New Member Induction – Louie Yuan
I was delighted to induct our second member for the year - Louie Yuan into the club. Louie is pictured on the left with his wife Kary and business partners on the right Kenny Wong and Andy Li. Louie is a Partner and Business Development Manager in a local business in Camberwell – Absolute Business Services (ABS) Solutions. ABS is a family owned and operated business that has been providing accounting, bookkeeping, taxation and SMSF advisory to businesses for over 11 years.
The Story of Miriam Bella
Angela Magut was scheduled to be our guest speaker on Wednesday but unfortunately did not make it due to a car accident on the way to the club. Fortunately, Angela was not hurt. Therefore, our member Anne Murphy (sister-in-law to Angela) stepped up to the plate and told the story of Miram Bella.
Angela is the founder of Miriam Bella, a transformative footwear brand that blends vibrant fashion with a commitment to community empowerment. Born and raised in the village of Lelmokwo, Nandi County, Kenya, Angela's upbringing instilled in her a deep appreciation for community and the challenges faced by those in need. After pursuing studies in computer science and economics in Australia and gaining valuable experience in the tech industry in the United States, Angela returned to Melbourne, where she realized her dream of creating Miriam Bella. Inspired by the harsh economic realities in her home village and the potential of Kenya's leather industry, Angela launched the brand in 2019, focusing on high-quality, handcrafted shoes that celebrate East African craftsmanship.
Miriam Bella embodies Angela's passion for honouring her heritage and the legacy of her beloved grandmother, who taught her to find beauty in simplicity. The Miriam Bella brand pays tribute to cultural traditions while providing employment opportunities for artisans in her community. With a mission to create meaningful change, Miriam Bella strives to uplift the lives of those involved in the production process, turning the artistry of shoemaking into a pathway for empowerment and a celebration of heritage.
Former Exchange Student 1984
Vale – Helen Worladge
I have been advised of the passing of Helen Worladge. Helen was extremely well known in the Rotary Community of Boroondara both as the partner of Wayne, a long time Glenferrie member but also for her work as the Program Director for Education Chances Foundation.
Helen was for thirteen years the Program Director and a Board member of Chances, and it is fair to say that without her amazing efforts, the organization would not be in the excellent position that it is now. There are many students who have gone onto tertiary education and successful careers who owe that success to Helen.
Chances has been intimately connected with Rotary in Boroondara and I am sure many members will recall Helen as a guest speaker at our club. Our club also made a significant donations to Chances in the last Rotary year.
No doubt Helen will be greatly missed.
Lynne Bertalli
Lynne has been privately cremated and a service will be held at the the Wattle Park Chalet on Wednesday 20th November at 2.00 pm.
Rotary Club of Melbourne – Peace Poles
Whilst Treasurer Murray and I were on a bike ride during the week we came across the Peace Poles installed by the Rotary club of Melbourne in May 23. The project was inspired and informed by the idea that every person can help to build peace.
FIRST – It begins by seeking peace within yourself
SECOND – Using words and actions to make your home peaceful
THIRD – Expanding to peaceful interactions with your communities
FOURTH – By respecting all people and lands so we all live in peace
People are invited to strike the bells to announce their pledges to help build peace while the bells sound and reflect on their steps toward peace in their world
Also to listen to the bells, celebrate the contributions made to peace, and imagine our world if everyone takes these steps
A Letter to the Rotary Club of Camberwell
In the last Rotary year, our club provided an education scholarship via a District Grant to Canterbury Girls Secondary College. This was a first thanks to Michael Blood.
Please see below the ‘Thank You’ note from the education scholarship recipient.
" I would like to thank you so much for the scholarship you have given me.
In addition to buying the textbooks and stationery I have required; the scholarship has enabled me to buy an Android tablet and a notebook computer.
I'm currently in Year 11, but five of the six subjects I'm studying are Year 12 subjects, including Algorithmics and Applied Computing: Software Development.
Next year (Year 12) I intend to include Applied Computing: Data Analytics and Information Technology (a first-year university subject at Federation University) in my studies.
The nature of these four subjects has required the technology your scholarship has provided, so thank you very much”
When we read these stories, we know we are making a real difference to the lives of some students who come from disadvantaged families.
The Youth Committee delivering wonderful outcomes to local schools.
I look forward to seeing you at our dinner meeting on the 13th November. Guest presenters Mai McCann and Liên Dong Thi Nhu will provide an update on Hearing and Beyond - an Australian NGO in Vietnam. In a city of 100,000 plus people they are the only organisation providing an education for Deaf and Hard of Hearing children.
Your help is needed! Volunteers are required for the following event. Please click 
