This morning's Chairperson was Linda O'Brien.Ian Ballantine presented an International Toast featuring the Rotary Club of Kharkiv International. This club has a membership of about 22 and is located in a region near the eastern border with Russia. Thus, it appears that its projects have a focus on the support of the local population and its involvement in the conflict. Projects include procurement of ambulances, clothes and and support for children who are victims of the conflict. The club gets considerable support through its relationships with overseas Rotary clubs in places like Scotland, England and Brazil.
Linda then got us all up and enjoying ourselves in a quiz game of Heads and Tails. - won by Larry Green.
The highlight of this morning was the formal welcome of Nicky Chung top our Club. Nicky has been a member of the Wonthaggi Rotary Club where she was President for two years. A highlight of her time there was the Club's association with Orange Sky project which was finally commissioned in August this year. More info HERE
Nicky addressed members and told of her journey, from first arriving in Australia as a refugee, in 1979 to her current role of CEO at the Australian Vietnamese Women's Association.(AVWA) More info HERE
This organisation draws on more than 400 employees and volunteers " Assisting individuals and families to improve their health, happiness and know their rights and opportunities."
The organisation provides disability care, drug addiction support, family violence support, prison support, playgroups and support for dementia sufferers. As part of support for elderly the AVWA provides over 2000 home delivered meals each month. They are currently celebrating 50 years of service.
Nicky's Rotary journey commenced in 2014. On behalf of all members, I'd like to offer the warmest of welcomes to Nicky to the Rotary Club of Bentleigh Moorabbin Central.
