- Develop a better understanding of both the prevalence and the impact of loneliness in the Geelong region based on existing data sources and using a strength-based approach.
- Collate a list of existing services available in the Geelong region that may be appropriate to address loneliness.
- Identify any gaps in service coverage and propose solutions. Identify opportunities for collaboration between service providers.
- Develop material to promote education and awareness of loneliness in the public realm (for example, possible targets could include workplaces, schools, universities, Barwon Health, City of Greater Geelong, Geelong Cats etc.
- Identify a pathway to extend the impact of this project beyond its life time by embedding the work in community and research organisations who can continue to implement our findings.
- Disseminate our findings across key stakeholders including a report of actionable findings to Barwon Health.
- A healthier and more socially-connected community.
- A proactive approach to mental health rather than being reactive.
- Better targeted resource allocation for services in the community to address loneliness.
- Breaking the cycle of concomitant health issues enabled through loneliness, allowing health providers such as Barwon Health to reduce the number of acute care patients.
- Ultimately, improved physical and mental health outcomes, including lower suicide rates in the Geelong region.
- Download and share our new two-minute video, “Rotary Inspires Leaders in Global Health,” (see link below). In it, global health leaders like U.S. infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Co-Chair Bill Gates, UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta H. Fore, and World Health Organization Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus talk about what Rotary has achieved in the fight to end polio.
- Post graphics and other content from Rotary’s World Immunization Week Toolkit on social media with the hashtags #EndPolio and #VaccinesWork.



IMFR Challenge Walk from Ben Systermans on Vimeo.
We recently had two amazing young people speak to the club about their excellent initiative, Lockdown Buddies. Despite Rachel and Kara having 5 boys under 5, they have established Lockdown Buddies to support those most vulnerable in the Geelong, Bellarine and Surf Coast areas during the Covid-19 period. They are supporting all age groups, from the elderly who do not have family and friends to support them, to students who are isolated, who can’t get home and have lost their jobs. They can provide Apco Care packages, and volunteers who will assist with gardening and small maintenance issues. They are working closely with Volunteers Geelong to ensure that all the support personal are interviewed, have Working with Children registration and are suitable for the tasks to which they are assigned. Their web site below has information about the services. Click the following link or refer to the flyer below that.


Rotary members in Ukraine are helping neighbors return to their homes, distributing supplies from other countries, and organizing long-term aid — all despite being affected by the war

Across Europe, Rotaract members are using digital tools to share information and coordinate to help people who have been affected by the war in Ukraine

Learn how Rotary clubs are taking action in Belize, Italy, Rwanda, the Philippines, and the United States.

A surgeon in Spain finds a way to treat patients in Nigeria

Six Rotary members were honored in March as People of Action: Champions of Girls’ Empowerment during Rotary Day with UNICEF in New York City. This distinction recognizes the honorees’ commitment to improving girls’ access to education, health, and sanitation and hygiene resources, as well as their work to create environments where girls can flourish.
Highton, VIC 3216
Australia