Australian Rotary Health presentation by Greg Lill commenced by with the history of the development of the foundation progressing through the initial research into SIDS, leading up to a focus on mental health issues in adults, to currently on young children 0-12 years.
He demonstrated how the Rotary Club of Randwick and Maroubra combined to develop of long-lasting program of Mental Health First Aid Workshops that were held for approximately 8-9 years at the Maroubra Library.
Highlighted the range of research, scholarships on offer, including Indigenous Health which the club supports.
Greg then advised on the funding sources for the programs and gave an overview of the options clubs have to fund their contribution to the foundation.
Indigenous Health Scholarship, was highlighted by Jesse Aldridge, the club’s current supported scholar, Jesse commenced his talk providing a very comprehensive view into his aboriginal heritage, centered on the Mid North Coast and also on the South Coast at Bomaderry, the birthplace of the Stolen Generation.
Jesse, enjoyed a great lifestyle growing up , he become a leader and role model, he achieved his HSC, enrolled in tertiary study and achieved his first degree in Public Health & Promotion, found working in an office difficult and last year worked in the Allied Health field, last year; attended an Eye Conference in Parramatta, after a blurred eye incident piqued his interest in Ophthalmology, and is currently in his second semester of first year, the scholarship has been useful in providing bridging finance, Jesse, average marks are Distinctions, his 10 year plan is the ‘help his mob’ and eventually establish an Allied Health facility in the community.
South Eastern Community Connect, introduced by Kate Melkopt, CEO, which resulted from a donation of $2000 by the club toward the Peoples Pantry program, which developed from a single enquiry of health with food.
The Community organisation has been operating within the Eastern Suburbs, extending from Rushcutters Bay through to Botany for 45 years.
Kate has been with the organisation for 15 years. Established to provide support for new migrants to assist to reduce isolation it has expanded into many other areas of community support.
People’s Pantry was estabished in 2019, has 135 people utilising the service, via SECC Community Van, provided food & toiletries.
June is Rotary Fellowship Month! This is a fitting designation since fellowship is particularly to the forefront with changeovers being very much the priority in June.