On 10 February 2025, we hosted a special twilight event to express our heartfelt gratitude to our long-standing Rotary members who have supported Youth Projects so generously over the years.

A Night of Appreciation and Connection

We were delighted to welcome representatives from Rotary Central Melbourne and Rotary Woodend. We truly appreciate the effort made by those who attended, knowing it wasn’t easy for everyone to be there. It was a wonderful evening spent enjoying catering from The Little Social Catering Co., raising a glass of bubbles, and listening to our key staff share the profound impact Rotary has had across our organisation.

Honouring Our Partnership

We kicked off formalities with Melanie Raymond OAM, Chair of Youth Projects, who reflected on the legacy and strength of our partnership with Rotary. She highlighted the enduring support we've received, describing it as a "You ask, you get" relationship, with a special mention to Peter Duras for his unwavering commitment.

Addressing Urgent Needs

Our Executive Manager of Community Health, Richie Goonan, spoke about the growing demand for physical donations amid increasing underfunding. He emphasised the importance of donating useful, high-quality items - something Rotary has always delivered. With 12 of our clients recently moving into stable housing, Rotary’s ongoing support has been instrumental in helping them turn their houses into homes with essential household donations built up over the years.

A Safe Space Through Cooking

Heidi Puronpää, Team Leader at our Werribee Hub, shared touching stories from our Cooking with Nans program, where Wyndham Rotary has played a key role. Beyond teaching young people valuable cooking skills, the program has created a warm, home-like environment where participants feel safe and supported. Many have improved their English skills and formed connections through the shared experience of cooking and creating together.

A Look Behind the Scenes

To close the evening, guests were taken on an exclusive tour of our downstairs facilities, where they gained a deeper understanding of the work we do and the ongoing need for insulation and soundproofing in the spaces where our clients access essential services.

Looking Forward to Another Incredible Year! 

A huge thank-you to Rotary for your continued generosity, commitment, and belief in the work we do. This event was a special moment to reflect on all we have achieved together, and we know that many more strong years of partnership and life-changing impact lie ahead. Here’s to another fantastic year of collaboration and making a difference in people’s lives!