Guest Speaker, Gwenda Howard: Gwenda is the regional co-ordinator for Knitted Knockers Australia operating mainly in the Albury Wodonga area, but also covering numerous towns in the surrounding areas up to and including Cudgewa, Myrtleford, Beechworth and everything in between and starting in Corowa early in 2015. Gwenda spoke to us last week about the growing popularity and requirement of the Knitted Knockers, a free cotton prosthetics – which come complete with a nipple feature –designed as a light and soft design that mimics the shape and feel of real breasts … of great comfort to women recovering from Breast Cancer surgery. The KK organisation is widespread throughout the world and one of her breast cancer survivors is currently in the process of introducing Knitted Knockers into the Netherlands. Gwenda is always looking for volunteer knitters, also more people prepared to act as co-ordinators in their local area. At the conclusion of her address President Justin presented Gwenda with a cheque for $250.00.
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President’s Message
I hope all enjoyed last week’s meeting – it was great to have the opportunity to explore the workings of Hothouse Theatre followed by a wonderful lunch at La Maison. We’ve been fortunate with the excursions so far this year – Hothouse, and earlier DECA and it makes be think how truly fortunate we are as a community to have such facilities.
The Butter Factory Theatre is the home of Hothouse Theatre, Australia’s leading regional theatre company. Hothouse formed in 1997 out of the Murray River Performing Group, with a mission to develop excellent contemporary Australian theatre for the local community. Over the last 17 years Hothouse has developed a coherent and focussed theatre practice and built a reputation as a small to medium theatre company that produces and presents the best theatre in the country, as well as engaging with the local community through a number of outreach and education programs. Jon Halpin and Tahni Froudist took us on a tour of this vibrant and innovative 162 seat venue before joining us for lunch at La Maison Café. Jon has been the Artistic Director of Hothouse since June 2010 and prior to this was the Artistic Associate of the Queensland Theatre Company and Associate Artist at Brisbane’s Metro Arts. Tahni has been the General Manager at Hothouse since April this year. Prior to Hothouse she was an Associate Producer for Sydney’s Belvoir St Theatre, and has a Bachelor of Arts Management.”
December
DECEMBER – FAMILY OF ROTARY MONTH . This is a good opportunity to ensure that your Club is well informed on the vast range of activities that all go to make up the organisation of Rotary International
Kitenden Pre School Update
Howard reported …..
The third quarter report shows that there are 50 children enrolled – 25 boys and 25 girls. 44 are likely to graduate this year and attend Primary School in 2015. Since the Preschool reopened in 2013, 720 hours of the National language – Kiswahili – have been taught. 31700 meals have been provided to the children. Our Club Services team have recommended that we continue with our sponsorship of $3000 on an ongoing basis until the preschool is close to achieving community funding. We will be seeking Class Sponsorship support in a similar manner as the past two years. The new Future Warriors website www.futurewarriorsproject.org is excellent and well worthwhile viewing. They are also seeking child sponsorships to support the funding program. Some months ago our Club applied for and was successful in obtaining a District Grant to support the funding of a new 50 sqm building now being constructed at the Kitenden Preschool. The building is to provide a new hygienic kitchen and visitor volunteer accommodation. It will cost about $8500 and will be funded partly by $3000 from the 2013 and 2014 operating surplus, the District Grant of $2700 and the balance from additional donations now being sought. Presentations are being made to other local Rotary Clubs. We should all be proud of the achievements of this International project thus far. The education provided and the nourishment of two meals each day has made a significant contribution and enhancement for the future of nearly 100 Maasai children
President’s Message
Last week was a great evening for the Club with the International Evening. For those who could not make it the nutshell message for me is that Rotary is an extraordinary organization that does so much to assist the disadvantaged. If you are not certain as to what Interplast, ROMAC, Donations in Kind, Shelterbox and Aquabox are about please make sure you spend a few moments to jump on-line and take a look. You will truly be amazed.
Obviously Thursday evening would not have happened without a lot of preparation – a big thank you to Gordon, and in particular Peter for all your hard work. Again on the night people like our amazing treasurer Dennis and secretary Nic work hard to make sure everything runs smoothly.