Annual Hat Day for Australian Rotary Health (ARH)

On Wednesday 30th September, 56 Rotarians and friends were welcomed by Acting-President Marty Neilson at the Austrian Club for the annual Hat Day for Australian Rotary Health (ARH). In particular, Marty welcomed Rotarians from Manningham, Ivanhoe, Greensborough, Greensborough Central Clubs and Diamond Valley Rotaractors.
Our Chair for the evening was President-Elect Sandra Bartelt who introduced our keynote Speaker for the night, Rotarian Francis Acquah who spoke on Rotary Health in general and his own field of speciality, Mental Health, in particular. Francis is a  member of the Rotary Club of Greensborough and the District 9790 ARH Committee.

Tracing the history of ARH back to its origins with Ian Scott from the Rotary Club of Mornington in 1981 to provide funds for research into Cot Death, Francis noted that this Club had contributed in excess of $40,000.00 over the intervening years. Older members will recall the first of many successful Business Breakfasts held by the Club at the old Heidelberg Town Hall with Bob Ansett as guest speaker and an audience in excess of 600 when funds were raised for ARH and Cot death research.
Over the years, $33 million has been allocated by ARH to research, awareness and education.

Whilst ARH funds research into Mental Health issues and other health projects, discussions are progressing at present with the RSL with the Centenary of the landings at Gallipoli , to fund Post Traumatic Stress Disorders research.
Acting President Marty presented a cheque to Francis from the Club for ARH for $1,000.00 with a further cheque to follow for the proceeds of the night (estimated at a further $1,000.00).
– Barrie Williams