President Bob welcomed members and our guest speaker Karen Burdett from Greenacres. Bob also noted that those attending changeover who contracted COVID are on the mend.

This week’s reflection by Kerrie Hayes-Williams focused on the richness of diversity, the and the importance of equity and inclusion particularly those with disabilities which paid Karen’s presentation of the work from Greenacres,

Annette Lavender gave the international toast to Venezuela District 4380 covering the western region. The Cub hosts large scale events and District conferences focused on community, resilience and peace.  They also coordinate local humanitarian, health and youth programs.  Their major action areas as international collaboration which the Rotary Club of Brisbane participate in the exchange program; health where members facilitate access to clean water, sanitation and state of the art Molecular Diagnostic Laboratories for disease detection and community resilience.  Members pledge support for sustainable living and aid communities by ecological challenges.

Ken Potter announced we have two new dates 14^th and 15^th October for another RYDA event and will require support in setting up and packing up the equipment

Kerrie Hayes-Williams invited members to attend the upcoming Police Awards Ceremony on Wednesday 5^th August 2026 at City Beach Function Centre. Our Club is proud to be a sponsor of this special evening and have been involved in reading the application from the peers of the Wollongong Police worthy or receiving these awards.

The purpose of the Awards is to formally recognise and celebrating the professionalism commitment and service of Wollongong Police Department with the view of it becoming a permanent and integral part of 

The Awards include:

• Police Officer of the Year
• Leadership
• General Duties Officer of the Year
• Administration Office of the Year Award

We and the Wollongong Police Department are excited to develop our relationship and explore ways we can achieve this.  Our donation has been gratefully accepted, and our club will be acknowledged on the evening.  If you, family and/or friends would like to attend we are looking to get a table together to represent our Club. 

The cost is $105 pp which includes dinner, entertainment and a four-hour drink package. If you are interested in helping put a table, together make a payment to Ros through our Rotary account noting, it as ‘PA – (initials of your name)’.  Could you also email Kerrie so she can inform the organisers of the numbers attending by Wednesday, 15^th July please?

Phil Peckman noted the success of our last BBQ and thanked those rostered on the work on the day. 

Guest Speaker: Annette Lavender introduced Karen Burdett from Greenacres to members noting that they will be recipients form our Race Day fundraiser. Karen is the CEO of Greenacres, a well-respected disability service provider in the Illawarra.  Karen is passionate about driving change for inclusion for people with a disability.

Karen is commercially astute and possessed an in-depth understanding of all facets of driving business growth, operational efficiency, managing risk as well as extensive experience in stakeholder engagement across strategic planning and innovation.

Points of Interest:

• Greenacres is a registered NDIS, not-for-profit organisation that empowers people of all abilities to embrace their fullest potential every day.  Originally founded by family members and community members wanting to support those with disabilities
• Activities create meaningful opportunities that foster social inclusion, skill development and independence
• Greenacres. Provide training and employment opportunities, respite and community life and leisure programs to more than 500 people of all abilities across the Illawarra and Shoalhaven
• They offer a wide range of services and programs that support people to build confidence, achieve qualifications and secure employment that aligns with their individual aspirations.
• There are day programs and supported employment to community participation, training, and social enterprise initiatives where they work alongside people to achieve their goals in environments that are inclusive, safe and empowering
• Currently, there are 200 people employed with disability
• Some programs:
  • Youth Employment Assistance: helps 15-24 prepare for work and life after school.  Through tailored supports and hands-on learning, practical skills and real-world experience they build confidence, identify strengths and set meaningful emplo0yment goals.  Readiness training includes money handling, time management, driving, digital skills and communication.  For students transitioning from school the Kickstart program supports this challenging pathway.
  • Vocation Education and Training:  Greenacres helps build skills through accredited and practical learning opportunities delivered with Registered Training Organisations.  Employees can study certificate 11 in Retail or Certificate 11 in Hospitality as well as pathway units and short courses that match you goals and interest
  • Community Life and Leisure programs give people with disability a chance to get out, be active and take part in everyday community life.  Whether its attending local events, going shopping, enjoying a coffee with friends or joining a class, programs are designed around their interest and goals. There are 16 Community Life and Leisure centres across the Illawarra and Shoalhaven, each offering a wide range of activities and opportunities to connect
  • Outsider Arts activity which is not funded and runs at a loss every year. However, there is always interest in this activity with a 100 people with disability accessing creating artworks with a therapist and then they on-sell their finished products.  These people are then recognised as artists which has found to support their communication and wellbeing sense of self. 
  • Community Connect is all about helping connect people with disability with their community through meaningful volunteering experiences.  The program empowers individuals to contribute time, skills, and energy to local projects and initiatives while building confidence friendships and a sense of purpose with projects such as Blooming with Appreciation, Homeless Hub Collaboration, IRT Gardening, Grounds and Engagement, Intergenerational Child Care Programs, Greenacres Woodwork Programs and University of Wollongong International Student project
• Some impact statistics: 600 participants supported, 219 supported employees engaged in meaningful employment, 209,425 hours of support provided, 15 participants completed skill development courses, 382 participants supported in one of our 16 Community Life and Leisure Centres, 89% of surveyed participants are satisfied that Greenacres meets their support needs $1.3 m wages to employees, 175,000 hours of work, $400  m saved Dis Supp payments, $1-1 m carer economic participation, $4.5 m impact to economy, $1 NDIS = $1.07 into community, enterprises lose over $1m a year.
   
• Karen answered questions from members concerning federal funding, government required quotas and entry criteria and selection to training and employment and the social enterprises.  Karen noted that the current government is reduction the funding by 20% in October 2026, for the social programs which will severely impact Greenacres’ services for people with disabilities.
   
• Annette Lavender moved a vote of thanks to Karen and presented our hand-made pen made by Ken Potter.
   
• President Bob announced:
  • Register for the Ride for Rotary event.  Rose noted that members/ family do not need to ride a bike to participate.
  • Clubrunner available for members to register for our next BBQ on Monday, 27 July at Bunnings Kembla Grange, or if having trouble, email Phil directly with your availability.
     
• To complete our evening our sergeant and amazing orator Ken Potter presented us with A. B (Banjo) Patterson’s poem The Geebung Polo Cub.  Ken presented us with engaging animations, strong and expressive vocals the story of the classic Australian ballad that mocks the clash between rugged, unpolished bushmen and the refined, snobby city gentlemen promoted through a humourous polo match where these two worlds collide. Ken always entertains us which was appreciated by all.
   
• Our wine raffle winners were Anne Christensen and Marilyn Phillips, pictured below.