Ray Lipscome a former club member is a passionate bicycle rider and dog owner who over many years has ridden his bicycle across Australia raising money for the Lost Dogs Home. 

Being an octogenarian hasn't stopped him and indeed has made him even more determined to ride on.  His faithful sidekick Charlie has been there for his journeys as support and safety. Ray visited our club recently and recanted his latest ride and that in 2030 he is planning an even bigger ride.  Ray has raised thousands of dollars for the Lost Dogs Home. Well done Ray.  The club has made a donation for Ray's cause.   

Our club supported the Black Dog Ride again by cooking sausages and providing info on Rotary to the 100 plus riders who made their way down from Ballarat to raise money for The Black Dog Foundation.  This foundation raises much needed funds for suicide prevention awareness and programs.  Club member TJ led the riders down from Ballarat to Wyndham harbour where there was food, good conversation, raffles and auctions were aplenty.  The event helped raise thousands of dollars. Well done to all those who participated.  

Volunteers Needed – Join Us at DIK! DIK is currently in urgent need of extra volunteer support to help deliver on several important projects. If you, your members, or friends can spare some time, we’d love to welcome you.

Give Norm a call if you can spare a couple of hours to help out -  0405 032 631 

We started off the year with a sausage sizzle at Bunnings Altona North. 

As you can see Gianni lowered the average age of our club by quite a lot helping at the counter. 

Moneys raised will be used to fund worthy community projects during the year.  Well done to those who helped out on the day. 

Altona City and Altona Rotary Club had a combined christmas party on Tuesday with 40 people in attendance.   Presidents Bronnie and Jodi shared their christmas messages as well as our district governor Peter. 

It was a great night with lots of fun and fellowship.   There was live music, carols, raffles and a visit by santa and his helper elf.    A good time had by all.   

Our guest speakers recently were Debra Slogget and Helen Penna from the Rotary Club of Keilor East.  You may recall that they gave a presentation a few years ago on a water and sanitation program in Cambodia at Siem Reap.   

They provided an update on how that was progressing, with many new schools and communities having access to clean water and basic hygiene. 

They spoke of how the students have taken ownership of maintaining these initiatives and training other students with good hygiene habits.   It was pleasing to see the progress that their projects have been making and changing lives in Cambodia.   

Water and sanitation are things we take for granted.  In these countries, that is not so and that is why supporting these initiatves is so important. 

Our International Director Judith Coghill made a presentation to Debra and Helen and that contributioon will be used to fund further projects. 

At a recent meeting, we heard from Les Mather and David Harwood who spoke of the important work that the Westgate Prostrate Cancer Support Group does to support men and their loved ones for those living with prostate cancer. 

They shared their very personal stories about the disease and the importance of getting regular check ups after the age of 4o.   If it is caught early, then the success rate is very high to beat the disease.   

You can help by making a donation and spreading the word about getting regular check ups.   

Our club made a donation to Les and David to continue their great work. 

Thanks to Charlie M who organised our guest speakers.