By Jane Moore
Rotary Club of Berwick, Vic
The Rotary Club of Berwick, Vic, recently achieved a trifecta in establishing an outward facing community project that has also showcased Rotary and strengthened its relationship with long-term community partner St John of God Berwick Hospital.
The planning, implementation, construction, and completion of a kerbside community garden at the St John of God Langmore Centre, to service the rest and respite of the commuting public and patients of the facility, provided an amazing public image opportunity for Rotary and the club, while enhancing the landscape beautification and supporting the environment in an urban streetscape. The ripple effect has been showcasing the good work of Rotary to the public, local federal electorate, community benefactors, episodic community volunteers, and the staff of St John of God.
The club was seeking a local, hands-on, perpetual project that would engage members and family of the club, Interact clubs, and the public, while promoting Rotary within the community and strengthening bonds with its long-term community partner and sponsor.
In this pursuit, the club approached St John of God Berwick in a quest to identify where it could help most.
It so happened that the newly refurbished hospital building, re-purposed as a mental health facility, was completed with a shortfall of funding and resources for landscaping. The club had found its project!
Following many consultative meetings, an area outside the building was identified as the site for a community garden. The next step was to obtain funding and support from the two organisations’ joint networks.
The project was promoted in the club bulletin, with its 200-strong subscription base. A social media campaign gave exposure to the club’s 1,500 followers, who spread the word further by liking and sharing. A call to action was made across all communication channels and support documents were written for grant applications.
The outcome was very positive. Funding was received from a local federal electorate grant application and a community philanthropist. Donations of equipment, materials and skills were proffered from within the club and beyond.
“To enhance its reach, the public image campaign was strategic. Members and friends were encouraged to wear Rotary branded clothing at working bees and branded tear drop banners were on display whenever they were on site.”
The site was selected for the benefit of patients and the community to rest and reflect during their pedestrian commute to the nearby shopping village, and to maximise the public exposure for Rotary.
Adjacent to the facility building, bounded by a busy thoroughfare trafficked by pedestrians to and from the train station, primary, secondary and tertiary education institutions, retirement villages, medical rooms and retail precincts, the community garden will be a welcome refuge.
To enhance its reach, the public image campaign was strategic. Club members and the public were kept updated on progress via club meetings, the weekly bulletin, and social media posts. Members and friends were encouraged to wear Rotary branded clothing at working bees and branded tear drop banners were on display whenever they were on site.
Passers-by were warmly welcomed, and their questions answered with enthusiasm. Hospital staff participated, spreading the word among colleagues.
The progress and celebration of the building of the garden from pathway excavations through to seat installations and plantings was broadcast and the completion proudly shouted out! The finishing touch will be the Rotary branded plaque acknowledging Rotary’s involvement in the establishment and ongoing maintenance of this community asset.
The satisfaction derived from all involved was evidenced in the fun, friendly, camaraderie shared as members worked alongside their St John of God partners; the best public image of all!