Annalisa Cannizzaro is a Community Engagement Specialist at Westgate Community Initiatives Group (WCIG) which is a not for profit employment services provider committed to supporting individuals to find a meaningful role in society. While the topic of her talk may have given us an expectation that it would be a bit mundane and less-than-inspiring, nothing could have been further from the truth.

It was quite evident that Annalisa was very enthusiastic about her role. She told some uplifting stories about people who, despite some challenges in life, were able to find gainful employment and improve their quality of life thanks to the support of WCIG.

She told us that, in Australia, there are 4.3 million people living with a disability. This is 1 in 5 people. There are 1.3 million people in Victoria and 43,600 people in Wyndham people living with a disability. WCIG is a government-funded facility that helps these people in a positive way by providing various services including training and helping to source appropriate employment opportunities. They have offices in several suburbs in the west where there is above-average unemployment including Footscray, Sunshine, Werribee and Corio.

One of their cornerstone training programs is called SEE (Skills for Education and Employment) which provides 800 hours of free training to eligible job-seekers of all ages to improve their language, literacy and numeracy skills. At the end of the program, students will have a greater chance of being employed.

Other key programs within WCIG include:

• Disability Employment Services which assists people living with a psychiatric, physical or sensory disability in gaining meaningful and sustainable employment.

• Youth Services which assists young people who have dropped out of mainstream education to develop individualised pathways plans which will prepare them for employment.

Annalisa cited various inspiring stories as examples of the positive outcomes that have been achieved. She emphasised that no-one is unemployable. They just need to be supported through training, encouragement and being employed at tasks that fit their strengths.

She also highlighted the importance of engaging with businesses and social enterprises who are willing to give these people a chance regardless of their disability or differences.

Annalisa knows there are some people who unfortunately slip through the cracks and do not get the appropriate level of support. She concluded by asking for our help by informing WCIG of:

• Anyone who is struggling to engage in school.

• Anyone with a disability who needs more help or information.

• Anyone who is suffering from anxiety, depression, physical or intellectual disability, chronic illness or injury who would like to work.

Members may remember Reece who was a guest speaker a few weeks ago talking about her country, Kiribati. She has now invited us to attend a movie called "Anote's Ark" next Monday (15th October) which will highlight the major challenges of climate change facing the tiny island nation.

This movie will be shown at the ACMI Cinema in Federation Square and is part of the Environmental Film Festival Australia. It will feature Anote Tong, former President of Kiribati and will focus on the fact that this low-lying Pacific island nation may soon be underwater, thanks to rising sea levels.

The movie commences at 6:15 pm, finishes at 7:30 pm and costs $20 per person. If you would like to attend, please contact Jason Daddy as soon as possible. He and his family will be there and, after the movie, they plan to have a meal in a nearby restaurant.

To see a trailer of the movie, click here.

For more information about this critical environmental issue, click here to view a Ted Talks interview with Anote Tong.

One hundred years ago, World War 1 came to an end with the signing of the Armistice on 11th November 1918 at Compiegne, France.

To mark the centenary of the signing of the WW1 Armistice, the Air Force Association will hold a public torchlight commemoration on 4th November 2018 to honour those brave men and women who served and gave their lives to help shape the world in which we live today.

You are invited to participate in this historic event at the RAAF Base in Point Cook.

WHEN:   Sunday 4th November 2018, 7pm-8:30pm

WHERE: Australian Flying Corps Memorial, RAAF Base Point Cook

Click here to view a flyer of the event.

Catherine O'Connor, President of the Rotary Club of Laverton Point Cook, presented us with a challenge to join in an activity and fund raiser with the objective of ending polio. She said, while we are close to eradicating the disease, it's disturbing to hear that a few cases have been found close to home in PNG. We need to get on top of this as quickly as possible before it spreads further.

So Catherine has invited us to form a team and take a walk around Albert Park Lake on Saturday 17th November to raise money to end polio.

All we need to do is register 5 people from our club to walk around the lake.

But there is a small catch. You need to dress up as a punk, prince or princess. No big deal.

Are you up for it?

If so please email Susie Cole to register or to find out more details.

Next year's District Conference is a multi-District event to be held on 16-17 February at the Melbourne Convention Centre.

The early-bird cost is $175 (until October 31) plus $110 if you would like to attend the gala dinner. If you take up the early-bird offer, you go into a draw to win free registration for 2 people plus accommodation for 2 nights.

The conference will feature outstanding Rotary and general speakers including:

• Melbourne Lord Mayor Sally Capp.
• Former Police Commissioner Christine Nixon.
• Former Olympic swimmer Grant Hackett.
• Grace Forrest, the founder of WalkFree an organisation against slavery.
• Ambassadorial Scholar Brittany Arthur.
• Dr Edna Adan, humanitarian, politician and director and founder of Edna Adan Hospital in Somaliland.

Click here to visit the conference website and to register.

Click here to view a flyer of the conference.

BUT WAIT.........THERE'S MORE!

As a lead-in to the conference, there will be a Peace Through Service Forum on Friday 15th February. 

It will look at the underlying causes of conflict including poverty, disease, hunger, lack of water and the lack of education.

It will also highlight the areas in which Rotary does its most significant work.

There will be an outstanding program of inspirational speakers, panel discussions and networking opportunities to recommit our efforts to address some of the most pressing concerns of modern times.

Click here to read more about the Forum.

• Members and partners are saddened by the news that Audrey Amezdroz, wife of Past President Ned Amezdroz, passed away in Geelong on October 4. We extend our deepest sympathies to Ned and his family on the passing of this lovely lady.

• Positions are open from now until October 31 for the District Governor Nominating Committee. If you are a Past President and would like to part of this committee, please advise our secretary Ross Smith.

• The next mid-week BBQ at Bunnings will be on Thursday 25th October. Your assistance would be appreciated.

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