Latest Projects

Aquabox Updates

KIJA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROJECT

The Kija project was initiated in 2006 by Ricky Drill, eldest son of Shirley Drill, elder of the Kija people and traditional owners and custodians of the Bungle Bungles (Purnululu N.P.), Western Australia. While completing a “Learning Pathways Program” with the Swinburne University, Ricky floated a proposal to provide industry skills training opportunities for the younger members of his community. Ricky’s concern was in providing employment opportunities for his people “in country” in order to help preserve their cultural heritage and to stem the decline of social degradation and the migration of his people into a marginal existence in the larger towns and cities. Read more...

Mansfield Drought Breaking Festival

Immediately preceding the welcome rains in Mansfield last weekend was the eagerly anticipated Rotary Drought Break Festival which featured an outstanding fireworks display donated by Eltham’s own Advanced Fireworks Australia.

This joint project, coordinated by the Rotary Clubs of Eltham and Mansfield and supported by the Rotary Club of Heidelberg, was developed as a result of the devastation felt by Mansfield due to the recent heartbreaking combination of drought and fire. Working together, the Rotary Clubs of Eltham and Mansfield organised a festival in the heart of Mansfield which included wonderful local musicians and a special appearance from Deborah Conway.

Food and wine stalls were accompanied by fundraising Rotary stalls which sold sausages and hamburgers, ‘Lucky Balloons’ (donated by Echo Party Supplies Montmorency) and Glow-Sticks to raise much needed funds for the local Hospital which played an integral part during the recent fires.

The whole Mansfield community got behind the cause with local pubs, bars and restaurants hosting significant numbers of patrons on the evening of the festival which, in turn, poured addition funds back into the community. Local businesses also provided vouchers which were inserted into the Lucky Balloons and sold for $4 each. Deborah Conway followed her stint at the festival with an intimate show for 70 patrons at the ‘Produce Store’.

Approximately 30 Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Eltham and 20 Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Heidelberg stayed in Mansfield over the weekend, enjoying the beautiful sites and activities Mansfield has to offer. They also worked hard during the festival, raising well over $5,000 for the hospital and providing business to the local restaurants, hotels and motels.

Inspired by local Rotarian, Mike Irwin, who also spends much of his time in Mansfield, this festival has been a wonderful way for two communities who live over 2 hours away from each other, to show that they care.

“I think I can quite easily say on behalf of all of the Rotarians who spent the weekend in Mansfield for this cause that an event such as this gives so much more back to the participants than simply the wonderful money made.

It brought fun, passion and excitement to a community who has had it tough, and we were lucky enough to be able to soak those feelings up too.” said Eltham Rotarian Rosie Murphy.