Shiralee Dawkins and Wendy Steele gave an informative and entertaining presentation on their work with the local Salvation Army Church’s Chill Out Space which has been operating at the Howard Place taxi rank every Saturday night for the last three and a half years.
The Chill Out Space serves an unfortunate but necessary need to look after over indulgent night club patrons, particularly while they wait for a taxi for up to two hours and provides re-hydrating water and Milo in an effort to minimize the effects of alcohol and drugs not only on individuals but also minimizing the risk of violence and assaults in the area. All in all the aim is to provide a relaxing and calming presence where people can feel safe and be able to seek assistance with any immediate issues on the night.
The Chill Out Space has developed an excellent working relationship with local Victoria Police and nearby night clubs despite the latter probably being vicariously responsible for the unfortunate state of some of their patrons.
The Chill Out Space is seeking some more male volunteers to assist with their Saturday night efforts where Shiralee and Wendy believe men can act as positive role models for those in some unfortunate situations – and not to act as ‘bouncers’.
The Chill Out Space has an ongoing need for bottled water and Milo so if you know anyone among your networks who may be able to help with any supples please call Shiralee direct on 0449 089 401.
The Clubrunner invitation for our Changeover dinner on July 4th was circulated during the week so please respond en masse and help make PE Cathie’s induction to the Presidency of the Rotary Club of Bendigo Sandhurst a night to remember.
The 2014 Launch of the Bendigo Business Excellence Awards will take place at the BRIT Restaurant at our normal meeting on 28th of May 2014. To make it a fitting launch, we will need to start a little bit earlier than normal. You will need to be seated by 7.15am. As well as invited guests and past winners it would be great if members could invite suitable business colleagues and friends to fill the room.
The normal club meeting on the 4th of June 2014 is now a vocational visit. We are invited to Bendigo's newly rebuilt Library. For the second week in a row will will need to be there by 7am and prepared to eat by 7.15am. Numbers to Phil Harris by 28th May. (philharrisbgo@gmail.com)
Chrysler Mopars will take place at the Town Hall Gardens again this year on Sunday the 8th of June, 8am to 2pm. There will be a Roster brought to the next few meetings. Giants of the BBQ scene Kevin Reade and Rob Rosaia WILL NOT be available on the day. So we will need to double our volunteer capability to manage.
Following the tragic death of the Human Cannonball at the Bendigo Show, a spokesman said "We'll struggle to get another man of the same caliber."
Just been to the gym. They've got a new machine in. Only used it for half an hour, as I started to feel sick. It's great though. It does everything - KitKats, Mars Bars, Snickers, Potato Crisps, the lot.."
