The Rotary Club of Bendigo Market Place
Community
Throughout each year, the Rotary Club of Bendigo supports a wide range of small and large, once off and annual, community projects, events, organisations and causes.
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Learn more bout our Community projects:
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Star Thrower Project
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The Star Thrower Project was especially designed for rural women of Central and Northern Victoria who would benefit from a few days by the ocean, away from the stresses of living daily with the effects of natural disasters…. droughts, floods, and bushfires.
Rotarians want to contribute in a personal, meaningful, positive way beyond the very necessary financial support. We want to demonstrate, in a practical way, that we have empathy for what rural women are going through
One rural woman at a time, staying in the home of another woman in the Queenscliff/Point Lonsdale area close to the ocean.
With the support of the Rotary Club of Bendigo our rural women guests, will have a caring, pampering experience, choosing from a variety of relaxing options for 3 days and 3 nights.
This project was initiated by Larrie Winzar, past President of the Rotary Club of Bendigo hosting women in Bendigo for a day of pampering. Larrie has recently moved to Point Lonsdale and has continued with the project now offering rural women the opportunity to experience a Star Thrower - Beach Retreat.
Craft Group
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Our Craft Group is made up of an extremely talented bunch of Rotarians who meet regularly to sew, knit, crochet and create together to make beautiful blankets, scarves, beanies, mittens... you name it, they can create it!
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Items are regularly donated to local charity groups for people in need within our community. The Craft Group recently assisted the Bushfire Relief project by sewing joey pouches for injured wildlife. Fantastic work!
Event Car Parking
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A major fundraiser for our Club is car park management for major local events held throughout the year.
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These events require all hands on deck and strong organisational skills. Luckily our team are highly experienced and ensure the smooth parking of many events including the Bendigo Cup and the Carvan and Camping Leisurefest.
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Be sure you say "G'Day" to the dedicated volunteers if you attend these events :)
Fork in the Road Community Hub
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Are you keen to get involved with a heartwarming, grass roots program that supports Bendigo families in need...?
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Well our Fork in the Road Community Hub project may provide that opportunity.
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During initial establishment phase, our Club had the pleasure of providing financial support to purchase cafe tables and chairs for the Hub. Since then, a number of additional funding raising projects have provided ongoing assistance.
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In addition, a small committee was established to facilitate our Birthday Bags Program. Members of our Club handmake these beautiful bags and fill them with all the Green's Baking Australia mix ingredients needed to make a beautiful birthday cake, along with plates, candles and plastic cutlery to enjoy the spoils.
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These bags are then donated to Bendigo Community Health - Child and Family Services teams to support those families who might not be able to afford a birthday celebration.
Make a Child Smile this Christmas
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In partnership with the Bendigo Club, our Rotary Club enjoys running this project - Make a Child Smile This Christmas each year.
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Club and community members are invited to donate an unwrapped gift (or money to purchase a gift) for a child at Christmas.
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Gifts donated are delivered to Bendigo Uniting Care Outreach Services and distributed to families in need.
"It's in the Bag" - Share The Dignity
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Each year around November, the Rotary Club of Bendigo facilitates a local project called "It's in the Bag". where we join forces with charitable organisation "Share the Dignity".
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It's a simple and heart-warming project that makes a positive difference in the lives of vulnerable women in the Bendigo area.
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Members of the community are encouraged to choose a handbag they no longer use and fill it with toiletries along with a a card or thoughtful note and show her someone cares. Your donation to our “It’s in the Bag” initiative will be given to homeless women or women at risk in the Bendigo region.
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Organisations wishing to contribute can also donate money or items to fill the pre-loved handbags.
Learn more about our Youth Programs, Club Projects and International Projects