"Youth Projects – Strategic Objectives and New Initiatives"
Youth Projects is an independent charity that provides critical and unique front-line support to vulnerable people experiencing disadvantage, unemployment, homelessness, alcohol and other drug issues.
Rotary Central Melbourne has supported Youth Projects over a number of years. They deliver primary health services, AOD counselling, youth employment & skills development programs, night nursing on the streets of Melbourne's CBD, unique drug safety programs and a wonderful social enterprise.
Youth Projects take a harm minimisation approach with 'no judgement, full stop'. They are a change makers and trail blazers. They go where others won't and support those whose needs are greatest.
Ben Vasiliou was the former CEO of SkillsPlus and BRACE. He led BRACE through considerable growth underpinned by a unique partnership model; harnessing the theory that it takes a village to raise a child, Ben brought together industry, employers, Government and the community to deliver holistic responses to the needs of vulnerable people.
Ben is well versed in the need to modernise and sophisticate the non-profit way of thinking, whilst anchoring the DNA and purpose of such organisations into our everyday thinking. Ben wants to shift the narrative, from unemployment to employment, from homelessness to pathways out of homelessness. He was appointed as CEO of Youth Projects in September 2017 and is leading the way in prevention and early intervention for young people, giving them the opportunity to be the best they can achieve.
The Community Services Team has been investigating opportunities to deepen relationships with existing partners over the past year.
In discussions with Concern Australia, we have agreed to provide scholarships for young people being supported by Steps Outreach (a program of Concern Australia).
Our first scholarships will be for $500 each for one young woman and one young man nominated by Steps Outreach for 12 months ($1000 in total). The money will be used to support their engagement in an activity the young person enjoys but would otherwise struggle to participate in. This might be playing a musical instrument, arts or sports events.
While the scholarships are still in early days, funding has been matched with a grant of $1000 for high club attendance at District Assembly, and has now been further matched with a District grant of another $2000. We have grown the initial investment from our club of $1000 to $4000.
Social EnterPrize; evolved from 'The Swindle', grandfathered by The Sergeant's Session.
Social EnterPrize has three objectives:
1) to have at least one person win a prize at our weekly meeting
2) to have our club act as a catalyst for social impact and entrepreneurship
3) to raise funds for the club
The mechanics are:
each member of the club donates a bottle of "something" to later be drawn as a prize - i.e. 'Kickstart working capital'
at each meeting members buy tickets into the Social EnterPrize draw, $2 for one ticket or $5 for three tickets. Initially one of the bottles will be the winners prize.
the funds raised from the raffle are used to purchase additional prizes from Social Eenterprises
at later raffles the items purchased from Social Enterprises are also won and used as an opportunity to profile the positive impact of that enterprise.
estimates are the club will retain 70% of raffle income, after purchase of prizes from Social Enterprises.
A Social Enterprise is defined as an organisation running commercial operations to solve environmental and/or social issues. It will typically invest the majority of its surplus into the fulfillment of its mission.
I am now looking for more connections to Social Enterprises that we can support and profile. The four to date:
Coffee vouchers from STREAT to support employment pathways for at risk / homeless youth
Jam from RAM Jam to support malaria prevention in developing countries ['RAM' - Rotary Against Malaria]
Soup from the SOUP PLACE to provide meals for Melbourne CBD homeless
Cuvee Cider from LEARMONTH FOUNDATION to support community revitalisation and economic development in Learmonth and outer-Ballarat regions.
The Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) is pleased to invite members of Rotary Central Melbourne and their guests to attend a cocktail function and presentation on
"Women in Anaesthesia."
The evening will promote the vocation of anaesthesia with particular emphasis on the new museum display of women anaesthetists. ANZCA have organised speakers to entertain us with an interesting history and also with contemporary practice, from the Royal Children’s Hospital.
This visit is a highlight of our club vocational series.
Dr Chris Ball, honorary curator of the GK Museum and anaesthetist at the Alfred Hospital presents on the History of Anaesthesia and her interest in medical history, plus
Dr Lindy Cass, anaesthetist at the Royal Children’s and Victorian Eye and Ear Hospitals presents on working as an anaesthetist and women in anaesthesia followed by questions.
8pm – 8.30pm:
Tea and Coffee
It will be a very interesting evening so we are NOT limiting numbers. All RCM members and guests are welcome.
The meeting was opened by the Chair President Neville with a toast to Rotary International.
President Neville noted this was to be the new District Governor’s first club visit of her year.
Guests welcomed;
District Governor Bronwyn Stephens, and her husband Mark Stephens
Dale Hoy. [Assistant Governor Batman Cluster]
Isaac Matzner (guest Rotarian from NYC)
General Announcements
Neville acknowledged were; Peter Duras' efforts (supported by Allan, Bernie, Marjorie, Anne and Sue) in fundraising at Bunnings on Friday which raised a total of $628.
Michelle presented a banner from Greenpoint Island Rotary in New York State which she visited during a recent holiday to New York.
As the guest ‘Truth or Tale’ speaker, Dominic told a tall (but very believable) tale about his career in the restaurant industry and boasted about his extraordinary culinary talents- much was true.
Frank advised Flavia was about to depart for her home in Switzerland. Rotary members and school friends were going to see her off at the airport.
Reminder about DIK, Saturday 24th – more volunteers sought.
President Announcements
Neville shared emails about the Change-over celebrations with sister club R/C of Rabindra Sarobar, Calcutta.
Melbourne Tramways Big Band appreciated the opportunity to perform at the Change-over dinner and are very excited about a possible opportunity to become an in-house band at the Vibe Hotel. We have been the catalyst for recognition for a fantastic community band.
Neville noted the success of the work being led by Michelle and Therese on community service scholarship of hope with Concern Australia. They now have $4,000 to put to the scholarship which is made up of the District Governor's prize, club matched funding and other grants. [Editor. Please see separate item 'How It Works']
Neville introduced the guest speaker, the District Governor, Bronwyn Stephens noting her long history within Rotary and her extensive experience and commitment at the local and international levels.
Guest speaker:
Bronwyn acknowledged the District office held by many of our members and noted in particular Neville, Alan, Bernie, Rob, Warwick, Cecily, Marjorie, Kevin and Peter.
In emphasising the passion our members demonstrate for Rotary, Bronwyn asked Bernie to talk about his passion project, the Princess Hill youth program Stuart Cardell was then asked to talk about his passion project, the National Youth Science Forum.
Bronwyn acknowledged especially the load shouldered by Bernie and Marjorie and presented the Rotary peace tie and scarf in recognition.
Bronwyn showed a short video on her passion project, the ‘Bone Marrow Donor Institute Rotary House’ [BMDI Rotary House], which has been providing accommodation for families with a loved one requiring bone marrow treatments since 2003. The facility is now over extended and expansion is required. Bronwyn’s project is to raise funds for this expansion and she invited the club to seek Eric Wright as a guest speaker to talk about this project.
Bronwyn also talked about the end polio world-wide campaign. This campaign is very close to achieving its goal of eradicating policy, achieving a reduction from 350,000 cases in 1988 to just 74 cases in 2015. The campaign is focusing on delivering vaccinations in inaccessible/remote areas. The ultimate goal will be considered achieved if the WHO records zero cases over a three year period. To help reach this final target Bronwyn is providing jars of smarties, which if each smartie is consumed and exchanged for a $2 coin, will contribute $400 per jar to this cause.
Bronwyn referred to the new concept of a Multi-District Conference to be held in Feb 2019 for the first time in Australia.
Bronwyn talked about the symbolic meaning of wearing the DG collar, the recognition of stewardship, the history of others who have worn it before and the valuable mentorship, wisdom and friendship of other district governors.
President in closing:
Neville oversaw the 'Social EnterPrize' raffle: Mark, Bernie and Michelle were the lucky recipients of wine, coffee card and apple plum jelly!
Neville also acknowledged the work Elias and Travellers Aid have undertaken to improve disabled access to the MCG and noted that Elias was being interviewed by Jon Faine on ABC about this initiative.
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Steps Outreach Scholarships.
Social EnterPrize has three objectives:
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Bronwyn acknowledged the District office held by many of our members and noted in particular Neville, Alan, Bernie, Rob, Warwick, Cecily, Marjorie, Kevin and Peter.
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