Fusion’s 20th Anniversay in Orange

On Saturday the 19th September, Fusion held their 20th Anniversary and celebrated with a Variety Night Fundraiser! This was a very enjoyable evening with numerous performances, a silent auction, audio-visual presentations and supper.

Fusion is a youth and community organisation which emerged as a response to socially-at-risk young people in Australia. Today, Fusion has over 250 staff and thousands of volunteers in 45 teams and centres throughout the world.

Part of the work of Fusion includes seeking to build a sense of community and purpose for individuals. Fusion Centres are established in response to local need. In Australia Fusion supports: drop in centres and Youth Cafes, lunch time programs in schools, accommodation programs, craft and social activities for isolated women, parenting programs for young single mothers, mentoring and special programs for teenagers at risk, employment training schemes, outdoor education programs, and community festivals designed to build connection.

This is a worthwhile organisation that deserves greater recognition for the work they do.

Rotary Club of Orange North Presentation

The Rotary Club of Orange North is a group for men who involve themselves in many fundraising activities for our community. They form one of a group of Rotary Club affiliations operating in Orange. Among their achievements is their involvement in: the building of the hospital helipad, Rotary Park, the Careflight hanger foundations, park picnic shelters, an aged care emergency call system (Herald Award for this), fencing to assist lake Cargelligo farmers, tree planting, roadside clean-up and house painting (“Paint Your Heart Out”).

On the 13th of August, I was invited to speak to this group about my involvement as a participant in the Australian Rural Leadership Program (ARLF). This inspiring program is undertaken part-time for 16 months and aims to give focus and direction to those with an active commitment to their communities and is such an eye opener. It exists to create a network of leaders with compassion and commitment, with strategic thinking and negotiating skills, and with the insight to influence communities, industries, businesses and policy makers. There are now over 500 graduates of the Australian Rural Leadership Program who are committed to the strengthening of rural Australia through their industry, community, and family leadership roles.

The graduates' network is a growing national resource, yet the program could not operate without the sponsorships of many community groups and organisations. In my own case it was the sponsorship of the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government that made it all possible. Many thanks for their faith in me.

Rotary Expo 2009

Rotary Orange will host a timely “Smart Choices for Living” Exposition on the 18th, 19th and 20th September. The aim of this expo is to help us all live more sustainably by providing an opportunity for the community, industry and government to showcase practical ideas on what people can do to live in a more environmentally neutral manner.

This is a fabulous opportunity to view new ideas for energy efficient building, renewable energy, efficient water use and recycling. There is such a growing range of energy efficient household equipment, waste minimisation ideas and recycling opportunities that it is time for us all to be informed and involved.

There is even the opportunity for seminars to be run by local businesses to showcase and explain their great products. Let’s seize the day!