The Tree of Joy ensures a gift at Christmas for hundreds of elderly residents of nursing homes and aged care facilities. Collection of gifts and their distribution is handled by enthusiastic members of St Ives Rotary Club on Sydney's upper north shore. Harold Morgan explains.
With domestic violence increasing and people unable to pay their bills, the demand for Financial Counselling is greater than ever. Anne Holmes from Lifeline Harbour to Hawkesbury Sydney explains. National Debt Hotline 1800 007 007
Amid global challenges where access to clean water is of critical concern, Dr Martin Butson from Wollongong explains his innovative solution to disinfect water using the SAFE sticker system. The stickers affixed to commonly available plastic bottles measure the impact of the sun's UV rays in killing harmful bacteria and water borne micro organisms. A brilliant idea. www.thewatergift.org
Enterprising Sydneysider Mark Anderson explains the highlysuccessful Train Ride to End Polio. Next one is Thursday 24 October 2024. Ride190 stations in one day or join the train at your station for as many stops asyou want. We will ride the train to every railway station in Sydney to raise funds to END POLIO NOW. It used to be that trains were part of the polioproblem, as they gave the poliovirus the perfect way to rapidly spread far andwide. Then, in 2001, trains became part of the solution, with all children aboard Indian trains being immunised. Now, Pakistan has adopted the same strategy, helping to ensure that no child is left unvaccinated. Over the past six years, there has been an All-Stations Challenge in the Sydney Metropolitan area, along with several other cities in Australia and New Zealand, to raise money for the Rotary END POLIO NOW Campaign. The Sydney event have raised over $660,000 — and that’s before the Gates 2:1 match
he Rotary Club of Kuring gai presented a Community Service Award to Astan Croft in recognition of the outstanding voluntary work he provides to palliative care patients and their families at Hammond Care hospitals. Nothing is too hard. Using his problem solving skills, his photography skills and a can do attitude he eases the journey for people at this time of their lives.
Vera Bo from Denmark is spending a year in Sydney under the auspices of Rotary Youth Exchange. We find out what it means to her, what she is doing, where she goes to school, her adventures and the busy life she enjoys on this unique Rotary experience. www.ryea.org.au
A major activity of St Ives Rotary Club is the annual Food and Wine Festival. But there is much more to it than luscious food and winning wines...with something for everyone in the family. Including musicians, entertainers, pony rides and a petting zoo. Dynamic dynamo Di Barnes explains. www.stivesfoodandwine.com
We meet Sally Vuong, recipient of an Australian Rotary Health scholarship which enabled her to research and study for three years the causes and potential curative solutions for Motor Neurone Disease. A delightful and very worthy recipient tackling a significant neurodegenerative condition impacting 300,000 people around the world. www.australianrotaryhealth.org.au
Bicycles for Humanity collects and repairs bicycles which are then shipped to communities in the developing world, empowering the recipients to travel, to work, to get to school, to set up a small business, to get to medical support, food and water. David Tucker Chair of Bicycles for Humanity WA explains. www.b4hwa.com
What is it like to take the helm as President of a Rotary Club? Recently appointed Helene Brunker explains what her club offers, the rewards it brings and her plans to engage more widely with the local community.
Oliver Hadi spent an intensive residential weekend on the Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment developing motivation, life skills, self image and self pride . Fiind out what happens on the course, the challenges to be overcome and the ultimate rewards.
Sydney school girl Tilly Colville spends a year in Brazil under the auspices of Rotary Youth Exchange. What was it like? We learn about the food, the culture and the lessons learned during this life changing experience. An experience which will last her whole life.
What is it really like to spend a year overseas on the Rotary Youth Exchange program? 15 year old Tilly Colville spent 2023 in Brazil, learning the language, the culture, the cuisine and the customs. She travelled widely in Brazil and beyond packing in experiences and making friends which will remain with her forever. www.ryea.org.au
Here is how to thank, to recognise and salute women known to you who are doing something exceptional in the community. Sue Hayward, Chair of the Rotary Inspirational Womens Awards explains why it matters and how it all works. Stacy Jane a RIWA winner in 2023 explains how following dreadful abuse and violence she founded Escabags a practical solution to assist and support those fleeing abusive and dangerous situations. www.riwa.com.au www.escabags.org
The Bikers Hand is a group of motor bike enthusiasts who share a passion for charity rides and have a deep commitment to helping the homeless and individuals in need. Donations of food, drink, clothing and other everyday items are gathered and distributed to over 35 charities, support groups and school breakfast groups. Founder Tony Davies explains. www.thebikershand.com.au
Dr Marthe Kondemo is visiting Australia from the Democratic Republic of Congo to learn about innovative women's health and livelihood initiatives to see what may be replicable in the DRC. While here she will meet a wide range of organisations dealing with such issues as domestic violence prevention, conflict resolution, peacebuilding, disability services and youth engagement. Despite vast natural resources the DRC has suffered from political instability, a lack of infrastructure, corruption and centuries of commercial extraction and exploitation. Her visit is facilitated by Lucy Hobgood-Brown from the Rotary E-Club of Greater Sydney.
Jemma Wlasichuk transforms old furniture, saves useful items from landfill and turns them into items of beauty. Using trauma inspired design principles she devotes skill, time and inspiration to improve conditions at the Hornsby Kuring gai Womens Shelter. No surprise that Jemma won a Pride of Workmanship Award from St Ives Rotary Club. www.shedeleven.com.au
The Rotary Club of Sydney Cove actively supports the Early Bird Cafe located opposite State Parliament House. Over 20,000 breakfasts are served each year along with clothes, toiletries and books. As the homeless crisis gets worse it is clear that this service totally managed by volunteers is needed more than ever. Marilyn Smith explains. www.earlybirdcafe.org.au
Jade Dunne a student at Barker College Sydney attended the National Youth Science Forum held in Brisbane. Held over nine days the NYSF immerses students in all aspects of STEM. Meetings are held with science researchers, business and community leaders during an intensive program designed to sharpen the students' focus on further study and careers in science. www,nysf.edu.au
Strength training is shown to have an impact on our quality of life and reduces the risk of chronic conditions and injuries. Hamish McConnell, Area Manager for Kieser and a Partner in the Bobbin Head Cycle Classic explains. www.kieser.com.au