Thai refugee camp where they spent 6 months.
To build a better life for the family, his parents paid $1000 per head to stow away on a boat with 200 other people to try and reach Australia. However, the boat broke down between Singapore and Malaysia and the passengers spent 8 months on board, fed by the Singaporean authorities, until finally taken back to a refugee camp.
Under the Fraser Government, the family was ultimately accepted for resettlement in Australia, and finally arrived with their 5 children all aged under 10 years old. Benefactors gave toys and clothes, and they were provided with a Housing Commission flat. His parents worked hard in factories to send the children to private schools, and were ultimately able to buy a house in Clayton.
As club members age, even fund-raisers like sausage sizzles can be too physically demanding for many members.
Op shops have a variety of light work and do-able jobs, and short-shift rosters are not hard to arrange. What’s more, they get their revenue from the community, not by hitting the pockets of existing Rotary members. There’s probably half a dozen shops now run by D9800 clubs and scores nationally. Older women enjoy the shop work and men normally organise the transporting and re-cycling of goods, often in conjunction with Donations in Kind warehouses. Typically commitment is 3-4 hours weekly.
Allan Bruno, 65, of Flemington RC (24 members) is an Op Shop veteran and has registered for Rotary the brand Fit4Use. He foresees this as a national, visible and modern brand for a Rotary chain of stores able to compete against larger charity rivals – which often lack dedicated free staff.
Elias Lebbos reminded us of the Australian Rotary Health National annual fundraising day for ‘Lift the Lid on Mental Health’, in which the Club will be participating by celebrating Hat Day. [October 10th]
Quick blood pressure monitoring can also be arranged at a future Rotary meeting for those interested, as part of the Rotary’s Stroke/BP Project involvement.
Paul Fraser announced the opportunity for someone to be the photographer for a couple of sessions.
Stuart Ellis pointed out that Hannah Weigl had 5-6 weeks left in Melbourne, and had a number of places she would still like to visit, including Healesville, the MCG, the Dandenong’s and Eureka Tower- volunteers sought to guide Hannah.
Michael Lapina and Hannah will be performing at a Rotary meeting in early September.
Alan Seale announced that the closing breakfast for the Victorian Police Leaders Mentoring Program will be on 19 December. Raffle prizes are being sought.
President Frank discussed the District Conference 2018 which will be held in Warrnambool on 16-18 March.Accommodation will be at the Central Court Motel on the highway – a central location with good in-house dining. Those needing accommodation and/or wishing to attend the Club Dinner please let Sarah know.
President Frank also noted a busy week coming up in November.
On 25 November, ‘Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner’ will be held. John Ilott is looking for both hosts and guests for this function.
Paul Harris Breakfast will be held on Tuesday 21st
Our first Bunnings Sausage Sizzle at Port Melbourne on Saturday 25th.
International Team Report
Kevin Love stood in for Rob and reported:
Reconstruction of the Ban Heuthan Village Schooling, including toilets
The Laos Tour in March 2018. It is intended that 14 people will participate, each adding a $500 tax deductible donation to contribute towards the cost of the school reconstruction. The opening of this school will take place during this trip.
Nonh is now back in his village and doing well, although further facial reconstructive surgery may be needed in the future.
The Team is looking for another Indigenous project to undertake, this time in Victoria, possibly in partnership with RC Echuca-Moama. This may be linked to the Rotary push against trachoma.
Rotary Central Melbourne will attempt to raise money through participation in the Melbourne Marathon. Suvam is organizing this.
Another DIK working bee will be held later this year.
David gave an inspiring talk covering his childhood in Laos, his family’s escape to Singapore and their ultimate arrival in Australia, where they have established a successful technology business. Although an IT company, the primary focus of this business is to help people to be able to build a better life..jpg)
As club members age, even fund-raisers like sausage sizzles can be too physically demanding for many members..jpg)
Announcements
International Team Report
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