Speakers
| Speaker | Date | Topic |
|---|---|---|
| Change Makers - AGM | Nov 12, 2026 8:00 PM |
Club Night & Annual General meeting
 Change Makers regular zoom meeting We will also be conducting our AGM Guests are welcome Contact secretary@rotarychangemakers.org.au for the zoom link |
| Mr Brendan Podbury | Nov 26, 2026 8:00 PM |
St Vincent de Paul Society, Victoria
 ABOUT THE ST VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY Brendan Podbury has been elected the new State President for St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria for a four-year term. Brendan brings more than two decades of experience as both a member and as an employee to the leadership role after joining St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria as an employee in 1998 and becoming a member in 2002. He has served across conferences and councils holding many leadership and governance roles, as well as director and committee roles at both state and national levels. Reflecting on his journey as a Vincentian, Brendan said, “These experiences have given me a broad understanding of the Society at every level, from individual conference members to statewide leadership, and a deep appreciation for the spirit, dedication and faith of Vincentians.” Contact secretary@rotarychangemakers.org.au for the zoom link |
| Peter and Sharon Crean | Dec 10, 2026 8:00 PM |
Beyond Water
 OUR MISSION To raise the living standards and reduce mortality rates for communities in East Africa through the provision of safe, clean and sustainable drinking water, and sanitation facilities. HOW IT WORKS Our Target Countries: • Kenya • Uganda • Rwanda • Tanzania • Ethiopia • South Sudan • Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Type Of Organisations We Work With: • Schools • Medical clinics • Remote communities • Community self help group. Introducing Pete & Sharon Crean Pete was abandoned by his birth parents and then adopted into a blended family in New Zealand. He struggled at school due to having dyslexia then embarked on a journey of practical jobs such as farming and sales. In adulthood, he returned to study at a tertiary level. In 1987, Pete married Sharon and they were youth workers for the next 16 years. In 2002 they moved to Sydney, Australia. Eventually he started his own business that involved landscaping, redecorating houses and upkeep of apartments. He and Sharon co-founded BeyondWater, a charity that provides clean drinking water and sanitation facilities across East Africa. Starting in 2007 they have improved the lives of over 100,000 people. Within BeyondWater Pete oversees the community development program as well as financial excellence. He makes sure the money is spent where it should, in a timely manner, on a project of good quality. His role involves working in schools and organisations educating them about water harvesting, irrigation and the scarcity of water across East Africa. Sharon was raised in the same town as Pete but did not get to know him until she was 16. Raised in a turbulent family she moved out of home early and started a working career. While her primary role was to raise their two girls, Sharon was an equal in with Pete in their youth work. Sharon became a conference speaker, specialising in talking to parents of special needs children. In 2009 Sharon completed her MBA, while working in the education sector and starting BeyondWater. In 2013, the Creans received a Rotary Humanitarian Award for their work in Africa. Sharon is the CEO of BeyondWater and is the primary driving force behind the organisation. Her role is to build an international team, oversee projects and ensure that the necessary funds are raised. Photography, especially wildlife, is Sharon’s other passion. Sharon and Pete have a vision to expand the work into other East African countries and to raise volunteers who can be effective in their own country. Since 2012 Pete & Sharon have been based in Nairobi, Kenya. Pete & Sharon have spoken across many nations including New Zealand, Australia, Kenya, Rwanda, Ghana, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Uganda and the United States of America Contact secretary@rotarychangemakers.org.au for the zoom link |
| Change Makers Meeting | Jan 07, 2027 8:00 PM |
Club Night
Regular meeting We will be conducting a "Project Speed Dating" session, run by President Elect Sophie Enders. Guests are welcome Contact secretary@rotarychangemakers.org.au for the zoom link |
| Change Makers Meeting | Jan 21, 2027 8:00 PM |
Club Night
 Regular meeting Guests are welcome Contact secretary@rotarychangemakers.org.au for the zoom link |
| Change Makers Meeting | Feb 04, 2027 8:00 PM |
Club Night
 Regular meeting Guests are welcome Contact secretary@rotarychangemakers.org.au for the zoom link |
| Rtn Kate Arkwright | Feb 18, 2027 8:00 PM |
Safe Haven - Cambodia
We focus on providing support in the child’s home that is culturally appropriate and suitable for their life-style, unique needs and home environment.
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