Meeting opened at 6.30  by Pres John with the  Rotary Affirmation 

 

He welcomed Guests:  Althea Mackenzie  and Bruno Brandon

 

Apologies:  PP Dennise Herrick ( LOA)  Patricia Abraham, PP Fred Walker, PP Irene Giardino, PP Walter  Bock, Alfio Dimarco

 

pp Keith Weeding  reported he  submitted our Not for Profit returns to the ATO. 

We have a new PO Box as Burwood Post Office is closing. 

New postal address is PO Box 2093 Burwood North 2134. We have a twelve month redirection.  

 

PRISCA  -  Anna-Marie Sanni.  Planning contiues. Need help to remind schools to get their nominations in by the end of the month. The Guest speaker will be  Di North from Interplast .  Zoom meetings with Anna and Liam.  Schools to be contacted and have lists to be handed out tonight. Need Raffle Prizes. Please bring to the next meeting ( No alcohol please)  and money raised to be donated to Interplast

NYSF - Rob Whitney 

• Justin (Rosebud ) confirmed as a participant and paid full attendance Fees .

• Anastasia remains on the waitlist — final decision pending review by Professor Bragg.

• Application fees  50% refund  for  Justin  has been processed .

• Exploring ways to involve younger people in the program.

 Bunnings Barbecue Fundraiser 

•pp Keith has booked 9th May and 5th September 2026. 

Pres John introduced our guest speaker Althea Mackenzie Deputy CEO of the Women and Girls’ Emergency Centre (WAGEC).

Althea joined us to share insights into the organisation’s history, the challenges faced by women and children escaping domestic and family violence, and the innovative programs WAGEC is running to create safe futures.

Founded in 1977 by Jeannie Devine, a domestic violence survivor, WAGEC began as one of Sydney’s first women’s refuges. Today, it continues to grow, operating across multiple sites in the Sydney region.

WAGEC’s mission is “Creating safe futures for women and families.” Althea explained that the organisation focuses on two deeply connected issues: Domestic and family violence and Homelessness

At any given time, more than 122,000 Australians are homeless, with women and children disproportionately affected. For around a quarter of homeless women, family violence is the main cause of their situation. Leaving an unsafe home, Althea noted, often means choosing homelessness as the safer option.

Domestic violence can take many forms: Physical violence, Financial abuse and Emotional and psychological abuse – isolation, intimidation, and manipulation

Many victims remain in dangerous situations due to financial dependence, lack of housing, or fear for their children’s safety. On average, women attempt to leave an abusive relationship seven times before they are able to stay away permanently.

WAGEC operates four refuges across Sydney.

Their Programs include

- Women or family receives individual case management, helping them access identification, financial assistance, healthcare, and long-term housing options.

-A pilot program supporting Aboriginal women exiting prison and working to reunite them with their children in care so far has a 100% success rate — no participating children have returned to care.

-A mentoring program trains and matches mentors with women who have experienced violence or homelessness. Around 200 mentors are trained each year to help women regain confidence, find work, or return to education.

- Primary Prevention Program Aims to prevent violence before it begins by working in early childhood centres. Educators are given tools to challenge gender stereotypes and promote respect and kindness

- Helping Children Heal. A recovery program for children affected by violence, helping them rebuild stability through therapy, education, and social connection. Based locally, this initiative fosters positive childhood experiences and family healing.

Althea closed by reaffirming that WAGEC’s work relies on collaboration between community organisations, donors, and volunteers. Her message resonated strongly with Rotary’s own commitment to service and community care.

Pres John thanked Althea for her passionate and insightful presentation — and for the life-changing work WAGEC continues to do for women, children, and families in crisis.

Meeting closed at 8.00   Raffle won ( again )  by Rob Whitney 

Vale John Hill 

PDG Paul  Sarks advises the death of our past member  John Hill on the 23rd of October.  He  founded a successful Real Estate Agency in 1977 in Burwood. He was a Burwood Rotarian for many years. 

 

Christmas Celebration Planning

• Monday 8 December: final meeting and AGM. 

• Monday 15 December: informal Christmas social gathering. Venue will be Croydon Sports Club and Menus circulated by Anna-Marie  

• No meetings after Christmas until February - Usually we have a Social get together in Mid January. 

 

 

 

Please remember to send your apologies to Past President Sergeant Keith if you are unable to attend a club meeting. Email:  Keith.Weeding@gmail.com 

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