rotaryfootscray.org

This is an ongoing project of which the Rotary Club of Footscray are heavily involved with the Ethiopian Orthodox Church to relocated to Deer Park from it's current Maribyrnong site. 

Community Director 'Rodney Johnstone' & Past President & Paul Harris Fellow 'Lawrence Atley' together with the Church's building commetted (Eshetu Mulageta, Freo, Amere and others) have had many discussions on the prospect of moving to a much larger convenient location which will suit the community needs.

Work to date have involved creating the initial design for proposal to Melton Shire for planning approval. Our club is merely acting as a conduit to match their dreams and goals with the expertise of our members.

This Project my take 3-5 years to reach completion and our aim is simply to assist where possible. Rotary may eventually assit with the move from the existing Maribyrnong Church to Deer Park and the grooup will need much advice and assistance along the way.

The Rotary club of Footscray community Director Rodney Johnstone met with Collenn Hartland (MCL for Western Region) together with Jamah Farah a respected member of the African community to discuss the opportunities for African outh in their late tenns/early 20's to progress into trades training. This iniitiative would ideally provides avenues to access apprecticeships in electrical, construction, public transport, etc, via the union movements. We have also approached TAFE and other pre-apprenticeship courses, group apprenticeships, Councils, Police force and will alsoo seek information from Mussion Australia, Jub Services Australia, Salvations Army and other community employment groups.

The main objective is to provide employment information and oucomes that permit African Youth to develp skills in areas they have a genuine interest and create confident qualified people who can commence servicing their own communities and others, as well as generating vital family income which can created social inclusion and personal worth.

Recommended to the Board by the Club Service chairman. Rotary begins with club servie. It is a fundamental bulding clock because without good organisation

and fellowship, strong and healthy club programs, it will not effectively address the problems and needs. The care and nurturing of the club unit is the strenght of the international organisation.

An Event for our New and Emerging Communities

The Rotary Club of Footscray in partnership with Victoria Police, the Ethio-Australian Sports Federation, African Association of Federation and Footscray United Soccer Club, hosted a community soccer tournament which was held on 7th December 2008 at McIvor Reserve, Spotswood, in Victoria.

The event has been going on for at least 6 years. The Victorian Police play an exhibition match with the 'African All Stars'. In 2008, Victoria Police joined alliances with several players from Footscray United Soccer Club to represent a side to compete against one of the community group from the Horn of Africa. The proceeds on the day went to the Rotary Club to support programs that will help engage and support the African community.

The Goals and Objectives of the program

• Encourage community strengthening between Victoria Police and our new and emerging communities;
• Develop relationships within the local community including partnerships with peak organisations;
• Increase the opportunities for the African community to participate in physical activity;
• Create greater community collaboration in sport and recreation programs;
• Promote peace and harmony & celebrate cultural diversity;
• Reduce any barriers