BRIAN TAKES OVER AS PRESIDENT
 

Pictured above is the club's new President, Brian Ahmed, with his lovely wife Nuge.

Brian was inducted at a special club dinner held at his Wyndham Cache restaurant on Tuesday 11th June. He took over the reins from outgoing President Graham Roper.

In his inaugural speech, Brian congratulated Graham for the great work that the club had achieved under his guidance. He said that his year will consist of plenty of fun and fellowship and will also contain much of the good work achieved from the previous year. Brian also plans to introduce a few new ideas.

A large gathering of people, including District 9800 representatives, club members and Brian's family and friends, attended the dinner. There were a number of formalities during the evening mixed with some fine musical entertainment from the club's own Rock 'n Roll band, The Barking Dogs. Everyone regarded it as an enjoyable experience.

Click here to view some photos of the evening.

 

ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL TREE PLANTING PROJECT COMPLETED
 

A group of dedicated Rotarians, together with many friends of Rotary and community members, joined forces on Sunday 19th May to plant 1200 trees in Rosslare Reserve, Hoppers Crossing.

The weather was perfect for the occasion and the group worked diligently and quickly to get the job done within 3 hours. It was pleasing to see some local residents joining in as they responded to the call for assistance. 

Special thanks go to staff from Wyndham City Council for providing equipment and services to make the job easier. Thanks also to Geoff Smith for his tireless efforts in organising the event, despite the fact that he was noticeable by his absence on the day.

After the work was completed, we all celebrated our efforts with a sausage sizzle. Thanks everyone for making it a successful and fun day.

Click here to see some photos of the day.

Click here to see a small video of the people hard at work.

CHRIS INDUCTED AS AN HONORARY MEMBER
 

Our Royce and Jean Abbey Scholarship awardee, Chris Ochaya, is due to fly back to his home country, Uganda, in the next few days to continue his good work in developing the Tamarind community farm. Before his return, he made another visit to our club. But, to his surprise, he was the guest of honour and was duly inducted into the club by President Graham as an honorary member.

His proposer, Brian Ahmed, was glowing in his praise of Chris and the wonderful humanitarian work he is doing for his fellow countrymen. Because of this, Brian said, it was only fitting that Chris be recognised as a Rotarian. 

A SIZZLING AND SUCCESSFUL GOLF DAY
 

It was so hot you could fry an egg on the putting green. But that didn't stop a big group of die-hard golfers including our President Graham Roper (pictured above) from playing in the hot afternoon sun to support the annual Werribee Rotary Golf Day.

Despite the gruelling day, most golfers got through unscathed, thanks to the efforts of the drink crews who continually ventured around the course to quench the thirst of parched players.

At the end of the day, we sat down in air-conditioned comfort for dinner and the presentation of prizes. Congratulations to Marty Vaina and his team for winning first prize.

We have realised a profit of $29,000 which is a fantastic result thanks to the generosity of the players and numerous sponsors. Most of the proceeds will go towards the refurbishment of the Dementia Unit at Manor Court Aged Care.

Everyone was extremely grateful for the hard work of chief organiser Ross Conley and his team for making this event our biggest fund-raiser.

Click here to see photos of the day.

 

PETER RECEIVES AUSTRALIA DAY HONOUR
 

One of the club's most respected and longest serving members, Peter Ross, was the recipient of the Order of Australia award (OAM) in the 2019 Australia Day Honours list. The award was a recognition for his service to the Wyndham community over many years.

Some of the major achievements during his life include:

  • Wyndham City Council:
    • Mayor 2004-05
    • Councillor 1997-2008
  • Inaugural chair, Committee for Werribee, 1998-2002
  • President, Werribee Chamber of Commerce, 1980
  • Werribee Theatre Company:
    • Founding Member 1968
    • President 1972-74
    • Treasurer 20 years
  • Life member, Wyndham Theatre Company
  • Founder, Community Arts Alliance and the Community Cultural Foundation
  • President, Rotary Club of Werribee 1986-87; Active member since 1977
  • Board member, Manor Court Aged Care, 1982-2000

President Graham congratulated Peter on behalf of all members and partners of the club. Peter said he was honoured by the recognition and thanked everyone for their well wishes. He also paid tribute to his lovely wife Elizabeth for her support over the years.

Congratulations Peter. Well deserved.

 

MICHAEL'S AMAZING JOURNEY TO UGANDA
 

Werribee Rotary member Michael Redding recently completed a visit to Uganda to catch up with Chris Ochaya and his family. Chris was the 2018 Royce and Jean Abbey Scholarship recipient. He was in Australia in 2018 to learn good farming techniques that he could use on his return to his country.

Michael said it was fantastic experience to see how Chris has utilised his new-found skills and knowledge and has started to transform the Tamarind community farm into a first-class sustainable agricultural showpiece that will support the local population.

Click here to read Michael's story.

 

 
ROTARY THEME 2019-20
 
 
MEETING INFORMATION
Day:      Every Tuesday
Time:    6:30pm for 6:45pm
Finish:  8:00pm
Venue:  Italian Sports Club
             601 Heaths Rd
             Werribee Victoria
             Australia
 
UPCOMING MEETINGS
Sarah Norton
Jul 23, 2019
Werribee Level Crossing Removals
Cathy Booth
Jul 30, 2019
Umoja Orphanage Kenya
Beyond Blue
Aug 06, 2019
AG - Julianne Bartels
Aug 13, 2019
DG Visit - Grant Hocking
Aug 20, 2019
Danial Paproth
Aug 27, 2019
Tishbox Rally
Levi Karschimkus
Sep 03, 2019
Ambulance Victoria
Councillor Mia Shaw - Mayor City Wyndham
Sep 10, 2019
Allan & Shirley Cann
Sep 17, 2019
From RC of Woodend - Re Vanuatu FAIM.
Jeff "Joffa" Corfe - Collingwood cheer squad
Sep 24, 2019
View entire list...
 

ROTARY LINKS

 
CLUB BULLETINS
 
WEBSITE SPONSORS
 
 
 
 
 
FIVE MYTHS ABOUT ROTARY
 
CLUB DIRECTORS
President
Brian Ahmed
President Elect
Carlo Vimercati
Vice President
Colin Muir
Immediate Past President
Graham Roper
Secretary
Kim Deneys
Treasurer
Wendy Roper
Club Service
Brian Ahmed
Community Service
Lyn Fava
International Service
Michael Redding
Vocational Services
James Randall
Youth Service
Marty Vaina
Bulletin
Ross Smith
Membership
Philip Purdy
Public Relations
Philip Purdy
The Rotary Foundation
James Randall
Protection / Governance
Ian Knight OAM
Public Officer
Kim Deneys
Past District Governor
Ian Knight OAM
Past District Governor
Colin Muir
 
 
 
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