David Millar opened the meeting, and welcomed Ross’s guests, Peter Asher (a former member) and Ray Capps, and Peter Hovey’s guest Gerri Van Wyk.

 

 

Graeme Bowden toasted the Rotary Club of Washington DC, as the city has been in the news lately. The club was established in 1912 and was the 46th Rotary club. Projects include:

 Evening meals, advice and help for the homeless
 Trees for the capital and
 Monthly bingo to benefit military veterans and their families

 

Members Moments:
** Peter Hovey spoke about the upcoming Trivia Night to raise funds for ROMAC.
** Allen Morgan was pleased with the new photos in Clubrunner.

 

Mark Paton introduced guest speakers Bonnie Lynn (a former member) and Kylie Lowe representing Housing Older Women’s Support Service (HOWSS).

 

  

Older women are the fastest growing population becoming homeless due to insufficient super, increased rents, lack of social housing, elder abuse, family breakdowns and outstanding child payments. Currently a total of $10 billion is outstanding from former husbands who haven’t paid what they owe.
This charity began in 2019 and has a current waitlist of 180. There were 436 enquiries from July to December 2024. They have partnerships with 8 related charities. The HOWSS newsletter will be launched next month.

 
The number of homeless women is underestimated because they hide the shame and stigma by couch surfing or living in cars. Early intervention is best. The key issue with housing is affordability, which was defined as no more than 30% of income. Sharing is an affordable option but is not what this cohort wants. HOWSS does not have housing stock.
There are men in the same situation but there are other services for men.

Mark thanked our guests and acknowledged their commitment to this cause.

 

 

David Millar managed to fine most of us for indiscretions over the past week.  There weren't many who hadn't done something of note!

 

     

Graeme Bowden and Les Pontin ran the raffle (with the help of Gerri Van Wyk who drew someone's lucky ticket), and Graeme also provided an assortment of novels (uncorrected proofs) for those interested.