Nick and Ben Charles receive a $500 cheque for Headspace from John Cannon (Rotary Club of Alexandra’s Youth Chairman) and Brian Peters (Rotary District Governor).

Two young men – Nick and Ben Charles – impressed those attending the Rotary Club of Alexandra’s meeting last week.

The visit by Rotary District Governor Brian Peters to the Rotary Club of Alexandra was marked by the addresses given by the young men.

They told of their Rotary Youth Exchange travels to Denmark and Switzerland. Both brought impressive blazers festooned with badges and mementos.

They spoke of ‘Rotex’, a group of Rotary exchange students who wanted to encourage others to pursue the experience of the Rotary Youth Exchange Program. They are enthusiastic supporters of Rotex and Headspace which provides mental health support for people aged 16 to 25.

This age group has a high rate of self-harm and suicide. They convene gatherings at Dookie four times a year to provide support and encourage other young people to see their strengths and possibilities.

Young people reach out to other young people. In this case they have the benefit of both the Rotary Youth Exchange and their own personal life stories.

Question followed until Chairman and President Tom Farrell called Youth Director John Cannon to come forward.

John thanked Nick and Ben for their speeches and presented a cheque for $500 towards Head-space. He offered them every best wish for success with this essential support service.

Brian Peters addressed the meeting in connection with the banner ‘Rotary Connects the World’.

He reminded Alexandra members of the great work done by Moira Kelly in Kilmore with the Children First Foundation and the considerable work that the Rotary District 9790 and the Rotary Club of Alexandra did to get the buildings running to support the Foundation.

He said that Rotarians can be proud of what Moira and the Foundation have achieved in assisting this service to the world community. The retreat was founded 20 years ago with much Rotary help and money, and has now cared for about 400 children including the conjoined twins from Butan.

Brian spoke a little of his history.

He joined Rotary seven years ago because he was so impressed with the fellowship and inclusiveness of people he had met.

He has since been Secretary, President and now District Governor, which he finds rewarding.

He came to Australia from the UK in 1983 and is aware of how new arrivals in Australia feel.

Brian departed, by reminding the Rotarians and guests that the District is made up of more than 60 clubs who agree to work together with Rotary International to distribute funds and works wide to support health and humanity projects.

He reminded that international projects require many clubs to work together on problems such as HIV vaccines in Papua New Guinea, and Polio vaccines in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

These projects receive huge support from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

The result is that the world is almost rid of polio. Now, a solution must be found to to the current virus outbreak.

The world must deal with the global impact that one disease can have in such a short time. It will take a strong connection around the world and it is also clear that Rotary will not be far away as communities deal with it.

• Robert Chaffe