Rotary Club of Appin Park Wangaratta

Builders needed for international project

If you’re a local builder interested in making a positive difference to the quality of life for members of a small Timorese village, then the Rotary Club of Appin Park Wangaratta wants to hear from you. In May the Rotary Club is preparing to send its next contingent across to Dilor, a small community in the district of Lacluta in Timor Leste where it’s refurbishing a building for use as a community cntre. Work began on Dilor Friendship House last year and now another group of Rotarians is preparing to travel across to undertake stage two of the refurbishment. The Club’s President, Karen Harmon, said building Friendship House was a five year priority project for the Rotary Club of Appin Park Wangaratta. “Last October we sent a six person team to Timor Leste to start building the centre. They secured and waterproofed the dilapidated structure, removed the ceiling, replaced some of the old corrugated iron roof, patched some of the cement floor, painted walls, erected signage and strengthened the facility’s fence,” she said.

“We’re preparing to send another team across in May to continue this work, their job will involve further roofing, building internal walls and storage facilities and installing windows and tables. Our team has a good mix of skills but we really need people with building or construction experience on this trip. We’re very keen to hear from anyone with building skills willing to donate their time and join our delegation.”

East Timor is the world’s newest nation and a very close neighbour. It is a country with strong historic links to Australia and is also a country with immense developmental challenges, including the lowest GDP per capita income in Asia and 80% unemployment rate.

“Our Rotary Club’s acting as a global citizen and once complete Friendship House will make a very real difference to the quality of life for members of this small Timorese village as it will used for teaching and training purposes.”

Assistance is also sought to assist with the overall cost of the project.

If other community groups or individuals would like to contribute some funds, or if they have members who would like to join the trip, they are most welcome. This project fits the aims of Rotary, which are always about helping people to help themselves, to create self-reliance, as well as to helping to achieve self-determination in the face of life’s many challenges. Rotary’s about friendship, fellowship and humanitarian assistance and presents an opportunity to serve the community both locally and globally. This project in Timor Leste perhaps represents the best reason for becoming a Rotarian: the chance to do something for somebody else. It is richly rewarding.”

The next team will leave Melbourne for Dili on 17 May and then travel via four wheel drive to Dilor village, a small town with a population of around four thousand. They will return to Melbourne on 29 May.

Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Ken Lay star attraction at Rotary dinner

• Victoria's top cop was the star attraction at a membership night held by the Rotary Club of Appin Park Wangaratta.
• Dinner raises $500 for NESAY
• Winners of the Wangaratta Travelscene Fishing Camping and Outdoor Leisure Show raffle announced.

Police Commissioner Ken Lay, a former member of the Rotary Club of Appin Park Wangaratta, addressed a crowd of one hundred and fifty local leaders at Wangaratta's Gateway Hotel on Thursday night (9/2/12).

The event was hosted by Margaret Bennett, CEO of North East Health Wangaratta who is lined up for the role of president in 2012/13.  “It was fabulous to see so many people join us to celebrate Rotary and to learn about some of the local and international projects the club has supported over the past few years,” Margaret said.

President Karen Harmon said she was pleased with the turnout and chuffed that Chief Commissioner Ken Lay was able to deliver the key address. “The night was a fabulous success; we had a great speaker, great company and great conversations.”

“The night was also about connecting local leaders and facilitating conversations about how we can all work together to make a difference within our local community, our region and even internationally as we have done most recently with our community centre project in East Timor. It was a membership night and I hope that many of those who attended consider joining Rotary,” Karen said.  “People who missed the night are welcome to contact Margaret Bennett on 0417 924 934 or contact the club via its website www.rapw.org.au.”

“Like many Rotarians, giving something back to the community is a key reason to be involved, but it’s also about fellowship and friendship. Rotary provides members with an opportunity to meet other community leaders and to be part of a respected group. It's very rewarding,” Karen said.

In keeping with the Rotary club’s aim to support its local community, Karen Harmon presented Chief Commissioner Ken Lay and President of NESAY’s Board, David Ryan with a donation of $500 to go towards local initiatives. “We're very pleased to be able to support the unique role NESAY plays in providing strong and effective welfare and employment services to vulnerable people and know this donation will be put to good use.”

Chief Commissioner Ken Lay also drew the winning ticket for the Rotary Club’s Travelscene Fishing Camping and Outdoor Leisure Show raffle.

• John Sgarioto won a 3.99m Stacer Proline Boat with a 30hp Mercury Motor, trailer and safety equipment valued at $8,150.
• Matt Turner won a Mystery Flight valued at $1,500 - this includes two nights’ accommodation, transfers, wine and chocolates on arrival, daily breakfast and credit to the room of $100.
• Wayne McDonald won two nights at B&B Mad on Bright valued at $1,000. This B&B is a five bedroom fifteen bed holiday house.

The Fishing Camping and Outdoor Leisure Show is one of the Rotary Club of Appin Park’s key fundraisers and the club is thankful to its main sponsor, Travelscene Wangaratta and to Bendigo Bank, Parks Victoria, 3NE and Noisebox Productions.

2012 Fishing, Camping & Outdoor Leisure Show

The 2012 Fishing Camping and Leisure Show and Ovens River Classic is on 28th to 29th of January.

Open for Patrons from 9am Saturday and Sunday. Closes 5pm Saturday and 3pm Sunday.

Travelscene Wangaratta and Bendigo Bank: Major Sponsors

Thanks also to Parks Victoria, North East Newspapers and EDGEFM/3NE and to all our Sponsors and Exhibitors.

Look for even more caravans, boats, cars, fishing and camping equipment at this year's event. Make sure you come along, bring the family, free entry and entertainment for children so you can have a good look around.  See you at Apex Park on the 28th and 29th of January.

Exhibitors: Download Exhibitors Registration Form |Download Terms and Conditions

Bendigo Bank Fishing Competition: here - All documents and entries can be mailed to PO Box 329 Wangaratta 3676

Fishing Competition hours:

• Register at Apex Park: Friday 27th 12-noon till 10pm and Saturday 28th 7am till 12 noon
• Fish from 12.01am Saturday till measuring stops at 10.30am Sunday 30th
• Bring your fishing measures to the Judges at Apex Park until 12-noon Sunday 29th
• Presentations and boat draw from 2pm Sunday

Key organiser Dennis Devine welcomes all who intend visit the Show and enter this year's fishing competition.  "There will be something for everyone interested in outdoor leisure and fishing to see at the site" said Dennis.  "There will be more exhibitors, more free activities for the kids, and prizes for the fishing competition".

"Families are catered for at the Show, it is still free entry for kids under 16, accompanied by a parent, and more children's rides and activities means adults can get around and see all there is on offer"

"The event raises funds for club projects, and being a family friendly event, we want the community to know that all money raised will go towards community projects and initiatives here in Wangaratta."

"This event can't run without generous support of the many sponsors who help us" said Dennis Devine.  "We want to thank them for that"