We gather together on the lands of the traditional custodians, the Wurundjeri and Woi Wurrung people. We pay our respects to all of Melbourne’s First Peoples, to their ancestors and Elders, and to our shared future together.
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It was delightful to welcome special guest Karen Nolan, past member of our club and President of Mount Barker Rotary Club in South Australia at our last meeting. Karen will be attending the Melbourne Convention and took the time for a side trip to Camberwell Rotary Club to renew past friendships.
During the meeting, three members of the Camberwell Art Show (CAS) were recognised with Paul Harris Fellowships (PHF) for exceptional service that enables many worthy causes to be supported. They willingly provide their skills and expertise to deliver an outstanding art show which also supports our local artists and brings the community together on an annual basis. Chris Carra, Brenda Innes and Andrew Hunter are recipients of a PHF for their many years of tireless service. Chris Carra managing the end-to-end IT processes. Brenda Innes for her expertise in the selection and exhibition of all the art work. Andrew whose marketing skills ensures the CAS is publicised and promoted to patrons and stakeholders. Congratulations to Chris, Brenda and Andrew for all you do to make CAS an ongoing success.
President Fabienne with Brenda Innes, Andrew Hunter, and Chris Carra
Our guest speaker was Aviv Palti, current President and President Elect of the Passport Club of Melbourne. He was accompanied by Maria Hicks, OAM Charter President and current Vice President and Jessica Palti, Director of Public Relations.
Aviv provided an overview of a Cambodian educational program his family founded around 14 years ago. He formed Cambodia’s first NGO, the Cambodian Rural Student Trust. The vision of the Trust is to provide education to young Cambodians. This successful initiative has been transformational, eliminating poverty for its graduates.
Five members of the Siem Reap Rotaract Club attended the meeting as part of an ambassadorial program. The students were selected on merit based on their academic performance and other criteria. It was their first time travelling outside of Cambodia. What followed can only be described as one of the most inspirational and moving personal accounts of their life story and how against a background abject poverty and personal challenges, rose to achieve educational excellence. They showed incredible resilience and courage beyond their maturity. Following their studies, students lead a number of projects and initiatives to support the next generation of students. It was an absolute privilege to hear first hand accounts of the achievements of the youth of a country in spite its history of political turmoil and violence. Updates of their ongoing work can be found on the Siem Reap Rotaract club Facebook.
Presentation from Siem Reap Rotaract Club Members
Thank you to members who assisted at the Sunday market on 27 May - Lyndon Joss, Kemi Shobowale, Rob and Glenda Davies.
Please note there will not be a meeting at Conochie Centre on Wednesday 31 May. We will return to Conochie Centre on Wednesday 7 June.
This week, the multi-club RICON (Rotary International Convention) dinner will be on Monday 29 May at the Kooyong Tennis Club Centre. It promises to be a memorable night.
