RCCBG News Notes (Feb. 19, 2026)

Rotary Club of Canberra Burley Griffin - News Notes 23rd February 2026

Last Week

At Annie's Place - a bit like Christmas........

Liz and Father Michael.

Ross and Russel discussing trends in crypto.

Last Week’s Meeting:

Nine members visited Annie’s Place on Thursday, 19 February, for an informal lunch meeting. Father Michael (Vice-Chair of St Benedict’s Ministries, which runs Annie’s Place) and Centre Coordinator, Elaine, updated the meeting on their current work.

A key focus is helping people in need find housing – either in an emergency, or those seeking long-term housing, Elaine noted that medical issues or interaction with the justice system contributed to homelessness – people were released from hospital or jail without adequate support and ended up without a roof over their head. She gave an example of six people being treated for cancer, four of which were sleeping in cars or couch-surfing. St Benedicts always provided practical support as well as housing. As well as liaising with relevant government agencies, it worked with other charities such as Vinnies and Night Podz (a converted bus that has seven secure sleeping compartments, and has often been fully occupied in recent times). A hopeful development is the funding received to build 20 tiny houses as temporary accommodation while permanent solutions are found. Negotiations with Council are underway to find a place for the tiny homes.

Annie’s Place also serves meals (breakfast and lunch) four days a week, with a separate grocery distribution on Saturdays. As well as food, it provides a safe space and a sense of community. Father Michael noted that many would open up about their needs only after visiting a few times and feeling they could trust the staff there.

Thanks to Fr Michael and Elaine for hosting us, and volunteers Lois, Sharon, Fiona and Joy for their excellent catering.

Stephen

Next meeting:

Date: Thurs.	Event:		Club member to Introduce, Thank and send write up to Bulletin editor.
26^th February	Luch at Golf Club – Chairperson Stephen.	Russel – What the heck are cryptocurrencies?	Liz
5^th of March	Lunch at Golf Club Russell is Chair	Tony Muscio - The Age of Astronomy is Now	Michael
12^th March	Lunch at Golf Club – Russell in Chair	Russell presentation	Bill
19^th March	Social lunch	Russel to Chair

Notes from Michael:

Hi Michael,

As discussed, I am continuing to recruit to my research project exploring the impact on shoes on walking. Whilst I am undertaking most assessments at the University of Canberra Hospital in Belconnen I can conduct these at an appropriate community location. What is needed is a 14meter track to do the walking tests.

The project is exploring whether shoes make a difference to walking for people who have had a stroke. This study will aim to guide clinicians and stroke survivors in making decisions around footwear use in their rehabilitation program and on discharge from hospital.

Part of the research project is recruiting participants who have not had a stroke to undertake walking tests under 4 conditions over a 14meter long track without a walking aid.

Walking in shoes at a comfortable pace

Walking in shoes at a fast pace

Walking bare feet at a comfortable pace

Walking bare feet at a fast pace

I would appreciate if you could consider sharing this email to your members for potential to participate in the study. I am recruiting participants who have not had a stroke and do not have a condition that significantly impacts their walking. The age range that I still require participants for is:

70 years to 80 years group

80 years and above year group.

I primarily conduct assessments at the University of Canberra Hospital in Bruce and there is a car park under the hospital and participants can validate their ticket for free on departure. The research takes between 10-15minutes to complete (including the paperwork consent).

Interested people can contact me on the email or phone number listed below.

Thanks for your help.

Paul

Paul Cusack | Physiotherapy Clinical Educator

Phone: 02 5124 5663 | Email: paul.cusack@act.gov.au

Rehabilitation Aged and Community Services |University of Canberra Hospital | Canberra Health Services | ACT Government

20 Guraguma Street, Bruce ACT 2617 | canberrahealthservices.act.gov.au

Here's our President-elect Neil helping with parking for the Canberra Show this weekend. Our Club received $1,900 for Members' contribution to the Festival of Speed weekend parking, and our efforts at the Canberra Show weekend will add to our funds raised for charity. Thanks to Neil, Michael, Ross, Russell, and Stephen for helping out at this event.
Stephen

Rotary joke of the Week

What happens to a frog's car when it breaks down? It gets toad away.

Thought for the Week

As a cure for worrying, work is better than whiskey.

Thomas Edison 1845

News Notes is/are sent out each Monday.

Please send items for inclusion to Bill Andrews, email andrews79@iinet.net.au, by beer o’clock Sunday.

To see the program of future meetings, visit: Rotary activities Spreadsheet.

Please add mailservice@clubrunner.ca to your safe sender list or address book.
To view our privacy policy, click here.

ClubRunner
102-2060 Winston Park Drive, Oakville, ON, L6H 5R7