Rachael Maima, right, addresses a workshop of the Papua New Guinea Midwifery Leadership Buddy Program
President's Message
Another great meeting of our club which commenced with our always popular pre-meeting drinks. It was also nice to welcome Jims & Anne's daughter Michelle & grandson Hayden as guests to the meeting.
Thank you to everyone who volunteered to support the various requests for assistance we have had over the past week. Your support is always valued and appreciated.
We have 2 of our major events coming up later this year that require our support:
The Combined Illawarra Rotary Club's Charity Race Day on 13 Sept at Kembla Grange Racecourse requires 300 tickets to be sold and also needs sponsors. Please invite family, friends and associates along for what is always a fun day. The flyer for the race day is attached to this newsletter. Please see me if you require any further information.
Our Pride of Workmanship evening will be held on Wednesday 5 November and is being organised by Jim Christensen. Please forward any potential recipient details along to Jim for his discerning approval
Tonight, we welcome Neil Jones as our guest speaker. Neil was our Rotary Group Study Exchange student in 1981 and will be speaking of his time in Japan.
Sergeant Dennis opened the meeting and called on President Phil to welcome everyone to the meeting.
Ros reflected on a trip to Morocco and the incredible privilege it is to experience and learn about other cultures.
Noel toasted the Rotary Club of Chicago. Rotary began in Chicago in 1905 when a small group of businessmen formed a charitable organization dedicated to serving their community. Rotary Foundation recognizes individuals with contributions through the Paul Harris Fellowship program. Fees paid by Chicago Rotarians are $1200 USD per annum.
Anne announced that a card had been sent to Barry Stevens and he sends his thanks.
Dennis reported that Barry has had his first session of immunotherapy and is doing OK.
Dennis announced that the Thursday night Jag the Joker and Friday night Meat raffles were once again outstanding from a fund-raising perspective.
Phil announced the following items:
BBQ Trailer is at Phil’s - looking at the possibility of selling or donating this as well as two fridges and one freezer currently at Milan's. The Big Blue cooler box has been sold. Bunnings have donated 2 x 60 Litre eskies to the club.
Social Media Workshops are being held By Rotary District at Dapto Leagues Club on Saturday 2nd August and at Bankstown Sports Club on Saturday 16 August from ,9:00AM – 12:30PM. The workshop will cover social media strategy, AI tools, Design by Canva. Registration is required and your need to take a laptop.
Green Connect: Looking to raise $150,000 by the end of July. They had raised $33,000 by the end of June - and someone has stepped in and will match money raised dollar for dollar. Approximately $60,000 remaining and they are optimistic
Tom O'Toole from Imagination Library is going away and has requested someone to fill in for him. Ray Lee volunteered and will contact Tom directly.
Nicky Smith from Missing Persons Australia has requested help with a fund-raising BBQ on Saturday 9th August in the Wollongong Mall. 200 sausages provided. Phil, Eduardo, Janet, Kerrie, Annette and Narelle have volunteered to man the BBQ. Dennis has volunteered to drop off and pick up the BBQ.
Bunnings Father’s Day BBQ will be held on Thursday 4th August, 4.30PM - 7.30PM. Our club will be unable to support on this occasion.
The Combined Illawarra Rotary Clubs' Charity Race Day will be held on Saturday 13 September @ Kembla Grange Racecourse. Phil will send out an email to members. $110 per person. Deposit funds into club account with comment 'Race Day'. Phil will organise tables.
Sponsors so far are Gold Sponsor - Kiama Leagues Club. Silver Sponsors - Penske, Invocare and Dynelec (Australia).
We are still looking for $1000, and several $500 sponsors. Phil has flyers available if any member would like to send to Potential Sponsors or people wishing to attend. We are required to sell 300 tickets and are currently at 175.
Ken announced that the Science and Engineering Challenge will be run by the University of Wollongong and so Rotary assistance is not required this year.
Ken announced that the RYDA programme will be operating on 12-13 August.
3 volunteers required for Tuesday 12th August, 6 volunteers required for Wednesday 13th August People required at 8.30 on Tuesday to erect tent then set up electronics - finished by 9AM. On Wednesday escorts are required from 9.30 - 2.00 pm.
Jim announced that planning for Pride of Workmanship was progressing with 3 nominees already received and he would like at least 6 to consider. Kerrie and Ros may have additional nominees.
The wine raffle was won by Annette Lavender andKen Potter.
After several fines were issued by Sergeant Dennis, the meeting closed at 07:15pm
Please help support The Combined Illawarra Rotary Clubs
Charity Race Day
Buddy program supports midwives, builds strong leaders in Papua New Guinea PNG
By Linda Deys and Rachael Ame Maima
In April 2024, I (Linda) joined six other Australian midwives as part of a project to improve maternal and newborn outcomes in Papua New Guinea by strengthening the leadership skills of midwives there. What I knew of midwifery in Papua New Guinea was that it was challenging and very different to what I had ever experienced.
Papua New Guinea is so close to Australia, but it has one of the highest morbidity and mortality rates for women and their babies in the Western Pacific region. Midwifery care improves outcomes for women anywhere in the world but more so when resources are limited. Papua New Guinea lacks many resources but most importantly it lacks sufficient midwives.
The Papua New Guinea Midwifery Buddy Program I was taking part in is being funded through a grant project by Rotary members in Australia and championed by the Australian College of Midwives and the Papua New Guinea Midwifery Society. Landing in Port Moresby, our Australian group met 14 midwives from Papua New Guinea as part of the 2024 group.
The philosophy and commitment of Rotary is like that of midwifery – serving others, improving lives, embracing diversity, and valuing our differences. Rotary understands the importance of leadership, friendship, and working together.
Papua New Guinea already has strong midwives. What they need is powerful leaders. I am very proud to have been part of this program supporting the growth and development of strong midwifery leaders.
The Buddy Program paired midwives from Australia and Papua New Guinea to improve outcomes for mothers and newborns.
Rachael – When I applied for the buddy program, I honestly thought it would simply be an opportunity to connect and make friends with Australian midwives. I soon learned it was so much more, as we undertook projects to build leadership skills, strengthen advocacy, learn how to write effective proposals, engage with key stakeholders, and build public speaking and other leadership skills.
Our project aimed to improve maternal health and the outcomes for newborns by increasing the quality of care at the antenatal clinics. As we sought funds for our project, Rotary members provided continuous support, and the assistance of the Australian midwives made me realize I was not alone.
I also want to thank the Australian College of Midwives for sponsoring three Papua New Guinea midwives to attend their 2024 conference. That opportunity provided even more learning, networking, and inspiration to continue our leadership journeys.
Linda Deys is a clinical midwife consultant for Illawarra Shoalhaven health district in New South Wales, Australia. Rachael Maima is a clinical midwife at the Papua New Guinea Defence Force Military Hospital
