Central Melbourne Meeting Report 1st March Our meeting was an “in-person” meeting at the RACV. President Elias opened the meeting by acknowledging the traditional owners of the land. Chairperson Doug Robertson proposed the toast to Rotary International. The President welcomed our guest speakers and 19 members in attendance. There were no visiting Rotarians. Member’s Milestones Member Birthdays Suvam Ganguli 5th March Partner Birthdays Julie Chambers, Campbell’s partner 3rd March Wedding Anniversaries Neville and Rebecca John 43 years 3rd March 1979 Date Joined Rotary Millie Swann 7th March 2017 Announcements 1. Rohan Williams called for volunteers to help hire out wheelchairs ( from DIK ) during the Melbourne Flower and Garden Show, which runs from Wed 30th March to Sun 3rd April. This is an initiative driven by Travellers Aid and our Club. Please let Rohan know if you’re available to assist. 2. Rob Hines ( Fund Raising ) announced that there will be no cash-based raffles at the Club meetings. Online raffles focussed on nominated projects will pop up every couple of months. The first will help fund our Silk–Miller Scholarships. 3. Peter Duras reported that 1400 items donated by Caprice in February, mainly children’s clothing, have been sorted, packed, and distributed to 12 charities with the help of Frank and Pauline and 3 other Rotary Clubs. Special thanks to Caprice and to Sue for many hours of hard work. 4. Peter also highlighted an invitation from Youth Projects to members and partners to visit their headquarters in Hosier Lane on Wednesday 6th April at 6.30. Ben Vasiliou will outline current activities and their ambitious plans for the future, followed by a guided tour of the centre. Drinks and nibbles will be served during the evening. We will be joined by Essendon and Woodend Rotary Clubs, so please mark it down in your diary. RSVP to Peter by Friday 1st April. (no kidding). 5. Neville John announced just under $700 as the result of a successful sausage sizzle at Bunnings Collingwood. His thanks went to all volunteers, especially partners Pauline, Sue, and Sally. Belonging Matters launches Community Employment Partnership with Rotary. Community Employment Partnership is a new collaboration between Rotary and Belonging Matters, aimed at establishing and supporting successful employment for those with intellectual disabilities and Autism. The initiative is based on a successful program in Alberta that has seen over 600 people with intellectual challenges successfully placed in employment, with the help of Rotary. Belonging Matters is a not-for-profit education and advisory service established to assist those with an intellectual disability to belong and contribute to the community. CEP is focused on employment, with Patricia as its Project Manager and Jenny a member of her team. The two clearly articulated the huge benefits to both the clients and business. Hiring for an award wage not only changes someone’s life for the better, but businesses benefit as employees with disabilities: *are highly regarded, have high work ethic and a positive outlook *are hardworking, dedicated, and require less support than anticipated *create a positive work culture and increase customer and staff loyalty and morale *have fewer accidents at work and lower absenteeism *present no significant differences from able-bodied staff in areas of performance, productivity, and sales, and usually stay in the job longer. These positives particularly apply when those with disabilities and businesses are well matched. That is the role of those at Belonging Matters, who also provide continued support to both parties to maximise the benefits. Finding the right person starts with a conversation to understand the business, answer any questions and help develop roles that would benefit potential employers and employees. Patricia and Jenny showed us several videos that clearly demonstrated the abilities, enthusiasm, and success of several clients, all of whom are valued at work and some who have been promoted. The program is asking members to think about business contacts, opportunities, and gaps that might be an opening. The CEP is hoping to place 20-30 clients in employment through Rotary and would welcome your enquiries on 9739 8333 or 0432 189 323. Headquartered in Boronia they cover all of Melbourne. Email: cep@belongingmatters.org President’s announcements: Elias, in thanking the speakers emphasised the need to overcome misconceptions and resistance, and open up opportunities. Next week is a zoom meeting with guest presenter Alan Oster, Chief Economist at National Australia Bank. |
