The Rotary Club of Yarraville kicked off the new Rotary year with a social gathering at Pizza d'Asporto on January 21st.
We have now resumed regular Tuesday evening meetings at the Yarraville Club.
On February 25th, the club celebrated 120 years of Rotary with a social night at the Bottega Wine Bar and also toasted the 50th birthday of past president Jebadiah.
Second Hand book sale
While moving our Barbecue trailer out of the storage warehouse, we also had to relocate a large number of ex-library books donated to the club a few years ago. Jebediah organised an impromptu book sale in front of his house on Millers Road, and raised approx $150. The remaining books were donated to the Salvation Army op shop.
Upcoming initiatives & projects
Medical equipment for Zimbabwe. Through Margaret's connections with the African community, our club is exploring a new international project in collaboration with the First Lady of Zimbabwe. The initiative involves sourcing second-hand medical supplies for hospitals via Rotary Donations in Kinds. Yarraville Rotary may assist with packing the shipping container and sponsoring some of the associated costs.
Yarraville Festival – March 23rd
The Rotary club of Yarraville will not have an official presence at this year’s festival, but members who wish to participate and volunteer their time at this great community event can contact Con to volunteer as marshals or assist throughout the event.
Rotary RYPEN The club has asked Footscray High School to nominate a student aged 15-17 to attend the leadership weekend in Malmsbury at the end of April. Our club will sponsor the enrolment cost of between $200 and $300. Additionally, we are engaging with Footscray High School to explore ways we can contribute to student development and education initiatives.
Upcoming Events
Yarraville Festival – March 23rd
The club will not have an official presence at this year’s festival, but members who wish to participate can contact Con to volunteer as marshals or assist throughout the event.
Bunnings BBQ Fundraisers
These BBQs remain an essential fundraiser for our club. We have four BBQs booked for 2025 that require members and volunteers:
April 21 (Easter Monday)
July 27
October 5
November 9
Connection with local leaders Following the 2024 local council elections, the City of Maribyrnong has a new group of councillors. Our club plans to invite them to a meet and greet at a Yarraville Club meeting to foster engagement and strengthen connections. The club also remains in contact with former councillor and Mayor Michael Clarke, who has previously expressed interest in greater Rotary involvement and potential membership.
Rotary District Event Deferred
The proposed Rotary District event, aimed at bringing together district clubs, has been deferred until next year. This event will require extensive planning and coordination with the District governor.
West Gate Tunnel Project – Community Involvement
The club is interested in exploring potential opportunities to be involved in any major community events associated with the opening of the West Gate Tunnel Project at the end of 2025. This could provide a great platform for Rotary to engage with the Yarraville community. Margaret will reach out to our contact Jala at WGTP and express our interest.
Club Funds for the Next Few Months
The club has allocated funds for several initiatives, including:
Annual contribution to the End Polio Now campaign.
Support for the Philippines Sanitation Project.
Sponsorship of the Junior Writers Competition in partnership with Footscray Library.
Rotary signage and cleanup of the Community Little Library.
Purchase of new Rotary-branded shirts and hats to ensure members look professional while serving the community.
Club has healthy bank balance and happy to consider other ideas and community organisations
ary Club of Yarraville