An eye opening meeting this week, with Sarah & Gail from Freedom Hub explaining what they do to help the 41,000 in slavery in Australia today. I intend to follow up and explore what the club can do to help. (See details below).
Last weekend Louise organised a stall at the Art Fair at Cammeray School - public relations exercise which strengthens our ties with the school, and dry run for the Crows Nest fair.
Thank you, Louise, and her helpers Adrienne, Kate and Ian. Also, Bill Lee for donating the soccer balls which were given away as prizes.
Last week I had a coffee with Richard, President of Mosman club. He was keen to exchange ideas and engage in more joint activities.
Angelo has started the Melbourne Cup Trifecta fundraiser. Already 11 clubs have requested tickets and tickets for our club are now available. Please support Angelo in selling our tickets.
Finally, I’m pleased to report that our District Grant has been approved. We have $5,000 towards a $15,000 Breast Screening device for RNSH.
Looking forward to our next meeting on September 1st when CANTEEN will talk to us.
Canteen is an Australian charity that has provided free and tailored support to young people impacted by cancer for almost 40 years. Whether young people are dealing with their own diagnosis, a close family member’s cancer or the death of a loved one, Canteen provides a wide range of free support services to help them overcome the specific challenges they’re dealing with.
Canteen also provides services for parents dealing with cancer in their family. Our studies show that when parents are supported through cancer, their children cope much better as well. We look forward to hearing about Canteen and how we can support their efforts.
We had a very impactful presentation by Sarah Parker and Gail Staples from Freedom Hub. Modern slavery is more common in Australia than realized. It is estimated that there are 41,000 people in slavery and this count goes up by 22 daily. Freedom Hub has been instrumental in initiating programs to end slavery in Australia and were significant advocates for the development and implementation of the Modern Slavery Act.
Freedom Hub’s mission to end slavery in Australia; help people who have experienced this crime recover and partner in the fight to end global slavery.
This survivor-informed and survivor-led organisation runs a survivor school to provide survivors long-term wrap-around support by offering personalised classes to assist in recovering and courses to help them become ready to work. There is a Peer Support Program providing activities, workshops, community building and recreational sports. Sarah and Gail mentioned the success stories with many survivors becoming trained and independent. In the past 10 years:
75% of survivors entered work or education within 12 months
Trained over 400 businesses to reduce the risk of modern slavery
Reached 250,000+ people across Australia through education and events.
Sarah and Gail and the Freedom Hub organization acknowledge that community and corporate support are required to achieve their goals. They are seeing progress– especially with the business partnerships. This was an informative presentation and gave Rotary Crows Nest an insight into modern slavery in Australia.
Announcements and Reminders
A movie night in support of Mary's House is being planned for September 5 at the Roseville Cinema. Sign up at https://www.trybooking.com/DDHIP
Next BBQ – Saturday September 6
The Lane Cove Fair is October 12, We are looking for volunteers.
Crows Nest Fair is October 19.
Mary's House Walk is October 26, Sixclubs (including us) will be running a BQQ prior to Mary’s House Walk on Oct 26th.
The District Governor is planning a picnic for February 1, 2026 at Fagan Park, Carrs Road.
Intl Women's Day Rotary District 9685 Educational Scholarship Scheme — March 8, 2026.
District Conference March 20/21st 2026
Reminders:
Club fees are due
RYLA applications have kicked off
From the DG: Be aware of Club Runner SPAM. The DG has received calls and emails from members that they have received emails from her and Russell Zimmerman requesting help. Please do not respond to these emails. They are scams, so delete them immediately. Please do not respond.
Please Support our DG Partner Project – Mental Health PhD Scholarship in support of vital research into mental illness in children aged 0–12 years.
