Shelter Bags Delivery to Anchor 

On 28 September 2026, members from the Rotary Club of Southbank Elsternwick and the Rotary Club of Lilydale came together to deliver the first 10 Shelterbags to Anchor, marking the beginning of a new partnership to support people experiencing homelessness in our local community.

 

Representing the Rotary Club of Southbank Elsternwick were Tony and Wendy Jackson, while Arun Marappan, Des Shiel and Judith Shiel represented the Rotary Club of Lilydale.

Anchor immediately recognised the value of the Shelterbags and the positive difference they will make for people sleeping rough.

 

 

 

The Shelterbag Program is a national Rotary initiative managed by the Rotary Club of Bowral–Mittagong. Under the leadership of the new National Coordinator, Dawn Simpson, the program is continuing to expand across Australia, with Victoria now becoming an important part of that growth.

 

The opportunity for the Rotary Clubs of Lilydale and Southbank Elsternwick to work together with Anchor is an exciting step in bringing this practical and compassionate project to our local community.

 

The Shelterbags are imported from Cape Town, South Africa, where they are manufactured through a social enterprise that provides employment while producing durable, waterproof sleeping bags for people experiencing homelessness.

 

The program first came to Rotary through Mary Crammond, a member of the Rotary Club of Terrigal. While holidaying in Cape Town, Mary saw Shelterbags being produced and distributed to people sleeping rough. Recognising the potential to make a difference in Australia, she inspired the first import of Shelterbags through her club.

 

The Rotary Club of Bowral–Mittagong later took over the national coordination of the program and has expanded it significantly. Today, more than 4,000 Shelterbags have been distributed across Australia through partnerships between Rotary clubs and frontline homelessness organisations.

 

Rotary clubs in Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia and Western Australia have successfully worked with local outreach services to ensure Shelterbags reach those who need them most. We are proud to see Victoria now joining this growing network of support.

 

 

The Shelterbag Program delivers more than practical assistance. It provides immediate protection from the elements for people experiencing homelessness while also supporting employment opportunities for the people who manufacture the bags in South Africa.

 

At Sheltersuit South Africa, the mission extends beyond providing emergency shelter. The organisation is dedicated to creating products that lighten the load for people experiencing homelessness while equipping its team with valuable skills and meaningful employment in an organisation that genuinely cares about people's wellbeing.

 

This unique model creates a positive impact at both ends of the supply chain—providing dignity and opportunity for those who manufacture the Shelterbags, while delivering practical support and protection for those experiencing homelessness.

 

The Rotary Club of Lilydale looks forward to working alongside the Rotary Club of Southbank Elsternwick, Anchor and other community partners to explore how this initiative can continue to support vulnerable members of our community.

 

 

To find out more about the organisations involved in this initiative, visit:

 

 

 

 

 

The Rotary Club of Lilydale believes that meaningful community impact is achieved through collaboration. By partnering with organisations such as Anchor and the Rotary Club of Southbank Elsternwick, and by supporting proven initiatives like the Shelterbag Program, we can provide practical assistance, build stronger community connections, and help restore dignity and hope to people experiencing homelessness.