Our 102nd lunch meeting on 29 November 2023 was another well attended gathering at which the Community Service Award was presented to Emma Soloai, Banksia Gardens Community Services, Broadmeadows, Victoria in the presence of Margaret and Ian Ross and Past President Phillip Endersbee, Trustee of the John T Reid Charitable Trusts.
Past President Phillip Endersbee was MC and opened the meeting.
The reflection was delivered by Ross Scholes-Robertson – this can be read later in this Bulletin.
After announcements, President Chris called on Past President Bob Glindemann to update the meeting on the generous donation by Bill and Ann Rolfe. Through the Donations in Kind Warehouse have donated 10 brand new Ford petrol engines to the Don Bosco Training Centre in Dili, Timor Leste. These will enable the vocational training of trainees in motor mechanics in Timor Leste.
President elect 2025/26, Phillip Cornish then came to the podium to present the 2023 Community Service Award. The Rotary Melbourne introduced a Community Service Award in honour of distinguished Past President Sir John Reid in 1987. The award is made in recognition of an individual judged to have been devoted to community welfare for a lengthy period without remuneration and the recipient is presented with a citation and plaque commissioned by the Club and produced by sculptor Michael Meszaros.
The plaque depicts vulnerable community constrained and limited by their circumstances.
The open door with perspective lines running out through it to a rising sun symbolises the efforts of an individual opening the door, releasing them from limitations leading to the new opportunities. The hand makes it all happen.
Since May 2017 recipients are also awarded a cash prize (this year $15,000) for the organisation they have devoted their volunteer service.
This year’s Awardee was Emma Soloai, from Banksia Gardens Community Services Broadmeadows, Victoria where she works part time and as a passionate volunteer to assist young people, particularly those newly arrived from the Pacific Islands to make the most of the opportunities they have available to them in their new home. A full copy of Emma’s citation is below. She told us the story of her transition to Australia and the cultural foundations of her commitment to people and the community. She talked of special young people that she encouraged to pursue their dream.
Emma highlighted the stereotyping of young Pacific Islanders not only by others but in their own self expectations and the challenges of getting them to imagine their potential beyond playing rugby. Emma left us all with a lump in her throat as we experienced through her story the marvelous outcomes she is helping young people to create.
To view the 27-minute recording of the Community Service Award Presentation and Emma’s response, click here. To view the 41-minute recording of the full Meeting which includes the Award presentation and Emma’s address click here.
Citation
Emma Soloai
Emma is a person of outstanding record of service. Her job in community services and volunteering can truly be called a vocation. She has been one of those people who has volunteered since primary school.
Before working with a full client load at Banksia community gardens, Emma teaches teenagers in a bible class 6am-7am. She coaches a teenage basketball team and then on Saturday mornings goes down to Hosier Lane to engage with the disengaged youth and cook lunch for them. She mentors some children on a one to one basis and can be found in parks working with young people through games such as basketball and Samoan cricket, which I hope our MCC members can get going at the G. Does she take Sunday off? No, she teaches again. She uses her background to help Pacific families and non-English speakers. She is a big believer in a Ministry of hugs. It is no wonder she has been called Aunty by many young people. She wants people to believe that they all have a home and a community. She is very humble and somewhat surprised. She is a worthy recipient of the Sir John Reid award.
