It was great to see a few more back form holidays this week and particularly good to see Rob Rosaia back on his feet.
Don’t forget federation Picnic this Sunday at Malone Park Marong, gates open around about 8am and we should have everyone fed and wrapped up by 3, By now you will have received the roster but as always the more hands the better. I’ll see you there.
Bendigo Next Generation have invited the club to their annual table tennis night on Monday the 21st September. 7pm for a 7:30pm start at the Table Tennis stadium, Victoria St Eaglehawk. Cost is $10 per head, RSVP by 14th and all funds raised go to the cancer council. It would be great to get a group together to challenge the other clubs.
Kangaroo Flat Rotary club are coordinating the Bendigo end of the Colleen Hewett's concert with funds raised to go towards breaking the cycle of family violence via the Annie North Centre. Colleen Hewett’s Bendigo concert in October 23 at 7:30 at Ulumbarra. Tickets can be purchased through www.gotix.com.au
This weeks presentation from Graeme and Leo from lifeline. Graeme explained that lifeline has been operating in Bendigo for 50 years and took about 20500 calls last year and that number continues to increase each year.
They receive some state finding but rely heavily on the community for funding and support. They have great support from local organisations to help with training and whilst nationally it costs about $3000 to train a volunteer its much cheaper in Bendigo because of this support. Volunteer turnover about 32% per Year
A lifeline volunteer undertakes 6 weeks of training 1 day a week and some online, training covers
-community issues or Crisis issues.
-counselling skills
-lifeline practice Model
There are people volunteering regularly but can't train them all because of the costs associated with training. About 1 in 5 calls not answered with peak waiting times extending out to 20 to 30 minutes. While waiting people are advised that in an immediate crisis to call 000. Average call time is 15 to 20 minutes and interestingly they say that about 3% of callers make up 60% of all calls.
Its always great to hear from organisations like lifeline to remind us all just how important volunteers are to our community and the great work that they do.
Paul
