I am delighted to present our Annual Report, showcasing our club's remarkable journey and accomplishments throughout the year It is with immense pride that I reflect on the dedication and resilience of our club, the unwavering support of our valued membership base, and the positive impact we have made in our community.
With the introduction of new community liaison avenues in the club, we have seen the strengthening of our partnerships with crucial organisations such as Camberwell Place, alongside other partners I would like to particularly thank our dedicated Treasurer, Raphael Champion for his tiresome work on building these relationships, which certainly will pave the way for the future of our club.
We have also seen a refocus of the club on a subcommittee based model, with the Random Acts of Kindness Project Subcommittee spearheading this restructure In the coming years, I hope to see this model further embraced as it has enabled our club to diversify its outlook and operations
It has also been fantastic to see the bolstering of our relationships with both the District, as well as local neighbouring clubs Having chaired the Interact District Council this year, it has been wonderful to see other schools charter their own Interact clubs, cementing the power of Interact in more schools across our area
In our own club, we have seen a partnership blossom with Presbyterian Ladies College, ultimately resulting in our shared organisation of the truly fantastic FORaMEAL event I would like to particularly thank one of our Vice Presidents Alan Tian, as well as our Social Media Officer Isaac Lin for their developing of this strategic
relationship, which will certainly play an important role in our club's future.
On the membership side, we have seen our club's numbers steadily increase, and the involvement of our members increase alongside it. I would like to particularly thank our Secretary Tommy Auwardt for making this feat, along with our meetings, achievable I would also like to thank our Vice President Alex Harris for stepping in oftentimes on my behalf and guiding the club with his leadership
As much of the committee moves on, I would like to pay tribute to Mr Paul Double, who is now moving on from the club and retiring from the school, after having helped establish it some 14 years ago His hard work, efforts, and encouragement are the bedrock of our organisation, and the club will certainly not be the same without him.
On behalf of the committee, I thank all of our stakeholders and members for a fantastic year, and I am certain to see further progress of our goals as I pass the baton onto our President-Elect, Raphael Champion
I invite you to delve into the following pages of this report to discover the work that defines our club
Sincerely,
Ravin Desai
Before beginning the year, members of the committee discussed ways to improve the organisation of business and delegation of responsibilities I am excited to report that we have succeeded in this field on many fronts This has been achieved through the implementation of subcommittees
Our first subcommittee was formed to carry out the Random Acts of Kindness project This project was a development on the ‘Box of Love’ idea that was brought to our attention in 2022 The group aimed to build morale in the school and advertise rotary to prospective members The Random Acts of Kindness subcommittee began work in February, led by Ethan Huang I have thoroughly enjoyed liaising with the group as they have been organised and responsible for this long term project throughout the whole year They have found creative ways to spread joy on Friday mornings and I’m excited to see how this group continues in the upcoming years
With our first committee a resounding success, the question of how to further implement this model has been discussed By designating a subcommittee to a project, many hands can make light work, relieving the burden from hard working members, while also further engaging the club We hope that the subcommittee model can be used more extensively across other projects next year
In terms of general business, we have seen a great increase in the project undertaken Small projects such as Random Acts of Kindness and The Camberwell Place Food Drive have helped engage our community and spread the Interact brand Our larger projects such as the Trivia Night and FORaMEAL were able to top the previous iterations of the event With an increase in business, an increase in membership and member engagement has followed It has been exciting to see such a great batch of Year 9 members join the club Furthermore, the Year 9 have been more involved than ever before with many members contributing and suggesting ideas in meetings and at events We have also seen an increase in the members in Year 10 This boasts great promise for the future of the club Our current membership list sits just under 80 members While not all club members are present at every meeting, it is exciting to see our club grow and continue to succeed
As the Secretary, it has been exciting to witness such a wonderful year for the club This has mostly been due to the hard work of our many club members I look forward to seeing what 2024 holds and how our the club can continue to grow and succeed
Tommy Auwardt Secretary
The FORaMEAL meal packing event held at Camberwell Grammar School on Friday the 14th of July was a great success for all involved. Being the second rendition of the event at CGS, this year saw a collaboration with PLC as hundreds of students from both schools filled the cafeteria to pack over ten thousand meals for those less fortunate. The event was another great opportunity for the school community to give back our time and efforts to help loss less fortunate At the same time, collaborating with another school meant those involved were able to work together with others and nurture their leadership and teamwork skills at the same time
Ultimately, the FORaMEAL packing event was a fantastic opportunity to see a collaboration between CGS, PLC and the wonderful volunteers from Canterbury Rotary, without whom such an event simply would not have been possible. We look forward to this event continuing annually for many years to come Many thanks to Nora and Kevin Xiao from Canterbury Rotary for organizing this event, as well to Isaac Lin for facilitating the collaboration with PLC through his longstanding, strong connections with the school.
Alan Tian Vice President
In the early part of Term 2, the Camberwell Grammar Rotary Club convened its annual Trivia Night fundraiser, a hallmark event in our corporate calendar This evening proved to be a remarkable gathering, attended by esteemed friends, cherished family members, dedicated students, and esteemed educators.
The intellectual prowess of our Literature classes faced off against the formidable army cadets in a spirited and intellectually charged contest spanning various categories, including general knowledge, sports, popular culture, music, politics, and more Ultimately, it was the staff table that emerged victorious, as members from the Camberwell Grammar Class of 2022 displayed unwavering tenacity and knowledge.
In addition to the Trivia contest, a highly engaging raffle was conducted, featuring coveted prizes such as AirPods, a luxury homewares hamper, a delectable chocolate assortment, and a $100 bakery voucher. This event served as a testament to our commitment to philanthropy, as it generated a commendable sum of over $1500 for charitable causes.
Alex Harris Vice President
During the year, one of our standout events that brought together members of the school community and guests for a memorable evening was the Year 9 Social This vibrant social gathering took place in the esteemed Camberwell Room and transformed the space into a lively disco The event was hosted by Camberwell Grammar School and welcomed guests from Strathcona, Fintona, and Camberwell Girls Grammar School, resulting in a remarkable attendance of 300 participants
The Camberwell Room underwent a remarkable transformation, with colourful lights and pulsating beats setting the stage for a night of energetic fun Anchoring the musical aspect of the evening was the talented DJ Serotonin (Veronica Toal), whose playlist kept the dance floor alive and created an electrifying atmosphere
In terms of impact, we are delighted to report that the event yielded an impressive revenue exceeding $5,000 This financial success is a testament to the dedication and enthusiasm of our members, notably organisers Raphael Champion, Nathan Bosmans, and Tommy Auwardt, as well as the generous support of our attendees The funds raised will undoubtedly further our charitable initiatives, namely Operation Toilets
The Year 9 Social encapsulated the essence of Rotary: bringing together diverse communities, fostering fellowship, and creating opportunities for both fun and philanthropy It was an evening that exemplified the spirit of Rotary in a formal yet engaging manner, showcasing our dedication to making a positive difference while celebrating life's joys
Ravin Desai Ravin Desai PresidentE n v i s i o n i n g T o m o r r o w , E m b r a c i n g O p p o r t u n i t i e s
As we stand at the crossroads of tradition and innovation, we recognise the importance of staying connected with our ever-evolving community The launch of our social media presence opens a door to fresh avenues of engagement, where we can share our impactful projects, connect with a broader audience, and inspire positive change on a larger scale
This venture isn't just about technology; it's about building bridges bridges that connect us to each other, to the community we serve, and to the future we envision Through these digital platforms, we have the privilege to showcase not only our commitment to Rotary's principles but also the faces and stories that drive our mission forward.
The positive outcomes of this endeavour have already begun to manifest Our increased online visibility has enabled us to connect with individuals and communities far beyond our traditional sphere, fostering a network of like-minded individuals committed to positive change The uplift in engagement has not only strengthened our bond with existing members but also welcomed new voices into the conversation, enriching our collective perspective Furthermore, the establishment of our online brand identity ensures that our digital presence is a true reflection of our values, making us accessible to those seeking to align with a purpose-driven organization
Our journey into the digital age is a testament to our resilience, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to the service of others By marrying the time-honoured principles of Rotary with the transformative potential of digital platforms, we are not just adapting to change, but embracing it to magnify our impact
I would like to take this time to also congratulate the recently elected Committee and wish them the best of luck in their tenure I hope as they continue to write the story of this club in the digital age, it is done with enthusiasm, gratitude, and a steadfast commitment to the betterment of our communities and the world at large The future beckons, and we stand ready to shape it with the same spirit that has defined us for years Service Above Self
Isaac LinThe Internet is becoming the town square for the global village of tomorrow
Bill Gates
Diverse Content: A mix of content types, including project highlights, member spotlights, event promotions, and informative posts about Rotary's history and mission, was used to engage different audience segments.
Visual Appeal: High-quality visuals, such as images and videos, were consistently used to enhance the appeal of posts and capture viewers' attention
Consistency: Regular posting schedules were established, maintaining a steady flow of content to keep the audience engaged and informed
Community Interaction: Engagement with the audience through comments, replies, and interactive posts helped establish a two-way communication channel, fostering a sense of connection.
37 AVERAGE LIKES
75 AVERAGE
377 ACCOUNTS REACHED
Strategic Hashtags: Relevant hashtags were employed to increase discoverability and amplify the reach of posts beyond the immediate follower base. +74.5%
12
TOTAL POSTS OVERALL ENGAGEMENT (
9 MONTHS AGO)
TOTAL POSTS
The launch of our social media initiative has already yielded positive outcomes, yet the journey is ongoing, and the need to develop and continue our digital presence remains critical. This section emphasizes the compelling reasons behind this imperative and underscores the far-reaching benefits that sustained social media efforts can offer.
01
Encourage members to actively participate in content creation, showcasing diverse perspectives and experiences.
02
Stay current with social media trends and updates to maintain relevance and adapt to evolving audience behaviours.
03
Continue to monitor engagement rates and experiment with different posting times to identify the optimal schedule. Eg afterschool, during lunchtimes
04
It is worth noting the two posts during the FORaMEAL event have become the highest reached and engaged posts. Future collaborations with Rotary Clubs may help generate greater exposure
Maintain a balanced mix of content types to cater to different audience interests and preferences.
Following an extremely successful 2022 for the Camberwell Grammar School Rotary Interact Club, which saw us donated $10,000 to Operation Toilets and $3,000 to FORaMEAL, it has been amazing to see the club have yet another strong year
Fundraising events such as the ever-popular Year 9 Social and our 3rd Annual Trivia Night saw the club bring in over $8000 in revenue, with both of these events’ earnings growing impressively when compared with previous years Equally, it was rewarding to be able to donate $3,000 to FORaMEAL for the second year in a row, as well as establish our local charity, “Random Acts of Kindness, ” which saw volunteers giving back to members of the school community by putting together small class parties on Friday mornings, as decided by a ballot
I would like to thank all of our members, who have spent countless hours organising and volunteering throughout the year, as it is ultimately their efforts that contribute most to our club’s performance
I look forward to seeing what our club can achieve next year, in one that will no doubt be record breaking!
, Raph Champion Treasurer
Raph Champion Page 14 CGS Rotary InteractThroughout 2023, Camberwell Grammar Interact President Ravin Desai and I represented Camberwell Grammar School at the District 9800 Council. The group, led by Ravin himself, met throughout the year to discuss all matters Rotary! The council was filled with members from other schools such as Melbourne Girls Grammar and Wyndham Central College. The group shared experiences in the management of Interact Clubs, the best ways to organise finances and the best fundraiser ideas. This group is a great resource for our Interact Club to access as it gives our group some insight into how other schools run their clubs.
The council, composed of two members from each school, met once a month in person and online The council has played a key role in organising the Multi district conference This conference is designed to connect Interact Clubs from around the district and is scheduled for later in the year The council is also helping to organise the upcoming IDAD (Interact District Assembly Day). We hope that the District Council can continue to be tapped into in the upcoming years
Tommy Auwardt
Tommy Auwardt
Secretary
The Club expresses our sincere appreciation to all sponsors and donors for their unwavering support and dedication in 2023.
The McKenzie Family
This year the Camberwell Grammar Rotary Interact Club has been lucky enough to establish a close partnership with The Camberwell Place (The Well) in Camberwell Junction Throughout the year there have been many occasions in which ourselves and The Camberwell Place have been able to benefit each other through the use of volunteers and sponsorship
The Camberwell Place Christmas in July food drive was our most recent endeavour together An event run by The Well, Rotary sent a number of volunteers from across the school to help collect food and monetary donations; an impressive total of 340 bags of food and hygiene items were collected from this event alone. The generosity and willingness of the CGS Rotary Club were a key part in this event and have made a tangible difference in many people’s lives across Australia Rotary also provided and set up several performers in the centre of The Well throughout the day, to encourage people to support the cause These were a wide array of musicians and acts from across, not only Rotary, but also the wider Camberwell Grammar Community and provided a lighter ambience and further enjoyment to the event The event was a huge success and we hope to take inspiration and contribute to it if it continues next year
The first event we collaborated on with The Camberwell Place was this year’s Annual Camberwell Grammar Rotary Interact Trivia Night, one of our largest yet Camberwell place was kind enough to be the primary sponsor of the event allowing it to be, arguably the best one we have put on Through their sponsorship we were able to provide more prizes and an all around cleaner, classier event and for this we extend our gratitude (For more details see the report on the Trivia Night.)
The Camberwell Place has been a vital part of Camberwell Rotary this year, allowing itself to be an essential partner in forming connections to the wider community that CGS Rotary has gratefully embraced We look forward to continuing our partnership with The Camberwell Place and thank them for their work with us this year
Ed Edward Pill Community Liaison OfficerCommittee
Ravin Desai - President, Interact District Council Chair
Alex Harris - Vice President
Alan Tian - Vice President
Raph Champion - Treasurer
Tommy Auwardt - Secretary, Interact District Council Member
Ed Pill - Community Liaison Officer
Isaac Lin - Social Media Officer
Members
Arjun Alagappan
Jai Anand Malik
Jay Babbar
Nathan Bosmans
Kevin Ch'ng
Ned Chesler
Adrian Chiu
Elliot Choi
Ethan Choo
Samuel Choong
Jacob Clark
Thomas Clemow
Christopher Cohen
Lachlan Cross
Tiger Diao
James Ding
Roy Fleming
Oliver Ford
Haydn Hammerton
Andrew Hare
Max Helmer
Ethan Huang
Zaid Imran
Connor Inston
William Jenkin
Robert Johnston
Christopher Khong
Justin Kwan
Derrick Kwon
Alexander Lam
William Lardner
Aaron Lau
Matthew Lau
James Le Get
Leonard Lee
Jarrod Leong
Charlie Leong
Milton Leung
Arsene Liau
Nathan Liew
Owen Lim
Anson Lim
Joshua Lim
Ethan Lin
Ethan Loi
Chris Lu
Matthew Lu
Liam McCarthy
Owen Wu
Jonty Neil
Joshua H Ng
Lachlan O'Neill
Ethan Ong
Andrew Ong
Hugo Pringle
Orlando Rofe
Taran Rose
Matthew Stephen
Varun Sujanthan
Leonidas Tiras
Rico Towers
Ethan Tran
Matthew Wakefield
Eamon Wan
Alan Wang
Lachlan Wei
Rory Westcott
Hamish Westcott
Jayden Yap
Ivan Zhang
Tony Zhang
Aaron Zhuang