Dorothy presented the following:

"Rotary Safe Families was first created as a preventative Workshop model by PP Mary Barry (former CEO “Our Watch) and Dorothy Gilmour, to be rolled out to Rotary Clubs that were interested in how they could be part of a solution in reduction of our epidemic of family violence and elder abuse. 

It became obvious that the Workshop model we were providing was just not viable and savvy enough.  Rotary Clubs found that Workshops took too much time and effort for just a small number of Rotarians to get our messages.

I believe Rotarians all have a part to play in making a difference to the horrific stories and statistics which are continuing every day.  We needed to find another medium for this project to be successful.

  
The decision was made to create visuals and moving images and not rely on boring overheads.   Film one being Family Violence and Impact on Children,  the second, Elder Abuse.  20 minute films enables Rotary Clubs to present these films instead of using a Guest Speaker at their meetings.

  
Both films have been scripted to hold the attention of the viewer and provide the Safe Families “model” by:

• Viewer being able to identify abuse
• Become well informed how to communicate with a victim,  and
• Where to find the appropriate support organisation for victim referral.

The message is IDENTIFY -BE INFORMED - REFER

Both films are well underway and ready to “roll” in early April this year.  They will be posted Front Page on Rotary Melbourne website.  Website will promote the Links and make films easily accessible nationally and globally for every Rotary club, community and business to view and get the message.

  
We are also thrilled that the following well recognised people have agreed to donate their time:

• Mal Walden, (former Channel 10 Newsreader) who told me he would be “honoured” to host both films;
• Natasha Stott Despoya, politician, diplomat, advocate and author. She is the founding Chair of the Board of Our Watch;
• Joe Tucci, CEO Australian Childhood Foundation, 
• Commissioner for Aged Care - Gerard Mansour 
• Jenny Blakey Seniors Rights Victoria  … Films are to be financed via a grant.

I believe you will all be proud of this Rotary Melbourne 100 Year Safe Families project, and we are relying on you all to support its promotion.

  
Another positive, these 2 films will also save me travelling to Rotary Jinju in Uganda after Jinju invited me to visit them to train facilitators in Rotary Safe Families.  Now Uganda will be able to translate, download and view. 

 
There’s a saying in Rotary:  “We are here to help others!”  Well, Rotary Safe Families is here for YOU to help others!"

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