We gather together on the traditional Lands of 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.

Amanda Donohoe, CEO of Servants Community Housing gave a moving presentation of her perspective of the state of homelessness in Melbourne at last Wednesday’s meeting. It painted a dire picture and an issue that will require considerable effort and financial resources to address.

Servants Community Housing provides compassionate and sustainable accommodation across 4 housing facilities in Boroondara with long-term tenancies and live-in house managers. The facilities support those at risk of homelessness, many of whom experience trauma, isolation, acute mental illness or intellectual disability. The organisation is fortunate to have such a strong, compassionate and committed CEO.

Amanda’s only request is for the Camberwell Rotary Club to continue to support Servants. In the past, members assisted with the refurbishment of Romana House in Kew and the club led the establishment of the women only accommodation house in Hawthorn, the ‘Les Brown House’ named after our last founding member. I personally pledged that the club would continue our support.

Members attended an Antique Show at the Menzies Malvern apartment last Thursday. Past President Murray Anderson confirmed the receipt of $500 for our Charity account after meeting the required attendance of 12 members. Thank you to those who attended.

Members have been recently advised of The Camberwell Sunday market and the Hawthorn Makers Market roster for August. Kindly ensure your prompt attendance.

We owe a debt of gratitude to our friends from the Eltham Rotary Club who assisted us with the recent Art Show. The best way to repay them in turn is to assist them with their art show. Please see details below and advise them directly of your availability.

One of the Community Service Committee’s programs is to assist the Rotary Inner Melbourne Emergency Relief Network (RIMERN) which supports the disadvantaged particularly recent Ukraine refugees. Jo-Anne Tamlyn and Phil Young are the club’s contact for any household furniture to be collected and distribute. Please let your friends and family know if renovating or moving house/downsizing. Jo-Anne is also sourcing kitchen utensils if members can pick up any kitchen utensils while shopping etc and as these items are small and easily transportable, please bring them to the club for Jo-Anne to collect. Please also contact RIMERN directly donatedgoods@rimern.org.au if you have availability to volunteer your assistance.

Two final reminders – meal costs will increase to $35 from 17 August and please register for the Melbourne Rotary International Conference (RICON) 2023 if you haven’t already done so.

Next week Rotarian Rowan McClean will be our guest speaker outlining his project assisting Afghan refugees. There will be a few other guests and visitors including Dr Noor Shah Kamawal who recently fled Afghanistan. He has an amazing story to tell. If you are unable to attend the meeting, please see your weekly meeting invitation for the Zoom link so you don’t miss out.

Look forward to seeing you then.