Ongoing & Current Projects

RIMERN- Rotary Inner Melbourne Emergency Relief Network

We are a partner club in this excellent multi- Rotary club project. There is always a need to "do" more- but how fantastic that this well directed & completely volunteer- led and serviced outreach is kicking goals in assisting people in desperate need.
 

 
 
 

“Food Forrest” at the VASS- (Ventilator Assistance Support Service) in Thornbury

The Rotary Club of Preston are delighted to be contributing to the formation of a “Food Forrest” at the VASS- (Ventilator Assistance Support Service) in Thornbury. VASS is a residential community for people who are totally dependent on Ventilators for breathing, and for life. It is part of the Yooralla network.
Under the auspices of the “Global Gardens of Peace” VASS will in the coming months have a “green” courtyard, meaning residents will be able to enjoy the ambience of living plants, trees, herbs & flowers.
      The dream of a former resident, this has been an incredible   fund- raising effort by family members and friends  of VASS. Rotary Preston were thrilled to provide a matching grant, along with our District 9790. Funds will go towards the installation of park- benches.
Meeting up with Global Gardens of Peace President Andrew Laidlaw, and Project Manager Susana Owen was inspiring. These dedicated people are devoted to improving the quality of life for those whom life is extremely challenging, either by their surroundings, or circumstances.
…. We look forward to helping with the first initial planting of the raised garden beds later in May.
 
  
 
 

RIMERN – Rotary Inner Melbourne Emergency Relief Network- rimern.org.au

RIMERN is an amazing ROTARY project initiated by the Rotary Club of Prahran, and a number of dedicated Rotarians. Providing much needed homeware & goods for people in desperate need, our club contribute where possible. Over the past few months, Friend of Preston Rotary, Nadia Lyons, has been an amazon in assisting with the delivery & sourcing of furniture & goods.

Currently RIMERN have a GoFundme appeal to help much needed shelving for their Brunswick warehouse.
Wine can also be purchased – again- also proceeds are directed to the great work of RIMERN.
 
 

Darebin Parklands Re- Wilding.

On a cold windy Sunday morning, we braved the elements and assisted with the Darebin Council’s project in re- wilding Darebin Parklands in Reservoir.  Improving the Biodiversity of our landscape- especially in urban Melbourne is crucial. The indominable Ben Smith from Darebin Council Parks & Environmental Planning is a great inspiration to us all.  As Ben has mentioned to us before- green spaces are vital to Biodiversity, and we can all take part as a local reponse to global challenges. Literally hundreds of thousands of Indigenous plant species have been planted, and it’s great to be a part of this! Thanks Ben, and team ROTARY PRESTON!!

 
          
 
  • RIMERN ( Rotary Inner Melbourne Emergency Relief Network)
                   - It’s great meeting up with other Rotarians & being part of a wonderful service to the community. A core of dedicated Rotarians devote many hours to assisting people in crisis by providing household goods & furniture. RIMERN are always looking for volunteers to assist with this great program. The RIMERN warehouse is open Tues, Wednesdays and Thursdays,, & there are working bees on Saturdays with donated goods being collected. A very satisfying aspect to this is that clients, together with their Case Manager from a variety of agencies select the goods THEY want & need. Extra details, such as Scattered Cushions, Throws for the couch, picture frames, paintings & prints make a house feel more like home, and it’s these extras- along with the essentials such as furniture whitegoods, that RIMERN provides. Great work Susie Cole, Ros McMaster, David Gorman & many others who keep this ticking over!
     
       
     
    To inquire about Volunteering or donating goods go to:
     
  • Rotary Preston has recently partnered with RIMERN- (Rotary Inner Melbourne Emergency Relief Network)
    This means we are donating financially to help with the warehouse rental, and other running costs.  Volunteers from our club are assisting with this excellent ROTARY program providing much needed household goods to people in dire need, and providing a presence to the monthly Management Committee meetings. A wonderful project to be involved with.
 
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