DGs eNews 17 April 2014

In the April edition of Rotary Down Under you can read about the one-day District 9675 and 9685 Conferences (page 6). You can also read Editor Mark Wallace’s comments (page 5) “... the interesting point for me was the use of live streaming of all Conference proceedings by D9685”..

Around this time of the year Clubs are considering allocations of funds in Charity accounts. 

 

May I draw to your consideration the following programs and projects:

One way to Engage Rotary, Change Lives is through support of these and other programs that share similar goals.

Our promotional theme for April is “Participate in an amazing event as your city comes alive at the Convention”.  It will be a great happening and it will be such a shame if you miss out.

 

Registration is not the only way to be involved.  You don’t have to register to be a volunteer or help at the Great Aussie BBQ.

 

Have you checked out our Host Organising Committee website at rotary2014.com.aus guide, please let our D9685 Convention Coordinator Paul Erikson know so he can put you in touch with fellow Rotarians seeking guidance.

 

From now you can only register online so please seek help if you need it.  We want you there to share the experience with those already registered.

Congratulations Bruce Lakin (Pittwater) on selection as District 9685 Governor 2016-17.  The appeal period will end on 24 April 2014.

 

Also congratulations to DGE Ian, his Training Officer, PDG Paul and their team for organising a quality District Assembly.  The 400 plus who attended are well placed to make a significant contribution to their clubs in the coming year. 

 

Not all Rotarians would have been aware of the announcement by Joy Walker that on 1 July our membership dropped to 1,185.074.  We are pleased that this year we have enjoyed a growth of 34,556 world-wide.  In Australia the increase has been 252 and in District 9685 we are 2,149 Rotarians strong.  Perhaps the Regional Membership Plans are starting to reverse the downward trend of recent years.  Let’s keep working to make that happen.

 

Of course, what is really important is what we do.

 

Through The Rotary Foundation (TRF) amazing things can happen.  We are fortunate to have PDG Tony Castley as our TRF District Chairman and his dedicated team.  Implementing the new grants model has presented challenges but I am pleased to report that in the last couple of weeks we have had two exceptional Global Grants approved. 

 

Over the coming months we will learn much about Charlie Barnett and the Rotary Club of s US$81,000 Water Projects in Lao PDR, and Alan Jones and the Rotary Club of The s US$111,493 provision of medical equipment for eye care to the Jaffna Teaching Hospital in Sri Lanka.  This project involves six District 9685 Clubs and three D3220 Clubs.  These are significant projects.  Congratulations to all involved.

This DG eNews will arrive just before Easter.  I trust that during Easter you will be able to step back from your busy round of activities and reflect on and share those things that are important to you.  I hope that you enjoy a moment of peace and are filled with future hope.  Please travel safely.

Until next time, Engage Rotary Change Lives

Governor RI District 9685, 2013-14