Pat Cronin Foundation

By Ian Ada - President

Pat Cronin Foundation partnerships manager Steve Layt spoke at a recent meeting of the Rotary Club of Carlton.

The foundation was established by Pat’s family in the wake of his death from a single punch to the back of the head while assisting a friend in danger, resulting in a skull fracture. Two days later, Pat’s family tragically had to make the agonising decision to turn off his life support.

Steve spoke about, and showed a video, how the tragedy is affecting the Cronin family, their friends and the wider community forever. The Pat Cronin Foundation believes that social violence does not have to remain a part of Australia’s culture, rather that it is something that is preventable.

The title of Steve’s presentation was “Let’s end the Coward Punch”.

Steve noted that Pat will always be 19 years old. He will never have another birthday, or play another footy game, or finish studying health science and physiotherapy under the scholarship he was awarded.

The Pat Cronin Foundation provides an optimistic voice and empowering approach to awareness, education and research about social violence among young people. It works with schools, clubs and community groups to make positive change.

Steve Layt is the partnerships manager with the foundation, and first came across Pat as his coach at the Lower Plenty Football Club.

A “Be Wise” presentation has been developed for secondary schools in consultation with teachers, psychologists, researchers, community members and parents to bring a whole community approach to learning important wellbeing lessons. It covers Pat’s story, anger and aggression, strategies for violence prevention, and the consequences of violence.

Steve said the foundation expected to talk to 500 groups this year, 400 of which were schools and 100 were community groups.

For more information: patcroninfoundation.org.au

Neighbourhood House

In the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Rotary Club of Carlton provided $1000 to the North Carlton Railway Neighbourhood House to contribute to stocking the pantry the centre had set up to support families in economic stress.

Our club has more recently been identifying ways our members can volunteer to support the work of “The House” in a range of their activities.

These include mentoring individual clients, helping clients negotiate forms used by government agencies, and ferrying children to after school activities.

However more volunteers are always needed and welcome, but in almost all situations will require a Working with Children Check.  More information can be found at railwayneighbourhoodhouse.org.au

Next meeting

The Rotary Club of Carlton has commenced meeting on the third Tuesday of each month at Naughtons Hotel, Royal Parade, Parkville beginning at 6.30pm. If you would like to join us on October 18, or any other month, to find out a little more about Rotary, please contact Paul Kruspe on 0423 025 962 or [email protected] and we would make you most welcome. •