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A Note from the President …
One of the projects the
Club has supported for a long time is Steps.
Shirley Osborn began Steps in the 80’s. She engaged young
homeless people on the steps of Flinders Street Station. The task
of engaging these young people are not easy. Some of them ran
away from home because of domestic violence or other reason and
some have travelled from the country to the city. Each of them
has their unique stories but they have one thing in common – there
is a great mistrust of others. Shirley’s toughest challenge is to
gain the trust of these young people so that they are prepared to
share their problems with her and seek her advice and support.
This takes dedication and commitment and Shirley has helped many
young people for the past 20 years. Unfortunately, not all of
them were success stories. Some of them refused help from Shirley
whilst others accepted help but were unable to address their
problems. I remember Shirley talking about a young girl with a
drug problem whom Shirley was trying to help. The girl accepted
Shirley’s help and trusted her but, after spending 2 years with
her and before the young girl was able to kick the habit, she
overdosed and died. This just demonstrates the urgency and need
for Steps and the value of any support we can give to this worthy
project.
Shirley is no longer
directly involved in Steps as she is now a pastor at the St
Martin’s Community Churches but Steps continues and Shirley
remains closely associated with it. Concern Australia is now
running the Steps Outreach Service, both of which is linked with
the St Martin’s Community Churches.
Shirley did not just help
those young people on the steps of Flinders Street Station – she
provides accommodation for them at Shirley’s own home and gave
them a lot of support once they managed to find a place to call
home. This is where our Club comes in. PP Rhys has been a strong
supporter of Steps and our Club has contributed to their ongoing
community service. What can we do? Whenever members travel and
stay at a hotel, we can pick up toiletries such as soap, shampoo,
conditioners, sewing kits, and other similar products. These are
collected by PP Rhys and donated to Steps so they can be
distributed to those in need. In addition to these, any carry
bags, sleeping bags, towels, cutlery, cooking utensils or other
household items could also be used by Steps. As many of the young
people at Steps are homeless, a carry bag is particularly useful
for them to carry essential items such as sleeping bags and
towels. Once they find accommodation, cutlery and other household
items are most useful to get them started in making a new home.
Steps is a great project
and I encourage all members to continue their support of it.
Last Week's Meeting
Thanks to Diane for her fabulous scribe notes and
pictures!
Speaker: District Governor Jim Studebaker
District Governor Jim Studebaker
reminded us of Rotary International President D K
Lee's (Dong Kurn Lee)
words and desire to make dreams become real for the children of
the world. Jim encourages us to participate and donate in
projects preventing disease and death by the provision of safe
water, sanitation, hygiene, good nutrition, basic medicines and
education.
What is 1 project we can do to make a difference? Rotarians are
helping with the eradication of polio. It remains in only 4
countries in the world with just 9 people contracting it per day. 23 years ago 1,000 per day contracted polio. Bill Clinton will
match our contributions $ for $. A target of each Club donating
$1,000 each over 3 years -- $100,000 can be reached.
DG Jim spoke about the 5 core values of Rotary
Service to the community. RC of Southbank members were
congratulated with their involvement in Pace, Steps, Hanover-Maslow,
Hands on Health, Lyn's books and Fix up Australia.
International - RC of Southbank contributions and work in Bali and
East Timor
Youth service involvement -our involvement with RYLA and Rypen.
Jim mentioned his passion for Rotary Exchange students and the
hosting of students.
Vocational work in the community - and our Police Mentoring work
How to choose a service area? We were given an example of the
wonderful Shelter Box - Tom Henderson's idea.
Foundation - Big International humanitarian projects are funded by
the USD100 contributions from Rotarians covering projects such
as the work on polio eradication, Ambassadorial scholars.
A critical mass of 40 is a good target for membership numbers and
Gabe is looking to exceed that number.
Fun and fellowship (Southbank Rotarians have that planned for
next week's "meeting")
Leadership - A first! Set up in our District is The Rotary
Leadership Institute with 11 facilitators available to train
Rotarians over a period of 3 days.
DG Jim Studebaker concluded his inspirational and wonderful
talk to invite us to join him in having a fabulous time at the
Launceston District Conference.
District Governor Jim Studebaker
President Gabe and District Governor Jim Studebaker
President Gabe handing over the Polio Plus Penny
Sergeant Nick with his new "beanie"
The Sergeants session followed. To fine us for all sorts of
things, Nick donned a sports cap. Alas the beanie is now a
"hasbeenie". Despite having the best tie I've ever seen, Nick
awarded Michael a prize for his stunning necktie. I was not
alone in thinking Nick's was a thing of beauty as another member
lusted after the feathers for fishing lures. Leigh's bow
tie should have an honorable mention for size and colour and I
regret not taking photos for posterity.
Next week is bowling night and poor players should get some
practice in the alley rather than telling Nick to bowl lefthanded!
Gabe gave us 2 of his thoughts for the week -
- Happiness not what you take, it is what you give.
- The 2nd thought was definitely an improvement on the previous
week's male wisdom. This week Gabe directed it first to
Mandy.....asking why if Barbie (the Doll) is so popular do we have
to buy her friends? If you weren't there and don't know Mandy's
answer, donate to the fine fairy next week to find out.
Adios I'm off to Spain and sunnier climes for a month. Dianne
President Gabe's trip
to Torquay
Dear Southbank
members -
Our former
member Jason sent an email to members on 3 July to offer us an
opportunity to visit the hotel he manages in Torquay. I have
told the Club I took up Jason's offer and encouraged you all to
join me. No one responded and I can only assume the date did
not suit those interested. This is just a quick note to let
you know what you missed!
In addition
to the offer (30% off plus breakfast included), we were given VIP
treatment, plus a discounted cocktail offer, plus an upgrade to
our room. Admittedly, if lots of us went, Jason probably
couldn't offer all of us upgrades - but then it's just us this
weekend!
I don't want
members to miss out without knowing what they could have received,
so here is what we experienced for $154. If you want to take
advantage of Jason's generous offer, it is still valid until the
end of August so try to convince other members to join you and
make it a fellowship event!
We were upgraded to this fabulous apartment with
plenty of space. We were so impressed we invited Andrew and
Rosemarie Jones to visit us!
It is very well equipped including 2 plasma TVs.
This is the view from the apartment. We
have the same view from the bedroom!
Yeap, you can enjoy the view from your own
balcony!
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