Rotary Central Melbourne
Report – Zoom Meeting on Tuesday 20 July 2021
Reporter: Alison Chan
Chair: Michelle Crawford
President: Elias Lebbos
President Elias opened the meeting by acknowledging the traditional owners of the land. Michelle proposed the toast to Rotary International.
The President welcomed guest, Jenny Gray (guest speaker) and Mawien Ariik .
In the Chair, Michelle Crawford introduced Guest Speaker Dr. Jenny Gray
In Nov 2009 bats at Christmas Island, which were on the brink of extinction, generated the resolve and Board commitment that “No Victorian, terrestrial, vertebrate will go extinct on our watch”. Previously there were 21 critical endangered species (now at 27, with a growing number of species being added), of which 17 are in captive care, which is more in care than in the wild.
For species like the Corrob frog, there could be less than 100 in the wild. It’s a fine balance protecting species since some are not ideally suited to work in captivity (such as bats which are safer in the wild). 15 are breeding well but it was a challenge, for example, to breed the Alpine skink. Everything else is breeding quiet well.
Through research, we know more about these endangered species than previously. The goal is to have as many species living in the wild – a rich diversity – as possible; not living in zoos, and releasing them back into their habitat. The aim is to then track and observe behaviours to continuously learn about their life habits. As an example, we use technology whenever possible and we have been able to learn much from watching and following parrots migrate across to Tasmania and back to Victoria.
The bandicoots in 2009 they were presumed extinct in Victoria with a couple of populations in captivity. By 2020 there are 3 wild island populations, numbering over 1500 and still growing. The concern with the bandicoots is the fox population, so fox-free environments like Phillip Island allow the bandicoots to thrive. Another success is with guardian dogs instead of relying on fences, and road signs to slow down.
Campaigns are conducted in partnership with universities with a decade of published data and results showing how we can change people’s behaviours. People working together to make small changes in our lives to make a big difference. Community campaigns like “Wipe for Wildlife” with children taught to use toilet paper made from recycled paper, rather than cutting down trees is one example of successful community mobilisation and support.
For example, through peer-reviewed journals, it is possible to show the effect of palm oil and palm oil crops on the environment and educate society about current environmental threats, and to help wildlife. Other campaigns include Tee-shirts with “Buy beads for wildlife”, and “Balloons fly seabirds die”: in Victoria, it is illegal to release balloons outdoors. Other initiatives include animal rescue and evacuation with help from the army assisting koalas that were injured and providing supplementary food drops during and after bush fires.
Announcements
Member Birthdays
Warwick Cavell 21st July
Sarah Overton 22nd July
Russell Rolls 23rd July
Partner Birthdays
Con Matsamakis, Stella Avramopoulos’ partner 21st July
Wedding Anniversaries
Malcolm and Heather Fielden 25th July 13 years
Date Joined Rotary
Nil
Allan Driver - Working with Children Check
Reminder to ensure members’ Working with Children Check is current. Members involved in the Youth Committee must hold a current valid card. Tom Callander requested a photocopy or scan copy of the card. The government of Victoria website contains further information relating to the card - https://www.workingwithchildren.vic.gov.au and when you apply you can add Rotary as an organisation that you volunteer with.
Peter Duras
At the District Governor's changeover, the extraordinary generosity of Caprice was recognised with the Corporate Foundation Award. Youth Project thanks the three clubs that work with them over the last few years – RC Central Melbourne, RC Essendon and RC Woodend who brought down truckloads of material aids.
On Thursday, August 10th at 6.30pm Caprice have invited us all and partners to a night with drinks and nibbles, includes a tour of the facility in Hosier Lane, briefing of 20-30 function carried out at the centre. Time 6.30 to 8.00pm. Advise Peter RSVP 29th July for catering purposes
Frank O’Brien – International
Sister club Echuca-Moama will attempt hold (3rd-time lucky!) their re-scheduled change-over event on the evening of 24th August. Please check their website for full details: https://www.echucarotary.org/
We are also reminded that Laurie Fisher of DIK (West Footscray) is recovering after surgery; we wish Laurie a speedy recovery and best wishes to his family, friends and loved ones.
Brett Jones – Inquisition of Michelle Crawford
True Melbournian at heart, Michelle spent her early years at the family home in Ashburton, Melbourne before moving to Mt Waverley. Following her undergraduate degree, Michelle completed a post graduate course in Adult Education and Master’s Degree in Social Science. Her love of travel has taken her to Africa, UK, Ireland, Scotland Germany, France. Michelle had travelled to America working in youth camps and became smitten with the country. Such was the attraction that she has been back at least twenty times. At age 27, Michelle worked at the Salvation Army HQ in New York, in its corporate office. She describes her career as a “Three Stage Play”: worked in Aged care at an early age, Employment education training, domestic microfinance, and now, her current focus is on children and young people.
At Good Shepherd, where she plied her skills and knowledge of microfinancing, she was dealing with 500 other trusted organisations in the community to help distribute funds, resulting in approximately 25,000 loans a year. It was a very stimulating and rewarding activity in an interesting time with the focus on asset-building, with safe affordable credit for so many people.
Her Favourite food: dessert from the family (Golden Syrup dumplings, pavlovas, cheesecakes) with her Grandfather owning pastry shops in Richmond and East Melbourne.
Michelle’s current role is CEO Concern Australia which has been in operation for close to 50 years. The organisation works with young people in the areas of education, youth homelessness, youth in justice, to create an opportunity for young people to have a great next chapter in their lives, and this is in partnership with the “Steps Outreach” service program.
President Announcements – Elias Lebbos
Elias thanked and acknowledged Brett Jones’ efforts in preparation and conduct of the weekly inquisitions. “It’s amazing how much more we learn about our members’ lived experiences and backgrounds through the inquisitions”, Elias commented.
August 3rd is the next scheduled face-to-face meeting at RACV and DG Dale Hoy will be in attendance. Maureen Jackson will be inducted at this meeting, her preference being for an “in-person experience over a virtual induction”.
The Rotary Leadership Institution will be running the 4 part online Leadership course. Part 1 & 2 on Sunday the 8th August at 11am and will run for one and a half hours.
Part 3 on Sunday 15th August at 1am, Part 4 on Sunday 22 August at 1am for one hour duration.
Anyone interested will need to register by email to Jane Pennington jane.pennington@rotary9800.org by Friday 30th July. There is a limit of 20 people for each program. The program provides experienced and new members an opportunity in finding out more about Rotary International, its history, organisation and clubs' relationships with the global parent.
Next week guest speaker is Selba-Gondoza Luka, CEO of Afri-Aus Care Inc
Distribution of fortnightly seating plan will recommence, with the aim of encouraging club members to have a chat and stay connected during lockdown.
Have a great week everyone.
Meeting closed.
