Castello's Cucina, 123 Fisher Street, Fullarton SA
President John Peacham 0431 618 359
Next week is about getting on with life in difficult circumstances
Last Meeting
Venue: Castello's Cucina
Guest Speaker: Rtn Martin Rowe (Blackwood President)
Guests: Bill Baxter, Deb Forbes plus Rob's assistants Joanne and Faith
Attendance: 21 members 5 guests
Welcome
President John opened the meeting, welcomed our guests and handed over the microphone to Martin.
Guest Speaker: Martin Rowe - Assisting victims of domestic violence
Martin provided a snapshot of his employment history commencing as a upholsterer, then to Department of Transport, Department of Family and Community Services, the courts and SA Housing Trust. In each of these last 4 jobs he witnessed the degradation and pain associated with domestic violence.....SAHT has many difficult and abusive clientele (mostly males). Domestic Violence is - Cause or intend to cause fear of harm. There is a long list: physical harm, coercive behaviour, sexual abuse, verbal abuse, psychological abuse, social isolation, stalking, monitoring, ridiculing, abuse of children, neglect and financial control.
Rotary says NO to Domestic Violence has been launched. Martin heard about the successful DV assistance project initiated by the Rotary Club of Ballina and visited there with his wife to learn more. The town and businesses have committed strongly to the program and the club's membership has grown. Martin decided it would be good for his Blackwood club to undertake. The expressed aims are:
Raise awareness of DV and build on the Rotary October March Against Domestic Violence
Provide practical assistance to victims
Increase club membership
Develop a business support program
Partner with other like-minded organisations.
Front and centre is the provision of Escabags containing basic necessities for someone escaping from violence at home. They are supplied free of charge to the victim on request - a single pack or extra if a child is involved - without any questions asked. Business sponsorship finances the packs out of Sydney and the club pays the courier fee of $40.
Allied programs include:
Safephone provided by select registered charities to prevent phone tracking
Safekennels provided by RSPCA - pet abuse is very common in DV households and often used as leverage by the perpetrator
In Ballina, Purple Friday is a big event each week....Rotarians, business operators, employees and a whole lot more wear purple t-shirts proclaiming NO to Domestic Violence.....see photo. This is being replicated in Blackwood
Council and government services provide varying degrees of support
Martin said that, in preparing the business plan for the project, measuring results is essential eg victims assisted, business relationships formed, new Rotary members, and fundraising success. Interestingly the anti DV donation box at the Rotary BBQ nets more than the sale of snags.
Martin was applauded for his address.
Presidential announcements:
Mitre 10 BBQ offers a good opportunity for wearing of the DV purple T-shirts and engaging with the public
Variety Club BBQ at the zoo - The demand managed by RC Campbelltown today exceeded the estimate provided by Variety so more supplies have had to be ordered for our turn tomorrow.
La Scala has been booked for 6 weeks for our meetings, commencing 29 April.
Spot
Jo Baxter announced a pro-active program to train young people aged 18-29 to be active campaigners against drug use under the banner of Drug Free Australia (which is working in close cooperation with the Rotary Action Group for Addiction Prevention). In addition to the training being provided, there is an opprotunity to attend the annual anti-drug summit in Vienna. More detail to follow.
Finale
Brenton won the filthy lucre but opted for the special chocolates, while Bronwyn then scored the cash....and is contemplating whether she will buy a new car with the proceeds
The meeting closed at 7.44pm......WOW!
ROTARY INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Rotary Projects Around the World - April 2025
By Brad Webber
Ecuador
Recognizing the link between renal disease and eye problems, the Rotary Club of Quito Luz de América — “light of America” — conducts free medical and eye screenings for people with chronic kidney disease. Common risk factors for kidney disease, like high blood pressure and diabetes, can damage blood vessels in the eyes, leading to poor vision and other problems. Most recently, 10 club members joined health experts in November to offer examinations for 100 people at the Teodoro Maldonado Carbo Hospital in Guayaquil. Interactors assisted. Three medical professionals help with the screenings: a general practitioner, a gynecologist, and a project leader trained in optometry and visual therapy, says Olga Camacho, a past club president. “To conclude the day, we hosted an artistic show to bring joy and hope,” she says.
Bermuda
In October, Girl Scouts joined their parents and Rotarians in a beach restoration project along Bailey’s Bay in Hamilton Parish. “They collected over 1,000 pieces of microplastics, several tin cans, paper, large plastics, and rope that were on the beach near the mangroves,” says scout troop leader Cathy Bassett, a longtime educator who is president of the Rotary Club of Hamilton. The girls, ages 7 to 10, are studying the preservation of mangroves in Bermuda, Bassett says. The scouts have also conducted a geographical study of sand to learn what gives Bermuda’s beaches their distinctive pink color. The mangroves, shrubs, and small trees that dot shallow waters along parts of the 75-mile coastline support biodiversity.
England
The Rotary Club of Darlington has raised nearly $160,000 over the past 14 years by giving Christmas trees a new use. In January, more than 70 Rotarians and friends collected 18,000 trees to be chipped and sold to a biomass processor to generate electricity. Teams traveling in vans worked in snow and ice over two days to gather the trees and collect donations per pickup. The project is as much a fun social occasion as it is service, says David Hayward, who has led the campaign since its beginning. “Everything is loaned free from local supporters, including a large cafe to operate from, the big vans, a tree surgeon chipping all the trees, plus hundreds of pies and pasties to keep our volunteers well fueled,” he says. “Success relies on number of trees plus enthusiasm, dedication, energy, and fun.” The funds raised support a hospice and other local charities.
Netherlands
An annual sale of used books, puzzles, and other items speaks volumes for the fundraising prowess of the Rotary Club of Venlo-Maas en Peel. Over three days in January, thousands of bookworms bought $75,000 worth of books, a record sum directed to the club’s charitable foundation, says Peter Elbers, governor-elect of District 1550. Around 140 Rotarians and other volunteers staffed the fair, which the club co-founded 36 years ago. The event is the culmination of a year’s work, with Rotarians sorting and categorizing about 450,000 books each year in warehouse space donated by a club member, Elbers says. Books left unsold are pulped for recycling. “Some people come every year to buy a few bags full of books and return them as a gift a year later,” Elbers says, “and then, of course, buy new books again — a good way of implementing environmentally friendly circulation.”
Vietnam
When a primary school teacher in Vietnam’s highlands explained that many of her students’ families struggled to afford warm clothing, the Rotaract Club of One Million Lives Saigon mounted a collection drive. In December, Rotaractors delivered 1,000 garments to villages that are home to Indigenous ethnic minority groups in Dak Lak province, more than 150 miles from the club’s home base in Ho Chi Minh City. “Despite the challenging journey, we are committed to providing support to improve their living conditions,” says Thi Duong, the club’s president. Over 100 adults and children received the gently used clothing, including coats, shoes, gloves, scarves, and other accessories, which were shipped to the school along with food staples.
Coffee Chat at Impressa, Unley Shopping Centre
10.30 am on the first Friday of the month is good for a chat with Rotary friends and a caffeine fix - Next one is Friday 2 May 2025
Upcoming Meetings
Tuesday 15 April 2025 6 for 6.30pm Castello's Cucina
Guest Speaker: Mark Redmond Getting on with life
Welcoming team: Brendan Kenny & Leonie Kewen
Tuesday 22 April 2025 6 for 6.30pm Castello's Cucina
Event: Club Consultations
Welcoming team: Brendan Kenny & Leonie Kewen
Apologies and Meeting Enquiries to: Secretary Greg McLeod on 0417 811 838 or email to secretary@unleyrotary.org.au
Venue Set-up Enquiries to: Bulletin Editor Stephen Baker on 0403 687 015
Saturday Thrift Shop Roster
Early Shift: 10.00am to 1.00pm Late Shift: 1.00pm to 4.00pm
Early: David Middleton (Greg Mcleod) & Wendy Andrews | Late: Virginia Cossid & Vera-Ann Stacy
Week 3: 19 April 2025
Early: Greg McLeod (David Middleton) & Nathan White | Late: Vera Holt & Rhonda Hoare
Week 4: 26 April 2025
Early: Stephen Baker & Judi Corcoran | Late: Jason Booth & Vera-Ann Stacy
Week 5:
Early: Bob Mullins & Wendy Andrews | Late: Virginia Cossid & Paul Duke
Rotarians, who are unable to attend as rostered, please arrange a swap or as a very last resort contact: Vivienne Wood 0408 819 630; e-mail: vwood@ozemail.com.au
Mitre 10 and Bunnings Barbeques
The Mitre 10 BBQs are the first and third Saturdays of each month. Morning shift 8.30am - 12 noon; afternoon shift 12.00 - 3.30pm, then clean-up.....next scheduled is Easter Saturday 19 April 2025
ALL the Bunnings Mile End Barbeque shifts are from 8am to 5pm
We have been allocated the last Monday of each month, the next being Monday 28 April 2025
The Tale End.....
Incentive
John was given a parrot as a gift, but it wasn't your average bird. This parrot had an attitude as bad as its language. Every squawk it made was rude, offensive, and laced with profanity.
Determined to reform the unruly bird, John tried everything. He spoke in calm and polite tones, played soothing music, and spent hours encouraging better behavior. Yet, no matter what he did, the parrot's behavior remained as outrageous as ever.
One day, after another round of vile squawking, John finally snapped. He yelled at the parrot, but the bird only yelled back, louder and nastier. Frustrated, John picked up the parrot and gave it a shake, hoping to scare it into better manners. Instead, the parrot became even more furious and offensive.
Out of options, John decided on a drastic measure. He opened the freezer, placed the squawking parrot inside, and shut the door.
At first, the parrot's protests were deafening, it squawked, kicked, and screamed. But then, abruptly, there was silence.
John panicked. What if he'd gone too far and hurt the bird? He quickly opened the freezer. To his surprise, the parrot stepped out calmly onto his arm, a completely changed creature.
In a composed and respectful tone, the parrot said, "I realize my behavior has been unacceptable. I sincerely apologize for my rudeness and promise to be polite and respectful from now on."
John was dumbfounded. He couldn't believe the transformation. Just as he was about to ask what had caused such a dramatic change, the parrot leaned in and whispered,
"By the way, what did the turkey do?"
Never too old
My neighbor was working in his yard when he was startled by a late-model car that came crashing through his hedge and ended up in his front lawn.
He rushed to help an elderly lady driver out of the car and sat her down on a lawn chair.
He said with excitement, "You appear quite elderly to be driving."
"Well, yes, I am," she replied proudly. "I'll be 97 next month, and I am now old enough, that I don't even need a driver's license anymore."
He asked "How do you know?"
"The last time I went to my doctor, he examined me and asked if I had a driver's license.
I told him, yes and handed it to him."
He took scissors out of the drawer, cut the license into pieces, and threw them in the waste basket, saying,
'You won't need this anymore.'
So I thanked him and left!
This email was sent by Stephen Baker
Rotary Club of Unley | PO Box 18 | Unley | SA | 5061 | Australia
Allied programs include:
Recognizing the link between renal disease and eye problems, the Rotary Club of Quito Luz de América — “light of America” — conducts free medical and eye screenings for people with chronic kidney disease. Common risk factors for kidney disease, like high blood pressure and diabetes, can damage blood vessels in the eyes, leading to poor vision and other problems. Most recently, 10 club members joined health experts in November to offer examinations for 100 people at the Teodoro Maldonado Carbo Hospital in Guayaquil. Interactors assisted. Three medical professionals help with the screenings: a general practitioner, a gynecologist, and a project leader trained in optometry and visual therapy, says Olga Camacho, a past club president. “To conclude the day, we hosted an artistic show to bring joy and hope,” she says.
In October, Girl Scouts joined their parents and Rotarians in a beach restoration project along Bailey’s Bay in Hamilton Parish. “They collected over 1,000 pieces of microplastics, several tin cans, paper, large plastics, and rope that were on the beach near the mangroves,” says scout troop leader Cathy Bassett, a longtime educator who is president of the Rotary Club of Hamilton. The girls, ages 7 to 10, are studying the preservation of mangroves in Bermuda, Bassett says. The scouts have also conducted a geographical study of sand to learn what gives Bermuda’s beaches their distinctive pink color. The mangroves, shrubs, and small trees that dot shallow waters along parts of the 75-mile coastline support biodiversity.
The Rotary Club of Darlington has raised nearly $160,000 over the past 14 years by giving Christmas trees a new use. In January, more than 70 Rotarians and friends collected 18,000 trees to be chipped and sold to a biomass processor to generate electricity. Teams traveling in vans worked in snow and ice over two days to gather the trees and collect donations per pickup. The project is as much a fun social occasion as it is service, says David Hayward, who has led the campaign since its beginning. “Everything is loaned free from local supporters, including a large cafe to operate from, the big vans, a tree surgeon chipping all the trees, plus hundreds of pies and pasties to keep our volunteers well fueled,” he says. “Success relies on number of trees plus enthusiasm, dedication, energy, and fun.” The funds raised support a hospice and other local charities.
An annual sale of used books, puzzles, and other items speaks volumes for the fundraising prowess of the Rotary Club of Venlo-Maas en Peel. Over three days in January, thousands of bookworms bought $75,000 worth of books, a record sum directed to the club’s charitable foundation, says Peter Elbers, governor-elect of District 1550. Around 140 Rotarians and other volunteers staffed the fair, which the club co-founded 36 years ago. The event is the culmination of a year’s work, with Rotarians sorting and categorizing about 450,000 books each year in warehouse space donated by a club member, Elbers says. Books left unsold are pulped for recycling. “Some people come every year to buy a few bags full of books and return them as a gift a year later,” Elbers says, “and then, of course, buy new books again — a good way of implementing environmentally friendly circulation.”
When a primary school teacher in Vietnam’s highlands explained that many of her students’ families struggled to afford warm clothing, the Rotaract Club of One Million Lives Saigon mounted a collection drive. In December, Rotaractors delivered 1,000 garments to villages that are home to Indigenous ethnic minority groups in Dak Lak province, more than 150 miles from the club’s home base in Ho Chi Minh City. “Despite the challenging journey, we are committed to providing support to improve their living conditions,” says Thi Duong, the club’s president. Over 100 adults and children received the gently used clothing, including coats, shoes, gloves, scarves, and other accessories, which were shipped to the school along with food staples.
My neighbor was working in his yard when he was startled by a late-model car that came crashing through his hedge and ended up in his front lawn.
