Robin Noakes from Wheelchairs for Kids detailed the process behind the groups highly successful operation in making specifically designed wheelchairs for disabled children 5 -15 years of age, in overseas countries. The wheelchairs are made in Western Australia using 200 volunteer support workers and sell for $ 275 each, packed ready for distribution. On average, the factory produces approximately 30 per day.
Each chair includes 2 knee rugs, 2 teddies and a table. Distribution is handled by overseas NGOs such as World Vision etc. They are assembled on site in the village and adjusted to for the recipient. In 2023-24, 40 chair were made and so far, this year 68 have been completed. Over all 61,643 wheelchairs have been distributed to 81 countries. Donations for these chairs are tax deductable.
Brother Thomas Oliver Pickett, Co-founder, Wheelchairs for Kids was named Senior Australian of the Year 2025 for his work in developing adjustable wheelchairs for children in developing countries, free of charge.
Before having access to a chair, a child could be confined to a bed, on the ground and unable to move around and or access facilities and an education. As such these chairs are a life saver for both the child as well as the family.
President Tony invited Meredith to introduce Madeleine as her sponsor. She outlined her family, work and interests and why she wished to join Rotary. Secretary Wayne presented her with her Rotary pin and an information folder on Rotary. Tony then presented her with her membership certificate.
President Tony then invited Tera to introduce Rina as her sponsor. She outlined Rina’s background, interests and activities she was involved in and her reasons for joining Rotary. Again, Wayne presented her pin and folder and Tony presented her with her membership certificate.
All the members then gave both a spontaneous welcome to Rotary and the Rotary Club of Glenelg.
A great night last night at Club Marion for the Rotary Club of Glenelg change over dinner….the only downside being the our new President Tony Jennison wasn’t there…..or was he?!
No – Tony has COVID and unfortunately wasn’t able to come but his twin brother Tim was there and he was a good sport letting us ham up the night with us keeping some of the crowd guessing whether Tony was there or not until all was revealed later in the evening.
Great to catch up with so many people both from our club and other clubs particularly from Rotary Adelaide South & Fleurieu!
Our District Governor Elect Rajeev Kaminini was present to respond to the Toast to Rotary International that was made by Meridith Beaston and both he and our Community Group Leader Linda Sweeney assisted with the presentation of awards.
We recognised again David Binks on his 60 years of Service to the Rotary Club of Glenelg and congratulated him and his wife Pam on this achievement by presenting them with a Rotary clock.
Congratulations to Rosemary E and Meridith B on receiving Paul Harris Fellow recognition from the club particularly for their work with ROMAC and Youth respectively.
It was Rosemary’s first Paul Harris Fellow and Meridith’s second. They were both very worthy recipients.
My personal Paul Harris Fellow award went to Alison R, particularly for her work with Rotary Youth Exchange Students, but also for her leadership on Rotary’s Fit for Purpose initiative within the Rotary Club of Glenelg and her involvement with Rotary’s Regionalisation program. This was Alison’s 5th Paul Harris Fellow. An amazing achievement!!
Apart from that Alison has been my partner in crime working together with me on so many things over the course of the last year and she restored my enthusiasm and energy for Rotary with her infectious love for it and her constant mantra – what can we do to save the world today?
I presented Stephen Patterson MP, Local Member for Morphett with a Friend of Rotary badge for his support in a variety of ways including coming along to events, donating raffle prizes and supporting one of the students in our area with her application to Youth Parliament and contributing to help her attend. Rotary is a non-political organisation but regardless of party when people help us it’s right to acknowledge their support.
A huge thank you to Roz for organising the event and Alison for being MC and of course our wonderful secretary Wayne Sachs who organised the Paul Harris Awards amongst other things and who was also sponsor for Kenny our newest member – inducted last night!! A very exciting night for him!
Wayne also was kind enough to read Tony’s speech that he had prepared after we inducted Tony as president in his absence!
We also raised a bit of money from two impromptu auctions – one for two bottles of Parliamentary wine donated by Stephen Patterson MP local member for Morphett and the other being Urchick my purple Magic of Rotary themed bear! David B the highest bidder on both, and he very kindly presented me with the bear which will go to my Mum and join her collection!
Once again, a big thank you from me for the past year but now it’s over to Tony.
Tony, I wish you all the best for the role in the year ahead. It’s not your first rodeo and you will do a fantastic job and rest assured you will have my support and the support of all club members as we Unite for Good in 2025!
President Paul welcomed everyone to the meeting including Rotarians Wayne and Tera, Pam, our Exchange student Rocio and her host parents Kellie and Anthony.
Alison introduced her guest Kate from the Rotary Club of Holdfast Bay.
Meredith introduced her guest, Madelaine.
He thanked those who attended last Sunday’s Film afternoon at the Capri Cinema
President Paul confirmed the date for our Zone Purple Waves of Change event on November 23rd at Moana Beach and advised our club would run a second-hand book stall so invited members to save any books they may have spare.
Tera spoke about a charity she has established called Helping Hands that raises funds Provide kits s to the poorest people in the Philippines. She has already provided over 250 kits and is continuing to raise funds to increase this number.
Tony thanked those who helped with Monday’s Road Watch at Brighton Road. Because we had 5 members we were able to split into two teams. One headed north to Anzac Highway and back while the second headed south and back thus we covered a larger area of the clean-up area.
Guest Speaker
Rocio spoke about her exciting Safari trip with other Exchange students. The trip travelled up the coast of Western Australia.
Tonight’s meeting will be her last chance to meet with members as she will be meeting her parents in Sydney for a short trip before returning to Adelaide after our Change Over Dinner and returning to Spain on July 1. Aison Thanked her for her outstanding commitment and dedication to achieving so much during her stay in Adelaide. She presented her with some gifts with an Australian theme including a boomerang, book and a cross with an opal inset. We wish Rocio all the best for her future and hope she can return to Adelaide at a future date.
Great night last night at the Rotary Club of Glenelg celebrating 60 years in Rotary for David!
Wonderful to have David’s wife Pam in attendance too and a big thanks to all who had a story or two to tell about David and the immense impact he has had, not only on the Rotary Club of Glenelg but Rotary and the community more broadly, particularly by way of his contributions to Rotary Youth Exchange and the Youth Sailing Challenge on the ‘One and All’ sailing ship!
Tony presented David with a book on the history of Holdfast Bay as a memento for the occasion and also said a few words about his association with David over the years.
I have video of the speeches but it’s too long to post here!
Thanks to all involved in organising the cake and gift! (The cake was delicious!)
