Brighton Clubs Shock RI President

 The central message of Barry Hickman’s graphic and very realistic presentation of the three Brighton Clubs’ work in family violence prevention to the Rotary Institute was that the power of Rotary can Make a Difference to widespread family violence in the community. The clubs are Brighton, Brighton North and Brighton Beach. He explained our club’s 15 year history of endeavour and its hopes and plans for the future. The “heavy hitter” audience included RI President Ray Klinginsmith, Zone 7/8 RI Director Stuart Heal, our own DG Iven Mackay and DG Elect Keith Ryall and about 360 past, present and future DG’s and partners.
The presentation began and ended with an invitation to all 22 Australian Districts to join in this vital work. Follow up will include a mail out to all DG’s Elect and an article in RDU. DG Iven will include a piece about it in his next District newsletter.
Barry and David Smyth, who also attended, were delighted to be approached by DG's from three States who were very interested in our work. They look forward to more approaches as the message is reinforced and considered by District teams.
The Institute was held in the Burswood Casino complex in Perth. While in Perth, Barry and David also visited the largest welfare agency in WA, one of the key participants in our upcoming research study. The CEO was heard to remark: “Before you guys and your project came along, I had the impression that Rotary was just a bunch of fuddy-duddy old do-gooder businessmen. Now I see that it is more than that!”
They also visited one of Australia’s leading family violence gurus at the University of WA. He enthusiastically endorsed the Clubs’ programme and offered constructive ideas that we could build on.