Gavin Pearce (Braddon, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I move:

That this House:

(1) acknowledges that Rotary Australia and New Zealand celebrates its centenary anniversary and first 100 years of service in 2021;

(2) recognises over 100 years, the strong trust, confidence and worldwide recognition developed through the actions of Rotarians in support of communities;

(3) notes:

(a) Rotary's important work partnering the Global Polio Eradication Initiative and its involvement in the End Trachoma project; and

(b) there are approximately 30,000 members who belong to one of the 1,052 charter Rotary clubs established throughout Australia; and

(4) congratulates Rotary on its participation in global initiatives that have fostered peace, changed the world, helped communities and families, and fundamentally made a measurable difference to the unique lives of millions.

Australia is a nation of givers. We are a generous people. We look after our mates, we support those in need and we certainly are a nation of volunteers. In fact, it's estimated that there are more than seven million active volunteers right across our great nation—ordinary people regularly giving up their time to achieve extraordinary things. Of all the volunteers across Australia, 30,000 belong to a local Rotary club. This year, 2021, marks 100 years of Rotary in Australia and New Zealand. That's 100 years of Rotary volunteers doing great work within their local communities right across the nation. A wonderful demonstration of the organisation's long-term impact is the project to eradicate polio. Thirty-five years ago, Rotary became a founding partner of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. Through this initiative, nearly three billion children in 122 countries have been protected against this paralysing disease.

Over the last 100 years the international efforts of Rotary in Australia have been truly remarkable. But equally important is the 100 years of support that Rotarians have provided to their local communities. Today I want to focus on the great work that's being done in Rotary district 9830. This district covers the entire state of Tasmania, my home state, and I'm proud of it. There are around 50 Rotary clubs spread right across the state, with more than 1,200 members busily working away. Day in, day out, they make such a lasting difference. During this time of uncertainty, the work that they do—the work that's being undertaken by Rotary clubs right of cross the state—is particularly important.

Many clubs, quite rightly, are focusing on programs that support wellbeing in our communities, and there's no doubt that there's a significant need and requirement when it comes to wellbeing. Many are struggling with the uncertainty of COVID and the issues that that pandemic has brought, and to that end the program called Boots on the Ground aims to address this need. This is a partnership between Rotary Tasmania Community Care, Tasmanian Women in Agriculture and Rural Alive & Well. The focus is on raising awareness of mental health and on practical, on-the-ground support for rural Tasmanians to improve their wellbeing. Under the program, 400 people from right across the state recently attended the 'Are you bogged mate?' workshop. This program focuses on mental health and suicide prevention within the farming community and helps to break down the stigma for asking for help.

Another program that is underway is the Grumpy Goat Co Care Farm project. This project uses animals and farming practices to assist young people in overcoming mental, social and physical challenges. The pilot program will initially be based in Smithton in my home electorate of Braddon. Partnering with the University of Tasmania, they will be collecting data to determine the effectiveness and the outcomes of treatments. If successful, this is planned to be rolled out right across the rest of the state.

One of the impressive aspects of Rotary is their commitment to partnering with other organisations at all levels of government right across the state. A great example of this in northern Tasmania is the mobile health buses. These two buses were donated by the Tasmanian government and transformed thanks to a $100,000 federal grant and additional money raised by Rotary Tasmania. The buses are now in the very capable hands of the Royal Flying Doctor Service, with the emphasis on increasing youth mental health support in the bush. These buses are focusing on preventive mental health screening, telehealth services, counselling, nutrition and health education.

So thanks to all Rotarians. Thanks for the work that you've done and you'll continue to do to make our state a better place. Kick up your heels and celebrate this wonderful achievement, this 100-year milestone. I wish you well for the year ahead.

Finally, I wish to give a big shout-out to the members of the Wynyard Rotary Club. Wynyard Rotary Club will celebrate their 50th anniversary on 18 June. I know everyone in this place will certainly join me and wish them a wonderful celebration and a wonderful Saturday night.

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