05/10/2026
International Rotary action was the focus of this week’s club meeting. Members shared some of highlights of the recent adventures in Ambon, Indonesia.
With over $10,000 from donations and many other contributions of useful goods from members and friends of Kardinia, Wendouree Breakfast, Highton and Ocean Grove Rotary clubs, much planning ahead of the visit prepared for an immensely successful time.
Allan Murphy outlined some of the outcomes and plans for funding allocation, and was joined by Mark Stone, with Rhonda Whitton (Highton Rotary) joining online, while Rob Vines was unable to join.
Built upon the historical connection through World War II and long-term participation in Ambon our activities continue to strengthen opportunities for communities in Ambon. The Indonesian island of Ambon is almost directly north of Darwin. While there are many developments here, due to its isolation (we access via 3.5hr flight from Jakarta), many people live day-to-day.
A few highlights included:
- presentation to 1,000 first year students at Universitas Kristen Indonesia Maluku, we are partnering to construct new toilets
- working with locals on the construction of a posyandu (maternal child health building) funded through our partnership
- visits to multiple schools, including a new school where we have identified support opportunities
- visits to war memorials and the Commonwealth War Cemetery
- great experiences spending time with other Rotarians and building connections with local Ambonese people
- introduction of sewing with the donation of sewing machines, paving the way for a potential return visit in May next year to focus more on sewing with local communities.
Far too many highlights to squeeze into one post. Check out more via the blog hosted by Wendouree Breakfast Rotary using info below…
Note: Facebook now limits the number of times community groups can share live links in posts - search ‘Wendouree Breakfast Rotary Wordpress' to reach the blog with many more pictures and a daily blog of our multi-club Ambon action.