Tina Howard from Our Community Project (OCP) certainly dispelled any doubt that our club’s support of the Social Circus program wasn’t worthwhile and indeed was very much needed. The range of support programs and community projects offered by OCP is outstanding as is Tina’s vision for the future of OCP and possible new projects.

 

The Train Ride to End Polio was another success on Thursday last week, with around 30 Rotarians, representing all Illawarra Rotary Clubs taking part, with $6,750 raised in support of the End Polio program. Thank you to our club members, friends & spouses who took part.

 

A quick reminder to those coming to both our social night and Pride of Workmanship to deposit funds into the club account for their attendance at each event.

 

A well deserved break from club business this week to enjoy an ‘all you can eat’ Pizza Night at Centro CBD. I look forward to seeing you all there.

 

Cheers,

 

 Meeting 17 for the year was opened by Sergeant Dennis Simpson at 6.15pm.

 The Reflection, a toast to the City of Wollongong and a little of its history, was proposed by
Rose.
 Helen’s International Toast was for the 4 Rotary Clubs of Oulu in Finland and their focus on
Humanitarian, International and Youth Projects.
 Rose reminded members that numbers for the Pizza Social Night and Christmas Party are
being requested. At this stage there are 25 for the former.
 Rose also mentioned that requests for our club to have representatives attend the end of
year assemblies at local Primary and High Schools to present Citizenship Awards are
starting to come in. She will be asking members to volunteer to attend one or more of these
as soon as all the information is received.
 The Charles Hotel was suggested as a venue for the Melbourne Cup and a few members are already looking to support the venue and attend that day. All members and friends are
invited and would be emailed with details.
 President Phil reminded members of the End Polio train ride the next day. All welcome to
join him, Ros and Paul Yeoman, Di Reid and Rose on the day.
 Phil reminded members of the Pride of Workmanship evening organised by Jim and John
and requested payment for the evening as soon as possible.
 Phil invited 2 interested members to attend the dinner for the ARH Indigenous Health
Scholars Tuesday 2nd December.
 Phil thanked those who worked on the monthly BBQ which went very well.
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John Erickson then introduced our speaker Tina Howard from Our Community Project.
Tina gave us an overview of the many events and programs organized by OCP, a not for profit
community centre in Port Kembla. She has been with OCP for 17 years. We were astounded by the list of their current activities supporting community members and cultures:
 Social Circus – with Women Illawarra this program builds resilience and confidence in
children 4 to 10 years old
 Sing and Grow – for 0 to 5 year olds and families
 School holiday programs such as cooking classes and Lego construction workshops
 Tender Funerals
 NILS – No Interest Loan Scheme
 Port Locals – involving special interest groups such as cooking, gardening and sewing
 Jam N Bread – Bread making whilst sharing music from different cultures
 Community Christmas Feast of around 200 meals
 EAPA – Energy Accounts Payment Assistance
 A street lantern parade each year
Members feel very happy to be supporting Our Community Project.
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The wine Raffle was won by 2 happy wine lovers Phil and Helen.
The meeting – another excellent one - closed at 7.45pm