The Rotary South Gippsland Cluster covers the six clubs across the Shires of South Gippsland and Bass Coast. Club Presidents meet as a Cluster every three months and share project information, along with a new focus on seeking local initiatives to address Homelessness, Mental Health and Family Violence, together with support for flood victims. Some of the activities undertaken in recent times include:
Rotary Club of Phillip Island & San Remo with assistance from Wonthaggi Rotary, undertook two days of work resulting in the removal of a large playground from Wonthaggi. Two trailer loads of playground equipment are now destined for a new life under the Rotary Overseas Repurposed Playground program. Big thanks to Rotarian Wayne Jenkins from RORPs, his coordination skills ensured everything ran smoothly, with the work completed on schedule (thanks also to Stevie from PI&SR for her endeavours to complete the project).
The Rotary Opp Shop at Cowes is more than a business; it is a community asset. Over and above the value it adds to our projects it supports members in our community that may find themselves in dire need due to circumstances beyond their control. We work with the emergency services on Phillip Island and provide goods to assist desperate members of the community get back on their feet after a traumatic event such as a fire, flood, or other events beyond their control. Volunteers were thanked with a well-deserved lunch during November – their work is very much appreciated.
Rotary Club of Wonthaggi: After a two year break, the Rotary Club of Wonthaggi heralded the return of their annual Dinner Auction. The night saw 90 local community members attend a delicious three course meal at the Wonthaggi Golf Club, while generously bidding on items donated by local businesses. Significant funds were raised to help the club support local community initiatives – big thanks to all involved.
The Primary School Public Speaking event saw seven local Primary Schools enter their school champions on this special night at the Wonthaggi Arts Centre. Each student chose a topic of interest and spoke before a large audience of family, friends and the community. The public speaking skills of the students were high level and amazing for their age – well done to all presenters.
Rotary Club of Inverloch: Wine tasting and a Chinese meal were the basis of a fundraising event undertaken by the Rotary Club of Inverloch, with funds raised in support of their local community. It was a very enjoyable day, with a group from Wonthaggi Rotary also supporting the event. We all now have a greater appreciation of Zilzie wines.
Inverloch Rotary has formed a partnership with their local Mitre 10 store. Their skills on the BBQ are helping satisfy Inverloch’s desire for a sausage in bread on a Saturday morning.
Local Parks & Reserves: The Club is heavily involved in enhancing local parks and reserves, including enhancing Thompson Reserve in Inverloch with a planned community garden and other facilities.
Rotary Club of Korumburra is very active within its community, supporting many events and community activities through the use of its well-resourced catering van (hot chips are always a favourite with the crowds). Catering at the ‘Hills R Alive’ New Year’s Eve music festival is a major fundraiser for the club and gives the Rotary brand great exposure.
Korumburra Rotary club has organised many special guest speaker nights attracting large audiences at its regular Austral Hotel venue in Korumburra. The club is also planning a Comedy night for the community, with well known comedian Ben Lomas as the main act – keep an eye on their website for details.
Rotary Club of Leongatha 2023 Art & Photography Show will be held over three weeks from Saturday 14th January to Saturday 4th February at the Leongatha Memorial Hall located at the corner of McCartin Street and Michael Place, Leongatha, Victoria,3953.The show will be open to the public from 10:00am to 4:00pm Monday to Sunday. The official opening and announcement of the 2023 awards and prizes will take place on Friday 13th January at 8:00pm. Art Show judge, Janice Orchard (L) with artist Fiona Bilbrough (R) and her 2022 'Best in Show' work, 'Grandma's Treasure'.
The Rotary Club of Leongatha Show N Shine event is back for 2023 and bigger and better than ever. It will be held on Sunday 19th March from 7.30am to 1.30pm. In 2011 we added a swap meet to the event and in 2015 we added a Craft & Produce Market, so now there's something for everyone! With great coffee, good food, and children’s activities, everyone will be entertained and have a great day. Our Judges will have a busy day with some 21 Categories to be judged including best hot rod, best street machine, best veteran, best truck, bike of the show, best custom, best interior, best engine bay, and for the second time the "President's Choice" trophy. Each category winner receives a trophy. This is a fun day with lucky draws for quality prizes each hour.
The Leongatha Rotary Club has opened a new fund raising enterprise based in the Old Fire Station at 2 Anderson Street, Leongatha. They welcome donations of furniture items, large and small. All donations are accepted only by mutual agreement. Contact our Furniture Donations Coordinator, Shirley to discuss the items you have to donate.
Rotary Club of Foster, in partnership with other local groups, conducts one of the most successful open markets across the South Gippsland Cluster and wider area. As with most locations, the wet weather has seen markets cancelled, however the enthusiasm remains, and they will come back bigger and better.
Foster Showgrounds Pavilion. Despite an interrupted start due to COVID, the well utilized and popular pavilion next to the playground at the Foster Showgrounds was completed and now offers a great place for the community to enjoy whilst families utilise the nearby playground.
The Foster community has supported the Rotary Club over many years through their firewood raffle and Rotarians selling raffle tickets next to the firewood trailer is a familiar sight in Foster.
