Forty members and guests attended last week's meeting at the new facilities at the Werribee Football Club. Prior to conducting a tour of the building, club director, Ian Hovey, provided a brief overview of the redevelopment project.

Some of the facts included:

• Council was first lobbied by WFC in 2008 to consider replacing the old building. This request was declined although it did result in various upgrades to the oval area including floodlights and behind-the-goal nets.

• After more intense lobbying over the next 5-6 years to Council and State and Federal Governments, an architect was finally appointed to draw up plans.

• During 2014 and 2015, a total of $11.75 million was pledged by a number of different parties for the construction of a new building:

  • Werribee Football Club $1 million
  • Wyndham Council $5.5 million
  • Federal Government $3.5 million
  • State Government $1.25 million
  • AFL $250,000

  • AFL Victoria $250,000

• Demolition was completed in November 2016.

• Construction commenced in early 2017 and was scheduled to be completed by the end of 2017. Unfortunately, it took a further 3 months before the club was able to take occupancy.

• At the time of occupancy, there were still in excess of 1000 defects identified that are slowly being rectified.

• The building consists of the following features:

  • Five change rooms allowing for consecutive games to be played on the one day. One or both of these games could be women's games
  • The home change room includes a gymnasium, warm-up area, coaches briefing room, medical room, massage room, recovery room and locker room.
  • A 180-seat function room upstairs that can be divided into two smaller rooms.
  • A 500-seat undercover outdoor area for spectators.
  • Many upstairs viewing rooms for coaches, statisticians, umpires advisors, timekeepers and the media.

  • An office area for administration staff.

• The building has now been regarded by AFL Victoria as a first-class football facility and, as a result, will become a venue for some of the best competitions for both men and women.

Click here to see a few photos of the evening.

The Western Emergency Relief Network (WERN) appears to be going from strength to strength.

WERN provides emergency relief and assistance through supplying good quality second hand furniture, electronic  and white goods, to people in need due to homelessness or mental health, family violence, refugee, fire or flood situations.

The people assisted are those who have been identified to have an urgent need for material aid as a result of experiencing trauma or loss, where they have a need to move or perhaps cannot afford basic living requirements, where they are struggling to buy essentials such as furniture and other household goods.

Many Rotary Clubs in the western suburbs, including Werribee, are member affiliates of WERN and provide invaluable assistance in a variety of ways including the collection, assessment, repair and cleaning of donated goods. WERN facilitates the supply of all appropriate items to be available to individuals and families in need through our network of Member Welfare Agencies.

WERN has helped 825 families since commencement. Here are some more impressive facts:

• Over $515,000 worth of goods have been donated;
• Almost 15,500 items provided to families in need;
• 6,800 Volunteer Hours provided; 
• Around 650 collections completed.

Click here to view a more detailed assessment of WERN's success. 

The Rotarian Action Group for Multiple Sclerosis Awareness (RAGMSA) is organising the 2018 Global MS Lunch on Sunday 27th May.

The details of this important function are:

• Location: Highfield Estate, 330 Barringa Road, New Gisborne
• Time: 1pm for 1:30pm
• Cost: $50 per person which covers a 2-course lunch, tea, coffee and a complimentary glass of champagne on arrival
• Drinks: At bar prices

• Guest Speakers:

  • Prof Trevor Kilpatrick (MS Research Status)
  • Amanda Wendt (My Rotary)

  • Amanda Campbell (Living with MS)

There will also be entertainment, an auction, door prizes and a raffle.

If you would like to go, please RSVP by 22nd May to Diana Taurins on 0419 564 389 or email taurins3@vegas.com.au

WEAR SOMETHING RED in support of MS.

You are invited to join District Governor Peter Frueh and Anne and District Governor Elect Bronwyn Stephens and Mark for the District 9800 Changeover lunch at “The International” in Brighton on Sunday 3rd June.  

This year the Changeover will be celebrating our District and all that we have achieved together – Rotarians and Clubs, with assistance and support from the District Leadership Team. 

There will be fun, special projects and Rotarians honoured.

Entertainment will be supplied by our own sensational “Barking Dogs” with Sue Foley. So bring your dancing shoes.

Dress to impress but don’t feel the need to be uncomfortable.

In true Rotary style, there will be funding opportunities for two projects of $1,000 each. Submit a short, informal project plan, register a table of 10 before May 18th and be ready to claim the prize and announce the project to all our District Rotary friends. You could even gain support from other Clubs and possibly receive a Foundation District Grant.

Click here to view a flyer of the event.

Book now at www.trybooking.com/367423

• Our club changeover will be held on Tuesday 26th June at Jacksons on K restaurant in K Road.

• Our 50th Charter Anniversary is on 18th August and it will be held at the Werribee Racing Club. Our guest speaker will be Ian Riseley who is currently the Rotary International President. This is a major milestone for the club and we are expecting a large turnout of current and past members and partners as well as Rotarians from other clubs.

• It's a long way off but Graham Roper has already booked our Christmas Dinner at the Werribee Football Club's function room (Chirnsides By The River) to be held on 11th December. Add it to your calendar.

• Footy Tipping - After a tough week of tipping, Tony Todaro and Marty Vaina have surged ahead and are on top of the ladder with 51 points. Brian Ahmed won the weekly prize with 7 winners.

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