MC for the meeting on 26 March 25 was Bernie McIntosh who opened proceedings in the customary manner. President Catherine was unable to attend due to a Military Reserve event at the Avalon Air Show, and Vice President PP Mary Barry deputised to preside over the meeting and deliver the loyal toast. The weekly reflection was delivered by Cheryl Lacey, and the transcript is included later in this bulletin.
After the meal service break, Mary began by welcoming guests of Club Nikki Blanch (Speaker), and Dr Patricia von Matuschka (to be Inducted at this meeting); as well as visiting Rotarians: Teddy Kalaw (Manila, Philippines), John Hancock (Bangkok, Thailand), Josephine Juarez (Fair Oaks Ranch, San Antonio, USA), and flags were exchange with RC’s Manila, and Fair Oaks Ranch. Special mention was made welcoming Noah Hefford, a guest of Dimitrios Salampasis.
Deb in Foo then introduced for induction Dr Patricia von Matuschka who was enthusiastically welcomed by the Club.
Mary then remined members of:
The FOR A MEAL volunteer packing night beginning 5pm on Wednesday 9 April for our evening meeting at RMIT’s Storey Hall and pack till 7, and fellowship drinks or dinner at the Oxford Scholar afterwards.
Nominations for the 2025 Young Achiever Awards close on 31 March. Members were encouraged to help identify an impressive young person. - candidates aged between 18 and 26 years who have demonstrated outstanding success in vocational training, academic, sporting, artistic or business pursuits whilst also making a significant contribution in the form of service to the community.
Guest Speaker Address: After drawing the weekly raffle, Mary called on Sandra Hills, filling in for the initially scheduled chair, Stephen Rando to introduce guest speaker, Nikki Blanche, the co-founder and programs and social impact manager of Meals with Impact,
In her introductory remarks, Sandra explained that Meals with Impact is a socially integrated enterprise focused on empowering migrant and refugee women through employment opportunities centred around food.
Nikki elaborated on the mission and operations of Meals with Impact, highlighting their efforts in breaking down systemic barriers that these women face, such as language issues, lack of recognition for overseas qualifications, and caregiving duties. The organization provides a supportive environment where women can gain hands-on experience in a safe space, emphasizing a strength-focused approach to employment. Women with a wide range of educational backgrounds are incorporated, from those with limited education due to displacement or cultural norms, to highly educated individuals facing employment barriers in Australia.
She underlined the dual mission of her organization: not only providing employment opportunities but also addressing food insecurity through culturally diverse food relief initiatives. During the pandemic lockdown in 2020, Meals with Impact’s predecessor, Mama's Kitchen, played a vital role in providing food and other essential supplies to public housing communities, an experience which informed the development of Meals with Impact.
Nikki shared the compelling backstory of Meals with Impact, recalling the grassroots actions taken during the hard lockdowns in Melbourne's public housing estates and how these efforts inspired the formation of the organization. Nikki emphasized the importance of community-based actions and partnerships in addressing the needs of underserved communities.
Additionally, Nikki highlighted their pre-employment program in collaboration with the William Angliss Institute, which focuses on both soft skills and practical hospitality training. This program helps women develop confidence, financial literacy, and essential skills for employment.
In terms of business operations, Nikki noted the unique challenges and higher operating costs faced by social enterprises compared to traditional businesses. Despite these challenges, Meals with Impact has, in its short history, achieved significant positive outcomes, including 61 employment placements through direct and indirect pathways.
The address concluded with Nikki sharing personal anecdotes and success stories from their programs, showcasing the profound impact of their work on individuals and communities.
In the Q&A session that followed, Nikki discussed government support, funding challenges, and their business model's sustainability.
She also highlighted the critical role of partnerships in the success of their initiatives.
In conclusion, Nikki passionately conveyed the transformative power of providing equitable employment opportunities and culturally relevant food relief, and she invited corporate and community support to continue and expand their impactful work.
You can view the full meeting recording by clicking here. To just view Nikki’s address click here
