Yearly Archives: 2013

Police and Community Together P.A.C.T.

Constable Adam Osborne is a man with a mission. As a policeman on the beat in West Midlands Police in 2005, Adam’s first shift was a night shift where he attended the results of a domestic argument where the victim was stabbed straight through the leg with a kitchen knife. He was confronted with the seated man with plenty of blood under his wound, with the knife still in position. It was the start of a career where Adam had to learn quickly during five years in Birmingham with a massive variety of jobs ranging from murder to simple shop theft. He appreciated neighbourhood policing and jumped at the chance to apply for a position at SAPOL in 2010 which he won. In the northern region Adam worked on patrols until in April 2012 he had the opportunity to become the Elizabeth Downs neighbourhood officer.

Adam visited us tonight to speak about P.A.C.T. Police And Community Together. Adam works as part of a team, sergeant and four constables who are building relationships with the local community and other stakeholders to improve trust, communication and to make our community feel safer.
"Working with the local council, agencies, churches, community groups and the neighbours and home dwellers we worked with PACT by giving Mandeville street, Davoren Park a facelift with gardening, painting fences, filling pot-holes and removing waste to restore pride in the community."

“The Elizabeth Local Service Area is known within SAPOL (South Australian Police) as one of the hardest areas to work and certainly the busiest. I wouldn’t want to work anywhere else. The community here is amazing with very close working agencies and a real sense of closeness. The cops out here have a very difficult and challenging job, but they are a great bunch of people and I haven’t worked in a more friendly and welcoming Police station than this one,” Adam told the Rotarians. — with (from left) Robin and Lesley Trevilyan, Helen Driver, Margaret Green, John Downing, Elizabeth Adamson, Judith and Theo Nitz, Gay Smallwood-smith.

“We participated in the Safer Community event at Elizabeth Downs shops in an effort to bring the community together and create an awareness. The African community were involved in an introduction and advice day organised by us again to provide improved trust and confidence in their local police.”

Guest speaker Sue, from Relationships Australia, spoke of her personal experience of the addictive nature of gambling and the huge emotional and physical affect it had on her life and others around her over a long period of time. Her recovery, with the help of close family, could only occur when she fully realised that she could not do it on her own. If someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available through Statewide Gambling Therapy service, or Relationships Australia.
Gambling helpline ph: 1800 060 757
www.sagamblingtherapy.com.au
For a speaker to talk to your group contact Jhunu Schrapel at Relationships Australia ph 8245 8100

MAAP  Mentoring Australia's Apprenticeship Program

Guest speaker Patrick Kelly from St Patrick's Technical College spoke about the need for apprentices, and the achievements of the school in placing 500 apprentices and following through with mentoring to reduce the number of drop-outs. In the past the drop-out rate has been up to 50%. Patrick introduced Maryke Palumbo from MAAP, who is working with the school and local community to strengthen the retention of apprentices.

MAAP (Mentoring Australia's Apprentices Project) was developed in response for large numbers of highly trained, highly skilled and highly motivated vocational employees. Maryke Palumbo appealed to Rotarians to consider using their expertise to mentor these young people perhaps for a period of one hour a week for ten weeks.

Rotary recognises our community champions

Vocation night at the Rotary Club of Elizabeth culminated with Pride of Workmanship awards nominated by the local community.  Bob Day was our key note speaker.  From small beginnings Bob traced his path in industry to his business interests today. He gave many insights into a successful career and the audience were delighted at his ability to communicate.

	Organiser of the evening's meeting, Vocational Director David Randall explained the history and meaning of the community Pride of Workmanship Awards. Rotarian David, himself a small business owner, (Randall's Hardware), was ideally suited to organise our awards night, which was a very successful and enjoyable evening. Congratulations David!
	Nominated by Maria Callander from Playford City Council, Ryan Bright works as a volunteer in the City of Playford Social Inclusion Programs. He provides administration support and is a valued member of the team. Ryan takes great pride in his work and his presentation. He is enthusiastic and always has a positive, can do attitude to any task he is undertaking. Ryan has had to overcome many challenges to achieve his goals and has done this with great pride and determination. Ryan is an inspiration to others and has presented at conferences so that others can benefit from his experience and positive attitude to life and learning. Ryan is pictured with sponsor Maria Callander
	Ryan is presented with his award by Bob Day and the Mayor of Playford Glenn Docherty.
	Steven Oats, Manager of the Elizabeth branch of the Bendigo Bank, proudly congratulated Kate Tanner, a member of staff of the bank.  Kate began as a junior at the bank and quickly learned the ropes to the stage that she is now passing on her knowledge and is a mentor to others. Kate always greets the customers with a friendly charm, and goes above and beyond, particularly when assisting those with a range of disability. Kate is a valued, conscientous employee. Kate here is congratulated by Bob Day and the Mayor of Playford, Glenn Docherty.
	Raelene Trickett was delighted to nominate Susan Harrison for a 'Pride of Workmanship Award. Sue Harrison is the driver of Corston Coaches School bus which travels from Mallala to Gawler daily. She is described as a 'breath of fresh air.' Children appreciate her care and describe her as the 'best'. They are always quoting her, Sue says this or Sue does that. Sue always ensures that the children are present and is quick to see a need, even to the extent of one day helping a child to remove nail polish. Mr Bain Corston, with his wife, was present at the presentation and was delighted to speak of Susan's worthiness to receive the Pride of Workmanship award.
	Leanne Woods has a real passion for serving in the local community. She works with new arrivals and community groups from Peachey Place, of which she is the coordinator. Leanne runs educational programs for a wide range of people in the community, most of whom are from low income families. She also contributes some of her own time and money to fund some of the programs.
	Marion Craker works tirelessly with the local community at Smithfield Plains. She always works to the highest standards, and has the welfare of the local community as her number one priority. Here Marion is presented with her award by Mr Bob Day and Mayor Glenn Docherty.  Marion was sponsored by Council Employee Linda Moresi.

Vocational Training Team (VTT) visit

The Rotary Club of Elizabeth hosted the visiting VTT (Vocational Training Team) from the Philippines. The five members (Czar, Mimi, Ron, Veron, Devie) are all involved in the field of Education and with their Rotarian team leader (Bobbie), are visiting educational establishments in the area.

The Vocational Training team is a Rotary Project, a unique opportunity to develop leadership skills, work on team building, and increase self confidence. The programs are designed to have an invaluable impact on the career of a young professional in the global workplace by creating network opportunities and lifelong friendships. Individuals who participate in this rewarding, once-in-a-lifetime experience will broaden their cultural perspective. In exchange, our district sent a team of young professional educators to the Philippines.

		The team with the whole club at the end of their visit to our area.
		As it was easter and the schools were closed visits were arranged to some areas that the visitors might not have experienced.  A visit to SA Mushrooms delighted the guests who delighted in tasting the fresh product.
		Farm machinery dwarfed the visitors who were surprised at their size.  Malcolm Wilson demonstrated to the guests how a modern Australian farm works.
		A visit to an Olive grove completed the tour.  Each member was presented with a bottle of Trevi Extra-virgin Olive Oil by proprietor Robyn Trevilyen.