Easter has now come and gone, and I hope you all had a surfeit of chocolate- if that is your thing! If you want the most delicious chocolate available, I would recommend Boston Bay chocolate from Port Lincoln, SA. The best.🙌😊
We did not have a meeting this Monday, so I will backtrack to the previous week!
A very busy FAM took place at Caulfield grammar on Tuesday 31st. Nora will report!
On the 30th March, our speaker was Inspector Sandy MacIver, who spoke about police work in Boroondara. The most important message she stressed was “lock your car” and “lock your house” She stated that although we have seen crime rates escalating, the situation is not as dire as the media makes out!
The week before we had heard from Education Chances,, who provide support for talented young people in Boroondara to help achieve an education and live their dreams.
Elizabeth and I had also been to the Rotary Summit in Horsham, where we learnt about numerous other areas, both internationally and locally, needing support. We heard about the devastating effects of the bushfires in Victoria; refugees from Burma making a home in Nhill; the harmful effects of social media from a grieving father, whose 17year old son committed suicide after sexual predation; the disastrous effects of stress and trauma on men who are not able to express their feelings and gain help; and the disastrous effects of war in third world communities. The Beautiful Bogan delivered a heartwarming discussion about mental illness and men, and how everyone needs a hug!
It was a wonderful conference and a pity that so few of our members attended. Our club was presented with a Silver Environmental Award at the cocktail party, and the following evening there was a wonderful bootscooting event, and I find it fascinating how many people can actually perform the Nutbush! The next conference is being held in Warrnambool, and I would recommend you all go!
Onto other Rotary matters, Rimern needs help, so if you can even spare one half day, please contact Narelle, who is doing the roster! Camp Getaway’s dates have change to early April, 2027, and all those who are prepared to help on the events committee, please contact John McCaskill.
Inspector Sandy McIver has been in the Victorian Police for 35 years. In 2003, she returned to frontline policing in the City of Boroondara. There are two police stations in Boroondara - one in Camberwell and one in Kew. She has extensive prior experience - as both a Youth Resource Officer and a School Resource Officer. She pointed out one very basic observation, that being eighteen does not mean that you act and behave like an adult. She also observed that you have to look where the crime is and make the necessary calculations as to what you should do.
There are various factors which are included in any analysis of the rate of crime in Boroondara. There are many different ways to break into cars, from the most basic ( breaking windows in cars) to the use of the latest technology. Even theft from shops and retail outlets change due to the latest challenges - for instance, the contemporary theft of petrol corresponds to the current crisis in the shortage of fuel.
Sandy cautioned us in responding to scare campaigns based on social media, She asked us to refer to Boroondara Eyewatch on Facebook, to be alert to the types of details being highlighted . Apparently, journalists never ask Victoria Police to corroborate the story details, a fatal flaw in the actual truth. She also cautioned us about posting CCTV images, with the associated comments, which could possibly jeopardise the judicial consequences of criminal action in the court system.
Another operation, Halo 20, is one in which Victoria Police are highly visible throughout Victoria., thus making our environment safer for us all.
The questions which members pursued covered a broad range of issues. Youth crime has resulted in a mixed bag of outcomes, the main thrust being the dominance of early intervention in preventing young people from pursuing a career in crime. Sandy acknowledged car theft, but de-emphasised the role of organized crime, preferring to describe the lack of thought and judgement which prompted this particular criminal act. Furthermore, the return to tougher bail laws may cause more problems than it solves. Young people in prison are subject to a negative education and a confirmation of a continuation of a career in crime. On a personal note, John Braine described a positive experience when his car was stolen, found and a response from the police in Camberwell.
Inspector Sandy McIver gave us a transparent and communicative description of community policing in general. She wants to hear from us in Boroondara, and demonstrated an authentic willingness to listen to what we has to say. We all appreciated this very much.
Next week’s speaker will be a Member Behind the Badge presentation by John Womersley. John will provide an overview of himself from disinterested student, occupation, travel, family and his volunteering journey.
We held a very successful and hassle free FORAMEAL packing event at Caulfield Grammar, Caulfield Campus on Tuesday 31 March 2026.
The new venue was fantastic. A lovely vinyl floored large area with natural lighting. The truck parking was on the forecourt to the new building which gave easy access for the event. We also appreciated the off -street parking in the large new car park for us.
The students and teachers certainly have an up-to-date incredible facility to enhance their learning experience for now and into the future.
The students readily participated and packed 15,150 meals in the allocated time.
We have also extended our thanks to the teachers, especially for their assistance with hand writing the expiring dates on the pouches.
Hopefully, the next one at RMIT will following the trend of being relatively hassle free!
The Canterbury Rotary Club lunch group usually meets bi-weekly at 12.30 for a meal and some fun.
David Zrna looks after the reservations for the lunch group. Please contact David at david.zrna@canterburyrotary.org or on 0467033092 to advise that you will be coming to a lunch. Above are members enjoying lunch at Harp Hotel.
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