Comedy for a Cause was held on Friday, December 1, in the Keira High School Hall to raise funds to assist Year 11 vice-captains Jarrad Pritchard and Maria Micale, both members of Rotary’s Keira High School Interact Club, to attend Rotary’s National Youth Science Forum – NYSF, a week-long action-packed sciences program to be held in January. 

Jarrad will be travelling to Canberra, whilst Maria to Brisbane.  The Rotary Clubs of West Wollongong and Wollongong have jointly supported these two amazing young people who are very excited about their selection and their journey ahead.

On December 6, both Rotary clubs hosted Jarrad and Maria, plus another three Interactors, all in Years 10-11, who had attended Rotary’s Youth Program of Enrichment – RYPEN;  Sam Manns – another vice-captain;  Zara Webster, Yr 10, an SRC representative, and Mikaela Trincado, Yr 10. Both Zara and Mikaela are very active members of the community, volunteering for every opportunity, both in and outside of school.

On Friday, December 8, a team from both RC of Wollongong and PCYC conducted a fund-raiser at Bunnings Wollongong; Saturday, December 9, was the annual Santa Claus Pub Crawl with a large contingent of members and friends setting up their Rotary Trailer in the grounds of the North Wollongong Hotel.  It was a very busy and fun night.  On the Sunday, support was provided for the inaugural Santa Fest in Lang Park, hosted by the Salvation Army and the Disability Trust.

On Tuesday, December 12, the RC of Wollongong was present at the graduation of 21 Flagstaff Group employees who successfully completed the Certificate II in Health Support Services.  Pride of Workmanship – POW - awards were presented to Brenda Svadron and Bradley Burton for their outstanding commitment to their studies, their application of the skills and knowledge learned and applied to their on-the-job training in Flagstaff.  Rotary, worldwide, uses this opportunity to present POW Awards to recognise outstanding achievements to those who serve and/or achieve over and above their usual roles.  This program is leading-edge for training in the Disability space and TAFE.  Congratulations to CEO Roy Rogers and the TAFE Illawarra team for making this initiative possible.

Lastly, on Wednesday afternoon/evening, members of the Club joined with the staff of the Botanic Garden for their December Sundowner Family Working Bee and Dinner. After completing the make-over and planting, members enjoyed dinner overlooking the beautiful view.

All of the other Clubs in the Illawarra are also equally as busy at this time of the year.  Visit their facebook pages for updates.

For further information about Rotary projects generally, those of the Rotary club of Wollongong, contact Dot Hennessy on 0412 120 314 or by email dothennessy@gmail.com.