Supporting Young People Through Mock Interviews
Earlier this month, members of the Rotary Club of Pascoe Vale volunteered their time at Pascoe Vale Girls’ College, conducting mock interviews with Year 11 students undertaking the VCE Vocational Major (VCE VM) program.
Mock interviews are an important part of the VCE VM pathway. They help students develop confidence, communication skills and interview techniques while providing valuable experience in a realistic employment setting. For many students, it is one of their first opportunities to practise presenting themselves to a prospective employer, responding to interview questions and receiving constructive feedback from professionals.
A sincere thank you to all club members who participated and generously shared their time, knowledge and encouragement with the students. Activities like these are a great example of Rotary supporting young people as they prepare for further education, training and employment.
The feedback from the college highlighted the positive impact our members had on the students:
“The students were buzzing days later and were very appreciative of the warmth, patience and encouragement of their interviewers.”
The college also recognised the value of Rotary’s contribution to the program:
“It was an invaluable experience for our students, and we couldn’t have done it without you.”
In a message to the club, Grace Gowers, Wellbeing & Inclusion Leading Teacher at Pascoe Vale Girls’ College, thanked members for their support, organisation and flexibility, and asked that the club’s appreciation be passed on to everyone involved.
We are proud to support programs that help young people build confidence, develop practical workplace skills and prepare for their future careers.
Sporting Donations Head to Alice Springs
Late last week, Peter and Grant collected a large quantity of surplus football apparel generously donated by the Carlton Football Club Women’s Team, including football jumpers and shorts. Additional football jumpers were also collected from West Coburg Football Club.
These much-appreciated donations will be sent to Alice Springs, where they will be distributed among Indigenous young girls in the region. Access to quality sporting apparel helps remove barriers to participation and supports young people to enjoy the many benefits that sport can provide.
We sincerely thank both clubs for their generosity and willingness to support this worthwhile initiative. Their contribution will help ensure the clothing receives a second life while making a positive impact in another community.
New Trailer Strengthens Rotary Overseas Relocated Playgrounds Project
On Monday, Peter and Grant were pleased to take delivery of a new trailer for the Rotary Overseas Relocated Playgrounds (RORP) project.
The trailer will be used to collect and transport playground equipment that would otherwise be discarded. Through the RORP program, this equipment is refurbished and shipped to countries where access to safe, quality playgrounds is limited, giving children opportunities for play, learning and healthy development.
The purchase of the trailer was made possible through a Rotary Grant initiated by Rotary District 9800 and supported by the Rotary Clubs of Williamstown, Kyneton and Pascoe Vale.
This valuable addition will increase the project’s capacity to collect playground equipment and continue delivering practical support to communities around the world.
Helping Fawkner Kindergarten
Sometimes the smallest projects can make a big difference.
Earlier this year, the club contacted kindergartens across Merri-bek to see whether there were any practical maintenance tasks we could assist with. One of the responses came from Fawkner Kindergarten, which asked for help restoring a set of large timber building blocks used by children during play.
Club member Colin McKenzie generously volunteered his time and skills to sand, restore and varnish the blocks, transforming them back into safe, attractive and durable play equipment for the kindergarten’s students.
The result is a fantastic example of Rotary’s practical approach to community service. By lending a hand with a relatively small job, we were able to help extend the life of equipment that will continue to be enjoyed by children for years to come.
A sincere thank you to Colin for his craftsmanship, generosity and willingness to support local families through this project. His efforts demonstrate that creating an impact doesn’t always require a major project. Sometimes it starts with simply helping where help is needed.