On Wednesday 10 April 2024, the Rotary Club of Camberwell hosted by CEO Amanda Donohoe for a dinner at a Servants Community House in Kew, Romana House which accommodates 24 male and female residents, with two live-in managers. https://www.servants.org.au/

Residents shared a meal provided by Rotary Camberwell and enjoyed interactions with club members. To protect the privacy of residents, we are unable to publish their photos. Two residents shared their stories. Whilst both residents have different backgrounds, they both emphasized that living at Romana House was like living with a family. A home where they feel secure, valued, and respected.

Servants runs four Community Houses in Boroondara. These houses provide safe and affordable long-term accommodation for people who are at risk of homelessness. They support residents by establishing connections with support agencies and community group. Rotary Camberwell is proud to support Servants. The bottom line is that if Servants did not do this vital work, its residents would most likely be homeless.

We also heard about a new Servants project which has taken off with great success. This venture produces ‘For the Love of Good’ – an organic, semi sparkling apple juice.  Residents from Romana go to regenerative Warragul farms to pick the apples for the juice. It is manufactured and canned locally and the last batch sold out. This is in addition to the honey Servants produces locally. https://fortheloveofgood.au/

President George de Souza attended the Vaisakhi Celebrations and to commemorate Sikh Volunteer Australia’s (SVA) 10th anniversary at Bunjil Place, Narre Warren on Sunday 7 April 2024.

Rotary Camberwell was amongst a large number of individuals, representatives from Vic Police, SES, Fire Rescue Victoria, faith leaders, school and college principals, volunteers, volunteer organisations and SVA staff members who were recognized on the day. Overall, more than 238 Appreciation Certificates were awarded. Amongst the guests were Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan, Victorian Opposition Leader John Pesutto, Bruce MP Julian Hill and many more. The Governor-General of Australia His Excellency David Hurley AC DSC (Retired) and on behalf of Her Excellency Mrs Linda Hurley sent a message of congratulations by video. 

The Prime Minister and the Victorian Premier addressed the gathering respectfully wearing traditional Sikh turban and scarf. Referring to the SVA Mr. Albanese said 'They do extraordinary work. During the pandemic they provided food for students who were in desperate need for that support. During the bushfires, during floods… wherever there are issues confronting Australians, we see the best of the Australian character and there's no community organisation that has done more than Sikh Volunteers Australia. We see them whether it be here in Victoria, or up in Lismore (where he discovered Sikh volunteers were not as he expected from the local area but had driven up from Melbourne), wherever there are floods or natural weather events, we see people putting their values into practice by providing that support to their fellow Australians who are in need.' 

These sentiments were echoed by many others. A recurring theme is that the SVA doesn’t just aspire to do community service they demonstrate their community service through their food vans serving meals to the disadvantaged and emergency workers. They can be relied on for immediate response to emergencies.

The SVA received the Australian Human Rights Heroes 2020 Award for their efforts during Covid lock downs.

 

The final message addressing the broader audience is the vital role of volunteers to not only be there when needed but their presence symbolizes a community that cares.

What is Vaisakhi?
 

Each year Boroondara council invites the general public to attend the Volunteer Expo to meet a range of volunteer organisations. On 20 March 2024, a large number of volunteer groups were represented from midday at the Arts Centre providing information to all who attended.

As was the case last year, Rotary Camberwell attended the Expo to seek volunteers for the Camberwell Art Show. 

Murray Anderson (left) spent considerable time interacting with those who showed interest which will ultimately result in a good supply of volunteers.

The availability of volunteers provides great support with a range of duties supplementing the work of club members. Mayor Cr Lisa Hollingsworth (left) visited our stall the Expo.
Later that day, she was at the Rotary Camberwell meeting to be inducted as an honorary member.

Rotary Camberwell has a long history of deep connection with the City of Boroondara. Symbolic of this association, is the club’s tradition to invite the mayor as an honorary member. The strong relationship extends over many decades of mutual support which includes the Camberwell Art Show, Boroondara Cares, the Hawthorn Makers, Civic ceremonies, formal club functions and the Volunteer Expo.

We are delighted to have Mayor Cr Lisa Hollingsworth agree to continue this unbroken chain of honorary membership. We look forward to our ongoing collaboration during her current term of office.