Supporting the environment is Rotary's seventh area of focus. It joined peace-building and conflict prevention; disease prevention and treatment; water, sanitation, and hygiene; maternal and child health; basic education and literacy; and community economic development.
Rotary is committed to supporting activities that strengthen the conservation and protection of natural resources, advance ecological sustainability, and foster harmony between communities and the environment. We empower communities to access grants and other resources, embrace local solutions, and spur innovation to address the causes and reduce the effects of climate change and environmental degradation.
The Rotary Foundation in Foundation global grant funding has allocated 18.4 million USD to environment-related causes in the past five years through their support of community economic development and water, sanitation, and hygiene projects. Our Water and Sanitation Global Grant with International partner RC of Fig Garden addresses sanitation issues which affect the environment in twenty-one remote villages in Northern Thailand.
Some of the ways we can work on environmental challenges by:
Protecting and restoring land, coastal, marine, and freshwater resources
Enhancing the capacity of communities to support natural resource management and conservation
Supporting sustainable agriculture, fishing, and aquaculture practices
Addressing the cause of climate change by reducing the emission of greenhouse gases
Strengthening ecosystems and communities affected by climate change
Supporting education initiatives that promote behavior that protects the environment
Advocating for sustainable consumption to build an economy that uses resources more efficiently
Addressing environmental justice issues and public health concerns
On Saturday 26th November 2023, one of the walks against domestic and family violence was held at Penrith at the Tench Reserve.
Rotarians were joined by the Police and numerous community groups to reinforce this campaign.
District Governor Christine Owen and AG's Michele Ellery and Paul Rogers were accompanied by Rotarians from Rotary Clubs from the Blue Mountains, Nepean and Hawkesbury areas.
It was an amzing dedication to the fight against violence with the weather cooperating to provide an outstanding day to undertake
this walk. This was one of a series of events taking place during the 16 days of activism against domestic and family violence.
EndPlasticSoup attracted great interest at the Rotary International Convention which was held from 27 to 31 May, 2023, in Melbourne Australia.
Many attendees visited our Booth in the House of Friendship where it was always busy and we had inspiring conversations. The Breakout presentation was attended by 240 people
(many could not attend because the room was full). Our ambassadors Melanie Lewis (RC Social Impact Network, Sydney, Australia), Barbara McChesney (RC Windsor, CA, USA) and Salvador Rico (RC South Ukiah, CA, USA) did such a great job.
Melanie repeated the breakout presentation in a webinar which was recorded.
This handbook has been created by the Environmental Sustainability Rotary Action Group (ESRAG) between 2020-2023 with the support of our members. Its purpose is to educate and inspire Rotary members and friends around the world to take club action to reduce the environmental footprint of their events. The handbook includes a selection of activities that your Rotary club can do to be more sustainable.
Click on the image below to download a copy of the Green Events Handbook.
Welcome to the Environmental Sustainability Rotary Action Group (ESRAG)! We formed ESRAG to empower members of the Rotary Family worldwide to take actions to sustain our environment, particularly to stabilize our climate.
We formed ESRAG (Environmental Sustainability Rotary Action Group) to empower members of the Rotary Family worldwide to take actions to sustain our environment, particularly to stabilize our climate.
ESRAG provides an organizing point and informational resources to share information with clubs and communities about sustainable practices and the global humanitarian crisis of climate change.
Our action model: Identify environmental leaders within the Rotary world, assist them in initiating environmental service projects that are meaningful to THEM, help where we can, and acknowledge and publicize their awesome work.
EndPlasticSoup attracted great interest at the Rotary International Convention which was held from 27 to 31 May in Melbourne Australia.
Many attendees visited our Booth in the House of Friendship where it was always busy and we had inspiring conversations. The Breakout presentation was attended by 240 people
(many could not attend because the room was full). Our ambassadors Melanie Lewis (RC Social Impact Network, Sidney, Australia), Barbara McChesney (RC Windsor, CA, USA) and Salvador Rico (RC South Ukiah, CA, USA) did such a great job.
Melanie repeated the breakout presentation in a webinar which was recorded.
Please support us now with this Rotary Australia World Community Service (RAWCS)
and the Rotary Australia Benevolent Society (RABS) Fund Raising ...
Summary: To provide benevolent relief and support to survivors, victims, and their immediate families from the events of the fatal bus accident which occurred near Greta (Hunter Valley, NSW) on Sunday 11 June 2023.
Challenge: The effects of the Hunter Valley Bus Tragedy will be far-reaching, impacting the survivors, victims and their immediate families for many months, possibly years to come.
Solution: Individuals who are adversely affected will be identified and be given funds to help with their recovery. It is our priority to get funds quickly to those who are in need to help them with their future.
Long term impact: To ease the burden of those survivors, victims, and their immediate families impacted by the tragedy.
Sponsored by: Rotary Club of Singleton Sunrise, District 9660
Please support us now with this Rotary Australia World Community Service (RAWCS)/ Rotary Australia Benevolent Society (RABS) Fund Raising ...
Summary: To provide benevolent relief and support to survivors, victims, and their immediate families from the events of the fatal bus accident which occurred near Greta (Hunter Valley, NSW) on Sunday 11 June 2023.
Challenge: The effects of the Hunter Valley Bus Tragedy will be far-reaching, impacting the survivors, victims and their immediate families for many months, possibly years to come.
Solution: Individuals who are adversely affected will be identified and be given funds to help with their recovery. It is our priority to get funds quickly to those who are in need to help them with their future.
Long term impact: To ease the burden of those survivors, victims, and their immediate families impacted by the tragedy.
Sponsored by: Rotary Club of Singleton Sunrise, District 9660
The Rotary Club of The Entrance members and the Health on The Streets team
NOVEMBER 20, 2022
Rotary The Entrance has donated an ECG and spirometry machine to the Health on The Streets (HoTS) mobile health clinic run by Coast & Country Primary Care to help the team to detect potentially life-threatening conditions.
Coast & Country Primary Care CEO, Kathy Beverley, said the ECG machine will mean registered nurses will be able to assess and detect cardiac issues in clients.
“The spirometry will be able to assess, detect and monitor respiratory conditions such as asthma, emphysema, and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease),” she said.
“(This) means that HOTS will be able to provide early intervention referrals.
“Almost 30 per cent of our clients are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and the new equipment means that HoTS will also be able to incorporate chronic disease screening and ‘715’ screening for First Nations people.
“Providing a culturally safe service is very important to supporting First Nations clients to access care and Rotary has also supported HoTS with the design and purchase of shirts which feature a special Aboriginal artwork design by well-known Central Coast artist, Garry Purchase.”
In celebration of the UN’s World Environment Day and Rotary’s End Plastic Soup Day, District 9685 has launched the Environment Action Weekend, 4th & 5th June 2022. We encourage you to undertake individual, club and community activities to help support the Environment as one of the seven RI Areas of Focus.
Our Rotary Environment Countdown Calendar encourages positive impact by thinking globally but acting locally: choose an activity from the list to complete each fortnight or create your own and share it with us. The tasks are relatively simple but fun and can help you create community and revive fellowship in your club. Who doesn’t want to share photos of their yard, get out into the fresh air, extend the brain?! All these things help us connect to each other, connect to our surroundings, and connect across generations.
Examples might be: going for a walk or cycling at least every other day; buying goods free from plastic wrapping - a no plastic two weeks; litter picking once a week in your local community; building a compost heap for household food waste; planting an insect-loving tree or volunteering with a tree planting project; buying refillable products and using refill outlets; taking a photo of a native tree, some spring flowers, or birds or other wildlife; replacing light bulbs with LEDs; watching an environmentally-related documentary; feeding the birds or putting a bug house in the garden; having a meat free week or vegan week; filling one bag for a Charity shop, etc.
The Countdown starts from 4th April, to be completed by 5th June. The list of activities is COVID-safe, and for all ages and mobilities. At the completion of your calendar, please complete a quick online form to register your activities here. This will enable us to tally our collective impact and display our great examples of service as fun opportunities that promote respect and value for a greener environment. All successful completions will receive a Certificate of Recognition from the District 9685 Environment Chair and be entered into a raffle to win a copy of Isabella Tree’s book, Wilding: The return of nature to an English farm. This book brings together science, natural history, drama, and hope wrapped up in an inspiring story of a farm, a couple, and a community transformed.
CALENDAR CHALLENGE INSTRUCTIONS
All activities are considered COVID safe and are considered inclusive for all.
Any member of the community is welcome to participate (Rotarians and non-Rotarians).
The challenge runs between the 4th April and 5th June - every two weeks you will need to submit an activity completion form via this link.
It is possible to include more than one individual on each submission form - if needed, please include all names and activities in the appropriate question boxes.
If a Rotarian participant is unable to complete an online form, they will be required to report their completion to their club secretary or Club Environment Rep (who will forward any completions to the District Environment Chair at Melanie.Lewis@rotarysocialimpact.org)
Late entries will be accepted for a certificate - however, you must complete a total of 5 activities (from the list - or your own ideas). But please note, late entries will not be entered into the raffle draw.
All successful completions submitted by the 4th June will be eligible to enter our prize draw for the book.
The book winner will be determined at 8pm on the 5th June 2021.
On 18-19th March, we attended the annual District Conference, themed "Navigating Change. COVID has been obstructive in the last couple of years for our Conferences, but this time it was all GO. Held at HQ West in Rooty Hill, this flamboyant Conference Centre, Hotel and RSL Club proved to be a great venue for some 450 Rotarians. It was so good to see everyone and renew networks and friendships. what we also reflected on that the community work has been still carried on despite COVID.
Whilst at one level it was a social event, there was a serious side with our community work. The Young Australian of the Year, Dr Daniel Nour, spoke about his work in setting up Street Side Medics, bringing on-the-ground medical support to homeless and disadvantaged people. What an inspiration he is.
The second highlight of the Conference was hearing from the iconic athlete Louise Sauvage OAM (shown below being interviewed by Stephanie Brantz) who relived some of her Paralympic sporting achievements. What a determined, purposeful person she is.
A great Conference and congratulations to DG Lindsay May and the Conference team.
Devastating floods have once again struck along the east coast of Australia for the second year in a row. This year, the devastation was even greater than last year. In support of our local communities affected by flooding in the Hawkesbury-Nepean River system, an appeal has been set up by Rotary Australia World Community Service (RAWCS) to raise funds for all of those who have lost their homes, possessions and, in many cases, their livelihoods.
Match your $ for $.
This project is supported by an anonymous donor who will match every dollar donated $ up to $50,000. All funds raised will go to providing gift cards to those affected and suffering hardship by the recent tragic floods in the Greater Sydney District. By using the QR code or this link, https://donations.rawcs.com.au/53-2021-22
Your donations will receive tax deductible receipt.
Gift vouchers to the value of $34,500 has already been provided through a Rotary Foundation Disaster Response grant and are currently being distributed in the Hawkesbury, Richmond, Windsor, Lower Portland, Sackville areas. Funding can only be used for individuals suffering hardship and not infrastructure or orgnaisations.
Where possible the distribution process will be through Rotary Clubs.
We also had a donation from the Rotary Club of Manly of $5,000 Coles gift cards and these are being distributed in the Richmond area.
Help our own community by donating to the District 9685 RAWCS Flood Appeal for the Greater Sydney District. Take this message to your board for club support
The Rotary Foundation helps Rotarians to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace by improving health, providing quality education, improving the environment, and alleviating poverty. The Foundation is a not-for-profit organization supported solely by voluntary contributions from Rotary members and friends of the Foundation who share its vision of a better world. This support is essential to make possible projects, funded with Foundation grants, that bring sustainable improvement to communities in need.
Donations to The Rotary Foundation are appreciated (no matter the size) and will support educational, humanitarian, and cultural programs and projects throughout the world – assisting Rotarians to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education, and the alleviation of poverty.
Tax deductible donations to The Rotary Foundation may be made in the following ways.
Note that donations may be made in Australian dollars and you may select from a number of funds, including supporting a polio-free world through the PolioPlus Fund.
Call 1300 4 POLIO (76546) to help in the fight to End Polio Now through the PolioPlus Fund
Credit card donations may also be made by telephoning (02) 8894 9840
Donate by cheque payable to Australian Rotary Foundation Trust, and mail to PO Box 6985, Norwest NSW 2153.
In all cases, a tax receipt will be issued by the Australian Rotary Foundation Trust.
For more information, visit this page on the Australian Rotary Foundation Trust website or call (02) 8894 9840, or contact District 9685 Foundation Chair, David Dean at foundationchair@rotarydistrict9685.org.au
My name is Forest Resener and I'm the Operations Director for StoveTeam International, a nonprofit organization started by a Rotarian. We are working in Latin America to save families from the dangers of open-fire cooking. The cookstoves we provide not only help families avoid respiratory illnesses, which account for 4 million deaths every year, but they also provide local employment and prevent CO2 emissions! Our innovative approach has won StoveTeam numerous awards, and resulted in the donation of over 78,000 cookstoves to date. But around the world, we are still nowhere close to addressing this issue on the scale it deserves.
To raise awareness for this devastating issue, we developed an engaging and informative interactive pre-recorded video presentation, specifically for Rotary clubs. The video follows the same format as a standard Rotary program, while allowing us to show your club the issue of open-fire cooking firsthand and give an inside look at our programs. We have received an incredible response from Rotary clubs so far!
How it works To show the video during your meeting, just share your screen and click the link below to start the video. Please note that I will not be able to attend the meeting, but I will be there in spirit via the interactive video. We have a small staff of only three directors and we are dedicated to remaining focused on our programs. We truly appreciate your understanding.
The video includes a 23 minute presentation, plus a Q&A session at the end where the meeting host can click on questions to display an answer video.
Let us know whether the club enjoyed the presentation. We will be thrilled to hear from you! And feel free to share the link with other clubs or individuals.
Please share the following link via email and social media, so that club members can continue to connect with us: stoveteam.org/next-steps
The first 4 Rotarians (from left): Silvester Schiele, Paul Harris,
Gustavus Loehr, Hiram Shorey, and Paul P. Harris
Paul P. Harris, an attorney, wanted to create a professional group with the same friendly spirit he felt in the small towns of his youth. On 23 February 1905, Harris, Gustavus Loehr, Silvester Schiele, and Hiram Shorey gathered at...
Rotary members achieve a record-breaking World Polio Day
Rotary members raised awareness about polio eradication and showed their support more than ever on World Polio Day. Participation in activities and events and donations to PolioPlus both increased this year.
Clubs registered more than 7,600 virtual activities and events in 146 countries, surpassing last year’s 5,900 events. We had a variety of awareness promotions and online presentations as part of our registered events, with many virtual events that featured high-profile speakers and attracted large audiences. Donors contributed more than $920,000 online - totaling more than $2.7 million with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation 2-to-1 match - which is the most ever raised online for World Polio Day.
A new social media campaign inspired members and supporters to share their best End Polio Now photos using the hashtag #MyEndPolio. So far, more than 1,000 photos have been uploaded and shared. Rotary’s World Polio Day Online Global Update has been watched nearly 300,000 times and downloaded by thousands of clubs to communicate the critical need to end polio for good. Learn more about polio eradication achievements and the challenges ahead to protect all children from polio.
Extract from the End Polio Now Newsletter, December 2020
Be part of the District’s Club Vision Facilitation Team
Please consider getting involved – you will be surprised how much you will get out of supporting Clubs’ reach their vision and potential.
If you would like to join the team to assist or to find out more, please contact the District 9685 Vision Facilitation Director - Robert Bredin (Norwest Sunrise Bella Vista) on 0425 233 783 or email bredin@bigpond.net.au or email clubvisioning@rotarydistrict9685.org.au
Since 2009, the Rotary Clubs of Erina, Kariong Somersby, Northlakes Toukley & Woy Woy have sold over 6000 trees raising $140,000 to support Grandparents Raising Grandchildren on the NSW Central Coast and other local community projects.
Rotary Matters a weekly program on community radio station Triple H 100.1 FM profiles the causes, projects and people who make up Rotary. The idea is to arouse interest and engagement among the wider general public. Each week a different Rotary initiative is profiled with an in studio interview. This is followed by a What’s On of activities in District 9685 which are accessible to the public. To have your Club’s initiatives and activities profiled on Rotary Matters, contact the host, Ian Stuart on 0416 138 860 or ian.stuart@optusnet.com.au Episodes of the program can be heard indefinitely on the Rotary Matters Facebook site and other social media platforms like Spotify. See "Read More"for links to some recent broadcasts.
The Rotary Foundation Trustees and Rotary International Board of Directors have both unanimously approved adding a new area of focus: supporting the environment.
Supporting the environment becomes Rotary's seventh area of focus, categories of service activities supported by global grants.
It joins peacebuilding and conflict prevention; disease prevention and treatment; water, sanitation, and hygiene; maternal and child health; basic education and literacy; and community economic development.
The Prostate Cancer Foundation Australia (PCFA) was founded by Lane Cove Rotary in 1996 as a result of PP Roger Climpson’s leadership following his bout with prostate cancer. The 25th anniversary is in 2021 and DGE Jeremy Wright 9675 and DGE Lindsay May have been involved on a committee to incorporate these celebrations to acknowledge Rotary and PCFA and reinvigorate PCFA within Rotary.
However other events are also being organised as Rotarians in other Districts are committed to PCFA or as survivors have reason to support activities associated with Rotary’s centenary in Australia.
Please see the below email about RC Perth and their activity for PCFA Awareness Month – September.
Good afternoon all,
Anne and I thought we would share some exciting news with the group.
You may be aware PCFA have launched "The Long Run" community event to coincide with Prostate Cancer Awareness Month in September. This event has gathered great traction with over 1,500 participants already registered and $170,000 raised so far.
Today, Perth Rotary Club have decided to participate as a club activity, and in doing so also inviting other Rotary clubs to be involved in both the event and supporting fundraising activities.
Anne and I thought this may be a great initiative to have other states/ clubs involved and using the opportunity to further highlight the forthcoming 25 years of partnership Rotary and PCFA have enjoyed.
We have the necessary marketing collateral to support any club involvement, but seek your assistance in getting the message across various Rotary regions.
I have attached "The Long Run" guide for your reference and would welcome your thoughts on how we can best capitalise on this opportunity.
The purpose of the District Conference is to provide opportunities for networking, inspirational addresses, and discussions on Rotary-related matters.
The event recognises the service programs, projects, and public relations achievements in our District in order to inspire Rotarians to become more involved in service.
The conference also gives Rotarians and clubs a vision of Rotary beyond the club level and provides a memorable fellowship experience.
Many Rotarians have said that they were never truly enthusiastic about Rotary until they saw an inspirational presentation at a District Conference.
The purpose of the District Conference is to provide opportunities for networking, inspirational addresses, and discussions on Rotary-related matters.
The event recognises the service programs, projects, and public relations achievements in our District in order to inspire Rotarians to become more involved in service.
The conference also gives Rotarians and clubs a vision of Rotary beyond the club level and provides a memorable fellowship experience.
Many Rotarians have said that they were never truly enthusiastic about Rotary until they saw an inspirational presentation at a District Conference.
POLIO MOVIE EVENT 2020 A highlight each year for hundreds of Rotary clubs around Australia and New Zealand is the Polio Movie Event. This year’s movie is I Am Woman, the inspiring story of Australian singer/songwriter, Helen Reddy, who shot to global stardom in the seventies. Clubs will be able to run events during October and November. In Australia, the movie is being streamed to homes on Stan and the only way to see it at the cinema will be through Rotary events. In New Zealand, the movie opens at cinemas on 12th November but Rotary clubs will have the exclusive to cinema screenings during October. This year, the Polio Movie Event will be a tribute to Sir Clem Renouf. It provides the perfect opportunity to have some fun, engage with community, get inspired, honour Sir Clem… and of course raise lots of funds for End Polio Now!
Rotary members have played an invaluable role in the effort to rid the African region of wild polio. We should be proud of all the hard work that we’ve done to eliminate the wild poliovirus throughout Africa and in nearly every country in the world.
This progress is the result of a decades-long effort across the 47 countries of the African region. It has involved millions of health workers traveling by foot, boat, bike and bus, innovative strategies to vaccinate children amid conflict and insecurity, and a huge disease surveillance network to test cases of paralysis and check sewage for the virus.
Rotary International President Holger Knaack and Nigeria National PolioPlus Chair Dr. Tunji Funsho congratulate Rotarians on eradicating wild polio in the African Region. Watch here.
By S.R. Yogananda, past district governor, past regional Rotary Foundation coordinator, and a member of the Rotary Bangalore East, Bengaluru, India
The year was 1987. I had come back from the Sultanate of Oman and was running a consumer products distribution company in Bangalore, India, when a business executive came to my office one evening. He said “I have been watching the way you do business. You are not taking short cuts, you have asked your staff and accountants to follow all the government regulations. I would like to invite you to join my Rotary club.” Rotary, he said “amongst other things, stands for integrity”.
In October 2019, the Upper Northern Beaches (UNB) Rotary Club raised funds from bucket collections around Mona Vale, topped it up to $11,250 and sent it to the Rotary Club of Narromine, west of Dubbo (430 kms, 260 miles, NW of Sydney). Narromine Rotary, with funds from another Rotary Club, and topped up by the local Shire Council, were able to inject $24,400 into the local economy supporting 45 Businesses and 122 families suffering through the earlier part of the drought. This Rotary Club, together with the Country Women’s Association arranged events in the small farming communities around Narromine with those attending able to put in applications to access up to $200 worth of vouchers to be used in local businesses. One young farmer with young children commented “We may be spending $20,000 a week on feed to keep our sheep alive but, to open a $199 gift voucher, lifts your spirits knowing that someone out there is thinking of you and cares!”
The NSW Inspirational Women’s’ Awards (RIWA) were established to recognise and celebrate women across all communities in NSW who give outstanding service to their own community and to other communities around the world. The Awards are an initiative of the Rotary Districts and Clubs of NSW. The Awards being presented today cover several different categories. They acknowledge the time and effort that these diverse and inspiring women give to the community over and above their professional and/or volunteer role.
They exemplify Rotary’s motto of Service Above Self.
An updated My Rotary that’s faster, easier to navigate, and accessible on your mobile devices launches at the end of July. What can you expect from this improved site? Quite a bit.
There was a gathering - High Tea - at a members home last week to celebrate with the chosen candidates for the Community Committee's initial "Community Caring Awards" . The event was attended by the Community Committee members and President Janelle Speight and PE Peter Kirkwood.
Jo Karaolis reports as follows:
"One of the many challenges of our Club’s Zoom meetings is the difficulty of presenting awards in a meaningful fashion.
Our July Community Award recipients are both volunteers with Cavalcade, the organisation that preserves and parades treasured clothes and accessories from Australia’s past. Our wonderful Jo-Ann Moffat offered to hold a celebratory High Tea at her place complete with delicate china, a collection of beautiful teapots and delicious sandwiches, scones and cakes made by Community Committee members.
Jo-Ann’s house provided the perfect setting for a colonial tea party and allowed the required social distancing, completed by Jo’s assiduous collection of personal details for contact tracing. It could have been 1918-19 when similar rituals were required to ward off the ‘Spanish’ flu. Members of the Community Committee attended in their best finery to honour the Cavalcade volunteers and their work.
Lucy Dahill, as the Community Committee Chair, and Janelle Speight as President of our Club, presented the Awards, one to Mary Green who founded Cavalcade and who has led the team of enthusiastic volunteers over many years, and the other to Jenny Watsford who was recognised for her lifetime of volunteering in the Hornsby-Ku-ring-gai area including at Meals on Wheels, St Lucy’s and Cavalcade and for her creative and varied support of her local community especially during the Covid-19 shut-down.
We are enormously grateful to Jo-Ann for creating such an appropriate period event for our Awardees. It will be so good when we can meet in person as a Club once more and honour Award recipients all together. Our Zoom meeting the following week focused on the work of Cavalcade and members learnt all about its work from Sue Sweeney, a dedicated Cavalcade volunteer.
Rotary’s Centenary is a time of celebration! It Is a time to reflect on our past, and take pride in all that has been achieved. It is a time we play our part in the history of Rotary.
Our centenary is also the time to lay the foundations for our future, as we still have much to do. The key project in our centenary year will focus on stopping the one in 16 children who die in 9 Pacific nations before the age of five.
Rotarians across Australia were invited to join on 10th July for virtual fellowship, as well as meet our R100 Centenary Ambassadors, the Governor General and Mrs Hurley, as they launched our national centenary campaign. By joining the Zoom event, Rotarians witnessed the “Passing the Baton” ceremony. The baton that will carry the symbols of our centenary and will travel far and wide across Rotary clubs and Districts.
We wanted to take the opportunity of sharing with you the video that our Ambassadors have provided and you are welcome to share this with your Districts and Clubs.
We ask for your support in helping us raise funds for our R100 Centenary project, "Rotary Give Every Child a Future"; saving young lives in Pacific nations. We look forward to you joining in and making your mark on history!
Kind regards, Garry Browne Hugh Bucknall Chair - National Centenary of Rotary Committee Founder - Centenary of Rotary Campaign
YOUTH EXCHANGE in D9685 continues with 7 Inbound students remaining and being cared for by their clubs. The District Committee thanks all of the host families and clubs for the continued care for these students.
We have had only 2 of our Outbound students return home in the past months due entirely to the Covid19 crisis. These students will be considered to have fully completed their exchange as the circumstances of their return home was out of their control.
With the majority of the clubs in our district holding zoom meetings it is a great opportunity to connect with past students. They are now able to attend a club meeting and update the clubs on their lives since returning from exchange in Australia.
Hats off to the Rotary Club of Umina Beach for holding an International night with a difference. Conducted via zoom and attended by 8 past inbound or outbound students. They had invited a 9th student but due to a work commitment that student could not attend but sent apologies.
The Rotary Club of Ryde has also had 2 past students join their meetings on a regular basis since converting to zoom.
Their student Alma who was recalled home to Sweden by her Government in April has been a regular attendee of the club’s meetings.
The youth exchange committee challenges all Rotary clubs that have hosted or sponsored students no matter how long ago to make contact with these people and find out what is new in their lives.
Remember as we say in Youth Exchange “ It is not better or worse it is just DIFFERENT”.
Usually, at this time of year, you’ll see us Rotarians throughout local shopping centres and the like rattling buckets, waving banners, EFT machines in hand raising much needed funds for The Salvation Army on their Red Shield Appeal Weekend.
This year, due to restrictions forced upon us by the COVID-19 pandemic, we are unable to do that. So how can we help?
Rotary Clubs working hand in hand with The Salvos goes back many years and never before have they needed us more!
Mark your calendars for 20-26 June for an exciting opportunity to gather online with the family of Rotary for our first online convention.
This year's virtual convention is a great opportunity to connect with Rotary participants from around the world to experience the spirit of Rotary, find inspiration through innovation, celebrate our resilience and ability to adapt, exchange ideas, explore how clubs are addressing COVID-19 around the world, and much more.
Experience Rotary in action during our Flag Ceremony, witness the power of connection during our general sessions, learn new ways to engage with Rotary during our breakout sessions, find inspiration from our global speakers, and much more.
The 2020 Rotary Virtual Convention will join you with Rotary participants around the world during a time of unprecedented challenges.
Now More than Ever, Rotary Connects the World: The 2020 Rotary Virtual Convention 20-26 June ~ Schedule at a glance
General Session 1: Together, We Connect — Saturday, 20 June — 11.00pm (AEST)
General Session 2: Together, We Learn — Sunday, 21 June — 11.00pm (AEST)
Featured Breakout Sessions (details coming soon) - Monday – Friday, 22- 26 June
Each day, one breakout session will be offered at each of the following times*:
Firstly, the nine global grants supporting this project have all been approved. When we put in all the grant applications last year, we were confident that the government would make a substantial contribution. That literally went up in flames with the bushfire crisis and now getting money from government is all but impossible for the time being with the Covid-19 crisis. Five of the grants have been fully funded with the government funding gap being made up principally by additional DDF commitments – thank you. To fully fund the remaining four grants we currently need an additional USD 130k in DDF or USD 190k in cash. We are continuing to seek additional donations from individuals and clubs.
Secondly, at rather short notice, but with amazing help from Andrew Mahoney (RC Wellington), we've also developed the concept of an e-card for this coming Mother's Day. Donors can download the card, email it off to wherever they wish, and make a donation to our centenary Pacific immunisation project in the name of the mothers in their lives. With your help, we really hope Rotarians will seize this opportunity. Please go to https://everychildafuture.com/mothers_day_2020.html.
We are excited to announce that Zoom 5.0 is live, and wanted to take a moment to highlight some critical information regarding this latest release.
When: On April 27, 2020, Zoom released Zoom 5.0, setting a new standard in video communications security. Beginning May 30th, 2020, Zoom will be enabling GCM encryption across the entire Zoom platform, providing increased protection for meeting data.
What: Please begin updating all your clients to Zoom 5.0 now. After May 30, 2020, all Zoom clients on older versions will receive a forced upgrade when trying to join meetings as GCM Encryption will be fully enabled across the Zoom platform.
How: Please refer herefor more information on updating your endpoints. Zoom admins, visit our 5.0 IT administrator page for more detailed instructions.
The Youth Exchange Committee in District 9685 is still working hard towards providing our inbound and outbound students with a positive experience during this time of uncertainty and changing lifestyles.
Currently all our Outbound Students, those being hosted by clubs and districts overseas, are well and adapting to the change of living that we are experiencing here in Australia. One student has returned home after the YEP program was cancelled in the host country. That student arrived home safely on Monday morning after a very long trip. The student and the rest of the family are in isolation at home with the permission of the Chief Medical officer for NSW and NSW Health.
The Committee members are in constant contact with the students overseas and their natural families here in Australia. At the time of writing no student is contemplating returning to Sydney in the near future, a decision made by the student and their parents.
In relation to the Inbound Students, those students currently being hosted by D9685 clubs, 8 students have returned home to their country of origin mostly because their governments requested, they return. All 8 have arrived safely and are currently also isolating with their families.
The remaining students are being supported by the amazing Host Families, Club Rotarians and the district committee members.
What does this mean for the program next rotary year? We do not really know yet. If your club was considering hosting an inbound student for 20/21 please keep the funds in your budget until we have a clear idea of what the program might look like in the future.
We have 3 inbound students who will still be in our district until January 2021 who will need to continue to have a great Youth Exchange Experience. We are not yet certain what the departure dates for the 5 remaining European students will be as yet.
All of our outbounds will be returning in January 2021 with great stories to tell us of their year away. The parts of the program that capture that excitement will still continue.
The Committee Members join John and I in thanking all 9685 Rotarians for your support of the program so far in these difficult times.
The Rotary Districts of ACT and NSW Emergency Services Community Awards nominations for 2020 are now open.
The Emergency Services Community Awards are an initiative of the Rotary Districts & Clubs of ACT and NSW. In keeping with Rotary’s motto of “Service Above Self”, the Awards acknowledge and celebrate the selfless Community Service of Emergency Services Personnel while supporting two important Rotary initiatives: Australian Rotary Health, PhD Research Scholarship investigating Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in Emergency Services Personnel Emergency Disaster Preparedness Rotary Vocational Training Teams to Developing Countries in the Asia Pacific.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR THE AWARDS Nominees must be an appointed paid or unpaid volunteer/member of one of the State/Territory Emergency Services who perform Community Service above and beyond the call of their normal duties.
To nominate a member of the Emergency Services in either ACT or NSW for these awards please go to https://resca.awardsplatform.com complete the nomination form in its entirety (the compulsory fields) and then submit same for judging.
To log in you can use the account details that you set up during the 2019 Awards period.
A Winner of these Awards previously as a Volunteer of the Year and/or Officer in Paid Capacity, is ineligible to be nominated.
A Finalist in these Awards, is ineligible to be nominated again within a period of 5 years.
A Nominee not selected as a finalist can be nominated again and in the following year.
Please click HERE to view - download the ‘Rotary On The Move’ Newsletter for April 2020. Please feel free to share and send us your great membership stories.
The publication acknowledges ARH supporters, contains new research findings, as well as upcoming events.
Hard copies will be available soon. Request them by emailing: admin@arh.org.au or calling (02) 8837 1900.
Lift the Lid in Schools
Dr. Seuss knew it then, and Australian Rotary Health knows it now — reading matters in the development of children’s mental health. This is why we are thrilled to announce a new partnership we’ve formed with QBD books, one of the largest bookstore chains in Australia, to create a special new Schools Program.
Lift the Lid in Schools aims to encourage children to participate in raising much needed funds and to start the conversation about finding better ways to help all Australian kids improve their mental health, through much needed research, with the added bonus of encouraging them to take time out and read along the way.
One the biggest challenges facing schools and parents today is the mental wellbeing of our children.
Each year 1 in 5 people experience a mental illness and one-third of young people have had an episode of mental illness by the time they are 25 years old. Because of these startling statistics Australian Rotary Health has committed to allocate its funding to mental health prevention research in young people. 100% of all donated funds go to research.
Without research we are unable to find possible cures for mental illness or develop mental health interventions that are accessible, low-cost, and effective for the kids out there needing support. Research has found cures for other illnesses, your school’s involvement could help mental illness join that list.
It’s fun and rewarding!
Throughout the year we will keep you up to date with new information and incentives, plus great prizes including book packs for your library and the chance to have some of Australia’s best children’s authors visit your school.
The school’s program is simple – we are asking that each school participate by registering here, where you will be provided the fun Lift The Lid on Mental Illness kit to display in the office or general assembly hall. You have until the end of Mental Health Awareness Month in October to participate and the aim is to raise up to $1000 per school.
The District 9685 Rotary Youth Exchange Committee will be holding Information Nights about 2020 Exchange around the district for students, parents and Rotary clubs. The Information nights are a great opportunity to meet the people involved and get your questions answered! Please contact secretary@rotaryyouthexchange.net.au if you’re planning to attend. The Information Nights are scheduled to run from 7pm to 9pm on the following dates:
6 March 2020 Castle Hill RSL
11 March 2020 Sinofield Edu-Retreat, Leura
12 March 2020 Erina Leagues Club
12 March 2020 Warringah Mall Library
18 March 2020 Penrith Panthers
30 March 2020 Mingara Recreation Club, Tumbi Umbi
2 April 2020 Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club, West Ryde
7 April 2020 St Alban’s Anglican Church, Lindfield
Please click HERE to view - download the ‘Rotary On The Move’ Newsletter for March 2020. Please feel free to share and send us your great membership stories.
Lower Blue Mountains Rotary has received a generous offer from a Penrith businessman in support of the Rotary Bushfire Appeal …
The businessman and his wife have decided to donate funds from the sale of their longtime family vehicle – a 1987 Mercedes Benz 560SEL sedan – to Rotary in a highest tender fund raiser.
The vehicle (pictured) has 326,000 kms on the clock and has been serviced every 10,000 kms. Registered (DJC 033) until September, 2020, it is a one owner car and has been garaged every night.
Tenders are required to be forwarded to two difference email addresses -
A recent Australian Rotary Health (ARH) funded study has revealed that a new mental health program is effective in reducing the use of unhelpful coping strategies among children with dyslexia.
Dr Mark Boyes and his team at Curtin University were awarded an ARH Mental Health Research Grant in 2018 to conduct a pilot trial of the ‘Clever Kids Program’, a mental health program for primary school children who struggle with reading and spelling.
Forty children with dyslexia were recruited to the trial, with twenty participants receiving the Clever Kids program compared to twenty participants who were part of a wait-list control group.
Dr Boyes said after attending Clever Kids, children reported improved coping skills.
“They were much less likely to use unhelpful coping strategies like avoiding problems, not telling people about their problems, and blaming themselves for their problems,” Dr Boyes said.
“There were also promising findings for self-esteem, emotional problems, and peer problems. After attending Clever Kids, children reported higher self-esteem and parents said their children had fewer emotional and peer problems.”
Dr Boyes noted however that while these findings are promising, these changes were substantially smaller than the changes in coping skills.
“These changes were smaller than the changes in coping skills, and we need to do a bigger study to confirm if Clever Kids improves self-esteem and reduces emotional and peer problems,” Dr Boyes said.
Another strength revealed from the trial was that children with dyslexia reported that they liked the program and found it to be helpful.
“They really liked meeting other children who were also struggling with reading and spelling. Children also liked activities involving drawing, movement, and paying attention to their bodies. They did not like activities involving sitting at tables reading and writing as much.”
“We believe the program could be improved by having shorter sessions or including more breaks during sessions and reducing the number of activities that involve reading and writing.”
Dr Boyes said there is a very clear parent demand for programs addressing and promoting the emotional wellbeing of children with reading difficulties, and the results of this pilot study indicate that a bigger evaluation of the Clever Kids program is feasible.
“We are delighted to have secured funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council to conduct a larger trial of the program”.
The Clever Kids pilot study is a world-first to use a rigorous randomised control design to test a program promoting mental health among children with dyslexia.
It is also the first time an evaluation of a mental health promotion program for children with dyslexia has assessed potential mechanisms associated with mental health and emotional and behavioural problems directly.
Results from the study are expected to be released by April 2020 before being submitted to a peer-reviewed journal. Dr Boyes hopes to present these findings at the Society for Research on Learning Disorders Conference, held in Norway on 18-19 June 2020.
The project was conducted with support from the Dyslexia-SPELD Foundation (DSF), who developed and run the Clever Kids program.
We thank the Stan Perron Foundation for co-funding this project.
Media contact: Jessica Cooper – (02) 8837 1900 or jessica@arh.org.au
We are still looking for motivated Rotarians who want to make their Service the best it can be to register for Rotary Leadership Institute Course 56. This is a terrific learning and development opportunity for Rotarians of all experience levels.
The RLI course is run over two days, power-packed with information, learning, and skills participants can use in their Rotary life straight away. And it is great value at only $75 including all materials, coffee breaks and lunch.
Networking with other Rotarians and led by experienced facilitators, others have described RLI as the best Rotary training they have had. Registrations are done online at rli.rotarydistrict9685.org.au
Please click HERE to view - download the ‘Rotary On The Move’ Newsletter for February 2020. Please feel free to share and send us your great membership stories.
Our Australian Rotary District Governors have agreed to establish a central fund into which all Australians can donate to support the victims of the devastating bushfires ravaging our country.
A link to the fund can be found on the main page of the RAWCS (Rotary Australia World Community Service) website: https://rawcs.org.au
The Sydney Rotary Club has pleasure in advising that the Vice Regal couple Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AO QC, Governor of New South Wales and Mr Dennis Wilson, will Host the launch of the 2021 Centenary Celebrations at Government House, Sydney.
As you would be aware our Rotary organisation will be celebrating 100 years of being established in Australia and New Zealand and a number of clubs in both countries have created a committee of the willing to start the journey and countdown to the Centenary Celebrations in 2021.
Many different events and activities are being worked on and it is the intent of the committees to enrol all Rotarians from around both countries, where practical to participate and show their pride and enthusiasm for our great organisation and capitalise on the opportunity to highlight the great work we do.
With this in mind the Governor of NSW will be hosting an event to commence the launch in NSW of the Centenary Celebrations. We have been advised by Government House there is a limit to the attendees and on that basis, it will be a first in selection. For the clubs of NSW there is an allocation of 50 places. That means that the first 50 clubs to register a Representative and pay $500 towards the Centenary project will receive a ticket to the event.
Wednesday 12 February 2020 at 6:00pm
Government House, Sydney Macquarie Street, Sydney, NSW 2000
On Thursday 12th and Friday 13th December Ian Salmon, Parry Monckton and Tim Shay visited Muswellbrook in the upper Hunter Valley.
We joined the Muswellbrook Club for dinner on Thursday night and met the President, John Hobden and other key members of the Club. The Club has about 20 members. We met about 10 members. They were very welcoming to all of us and also introduced us to members eg their member who is head of the chamber of commerce in the town. They are very keen for us to adopt them.
The Club has been involved in the distribution of hay for farmers in 2018/2019 and has raised $50,000 for this. This is especially in badly affected areas in a hundred kilometre or so radius. They distributed a lot of hay by club members personally, but had some issues with a few who were not worthy. In view of this and now a severe lack of actual stock on farms, having been sold, they have preferred to concentrate on giving out Voucher cards for spending only in local businesses as the preferred option to help. Those businesses are very much affected by the drought as well as farmers, as local farmers have no money to support those businesses. The distribution of these cards can also be tightly controlled by local members of the other surrounding Rotary clubs and other organisations who are themselves “in the know” who is most needy . This helps local businesses as well as the recipients.
There are many ways in which we can partner with the Muswellbrook Rotary Club in helping them do this in fund raising activities or events, hands on, and building fellowship. We explored some of their activities for the future such as just one example: a STEM camp run by the University of Newcastle for year 11 and 12 students from local area high schools in June running for 3 days. The cost is about $ 300 each but where we might help them on those days to help run the events. .
On Friday, John and Gary spent all day driving us to surrounding towns Merriwa and Murrurundi. It was an opportunity to see just first hand how pitifully dry and desolate the whole landscape of the upper Hunter is. There is no grass, just dust and dirt, trees dying everywhere and no stock to be found in hundreds of kilometres. It is truly heart breaking! Very difficult to describe how awful it really is.
At Merriwa we had morning tea with members of the Rotary Club of Merriwa, and in particular John Sparrow, the President. These people were nearly all local farmers as well as members of Rotary Merriwa farmers. Again the reception and friendliness was wonderful.
They distribute vouchers in conjunction with the Muswellbrook Rotary Club. These vouchers are often targeted at particular businesses. For example, chemists. In one case we were told of a husband and wife who were each requiring medication. Because of their circumstances, only one could afford the medication so the other had to go without. The Club managed to organise vouchers with the chemist so that both the husband and wife could afford the medication. They have also been involved in hay distribution. The feeling was, that at this stage of the drought hay distribution was wasn't really going to be of much benefit as most farmers would have run down their stock to low or zero levels.
Along the way, we discovered the Merriwa Club does a bicycle event similar to our Bobbo in the Merriwa hills. The next one will be on the 8th March 2020. Perhaps our club would help support that event and then they could support ours too!
We also met Maria Cameron. She works as a Land Services Officer - Regional Drought Support for the New South Wales Government but is an absolute gem! She not only lives on the land herself locally but visits every single property ( 4000!) in the area as part of her job. She knows first hand and keeps a very confidential list of those that can mostly be helped in the whole area. We discussed amongst other things mental health issues, suicides, and how the farmers women and men and school kids can best be helped. Maria has been organising trade courses for farmers ( who are not able to do much on their land at the moment with no stock and bare barren hillsides, to acquire skills eg welding etc and which also has a separate agenda in helping those farmers ( especially men) just getting together to have fun and learn providing psychological support at the same time in the form of courses and social get togethers. Our clubs could get together and go and help at one of these workshops and have dinner with all of them. ( there is a wonderful local venue for this Brindley Park!!!)
One possibility is for Turramurra Rotary to just go to Merriwa to support the community and businesses. Maybe on a weekend. Just get a bus together or go up and go shopping! And hand out the cards! Or just buy stuff to support the town businesses There is quite good accommodation available.
We then went to Murrurundi.
This town is on level 6 water restrictions and has been since July 2018.
We visited Justine Cooper and her team of volunteers. It is truly awe inspiring what they do!!
Justine runs an operation called the Pop-Up Pantry in a little local old weatherboard church ( part of the museum). Supplies and money are donated from all over NSW including individuals or charities or schools or small groups charities , scout groups and from everywhere including Sydney. The volunteers help sort those supplies and then stack and sort onto the shelves for the local Murrurundi farmers and most needy people to simply come and shop for free, two days a week. They come from far away flung locations in the Upper Hunter not just the local town. When they don’t have something donated ( they don’t keep perishables at all) they give cards or direct then to the one local supermarket. Justine simply buys from the local supermarket to stock items in short supply if they don’t have it and is bought for needy farm families. This can be a sensitive operation as farm families are often embarrassed about receiving help. Originally the family would come and collect groceries from the Pop-Up Pantry only at night. This is now a bit more relaxed and they can now feel comfortable to come during the day. Demand for groceries and supplies is ever increasing.
But the worst problem is literally no water! The Pop-Up Pantry also buys and supplies water to needy farmers who have literally no water and reliant only on their bone dry water tanks and dams . They have no money to put down bores ( about $10000 and not necessarily successful!) .
Justine and her volunteers just hand out 10 liter containers of drinking water on a Saturday morning to those needy who pull up and they put it in their vehicle. The next three weeks is earmarked for mostly doing just this.
Justine spends in each case, $400 for 30 kilolitres of potable water to be carted by a local business to put into rain water tanks. . There is no charge to families who are in need and these volunteers know who is needy. They don’t ask questions they just do it and Justine’s phone never stops ringing. She isn’t even eligible for government donated money! ( which can only be accessed for mental health programs !)
In the short term we could give money, write a cheque, go shopping for groceries put them in a trailer and drive up there. Or shop in the town and give it to the pantry. Or buy water!
The D-Caf program was included this year under District 9685 Community Service Dementia Awareness & Support chaired by Bobby Redman.
D-Caf was an initiative of the Rotary Club of St Ives and a pilot program, with the support of KNC, commenced latter part of 2018 at the PCYC in Waitara.
Following the success of the pilot program initially run by Tim England and Fiona Jenkins, and with continuing funding from the Rotary Club of St Ives, the Waitara D-Caf continued through 2019. Mid year Fiona Jenkins was appointed D-Caf Coordinator to continue with the Waitara D-Caf and to encourage other Rotary clubs to establish their own D-Caf. Several new D-Cafs have been established with more to follow; congratulations to the hosting Rotary clubs and to their community based partners.
The D-Caf program will continue in 2020 and beyond, and Ian Cameron (Rotary Club of Wahroonga) will take on the D-Caf Coordinator role. Please forward all future enquiries to Ian.
For convenience, a mobile phone number 0455 322 097 has been allocated for D-Caf, and for other enquiries in relation to Dementia Awareness & Support.
Wondering if you can help share this Go Fund Me Page – we have the first Indigenous crew racing in the Sydney to Hobart this year and we’re currently raising funds. If you know anyone that would be willing to contribute, that would be much appreciated:
Please click HERE to view - download the ‘Rotary On The Move’ Newsletter for December 2019. Please feel free to share and send us your great membership stories.
Former St Ives Rotarian Bhuvan Unhelkar, will be visiting Sydney Feb 18-26 2020. Now a university lecturer in IT in Sarasota, Florida, Bhuvan is very familiar with our District and would love to share his worldly experiences with your club. His favourite topic is “Global Peace: A Multicultural Rotary perspective”, however he can be persuaded to talk on almost anything. Please let Kalma McLellan know if you would like him to include him in your meeting program in Feb 2020.
With fires on top of drought, our northern neighbours are really struggling. If you and/or your club are in a position to support, there have now been a number of RAWCS accounts set up to manage your donations:
Please talk to Community Service Director Peter Kirkwood if you have any plans to support our bush cousins so that a coordinated approach can be taken. And thank you all so much for what you have already provided to so many across our state.
In case you are wondering if Shelterbox can or are supporting this disaster, ROWLEY TOMPSETT, Chair, ShelterBox Australia provides the following input to your questions:
“It’s been devastating to see the rapid spread of bushfires in Australia. Thousands have been forced to evacuate their homes, and the country is bracing itself for ‘the most dangerous bushfire week ever seen’. Our thoughts are with all those affected, including our colleagues at ShelterBox Australia.
At this time, we’re not sending a team to provide shelter aid. We’re monitoring the situation closely and will provide an update if anything changes.
While New South Wales and Queensland have both declared a state of emergency, the Australian Government has not made an international request for emergency shelter. Core infrastructure, like power, communications, roads, hospitals and schools, is likely to be repaired quickly compared to other countries.
Our core items – including tents, tools and tarpaulins – are unlikely to be an acceptable solution for Australian families, particularly with temperatures of 40C expected.
Local teams already have good capacity to respond and start the recovery process. This is due to the high-quality infrastructure, social support, availability of resources, and the preparedness activities of Government teams.”
I am looking for Rotarians with Technology skills to join us on the District Public Image Committee! If you or someone you know can help with “how to” hands-on workshops starting in February next year, please contact me?
The Bobbo has a great reputation within the cycling community. There are four different routes which riders can select according to their abilities. Serious cyclists return year after year to challenge themselves on the longest rides, while social cyclists will enjoy the shorter routes.
All the routes go through some of the most stunning bushland and waterfront scenery in the Greater Sydney region. Some 2,500 riders are supported by around 450 enthusiastic volunteers who, along with the Police, SES and St Johns, make it one of the best-organised and safest events on the cycling calendar.
We’d really appreciate any help you can give us to provide maximum publicity for the Bobbo. Please consider entering a team from your Club. Teams of five or more who raise over $1500 are eligible to access the Corporate Hospitality Marquee for free refreshments, snacks, beer and massage.
The funds raised by this terrific event helps Lifeline year after year to save lives through their Crisis support counselling. Please lend us your support for 2020 as we try to break through the $1 million fundraising milestone!
We look forward to your support and if you have any questions please give me a call. See too www.bobbo.com.au
The 17th awareness campaign on Prevention of Drug Abuse was conducted in the 18th October 2019 at “Raja Rani Hall”, Point Pedro Northern Province Sri Lanka. 110 students from Grade 12 along with 12 teachers actively participated in this awareness programme.
The panel made of representatives from the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board (NDDCB), Alcohol & Drug Information Centre (ADIC), and others presented on four topics to the attendees. The topics were Drugs and Youth, Alcohol and Drugs –The adverse impact, Drugs of Abuse –Sources & Demand Reduction and HIV/AIDS & STDs respectively.
Five winners were selected from the 32 entries to the Posters Competition and received cash prizes.
Point Pedro Urban Council Chairman Mr. J. Iruthayarajah who provided the venue facility & the Urban Council Secretary Mr. P. Rameshwaran not only graced the opening ceremony but remained throughout the programme extending all possible support toward the success of the event.
Mr. I. Illankovan, Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mr. N. Kanthathasan, Deputy Director of Education (Ministry), Mr. Y. Raveenthram, Zonal Director of Education, Vadamaarachi, Mr. U.Sureshkumar, Zonal Deputy Director of Education Vadanaarachi & Mr. Croos, Asst Manager, Hatton National Bank, Point Pedro extended their fullest co-operation.
This program is a joint initiative between Rotary and Lions in Sri Lanka and funded by Rotary Club of The Hills-Kellyville thru a District Grant.
In 2021, Rotary in Australia and New Zealand celebrates our first 100 years of service – and we need a powerful, engaging logo to help build our story.
So, we have created a Centenary Logo Competition to help make an impact.
What creativity can we conjure that captures the heart and soul of our centenary?
Separate designs for both New Zealand and Australia will be welcome. Or a design that covers both countries – a design that enhances Rotary’s broader branding.
Everyone is welcome to enter – Rotarians, professionals, friends and family. And the designer’s story will be an important part of the logo’s launch. We are tapping into the passion and energy of volunteers who will be rewarded simply with heartfelt thanks acknowledged by Rotary leaders. That story will be part of our centenary story.
The competition is now open and closes on December 15. This is a tangible chance to make a mark on history!
'Judy’, the story of Judy Garland – ‘the legend behind the rainbow’ is the star attraction at the next Rotary Charity movie night at Glenbrook Cinema on Sunday, November 17.
The new biopic has been acclaimed all over the world and Academy Award winner Renee Zellweger is early favourite to win her second best actress award for a stunning performance in the lead role as Judy Garland.
Regular supporters of the popular Rotary movie nights are urged to book immediately as ‘Judy’ is certain to be a ‘sell out’.
It will be another colourful night with prizes for the best dress ‘divas’ in the finest musical traditions.
All conditions remain the same – movie ticket, finger food (not a meal), and drinks for $20 each. Proceeds will support Lower Blue Mountains Christmas Appeal funding for needy families throughout the Lower Mountains, via Gateway Family Services.
Patrons are requested to bring grocery items for the annual Gateway food hampers – along with toys and small gifts for families.
Bookings MUST be made with Gaye Van Der Meer on 0430 433 717. Payment can then be arranged on line via Lower Blue Mountains Rotary Service Account – BSB:062 640 Acc # 00901 789, or cash when ticket pick-up is arranged with Gaye via Glenbrook Butchery.
Tickets are available for collection at Cinema Hall door after payment is confirmed with Gaye Van Der Meer. Doors open at 6 pm and the movie starts at 7 pm.
CLAIM THE DATE: Notice is also given of the last Charity Movie Night for the year on Sunday, December 1. This is a special Christmas comedy entitled ‘Last Christmas – written, produced and starring the very popular Emma Thompson.
Please click HERE to view - download the ‘Rotary On The Move’ Newsletter for November 2019. Please feel free to share and send us your great membership stories.
Please click HERE to view - download the ‘Rotary On The Move’ Newsletter for October 2019. Please feel free to share and send us your great membership stories.
KIDS IN NEED, NEED OUR HELP! EXTEND A HAND TO HELP SYDNEY KIDS IN CRISIS!
DONATE TOILETRIES TO “TALDUMANDE YOUTH SERVICES”
The Rotary Club of Beecroft are collecting toiletries to form “Starter Kits’ for homeless children/youth as they enter into the services of Taldumande Youth Services and we are hoping you, our wonderful community will help us!
Please have a look to see if you have anything around the house for these toiletry “Starter Kits” for girls and boys and if not, maybe you could pop an item into your shopping trolley next time you’re out.
Useful items for each pack – Roll on deodorant (female and male) Shampoo Conditioner Face Wipes Razors Shaving Cream Body Wash Body Lotion Toothbrush Toothpaste
New sample/travel-size items that you may have collected from hotels are perfect. We also need of normal size household toiletries to fill the bathrooms of the 26 homes many of the homeless children end up residing in. We will be collecting toiletries from:- 25th September until 30th October 2019 We have Sydney drop off addresses at:- Wahroonga, Warrawee, West Pymble, St Ives, North Parramatta, Baulkham Hills, North Rocks, West Pennant Hills, Cherrybrook, Beecroft, East Ryde, Epping, Normanhurst and Berowra.
DID YOU KNOW THAT ON ANY ONE NIGHT IN AUSTRALIA, OVER 25,000 YOUNG PEOPLE AGED BETWEEN 12-24 ARE HOMELESS?
Taldumande are a registered charity who provide support to vulnerable and homeless children, young people aged 12-21, and their families across Northern Sydney, an area that extends from Sydney Harbour to the Hawkesbury River, into the Northern Beaches, out to Ryde, Denistone and Pennant Hills.
Please if you can SHARE this post so others can join in and help too, it would be appreciated. If you would like to know more about their services, please visit their website https://www.taldumande.org.au/
Don't forget, the best way to keep up to date with our collections is by liking our Facebook Page or following us on Instagram.
WE ARE HELPING TO EMPOWER SYDNEY YOUTH TO INDEPENDENCE AND STABILITY
A rugby world cup window display in the Rotary Recycles Opportunity Shop in Blaxland is creating plenty of interest among shoppers and pedestrians.
The Rotary Recycles Opportunity Shop (3/156 Great Western Highway, Blaxland) is a project of Lower Blue Mountains Rotary Club and has proven very popular with great value bargains since opening early this year.
Given Rotary’s community service ideals, Op Shop manager and Rotarian Kerry Gunn makes the most of window space and has a promotion team creating inspired, topical window displays for local community organisations.
The current World Cup Rugby display features a Wallaby jersey, flags of competing nations and other colourful memorabilia.
Themes change regularly and some of the topics planned for the next few weeks include debutante balls, Halloween, the Melbourne Cup, breast cancer, and camping. Recent displays have included men’s prostate health, native birds, and cancer support groups.
BLAXLAND OP SHOP WINDOW DISPLAY ATTRACTS ATTENTION
Please join us and together we can share a meal and save a life. - Let us together raise funds to support lifesaving heart surgery for children with Congenital Heart Diseases.
Around 3000 children are born every year with congenital heart defects in Sri Lanka
That’s almost 8 in 1000 babies per year.
More than 40% of these babies and children and over 60% of critically ill babies and children cannot get treatment on time because of a lack of facilities.
All these children are referred to Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children (Only hospital with capability for Children Heart Surgery)
1500+ children die due to this lack of facilities.
Rotary Club of Kandy Sri Lanka and Rotary Club of Madras Coromandel have joined hands to provide surgery to approximately 100 children from the most vulnerable in the society due to their socio-economic status. The children will come from around the nation. The operation will be carried out at the world-renowned Apollo Children's Hospital in Chennai Tamil Nadu South India.
In addition, there will be a selection of medical Nurses and Doctors from Colombo Lady Ridgeway Hospital, Teaching Hospital Jaffna and Karapitiya trained at the Children's Hospital on paediatric cardiology.
The total budget for the project is AU $265,000. Rotarians and Rotary Districts in India and Sri Lanka have pledged a total of AU $120,000. Further AU $75,000 coming from The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International. We have a shortfall of AU $70,000.
Our goal is to raise AU $20,000 to make this project a reality and giving normal healthy life to 100 children.
This is one small step towards our goal.
Event: Sri Lankan Hopper Fundraiser Night
When: Saturday 26th October 2019
Where: 3 Candlebush Crescent Castle Hill NSW 2154
Time: 06:30 PM – 09:30 PM
Dinner Cost: Single – $35 / Couple - $60 / Family - $80 (2 Adults + 2 Children)
Meal - All you can eat Egg, Milk and Plain Hoppers with Two accompanying non-veg curries and a vegetarian curry. Hoppers without Pol Sambal, Seeni Sambal and Kata Sambal to tantalize your taste buds.
Community groups across NSW are being challenged to brush up their creative skills for this year’s Graffiti Removal Day by creating murals.
Graffiti Removal Day chairman Bob Aitken AM said preventing graffiti is the focus for this year’s event on Sunday, 27 October.
“Graffiti vandalism costs our community over $300 million each year,” Mr Aitken said.
“Since the event started in 2012 volunteers have removed more than 141,000sqm of graffiti, saving the community $10.4 million.
“This year, as well as removing graffiti we want to see ugly tags with no artistic merit covered by colourful murals to help stop graffiti from occurring in the first place.”
To help inspire people we are running a competition to find the best mural in the state with a $1000 first prize.
Several schools in the Georges River area have already kicked off the competition with over 500 students combining to create a community mural at Carss Park and they are challenging other groups to enter the competition.
Graffiti Removal Day ambassador and football legend Mark OAM congratulated the students and threw his support behind the event.
“Graffiti Removal Day is great way people can show they love where they live and it is great to see so many or our youth involved,” he said.
“This year’s focus on encouraging people to come up with fun ideas to prevent vandalism at regularly targeted sites is a great opportunity for community groups to display their creative flair while removing ugly graffiti.”
“I would encourage everyone to get involved in this great community event.” Said Mr Geyer
Up to 3000 volunteers from various groups including Rotary, Scouts NSW, Girl Guides NSW&ACT, Air Force Cadets, PCYC, NSW Police, Lions, church groups, high schools and 80 councils are expected to remove graffiti from over 600 sites across NSW on Sunday 27 October.
All material and equipment required for Graffiti Removal Day is supplied to volunteers for free by sponsors Dulux, NSW Government, Australian Rail Track Corporation and Southern Cleaning Supplies.
People can volunteer, suggest an idea, find out more about the mural competition or nominate a clean-up site by going to the website www.graffitiremovalday.org.au.
Amazing guest speakers who will share their journey as you discover more about our 2019 inspirational winners.
The guest speakers include:
Louisa Hope – Survivor of Sydney's Lindt Siege will share - Thoughts and coping skills for what could have been a devastating future life.
Stay tuned for another exciting speaker.
These awards recognise service to the community across all sectors. Directed at the non-Rotary community, it is about commitment, dedication, perseverance and proactivity in improving the lives of others across NSW and the ACT.
Often women, especially in country and regional NSW and ACT are the "quiet achievers" whose actions inspire others and make a difference in their communities.
The Awards cover 2 key categories inclusive of Rural and City Urban for each category:
Young Inspirational Woman of the Year for the 18-30 years
Inspirational Woman of the Year for the 30+ years
Finalists are selected from each category, resulting in 2 overall winners:
Young Inspirational Woman of the Year
Inspirational Woman of the Year
An exemplary number of applications ensured the panel of independent judges from Rotary Districts were challenged as they assessed the three key criteria:
Community service which best exemplifies Rotary’s motto of Service Above Self
Achievements
Personal attributes
* Your ticket purchase and proceeds from this event will support an Australian Rotary Health Scholarship for a young female GP by assisting with expenses during her 12 month placement in a Rural GP practice. ** Opting to incur the administration costs related to the issue of this ticket/s results in Rotary Health receiving those proceeds.
ROTARY INSPIRATIONAL WOMENS AWARDS - 27 OCTOBER 2019
A team from Penrith High School won the national Model United Nations Assembly debating competition in Canberra in August.
The annual competition was conducted at the Museum of Australian Democracy (Old Parliament House) and the all male Penrith team triumphed after a gruelling two days of debating the challenges of world peace, climate change, health, education, living standards and a variety of other topics.
The superb skills of Penrith High team members John Maddock, Rhys O’Connor and Victor Zhou carried the team to victory which represented a ‘first’ for Penrith and Rotary District 9685.
The Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA) has been one of Australian Rotary’s premier youth programs since introduced from Canada by the Rotary Club of Lake Cargelligo, NSW, District 9700, during the early 1980s. Program development over the years has ensured MUNA provides an excellent forum for students in Years 10 – 12 to understand the principles and work of the United Nations organisation whilst enhancing debating skills and growing knowledge of world issues.
Penrith won the right to contest the national finals in Canberra by out-debating 32 teams at the MUNA Western Sydney event organised and conducted by local Rotarians in June.
Twenty-seven teams from four Australian States contested the national finals in Canberra. Each team was allocated a country to represent – with Penrith drawing the United Kingdom.
Topics this year included –
Proliferation of nuclear weapons on the Korean Peninsula.
Regulating international migration.
International cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space.
Protection of the Global climate for present and future generations.
Protection of journalistic freedoms.
National finals are conducted in the former House of Representatives chamber in old Parliament House – which of course creates a special aura for competing students.
All contestants were congratulated on the quality and enthusiasm of their debating. Their research fostered a greater understanding of the international and domestic policies of countries represented – and all three Penrith team members have indicated they are contemplating a career in international relations.
The Penrith team was mentored by Penrith High Head of Social Sciences Joel MacRae who was honoured by Rotary with a special Teaching Award last October.
Pictured – Penrith High School’s 2019 MUNA Debating Team receive their awards from Rotary organisers of the Western Sydney event last June. From left, those pictured are Past President Drew Fitzpatrick of Lower Blue Mountains Rotary, John Maddock, Rhys O’Connor, Victor Zhou, Penrith High Head of Social Sciences Joel MacRae, and Rotary District 9685 Governor Elect David Clark.
Please click HERE to view - download the ‘Rotary On The Move’ Newsletter for September 2019. Please feel free to share and send us your great membership stories.
On December 7th 2016, Dick and Pip Smith visited the Rotary Club of Wahroonga. Dick was introduced to the club by Rob Ferguson, they had both been at school together at the Roseville Primary school. The major surprise of the morning came when Dick produced a cheque and donated $1 million to Rotary.
The money was used to set up Rotary Australia Compassionate Grants (RACG) with the aim to aid disadvantaged members of the Australian community irrespective of their location within Australia. Since then, RACG has received matching grants and as a result over $2 million has delivered numerous projects that have benefited local individuals and communities.
Last Wednesday, the 7th August, John Cameron and I attended another event with Dick and Pip Smith. Once again Dick produced a check for $1 million and donated it to Rotary.
Here are Pip and Dick Smith with John Cameron, Lindsay May and Doug Reid
After the event, as we travelled back north on the train John Cameron and I reflected that we were possible two of only seven people who have witnessed Dick and Pip handing over $2 million to Rotary, with Dick and Pip being two of the seven!
If you would like to join Martha Jabour OAM and the team at the Sod Turning at Grace's Place, please email John Wakefield johnwakefield@rotarydistrict9685.org.au, so that there is an idea of the number of Rotarians attending.
As 2018-19 Trustee Chair Brenda Cressey shared, contribution results for the 2018-19 Rotary year were outstanding. Thanks to each of you for your enthusiastic support of Rotary’s priority program – the eradication of polio. In late May, we were faced with an unusual prospect of being considerably short of our $50 million goal. The cash contributions and District Designated Fund projections showed we would be approximately $5 million short of goal.
You came to the rescue and together we raised $50.8 million. This achievement truly shows the willingness and dedication of all Rotarians to fulfill our promise to the children of the world. Together we will end polio.
While we celebrate our success in 2018-19, we must remember that our job is not complete. Our new challenge is to raise $50 million for polio eradication this Rotary year.
Thank you for all you are doing and will do to help end polio now.
Respectfully,
John F. Germ Chair, End Polio Now Countdown to History Campaign Committee President, Rotary International, 2016-17
Modern day slavery exists all over the world in many forms....forced labour, human trafficking, debt bondage, forced marriage, the sale of children and sex slavery. We meet Doug Malcolm from Dee Why Rotary Club, founder and driver of Paint4Freedom a National Art Competition dedicated to raising awareness of slavery and raising funds to counteract it. www.paint4freedom.org
Please click HERE to view - download the ‘Rotary On The Move’ Newsletter for August 2019. Please feel free to share and send us your great membership stories.
Overall we donated $US 542,048 to the Rotary Foundation this year, and while less than the last two years, in Aussie dollars it is more than last year. Clubs and individual Rotarians have given $A 764,000 in this last Rotary year. This figure was helped hugely by your generous support for the End Polio campaign, including a very generous bequest of $100,000 through Belrose Rotary, the contribution from those clubs that supported Ride the Train organised by Mark and Dave Anderson from Rotary Beecroft, and our 5 screenings across the district of the Movie Bohemian Rhapsody in November. Our End Polio giving this last year was $A 244,000 against $A 80,000 in the previous year
Unfortunately, our Annual Fund giving, which is fundamental to our ability to support club projects, both here and overseas, was down; $US 337,000 ($A 475,000) from $US 404,000 ($A 529,000) in 2017-18. We believe it has been heavily affected by the huge club support for the Drought Appeal earlier in the year, when the generosity of clubs was just wonderful. While many clubs were able to provide less support than in the past, there were a good number of clubs that gave more, and very generously. Thank You!
We are thankful to the increasing number of personal donors, our Centurions, Paul Harris Society members (now 86 in the district) and in particular some very generous Major Donors who materially made a big contribution to our result. For interest I have included a column in the club giving report that shows the percentage of clubs where there is a lot of personal giving vs the level of club giving. It is interesting that across the district 70% of our giving is now personal.
Outside the Belrose bequest of $US 74,074, the three best donating clubs are the E-Club (US$ 67,599), Beecroft (US$ 42, 356), and Ryde ($US 20,332). Best Annual Fund giving clubs per capita were E-Club ($US 1458), Beecroft ($US 860), and North Sydney ($US 411). Thirteen of our clubs gave more than $US200 per head so thank you all very much for your great support.
Once again, a donation was received from every club in our district, so thank you all. Please see the table below for a summary by clubs of giving during the year.
Our donations go to the engine-room of what Rotary is all about. The Rotary Foundation’s funds go almost entirely into doing good in the world with a world-leading ranking in terms of effectiveness, efficiency, integrity and low cost of operation. In particular it is the vehicle through which Rotary has made a huge and on-going commitment to ridding the world of Polio.
It was also pleasing to see a growing number of clubs using Foundation funds to support their humanitarian projects using District and Global Grants. We would like more clubs to be active in applying for grants as they are a very efficient way for your club to enhance the money available to support your wonderful project work.
We look forward to all clubs continuing to give their generous support during this year ahead as PDG Bruce Lakin takes over as our District Rotary Foundation Chair. I thank our District 9685 Foundation committee for their great work around the clubs and in their specialty areas, and I know Bruce will receive the same level of support and assistance from his team.
I am delighted to be serving in the District Communications Director role in 2019/20. As I work full time, the best (and preferred) way to contact me is email (communications@rotarydistrict9685.org.au).
Our plan is to send out 2 eNews editions each month:
* DG's eNews - 1st Thursday of the month
* eNews - 3rd Thursday of the month
Please look out for them in your inbox, please take the time to read and contribute to them!
It would be appreciated if the following email addresses could be used by you, your team and clubs:
Here is a link to the program profiling the inspirational work of John Corney and others from Epping Rotary Club, providing clean water to a community in Oecusse, Timor L’Este.
We have a number of boxes of books that have been donating (still residing at) a Primary School in Northern Sydney that need to make their way to the Purple House Project in Alice Springs.
The North Ryde Fun Run for Youth Mental Health is a community event organised by the Rotary Club of North Ryde, with venue partner Macquarie University and local community groups.
The 2019 Fun Run will be held on Sunday 25th August from 9am to 1pm at the Macquarie University Sport Fields, corner of Culloden and Talavera Roads, Macquarie Park.
The proceeds raised go towards funding research into youth mental health through the Australian Rotary Health organisation and to treatment programs through the Centre for Emotional Health.
Please click HERE to view - download the ‘Rotary On The Move’ Newsletter for July 2019. Please feel free to share and send us your great membership stories.
Rotary is giving US$100 million in grants to support the global effort to end polio, a vaccine-preventable disease that once paralyzed hundreds of thousands of children each year.
The funding comes as Rotary and its partners in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) address the final—and most pressing—challenges to ending poliovirus transmission, and as Nigeria approaches three years without any reported cases of wild poliovirus, bringing the Africa region closer to polio-free status.
“We have the wild poliovirus cornered in the smallest geographic area in history, and now there are just two countries that continue to report cases of the wild virus,” said Michael K. McGovern, chair of Rotary’s International PolioPlus Committee. “As we work with our partners to apply innovative new strategies to reach more children, and embrace lessons learned thus far, Rotary is doubling down on our commitment to end polio for good. I’m optimistic that the end of polio is within our grasp, but we must remain vigilant in rallying global political and financial support as we push towards a polio-free world.”
While there were only 33 cases of wild poliovirus reported in 2018, the last mile of eradication has proven to be the most difficult. Barriers to eradication--like weak health systems, insecurity, and mobile and remote populations--must be overcome. As long as a single child has polio, all children are at risk, which underscores the need for continued funding and commitment to eradication.
To support polio eradication efforts in endemic countries, Rotary is allocating half the funds it announced today to: Afghanistan ($16.3 million), Nigeria ($10.2 million), and Pakistan ($25.2million). Additional funding will support efforts to keep vulnerable countries polio-free:
Chad ($102,395)
Democratic Republic of the Congo ($9.5 million)
Ethiopia ($2.6 million)
Iraq ($6 million)
Kenya ($6.3 million)
Mali ($1.2 million)
Somalia ($1.4 million)
South Sudan ($1.2 million)
Syria ($1.7 million)
Yemen ($2.1 million)
The World Health Organization (WHO) will receive $1.3 million to conduct research, and will also receive support for surveillance activities in its Africa ($10.9 million) and Eastern Mediterranean ($4 million) Regions.
Rotary has committed to raising $50 million a year to be matched 2-to-1 by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, amounting to $150 million for polio eradication annually. Rotary has contributed more than $1.9 billion to fight the disease, including matching funds from the Gates Foundation, and countless volunteer hours since launching its polio eradication program, PolioPlus, in 1985. In 1988, Rotary became a spearheading partner in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative with the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Gates Foundation later joined. Since the initiative launched, the incidence of polio has plummeted by more than 99.9 percent, from about 350,000 cases in 1988 to 33 cases of wild poliovirus in 2018.
ROTARY ANNOUNCES US $100 MILLION TO ERADICATE POLIO
Rotary Foundation funding is released to Districts for financing grants, 3 years after they were contributed.
Our 2018-19 TRF giving, comes back as DDF in 2021-22.
We are today $130,000 behind in contributions and this means that funding for District and Global grants in 2021-22 will be $75,000 less than for 2020-21.
As more clubs access DDF for their humanitarian projects, our nominated DG for 2021-22 Lindsay May is alarmed that there will be many unhappy but well meaning Rotarians who will not be able to fund grants as they did in the previous year.
Contributions this year have understandably been impacted by drought appeals, and rightly so.
We all hope that conditions will improve for our farmers but once we reach June 30 2019 we cannot add any funds that provide the valuable match to boost overall grant funding in 2021-22.
Personal giving is tax deductible.
Please give now to ensure we can maintain our good works in 3 years time.
Lindsay May DGNn 2021-22
Note - The above is a general summary of the process and does not fully describe the intricacies of TRF funding."
In September the Zone 8 Rotary Conference will be held in Christchurch New Zealand from 20th – 22nd September 2019. Previously known as the Zone Institute this Zone 8 Conference is open to all Rotarians to attend and participate in. You will be able to meet and make new friends, and learn more about the amazing work of Rotary. This will also be an opportunity show your support for the people of Christchurch especially after the earthquake and the recent tragic events that impacted so many people. It will be a time to see how Christchurch has been reinvigorated and what it is continuing to do after the earthquake.
The Organising Committee have done an excellent job in getting together a fantastic programme of presenters who you will find inspiring and challenging. The breakout groups on Saturday afternoon will also be very special. The then President of Rotary International Mark Maloney and his wife Gay will be present and Mark will be talking about his vision for the future of Rotary.
It promises to be a great weekend. I would urge you to attend, below are the links to register. By attending you are supporting not just Rotary but the people of Christchurch who have had some challenging time over the last few years.
Following news of two further wild polio virus cases in Pakistan, I am pleased to forward the following in depth Polio campaign comments from three of our outstanding international leaders and commentators – including inspirational words and encouragement from Bill Gates.
We now have 24 confirmed cases of polio this year – seven in Afghanistan and 17 in Pakistan – all as a result of the ongoing hostilities along the border between the two countries.
When you read the attachments, you will really understand the difficulty of the situation and the bravery of our volunteers.
Bill Gates leaves no doubt on the absolute vital nature of ongoing support from Rotary – along with his commitment.
So please focus on encouraging end of year support from your Rotary clubs. Let’s ensure a high percentage of clubs honour the request from RI President Barry Rassin for clubs to contribute $1,500 each in a special ‘one off’ donation this year.
I am pleased to provide the information contained in the attachments. I believe the three pieces provide ALL the answers and I urge you to share with your Rotary clubs – and suggest they publish same in their club newsletters over a three week period.
Earning the Rotary Citation is an honor that RI President Barry Rassin hopes clubs strive to achieve. To earn the citation, please complete all activities and report your accomplishments to Rotary by 30 June.
Where should I enter my club’s accomplishments? The 2018-19 Rotary Citation Achievement Guide explains how and where to report each citation goal. If a club member who isn’t an officer wants to record citation progress in Rotary Club Central, you can learn to delegate your level of access temporarily to allow the member to do so.
This year’s district governors will receive certificates by email in September to distribute to Rotary clubs that have earned the citation.
A Rotaractor from District 9710 (Seb Cox) who has spent a lot of time in Tanzania over the past few years and working with and setting up Interact and EarlyAct in that country has been assisting with a project titled One Voice – He has asked me to share this with the Rotarians in Australia. Could I ask that you pas it on to your current DG’s to make reference in their newsletters if possible.
One Voice is a music project for the Earlyact and Interact clubs of Tanzania. Earlyact and Interact are youth programs of Rotary, where schools aged students focus on serving their community.
Tanzania is a growing force in the Rotary world. Many Rotary clubs are taking the lead to sponsor Earlyact and Interact clubs. In 2019 the Country Interact Team wanted to create a project to unite the Earlyactors and Interactors together and the One Voice Project was formed. The Earlyactors and Interactors recorded a song discussing how Earlyactors and Interactors rise up to create peaceful and loving societies.
To support the Earlyactors and Interactors in creating the song the One Voice Team was created consisting of Seb Cox, a Past Country Chair of Earlyact and Interact in Tanzania with three musicians who have a wealth of experience of writing and recording music in Tanzania; Hilda Green, Aziz Ngassa and Daz Naledge.
The song was recorded and filmed over 9 location in both Tanzania and Australia, with four Earlyact and six Interact clubs involved. All coming together to see, hear and feel the power of music!
The song and video was launched in April at the Rotary District 9211 94th District Conference and Assembly at the Julius Nyerere International Conference Centre in Dar es Salaam in front of over 1000 Rotarians from Tanzania, Uganda and around the world.
The #Rotary Club of Beecroft are once again collecting good interview-appropriate clothing for Dress for Success, Sydney. They are a registered charity that improves the employability of women in need in NSW by providing services free of charge including professional clothing.
So, if you are doing your summer – winter wardrobe swap-over, please consider whether you have anything that could form part of an interview outfit for a long-term unemployed woman. This also includes shoes, handbags and accessories.
We will be collecting from 9th May until 30th June 2019. This year we have drop off addresses at Beecroft, Castle Hill, Baulkham Hills, Berowra, Cherrybrook, East Ryde, North Parramatta, Wahroonga, West Pennant Hills, Normanhurst, West Pymble and North Rocks, so please message or call us and we will provide you with the closest drop off address.
YOUR GENTLY USED CLOTHING GIVES A WOMAN A NEW START……TAKING WOMEN FROM WELFARE TO WORK!
ShelterBox is Rotary’s partner in disaster relief, a position we’ve held proudly for the last six years. This partnership has enabled Rotary, through ShelterBox, to be first responders assisting those deprived of their homes by natural and man-made disasters. In 2018, we were honoured to be nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of our humanitarian work; all Rotarians share in this honour with us.
Many of your Clubs will have already supported us during this financial year; to you, our heartfelt thanks for your continuing support.
To those who have not yet your final decisions on donations this year, I ask you to consider ShelterBox as one of your beneficiaries. Your support can make a world of difference.
In 2018, with your assistance, we were able to deliver disaster relief and other humanitarian aid to 17 countries: Antigua and Barbuda, Bangladesh, British Virgin Islands, Chad, Cameroon, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Kenya, Niger, Philippines, Syria, Somalia and Vanuatu. We have been able to provide relief following cyclones (4), earthquakes (2), floods (2), drought, volcanic activity and conflict (8). We often work with partner agencies to ensure our aid reaches those most in need. Your support enabled us to assist 30,000 families with emergency shelter, and another 12,000 families with essential household items … a total of over 210,000 people.
I have attached a copy of our international work in March this year as an example of how your funds can benefit those most in need.
Please convey our heartfelt thanks to all your Rotarians and friends. We look forward to continuing this wonderful partnership.
This is a sad moment for Rotary, as I must inform you that Sushil Gupta has resigned as president-nominee of Rotary International due to health reasons.
This was a difficult decision for Sushil to make, and I understand and fully respect his choice to prioritize his health. He is firmly committed to continuing his work as a valued and respected member of our organization. Sushil has shared a message announcing his resignation, which you can all read on My Rotary.
The 2018-19 Nominating Committee for President of Rotary International will convene electronically in the coming weeks to select Sushil’s replacement. Information about the selection process is also available on My Rotary.
I have no doubt we will pick an excellent candidate to serve as RI President for the 2020-21 Rotary year. Please join me in wishing Sushil a complete and rapid recovery, and thank him for his service and dedication to Rotary.
Sincerely,
Barry Rassin President, Rotary International 2018-19
Hi everyone, Thank you to all of the clubs that had donated to Grace’s Place since the District Conference, and before. Some really good news to come out of the conference is that Martha Jabour asked me how she could join Rotary. I immediately asked her when she lived and directed her to the President of Carlingford Rotary Club who was sitting a few tables away. As a result of that meeting, Martha will be inducted into the Rotary Club of Carlingford next week.
We are currently attempting to get all donations in for Grace's Place before the end of June so we can present a cheque to Martha at District Changeover on the 6th July at Hornsby RSL. All monies raised within District 9685 will be directed at a particular part of the building under the name of D9685. Again, many thanks for your support of my Partner’s Project in DG Susan’s year.
Please click HERE to view - download the ‘Rotary On The Move’ Newsletter for May 2019. Please feel free to share and send us your great membership stories.
Districts that have been affected by a disaster can use Rotary disaster response grants to launch their own projects or work with established relief organizations to help their communities recover. Districts should work closely with local officials and groups to ensure that the funding will meet a specific community need.
The Rotary Foundation also offers funding to support long-term disaster recovery efforts through global grants. Learn more.
Who can apply for a disaster response grant
Once qualified for Rotary grants, districts in an affected area or country may apply for a maximum grant of $25,000, based on the availability of funds. A district may apply for subsequent grants after it successfully reports outcomes from previous grants.
In early March the Rotary Club of Northbridge (NSW) in conjunction with the Australian Red Cross Blood Service launched the Grolman Challenge.
The Challenge is to recognize the contribution of Rotarian Syd Grolman OAM, a passionate blood donor who over his life made 383 life saving donations. The aim is to encourage the local community to donate blood, plasma or platelets to reach Syd’s 383 donation target by the end of 2019.
At a recent club meeting, Guest presenter John Feist, Community Relations Officer for the Australian Red Cross Blood Service (Chatswood), explained that 27,000 donations are needed every week to keep a good blood supply. He noted that while 1 in 3 people in Australia at some time in their life will receive a blood transfusion or blood products, only 1 in 30 people actually donate blood. Around 1 in 3 of those in need of blood products are cancer patients.
John further explained that Australia has the safest blood stock in the world. Each donation can be used to help three patients therefore Syd’s 383 donations could have saved 1,150 lives.
Syd, accompanied by his wife Marcelle, commented on the night that he was honoured to have the Challenge named after him and encouraged us to spread the word about the need to donate blood to reach our target ! With 15 donations to date, the Grolman Challenge needs you!
It is that time of the year when clubs turn their thoughts to distributing hard earned funds not yet allocated to favourite charities.
As Chair of the D9685 Australian Rotary Health committee may I make a special request that ARH be given high priority on your list which will, of course, exceed your available funds.
ARH, our Australian Charity of choice, exists on the generosity of clubs and individuals to achieve a quite simple goal. It is “To fund research into diseases in the Australian community with the ultimate aim of cure or elimination of the problem.”
ARH does not distribute funds to causes no matter how deserving they are, but finances researchers in areas of need as determined by our Medical Board. We have, over the last few years, funded research into Mental Health problems as well as to Indigenous health professionals to help address the multitude of areas of concern.
Please support us in our endeavours to change the lives of people who are in desperate need of help.
Take a look at our website http://www.australianrotaryhealth.org.au where you can meet some of our researchers and Indigenous scholars, they are wonderful individuals with shared goals.
Your support, no matter how small or large (preferred option) will further the health of people around the world.
ARH - Research by Australians, for Australians, in Australia for the benefit of all the world.
Rotary Clubs of the Northern Beaches banded together on Saturday (6 April) for a working bee at the Aspect Vern Burnett School, for students with Autism, at Forestville.
Rotarians scraped off large plastic transfers on sheeted glass, filled a sand pit, spread garden chips in a playground, painted the kitchen and water-blasted the pathways. “Working together to achieve a cleaner safer environment for students and staff was fun and satisfying,” said Warren McGurgan, acting Rotary Assistant Governor.
I am writing to see if you may be able to assist The Rotary Club of Norwest Sunrise in raising funds to support the purchase of a new wheelchair for Amruta Bhanushali. Amruta is almost 11 years old and attends the Hills School in Sydney. She was born with a number of chronic medical conditions that makes life more challenging for her but she makes the most of every day and brings smiles to the faces of all the people she meets. Amruta loves listening to pop music and getting out and about in the fresh air. On doctors advice, she urgently requires a better wheelchair to prevent her scoliosis worsening.The chair will cost in the order of $16,000 providing it is purchased before the end of financial year.
We have raised $2,200 towards the chair and have three pledges of $400 each, totalling $3,400, so we are 20% of the way there.
Our Rotary Club of Norwest Sunrise is coordinating the fundraising efforts and we are seeking 32 big hearted supporters to each purchase a spoke at $400 each to complete the fundraising drive.
Spokes (Special Persons Of Kindness and Empathy) will be recognised on the fundraising page at http://bit.ly/2Ioibhy
Due to Amruta’s complex medical needs she requires a customised seating system to meet all her needs, keep her comfortable and able to participate in the school environment. Due to the family’s current visa status Amruta is not eligible for funding through the National Disability Insurance Agency. Further details can be provided if your club is interested in supporting Amruta.
Kind regards,
Jeremy Carter
President
Rotary Norwest Sunrise
RAISING FUNDS TO SUPORT THE PURCHASE OF A NEW WHEELCHAIR
Please click HERE to view - download the ‘Rotary On The Move’ Newsletter for April 2019. Please feel free to share and send us your great membership stories.
Dr Vera Sistenich is an emergency medicine specialist in Australia, where her areas of interest include Aboriginal health, medical education and the development of physician training in the field of international emergency medicine. She gained her medical degree at the University of Oxford, and a masters of public health at Harvard University. Outside Australia, she has clinical experience in China, DRCongo, Nepal, Peru, South Africa, Vietnam and the UK. She has also worked with asylum seekers both at the Christmas Island Immigration Detention Centre in the Australian Indian Ocean territories, and on Manus Island in Papua New Guinea. In 2013-2014, she was Health Policy Advisor to the International Committee of the Red Cross in Geneva, Switzerland. She is currently the project leader for HandUp Congo's Emergency Medicine Project, in collaboration with Rotary International.
Vera lives in Sydney with her husband and baby son. When not in the local hospitals, she enjoys ocean swimming and is also a hobby apiarist and candlemaker. Honey sold from her hives has raised nearly $10,000 dollars in support of the work of HandUp Congo.
Brian was raised and educated in Newcastle before moving to Maitland in 1979 to commence a 34 year career in law enforcement. After speaking at a Rotary meeting in 1999, Brian was asked to join the Rotary Club of East Maitland. Brian and Carol immediately engaged in Youth Exchange as host parents, before joining the District Committee as a YEO; today he engages inbound students in law topics.
Brian has served on most club director roles and held the Presidents chair in 2004-05, 2013-14 and 2018-19. Brian is a triple Sapphire Paul Harris Fellow, Carol a PHF Sapphire, recipient of the East Maitland Club Service Award in 2015 and Rotary International Partner Award in 2016.
At District level Brian has been involved in RAWCS, DIK, ROMAC, RYPEN, RYLA, Dream Cricket, RYDA, GSE and Science and Engineering Challenges, either directly or as a volunteer.
Spare time is shared between grandchildren, historic muscle cars and travelling.
The presentations regarding the concept of creating a New Rotary District in the Greater Sydney area has been seen by most if not all clubs in D9685. Many clubs have already made a decision on whether or not we should continue the with the conversations.
There have been many questions asked and many good suggestions made by clubs and individual Rotarians.
In order to capture the whole districts response and to have some meaningful discussion I have booked a meeting room at Hornsby RSL on Saturday 27/4/19 from 9am. This will be an opportunity to workshop the issues and address any unanswered questions.
This meeting is open to all but I would like a quorum of the current Presidents so we can capture a representative range of ideas and comments. The President Elect or another representative of the club is also invited to be present.
We will be taking the district vote at the Presidents’ meeting in May once clubs have had a chance to discuss the outcomes of this meeting. The vote in May will not be to form a new District; it will be to decide Yes, we will continue the discussions and planning, or No we will not continue. A later vote will be taken once a full proposal is developed – with club input.
Please click HERE to view - download the ‘Rotary On The Move’ Newsletter for March 2019. Please feel free to share and send us your great membership stories.
Often referred to as “the gang buster”, Detective Superintendent Deborah Wallace, has delved into the dark underbelly of crime investigating and dismantling some of the State's most feared gangs. Throughout a stellar career spanning more than 30 years with NSW Police, Deb has faced murderers, drug manufacturers and extortionists - to name just a few - armed with her trademark heels and colourful suits.
Currently Commander, State Crime Command Gangs Squad, Deb is a self-described diehard Parramatta Eels fan and proud "westie". Her pragmatic approach, tenacity, sense of humour and ability to separate her work and personal lives, has enabled Deb to thrive in high pressure police operations.
The recipient of numerous awards including the Australia Day Achievement Award, the Australian Crime and Prevention Award, and the Australian Police Medal, Deb is strongly committed to community endeavours and is a long-time supporter of Youth off the Streets.
Nominations from Rotary Clubs for a Past District Governor to be part of the Zone 8 Nominating Committee for the Rotary International Director for ZONE 8 (Australia and New Zealand) are being called for.
Any Rotary club may nominate a suitably qualified Past District Governor to sit on this selection committee. The Committee will meet in September 2019 at a venue to be decided.
Disastrous flooding in North Queensland has left many families and individuals in need of assistance in their recovery. The appeal is designed to assist those families and individuals whose needs are not covered by insurance and Government assistance. On Monday 4th Feb 2019, the Rotary Club of Townsville South West registered the following RAWCS - Rotary... Australia World Community Service RABS Project - (Rotary Australia Benevolent Society) Project: “D9550 North Queensland Flood Appeal”. Project Number 74-2018-19: (RABS) Link for donations: https://donations.rawcs.com.au/74-2018-19 Manager: PDG Robert Tardiani Assistant Manager: Bruce Scott
It is with great excitement that we announce Melbourne as the host city for the 2023 Rotary International Convention, the largest conference secured this century for Victoria.
Melbourne is a Big Events City! Set to deliver over $88 million to the Victorian economy, the Convention is the most valuable conference ever won for the state, with the four-day event anticipated to attract more than 20,000 Rotarians from around the world. The global spotlight will be on Melbourne and how we present ourselves to the world.
The Convention will take place 27-31 May 2023 using superb venues; Rod Laver Arena and the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre. All activities and events are within the Heart and Soul of Melbourne. Over 7000 hotel rooms over 50 properties across Melbourne. Our transport plan uses our famous trams, ferries and buses to quickly and easily move delegates between venues, hotels, event and restaurants. And of course, Melbourne is a very walkable city with many interesting routes and laneways to tantalise visitors.
In addition, the Victorian visitor economy will be bolstered with expenditure from thousands of visiting Rotarians utilising transport, hospitality, entertainment, venues, attractions, tourism services, event planning, freight customs broker services, technology rental, security and various other members of the local business event and tourism supply chain, as well as the flow on benefits across regional Victoria for pre and post touring. Rotary has a business heritage as well as community service. We are proud to make an impact on local business and create jobs.
The effort to secure this exceptional event was no small feat. Our approach was tenacious, going that extra mile to demonstrate Melbourne’s ability to meet the stringent bid regulations and strategically demonstrate our capacity to accommodate the specific needs of Rotarian delegates and Convention format. This was all made possible by a unified approach between the Melbourne Convention Bureau, Rotary Club of Melbourne, Rotarians from 5 local Districts, Melbourne City Council, State Government and Team Melbourne partners. They have come up with a package that is bound to thrill delegates.
This win is everyone’s and demonstrates what can be achieved when we collaborate and work together. The sublime benefits for local Rotarians include
Showcasing Melbourne to international Rotarians
Continuing the partnership of 5 local Rotary Districts
Local visibility and publicity for what Rotary achieves
Engagement of Rotarians in new events
Providing a magnet to attract new members
What Happens Next?
Our local Host Organising Committee is shovel ready. Team members are drawn from 5 local Districts, RC Melbourne, the Rotary Foundation and the 2014 Sydney RI Convention. We will work with an International Convention Committee and staff from Rotary International based in Evanston, USA to deliver the best possible Convention. The focus of the Host Organisation Committee is on Promotion, Publicity, Welcome, House of Friendship, Events, Customer Experience, Finance and Volunteers. The current team will be expanded in coming months to add more horsepower with a broader talent pool.
Melbourne has previously hosted this Convention in 1993. And the 2014 Sydney RI Convention has fast tracked our ability to create a wonderful event. Our Sydney colleagues have shared their experiences and systems to give us a flying start.
A vital part of hosting is to have an engaged and energised volunteer team to assist all visitors during the Convention. We wish to include volunteers from all ages - so be a Rotary Ambassador for Melbourne by registering to volunteer at the Convention in 2023! Recruitment starts immediately at multiple District Conferences to be held in Melbourne and Maryborough in February and March.
In the meantime – “Save The Date” 27-31 May 2023.
In the future a dedicated website is planned for volunteer registration and other Convention information - until then please connect to www.rotaryclubofmelbourne.org.au for progress updates.
We are pleased to announce Rotary and Mediators Beyond Borders International (MBBI) have entered into a service partnership to help enhance our club and district peace building efforts.
Rotary has worked with MBBI – an impact organization founded on the principle of people-centered peacebuilding – since 2013 to advance our common goals for peace. This new partnership will enable Rotary members to train with MBBI to sharpen their mediation, dialogue and other conflict transformation skills.
Mediators Beyond Borders International’s mission is to build local skills for peace and promote mediation worldwide. Recognizing that the only lasting peace is the one built by those involved, MBBI can help clubs and districts advance their peace and conflict prevention/resolution objectives by delivering services and enhancing skills for community assessments, trauma-informed peacebuilding, post-conflict reconciliation and recovery, cross-sector and network collaboration, project design, implementation, evaluation and peacebuilding leadership that prioritizes the elevation of women and youth as leaders.
MBBI and Rotary members can work together to save lives today and one day, eradicate violent conflict around the world. This partnership connects Rotarians, Rotaractors, and Rotary alumni with resources to take action, locally and globally. Rotary members play a key role in building connected communities. Connected communities are safer communities, and safer communities are more prosperous communities.
Read the partnership factsheet for more information on how clubs and districts can build peace in partnership with MBBI. Connect with MBBI to support a safer, connected, and prosperous world one community at a time.
We hope your district will welcome this opportunity to prevent conflicts in your communities; please share this information with clubs in your district.
The restructured Rotary Australia World Community Service (RAWCS), Health & Education Repurposing Activity (HEERA) – formally Donations in Kind regularly needs assistance from clubs and club members to assist with sorting and preparing equipment and general items for shipment to developing nations and other areas of need.
Although this work is on-going currently throughout February and March we have urgent need of assistance by 4 – 6 volunteers on Tuesdays & Thursdays for sorting and packing hospital linen for a project in Timor Leste’ and preparing hospital beds and other equipment for projects in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka.
The role of HEERA is to assist Australasian Rotary Clubs and other humanitarian organisations to access redundant health and educational equipment in our society and to sort, package and transport these items to communities locally, nationally and internationally where they are in great need. Whether it is for your own club project or not, assisting at HEERA is a great way of fulfilling Club International Service ideals. By your efforts a disadvantage person or community somewhere in the world will benefit with higher health or educational advantages.
The activity is open regularly on Tuesdays and Thursdays between the hours of 10:00am and 2:00pm for this purpose and some Saturdays for loading containers.
Address: Unit 4, 12 – 16 Anella Avenue Castle Hill Schedule:
As I have previously advised over the past year, most Rotary International rules are created or changed by district representatives from around the world meeting once every three years and voting on enactments that have been submitted by clubs and districts. So we, the club Rotarians are responsible for the rules; not RI or "Evanston". It is therefore up to every Rotarian to participate and voice our views.
I will be voting on behalf on D9685 in April in Chicago at the Council on Legislation. Many of the proposed enactments are not relevant to our district or to our zone; others are very relevant, such as an enactment to make Rotary magazines an optional part of our membership. This is likely to result in the demise of many, if not all of our regional magazines. Another proposed enactment is to ensure we record our volunteer time, and another to stop mandatory reporting of attendance. (this does not stop the clubs recoding attendance).
I will shortly be sending a list of enactments that I think are relevant to our district or to the world of Rotary as a whole. The link below will provide individual Rotarians with the option to personally support or object to proposed enactments. All of the proposed enactments are on the RI website. In this way all Rotarians can influence the final decision.
Statements of Support and Opposition Statements of support and opposition are due by Thursday, 14 February 2019. Statements will be shared with all representatives prior to the Council. Clubs and district conferences should submit their statements of support, opposition, or general comments regarding legislation using the online form here: https://rotary.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3z84O8VkGe5J1oV.
Please click HERE to view - download the ‘Rotary On The Move’ Newsletter for February 2019. Please feel free to share and send us your great membership stories.
The Rotary Leadership Institute is successful because it delivers skills and knowledge that Rotarians can apply straight away in their clubs. It (1) hones leadership skills, (2) builds Rotary knowledge, (3) gives a perspective about where Rotary has been and where it is now, and (4) shares a vision of what Rotary can be. This is all done while (5) networking with Rotarians from other clubs and (6) providing opportunities for partnering in service.
The two part course is held on a weekend or separately on Saturdays or Sundays to meet demand. Morning tea and lunch are provided. Each day starts at 8:00am and finishes around 4.00pm. The cost is $75 and we encourage Clubs to pay for their members attending.
Courses 50,51 and 52 are open for registration:
RLI 50 runs over the weekend 2-3 March at the District Office, Thornleigh.
RLI 51 runs Saturday 4th and 18th of May at the District Office, Thornleigh.
RLI 52 runs over the weekend of 1-2 June at a location to be decided in the Penrith/Lower Mountains area.
You are invited to the annual Welcome Home Youth Exchange Dinner for all our Returning and Inbound Students at Muirfield Golf Club, Barclay Rd, North Rocks
on Friday 8 February 2019 at 6:30 for 7pm.
Cost is $40 per person. Normal practice is for the Club to pay for their inbound and
returning students and for family members and friends to pay for themselves.
RSVP Friday 1 February 2019.
Payment by cheque to Treasurer, Rotary Club of Carlingford, PO Box 2740 Carlingford Court, NSW 2118 or EFT to BSB 062 300 Account number 2802 2803. You will need to include the names of the people you are paying for and your club in either method.
Each year Rotary Clubs have the privilege and honour of suggesting candidates for District Governor from their membership. District 9685 and its predecessors have a great history of Rotarians, supported by their Clubs, who have stepped up to the role.
District 9685 is now calling for applications for nomination as Rotary International District Governor for the 2021-2022 Rotary year.
An applicant must be a current member of good standing of a Club in the District with at least 5 years Rotary membership as at June 2019, as well as having served as President of a Rotary Club for a full term.
It is a challenging and rewarding appointment with a structured and exciting two year training and preparation period, prior to assuming the position.
It’s your opportunity to lead and inspire Rotarians in Clubs across the District.
As an initial expression of interest, please contact, PDG Bruce Lakin, Chairman of the Nominating Committee, via email at brucelakin@teleware.com.au or mobile 0419 876073. He will assist you by providing information about the role and the selection procedure.
You can help even if you are not intending to apply.
All Rotarians know someone who would be an excellent Governor and maybe need someone to tell them just that, so please encourage them to apply. If the response is “not just yet”, they could contact the Nominating Committee Chair to get information for the future.
Key dates are:
1 March 2019: Formal Application Details and Package available
22 March 2019: Closing date for applications
7 April 2019: District Governor 2021-2022 Selection Interviews
(candidates must attend the District Office in Thornleigh in person)
beautiful images, graphics, videos and audio – bringing it to life
links to compelling stories on a range of topics – highly engaging
a menu that allows quick and easy navigation.
We think this web page will serve a number of purposes:
making Rotarians even more proud to be members
telling the story of who we are to prospective members and others
conveying the value of the Foundation in delivering high-impact projects
giving recognition to the work of our wonderful partners, such as Shelterbox.
In other words, this is much more than an annual report. It’s an outstanding new tool to convey how – together – we are making a difference in the world. We’d encourage you to share it with all your audiences.
Tip: It’s even more powerful if you click the full screen icon at the bottom right.
2019-20 RI president announces his presidential theme
By Arnold R. Grahl Photos by Alyce Henson
Rotary International President-elect Mark Daniel Maloney explained his vision for building a stronger Rotary, calling on leaders to expand connections to their communities and to embrace innovative membership models.
RI President-elect Mark Maloney announces the 2019-20 presidential theme, Rotary Connects the World, to incoming district governors in San Diego, California, USA.
Maloney, a member of the Rotary Club of Decatur, Alabama, USA, unveiled the 2019-20 presidential theme, Rotary Connects the World, to incoming district governors at Rotary’s annual training event, the International Assembly, in San Diego, California, USA, on Monday.
“The first emphasis is to grow Rotary — to grow our service; to grow the impact of our projects; but, most importantly, to grow our membership so that we can achieve more,” Maloney said.
Maloney believes that connection is at the heart of the Rotary experience.
“(Rotary) allows us to connect with each other, in deep and meaningful ways, across our differences,” Maloney said. “It connects us to people we would never otherwise have met, who are more like us than we ever could have known. It connects us to our communities, to professional opportunities, and to the people who need our help.” Maloney also called on every Rotary and Rotaract club to identify segments of their community not represented in their club by creating a membership committee with diverse members. “Through Rotary, we connect to the incredible diversity of humanity on a truly unique footing, forging deep and lasting ties in pursuit of a common goal,” he added. “In this ever more divided world, Rotary connects us all.”
Maloney urged leaders to offer alternative meeting experiences and service opportunities to make it easier for busy professionals and people with many family obligations to serve in leadership roles.
“We need to foster a culture where Rotary does not compete with the family, but rather complements it,” Maloney said. “That means taking real, practical steps to change the existing culture: being realistic in our expectations, considerate in our scheduling, and welcoming of children at Rotary events on every level.”
Maloney said many of the barriers that prevent people from serving as leaders in Rotary are based on expectations that are no longer relevant.
“It is time to adapt, to change our culture, and to convey the message that you can be a great district governor without visiting every club individually, and a great president without doing everything yourself.”
Relationship with the United Nations
During 2019-20, Rotary will host a series of presidential conferences around the world, focusing on Rotary’s relationship with the United Nations and the UN’s sustainable development goals that many Rotary service projects support. More information will be available in July.
In 2020, the United Nations will celebrate the 75th anniversary of its charter and its mission of promoting peace. Rotary was one of 42 organizations the United States invited to serve as consultants to its delegation at the 1945 San Francisco conference, which led to the UN’s charter. For decades, Rotary has worked alongside the United Nations to address humanitarian issues around the world. Today, Rotary holds the highest consultative status that the UN offers to nongovernmental organizations.
“Rotary shares the United Nations’ enduring commitment to a healthier, more peaceful, and more sustainable world,” Maloney said. “And Rotary offers something no other organization can match: an existing infrastructure that allows people from all over the world to connect in a spirit of service and peace and take meaningful action toward that goal.”
Q&A is the show where YOU (the audience) sets the agenda by asking the tough questions of Australia’s politicians, pundits and opinion-makers. We are live to air across the nation every Monday night at 9.30pm. We have had the pleasure of many Rotary members from across Melbourne and Sydney attending our shows during 2018 and we would like to invite members of your community to attend in 2019.
We know your members are enthusiastic to engage in the national discussion. As we head towards a likely federal election in May, there will be lots to discuss and plenty of questions that needs answers!
Would you be interested in organising a small (or large!) group for your members to attend Q&A in the New Year? We can help with free transport in and around Sydney for your group (within about 2 hours drive). Every Monday night we organise a bus from a different area of Sydney and its surrounds – please let us also know if that would be of interest to you and we will find a suitable date. If you are from further afield and happen to be with your group on a Monday night in Sydney (or individually too!) please also let us know and we will give you priority. For more information please contact us: Email: qanda@abc.net.au Ph: 02 8333 4065 Web: www.abc.net.au/tv/qanda/ We look forward to seeing you at Q&A!
Georgie Gardner is co-host of TODAY alongside Deb Knight and newsreader Tom Steinfort.
She is one of the country’s best known and most popular television presenters, anchoring Channel Nine’s 6pm bulletin on Friday and Saturday nights, and guest host and regular contributor for Today Extra before taking on the TODAY hosting role with Karl Stefanovic in January 2018.
For seven years from 2007 to 2014 Georgie was part of Nine’s hugely popular breakfast show, TODAY, as their News Presenter and fill-in host, covering everything from natural disasters to politics along with an array of world events.
Georgie hails from Perth, Western Australia and was educated at Dalkeith Primary School and St Hilda’s Anglican Girls School.
In 1992, Gardner moved to Newcastle in New South Wales to take up a cadetship at Radio 2NX where she reported, wrote and read the news. In her debut year she was rewarded with radio’s highest award – a RAWARD as Australia’s Best Newcomer to metropolitan radio.
She moved to Sydney’s 2DAY FM newsroom in 1994, spending three years as the drive-time newsreader before joining the Ten Network as a television news reporter and fill-in presenter in 1997.
In 1998, Gardner moved to the Seven Network to read the Late News. She went on to co-host the network’s early morning Sunrise program for two years.
Gardner joined the Nine Network in July 2002 to present various news bulletins as well as the weather on the 6.00pm weekday news. She currently presents the 6pm news in Sydney on Friday and Saturday nights as well as regularly filling in on Today Extra.
She is passionate about charities relating to young people and is an ambassador for Red Kite, Literacy Planet and School for Life.
Georgie is mother to Bronte and Angus, and along with her husband Tim, they reside in Sydney.
Each club has received a Gnome from DG Susan, as she has visited your clubs, to decorate and bring to Newcastle, as the District 9685 Gnomes gather.
Join the Rotary Rocks Gnome in Newcastle as each club decorates a gnome that represents their own club – will we see the marketing gnome from Carlingford, the running gnome from Lindfield, the operatic gnome from Woy Woy, the antique gnome from Springwood or the caroling gnome from North Ryde and Macquarie Park?
You’ll have to bring your club’s gnome to Newcastle and find out!
Decorate your gnome before 29 March 2019
Deliver your gnome to NEX, Newcastle when you come to the Conference
See all the different gnomes from all corners of our amazing District. Be creative, think outside the gnome and turn your tiny gnome into the giant power of your Rotary club!
The Club that has the Gnome voted most popular by the Rotary Rocks Conference Attendees will be awarded a Paul Harris Fellow, that they will be able to present to a local COMMUNITY member.
Martha Jabour has been the Executive Director of the Homicide Victims’ Support Group (Aust) Inc. since 1993. She was employed by the Institute of Forensic Medicine in 1993 to co-ordinate and to set up the support group, providing counselling, support and referrals for the family members of homicide within the counselling section.
Martha trained as a grief and trauma counsellor after the death of her second son Michael to cot death at the Bereavement Care Centre and the National Centre for Childhood Grief. She acquired experience within the areas of Grief, Trauma, Policy Development, Strategic Planning and responding to crisis management whilst working both in a voluntary and paid position with the Sudden Infant Death Association of NSW. Her interests are to further promote victims’ rights and needs, with a special focus on crime prevention, particularly in the areas of domestic violence, mental health and juvenile justice.
Kelly Fedor is Channel 9’s Chief Court Reporter and calls the Supreme Court her second home. During her six years with the network she has reported on the life sentence handed to the state’s most infamous detective Roger Rogerson, the jailing of former Labor MP Eddie Obeid, the trial of property developer Ron Medich and the arrest of Chris Dawson 37 years after his wife disappeared. She is also regularly in the thick of it, covering bushfires, floods and more recently the Sydney to Hobart race.
Her television career followed a long stint in radio at Sydney’s number one station 2GB where she worked with Alan Jones and Ray Hadley. There she also covered some of the nation’s biggest stories which included the 2011 Brisbane floods, the arrest of Malcolm Naden and the funeral for underworld figure Carl Williams.
Kelly loves her job because she has a front seat as history is made, it allows her to write, tell stories and develop connections with inspiring people. It also means she doesn’t have to sit in an office from nine to five.
Kelly is from the Blue Mountains and is the daughter of Margaret and Ivan Fedor. Ivan was a passionate Rotarian which means the organisation has been a part of her life since she was a child. In fact, at the age of just 16 she worked hard to secure a spot in the Rotary Youth Exchange program and she moved to the US state of North Carolina. During those 12 months she got to go to Prom & Homecoming, be a part of the track team and travel across the country in a bus for three weeks. It was a year which helped shape her life.
William Chan is an urbanist and design strategist with a passion to create resilient and inclusive places for people. Educated in Australia and Italy, William graduated with the University Medal in Architecture and Convocation Medal from the University of Sydney. Supported by the Rotary Foundation Global Grant, he undertook further study at the Politecnico di Milano as a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar in 2015-2017. His Dottore Magistrale thesis was unanimously awarded cum laude.
William has worked on sustainable urban development projects for Arup Foresight, Hassell, Cox Architecture and the Australian Government Department of the Environment. With architecture and design experience in both the private and public sector, William is a World Economic Forum Global Shaper and Fellow in sustainable cities with the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN). He is a Research Affiliate with the Center for Sustainable Urban Development (CSUD) at Columbia University's Earth Institute in New York. He was most recently a Fellow in innovation and executive education with the Qatar Foundation’s World Innovation Summit for Education.
William has led community-building projects for the homeless, slum dwellers and refugees around the world. In 2009 he contributed to Global Studio in South Africa, an action-research program to improve the lives of the urban poor, and returned in 2012 as a project associate in India. He assisted the 2013-2015 People Building Better Cities: Participation and Inclusive Urbanization travelling exhibition, and is currently involved in the Agenda 2030 Local Projects Challenge. Recently, he founded a plastic waste circular economy initiative that educates youth in design-thinking, circular economy and STEM skills, which was presented at the 2018 UN General Assembly High Level Meeting on Social Business, Youth and Technology.
William has been named one of Australia's top 100 Brightest Young Minds, an inaugural Australian Government Creative Young Star and UNICEF Young Ambassador. He is the recipient of an Australian Achievement in Architecture Award from the Royal Australian Institute of Architects (RAIA) and the Order of Australia Association Medallion for leadership and service to the community.
William’s involvement in Rotary began at the age of 12, where he completed a community service award program through his local club. Throughout high school, he contributed to Interact and was elected President as a Year 11 student. He has since participated in RYLA. In his spare time, William volunteers as a surf lifesaver at Tamarama Beach.
If you have been a Rotary Volunteer at a Polio National Immunisation Day, please bring your yellow vest to wear at the End Polio Now Walk on Saturday afternoon.
The Conference Host Hotel is the Holiday Inn Express - details about special Rotary rates are available on the Conference website.
A range of accommodation options are available on the 2019 Conference website. As some delegates prefer to book directly with the hotels, we have provided websites however we would also suggest you research other booking sites closer to the date (availability is usually listed six months in advance) such as www.wotif.com, www.lastminute.com.au or www.expedia.com. You can also visit www.visitnewcastle.com.au for additional options and tourism information.
On Saturday Afternoon, we will walk from the Newcastle Town Hall down to and along Newcastle waterfront in raising awareness of Rotary’s campaign to End Polio. Rotarians will join together to walk from across District 9685 and other surroundings Districts. Members of District 9670 will be joining with us, local school children and the general public will also be invited to join with us.
Bring your End Polio Now Shirt or End Polio Now Shirts will be available to purchase from the RDU Stand at the Conference for $15. If you don’t own a Polio shirt just wear something red. Prizes will be given for best dressed club, lady, man and child.
The local media will be briefed to get the best coverage out to the community.
We meet at 2.30pm at Civic Park adjacent to Conference Venue.
A brief ceremony will take place then off we go on a level walk along the foreshores easy walking for all.
We will be rattling buckets to raise further funds-remember $1 saves a child’s life.
Dominic commenced at PCYC NSW in November 2016. Dominic has extensive executive experience across Government, Events and entertainment, IT services and sporting organisations, with a 20 year career as an Army Officer which included representational and operational experience. He brings to PCYC NSW a strong values based leadership style, respect for the Police and history, and a passion to grow the legacy of PCYC NSW to deliver expanded empowering experiences to youth and the community.
If you joined Rotary after March 12 2018, then you won't have had the wonderful opportunity to attend a Rotary District Conference......YET!
We'd love you to experience the magic and wonder of a District Conference, hear inspirational speakers, see amazing projects in the Project Showcase and enjoy the fun of the Rock n' Roll evening on Saturday night.
You can register to attend the FULL Conference (Friday Night through to Sunday Lunchtime), for just $200 for the WHOLE conference.
Susan Templeman spent 1981 in Mexico as a Rotary Youth Exchange student, sponsored by Strathfield Club at aged 17. Prior to that she had taken part in Rotary debating competitions, joined the Rotaract Club in Strathfield and attended RYLA.
On returning to Australia, she completed a BA (Communications) degree at the (now) University of Technology, whole working for 2GB’S Mike Carlton breakfast show.
In 1985, Susan began work as a journalist in the Canberra Press Gallery for Radio 2UE. For three years she reported on Australian politics, and then spent three years as a foreign correspondent, working in New York and London.
Returning to Australia in late 1990, Susan and her husband Ron built a home in the Blue Mountains. Working first at Telecom in the media relations team, Susan soon found herself with a new baby setting up her own freelance business.
Within a few years she had formed Media Skills Pty Ltd, a specialist media training business, which could she operated for almost 25 years, later becoming Templeman Consulting. Working across every part of the private sector - from farming to IT, biotech to investment banking - and extensively in Federal, State and Territory departments and the non-government sphere, Susan helped hundreds of organisations and tens of thousands of individuals improve their ability to handle media interviews.
While running a thriving business, in 2009 Susan decided to run for public office. She won preselection for the Labor Party to contest the 2010 Federal election in the marginal seat of Macquarie, representing her home of the Blue Mountains and the neighbouring Hawkesbury.
She lost that election, but was determined to recontest, and was again unsuccessful at the 2013 election. A few weeks later, her family was one of 200 who lost their home in the 2013 Winmalee bushfires.
She has since rebuilt the family home, and her continued commitment to the local community delivered results in 2016, when she was elected as the Federal Member for Macquarie.
Coordinator of Master of Public Health, at the Institute of Koorie Education, and academic School of Medicine, Deakin University.
Dr Charles is a very proud Kaurna man for the Adelaide Plains, and father of five children. James has lived at many different places around Australia, including Newcastle NSW while working at the University of Newcastle and Albury while working the Bachelor of Podiatric Medicine program at Charles Sturt University. James was one of the first Aboriginal Podiatrist in Australia, the first Aboriginal person to receive a Master of Podiatry, and first Aboriginal Podiatrist to receive a PhD (Aboriginal foot health).
James has volunteered his time at many Aboriginal community-controlled organisations, boards and committees and was, President of the Indigenous Allied Health Australia 2009 – 2010, and Chairperson of Indigenous Allied Health Australia Network 2008, Vice President Indigenous Allied Health Australia 2011 and was also very proud to be selected to be a representative at the national “Close the Gap” committee in 2008-2009.
Dr Charles has received many awards over the years including the National NAIDOC Scholar of the year award winner in 2017 for his teaching, research and work in the Aboriginal community. He received the 2017 Faculty of Science, PVC Student Learning Student Experience Survey Award for his teaching in Podiatry at Charles Sturt University. In 2014, James received the Golden Microscope Award, from Australian Rotary Health Indigenous Health for his innovative foot and ankle work and his research in Aboriginal foot health. Dr Charles has also received the prestigious Alumni Accolade Award from the University of South Australia in 2018.
1. Take a step into the past at Newcastle Memorial Walk
Let’s begin with an activity that’s enjoyable, educational, and absolutely free.
Head out for a stroll at Newcastle Memorial Walk – a stunning piece of infrastructure dedicated for ANZAC heroes. Built to commemorate the centennial anniversary of ANZAC Gallipoli landing and the beginning of Newcastle’s steel-making industry – a journey to this coastal walkway lets you pay tribute to the men and women who dedicated their lives for Newcastle and the whole Australia.
It’s open to the public 24 hours everyday so there’s no excuse to miss this terrific walk.
2. Visit the koalas, kangaroos and more at the Blackbutt Reserve
If you like a good nature walk, family picnics and the wildlife – Blackbutt Reserve is a must-see for locals and tourists alike.
Open everyday from 10am to 5pm, people from all ages can get close to the rich habitat of kangaroos, koalas, geckos, and more intriguing animal life without having to leave the city. You can choose to stay in a picnic spot, join a guided tour, or appreciate the wildlife exhibits and incredible encounters with various kinds of animals.
Everyone enjoys free entrance and great facilities for kids and adults. You only have to pay for parking. The walking tracks inside the reserve are also a good way to get fit.
3. Surf and Sightsee at Nobbys Beach and the Lighthouse
Winter or summer, Nobbys Beach remains among the favourite beach destinations in New South Wales. (It’s also considered the safest among Newcastle’s beaches.)
Whether you want to go for a long walk, or surf for pleasure, this place is perfect for you. Take your camera to the lighthouse, marvel at the panoramic view from its vantage point and take a picture of the surrounding areas.
4. Go back in time at Fort Scratchley
History buff or not, you’d be intrigued to know that Fort Scratchley fired on an invading naval vessel on June 8, 1942 and the fort itself has more than a century of history to boast.
This famous coastal defence and fortification has been turned into a museum. Children below four years old can join the guided tours for free. Kids from 4-14 will have to pay $6.50 while adults pay $12.50 if they wish to participate in the tours. They are scheduled six days a week (it is closed on Tuesdays) from 10am to 4pm
4. Seek sunshine, the ocean and new mates at Merewether Ocean Baths
Merewether is a quiet suburb of Newcastle known for its 100 metres by 90 metres communal yet well-maintained swimming pool.
The best thing about this destination is the gathering of locals and visitors stopping by for a swim – a cultural aspect that is unique in this part of Newcastle.
5. Explore wines and winemaking in Newcastle and the Hunter Region
Newcastle sits near some of the best winemaking spots in Australia. In Hunter Valley alone, there are more than 150 of them – that’s a lot for you not to even visit one or two.
Wineries are picturesque destinations on their own. But if you love tasting various types of wines, then you’re in for a double treat. Time out Australia rounded up 10 of the best vineyards in the Hunter Valley that you shouldn’t miss.
Learn about the top-notch types of wine that earned the love of Aussies and take fantastic photos during winery tours at the Hunter Region.
6. Take a tour inside and around Christ Church Cathedral
What else makes it remarkable was its formidable history. It survived the Japanese attack in 1942 and a devastating earthquake in Newcastle in 1989. From this seemingly unshakable place of worship, you also get a magnificent overlooking view of Newcastle.
With all the holiday shopping demands you have to meet, you want a place to get all you need at one stop. Well, when in Newcastle, Darby Street has you covered.
Looking for the best party dress or an awesome gift for your loved ones? The shopping district that is Darby Street has delightful range of items you’d love to take home. Don’t forget your shopping list to guide you through this dizzying hub of all great gifts.
Whether you want to hit a hip bazaar or a nifty cafeteria, Darby Street offers a lot of great possibilities.
8. Marvel at artistic creations at Newcastle Art Gallery
More than 5000 works of art are housed in this gallery or museum. Being the second oldest city in Australia, Newcastle has accumulated a massive amount of culturally and historically relevant artworks. Come by anytime from 10am to 5pm – Tuesdays to Sundays.
Entrance to the gallery is free (unless for some special exhibitions). Note that if you’re coming as a group, book ahead of time to avail free guided tours and avoid parking hassles.
9. Savour the view of Newcastle Harbour on a ferry ride
A tour in Newcastle is incomplete without witnessing the trade that led to its economic boom: the coal transport.
Watch myriad of ships docking its harbour and transporting coal to many parts of the world. Newcastle has the world’s largest coal export port. If you hop on a ferry and stay long enough, you will see the bustling trade and enjoy a variety of vessels stopping by the busiest seaport in New South Wales.
If money and time are not an issue, book a cruise at Nova Cruises (http://www.novacruises.com.au) or Moonshadow Cruises (http://www.moonshadow.com.au). If you want to save up, you can board the Stockton Ferry, which is scheduled to leave every 20 minutes or so. It’s open from 5:30 in the morning until midnight from Monday to Saturday. On Sundays, it operates from 8:30am to 10pm.
10. Take 360-degree view of the city from Queen’s Wharf Tower
Strong limbs and calves are required as you would have to climb 180 steps to get to the top of the Queen’s Wharf Tower and enjoy the panoramic view of the city below.
The 40.3 metre-high tower was opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1988 as part of a vision Joy Cummings – the first female Lord Mayor winning the position in 1974. Besides these political and social milestones, the wharf is worth a visit for the spectacular views it offers the visitors.
From this vantage point, you will get acquainted with the lovely coastlines and cityscapes of Newcastle.
11. Crank up your creativity and take a step back in time at the Lock-up
Once you have started digging the spots on NSW State Heritage Register, you can never miss the Lock-up. It’s among Newcastle’s historically and culturally significant buildings.
A quick look at the structure gives you an idea of the prosperity enjoyed by early settlers in Newcastle. The building was constructed from a Sydney sandstone and completed in 1861, the same time the Newcastle Police Station was built. The Lock-up is literally a prison cell converted into a cultural and art hub – a small local treasure in Newcastle.
Admission is free and the art pieces are intriguing. Check out the posters outside the building for upcoming exhibitions.
12. Stroll about the Bathers Way Coastal Walk to see the picturesque Newcastle
Put on your most comfortable walking shoes and head out for a delightful stroll at the Bathers Way Coastal Walk.
Visitors and locals alike will appreciate the beauty of Newcastle ocean and beaches. Starting from Nobbys Headland to Merewether baths, the walk would take about 5 km. A brisk walk not only keeps weight gain at bay, it also offers great views for your eyes to feast on. That’s a double treat you don’t want to miss out on.
Along the way, you also get to meet nice people who equally enjoy this fantastic walk. Now, that’s a triple treat.
13. Escape from the mundane and head to Myall Lakes National Park
Looking for bush, beach, and lake in one recreational space? Myall Lakes National Park is the weekend escape you have been longing to find.
Get away from the city and melt away your stress with an overnight stay at the park, a stroll by the spectacular beach, a good swim at the lake, or a much-needed walking tour by the bush. Myall Lakes National Park has you covered. People of all ages will find a lot of interesting things to do around here any time of the year.
14. Get around on foot, by bike or on a canoe at Hunter Wetlands Centre
Once you get off a car, it’s just you and the rich flora and fauna. There are areas where you can have barbecue and a proper picnic. You’d be glad to know that this revitalized 45-hectare wetland can be accessed seven days a week from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
There is so much to see and explore around this hidden jewel and the activities abound for all ages.
15. Stop by Newcastle Harbour Foreshore Park
Well-maintained parks may not be a rarity in Newcastle but the view of the sea and the Newcastle Harbour – the hub of the coal export industry – make Foreshore Park extra special.
On the way to the park, pay attention to the old buildings, brick houses, and Victorian-inspired terraces. A double take is all you need to have a glimpse of Newcastle’s glorious past and exciting future.
16. Bike around the city and spend as much time as you like at each destination.
Sunny days are a great time to explore a city on a bicycle. Newcastle is no exception.
Bike tours are fantastic because you control where you want to stop by and how long you want to stay at a landmark, historical site, or tourist attraction. You also benefit physically from the leg exercise.
NEX is conveniently located in the heart of Newcastle. It is just 35 minutes from Newcastle airport and is serviced by a range of public transport. Located in the harbour city precinct on the corner of King Street and Union Street, Newcastle West, NEX is central to boutique accommodation, trendy cafes and bars, pristine beaches and the Port of Newcastle foreshore.
NEX is located at 309 King St, Newcastle. It is also known as Wests Newcastle.
Christine Nixon joined the New South Wales Police in 1972 with our current District Governor Susan Wakefield (nee Thompson). As Christine rose through the ranks, she was often the first – to work in operational policing in Darlinghurst / Kings Cross in 1976; to win an American Scholarship to study at the Kennedy School of Government Harvard University, USA; to become an Assistant Commissioner in 1994 in charge of Human Resources. She also became a Region Commander for the Western Suburbs, Gosford and the North Shore and finally the Wollongong and the South Coast of New South Wales.
During her career Christine championed the causes of women in policing, victims of violence and sexual assault, gay and lesbian police employees and disadvantaged groups. She was a strong advocate for Community Policing and better treatment of Police Service employees.
Christine was the 19th Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police leading 14,000 staff, operating across more than 500 locations and overseeing an annual budget of $1.7 billion. She joined Victoria Police in April 2001, after serving with the New South Wales Police from 1972 and in 1994 became the first Female Assistant Commissioner in 1994. She lead the Victorian Bushfire Recovery and Reconstruction Agency after to 2009 Black Saturday Bushfires.
Christine is a Fellow of ANZSOG, The Australian Institute of Police Management, The Australian Institute of Management and The Institute of Public Administration Australia.
Currently Christine is Deputy Chancellor of Monash University, Chair of Monash College Pty Ltd and Chair of Good Shepherd Microfinance and an Independent Councillor Royal Australian College of General Practitioners..
Libby has been a Police Officer for nearly 30 years, 19 years of which she served with the New South Wales (NSW) Police Force and during that time she specialised in crime prevention, sexual assault, domestic violence, child abuse, victim support and Indigenous issues. In 1992, she established and co-ordinated the first “Victim Support Unit” for the NSW Police and worked extensively with victims of crime. (Award received – Rotary Pride of Workmanship).
In 1996 – 1997, she held a position on the NSW Police Commissioner’s State Domestic Violence team. Libby developed and implemented the “Family Violence Awareness Training for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities” which she delivered to Aboriginal communities throughout NSW and to inmates in various Correctional Centres. (Awards received – Parliament House – Stop Domestic Violence Day Award; NSW Police Commissioners Commendation).
Throughout her NSW Policing years, Libby built a strong rapport with many communities, also focusing on Indigenous Elders and Leaders and she developed the Indigenous Elder’s Group, “Elders Walkabout”. (Award received – International Humanitarian Paul Harris Award).
Libby’s continuing interest for community, culture and crime prevention led her to explore the international arena by joining the Australian Federal Police International Deployment Group in 2008. Since then, she has been deployed to the Northern Territory during the “Government Intervention” (2008), Sudan with the United Nations (2009), Timor-Leste with the United Nations (2010-11) and then the AFP Timor-Leste Police Development Program (TLPDP) in Dili (2012-14).
From 2014 to 2019, Libby was based in Sydney working in various AFP roles, she resigned from the AFP in February 2018.
Her biggest achievement was during her personal time where she developed her own crime prevention initiative, a youth and community centre in Timor-Leste. The initiative is a registered RAWCS project and Libby joined the Rotary Club of Blackheath in 2014.
John and Donna live in Invercargill, New Zealand’s southernmost city.
A chartered accountant, for the past 20 years John was CEO of the Community Trust of Southland, a community-owned philanthropic $225m investment trust, which grants $7m a year for community projects in Southland. John stepped down from this role in mid 2017.
John joined the Invercargill South Club in 1994, and has enjoyed a number of Rotary roles since then, including leading a GSE Team to D5220 in California in 2003, leading the Australasian RYLA Team to Gallipoli, Turkey in April 2005 for the 90th anniversary of the Allied landing at ANZAC Cove, and was District Governor in 2012-13. John has been his District Trainer, District Membership Chair, District GSE Chair, and is a regular MC and speaker at Rotary Conferences, Institutes, and Presidents’ Elect Training events. For the 2015/16 Rotary year John was a member of Rotary International’s Vocational Service Committee.
From 1 July 2016 John has been the Rotary Co-ordinator for New Zealand, and 8 Australian Districts. John was also a training leader at the Rotary International Assembly in San Diego in January 2017, and again in January 2018.
Outside of work, family and Rotary John has been and is involved in the governance of various organisations, including Chair of Camp Quality New Zealand, Chair of Philanthropy New Zealand, Trustee of the Ngai Tahu Fund, Chair of the Catholic Diocese of Dunedin Board of Management, Chair of the Verdon College Board of Trustees, and is a Justice of the Peace.
Heath Ducker overcame a Dickensian childhood, to achieve professional and personal success.
Heath is an author, lawyer and CEO of the Youth Insearch Foundation. He’s a professional public speaker, having addressed audiences all over Australia and overseas. His most recent speech was to the Australian Family Law Conference, on Children and the Family Law System.
Heath was Advisor to the NSW Attorney General from 2009 to 2011. He was a Lawyer with international law firm, Dentons, from 2006 to 2009, and at the United Nations Special Consultative Body, the South Asian Human Rights Documentation Centre in India, in 2005.
Heath led treks across the Kokoda Trail for Adventure Kokoda from 2003-2005. He was Executive Officer upon Australia’s Tall Sailing Ship the Young Endeavour in 2004, the Co-Founder and Coordinator of the Young Insearch Project from 1997 to 2000 and Leader of the team that established Youth Insearch in New Zealand and the United Kingdom.
Heath’s story was featured on the ABC’s Australian Story in 2006 (introduced by Prime Minister John Howard) and his Autobiography, “A Room at the Top” (forward written by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd) was published by Random House in 2009.
Heath’s other achievements include appearances on the:
ABC’s Q&A as a panel member
Channel 7’s Sunrise & The Morning Show with Kerrie-Ann
ABC Radio National, Life Matters & Mornings with Geraldine Doogue
Books “100 to1 an Australian Journey” and “Mosaic”
Several other radio, TV, newspaper appearances
As a Youth Advocate, Heath held audiences with the Prime Minister Howard, and the Premier of NSW Bob Carr.
Heath is a recipient of the Australian Davos Australian Leadership Award, presented to him by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.
Emmanuel Musoni is the chair of Great Lakes Agency for Peace and Development International (GLAPDI), a community organisation founded in 2012 in Sydney. Emmanuel has been engaged in community development for many years both in Australia and overseas.
Emmanuel was raised in a refugee camp until he was 16 years. This has led him to be strongly committed and passionate about advocating for better settlement and integration of refugees and migrants who are yarning to call rural and regional Australia home. To date, Emmanuel has settled around 100 people in regional areas since 2016. At the same time, he is championing conversations with communities in regional areas on the strategies of welcoming and retaining migrants in the community and guiding research efforts in this field.
With the support of Scanlon Foundation and Regional Australia Institute, Emmanual has completed the development of “a community based national toolkit” which will guide the next generation of Regional migration.
The Enormous Horns will join us for Saturday night’s dinner dance and will feature the music you grew up with. Come dressed as your favourite musician, band or song. There will be prizes for the best dressed individuals and clubs. Let your hair down, drag out your dancing shoes and show Newcastle that “ROTARY ROCKS’.
The Enormous Horns are a fun party band with an emphasis on entertainment, quality musicianship and classy arrangements. The Enormous Horns are an 8 piece all singing, all dancing, party band from Sydney. The Enormous Horns can play anything from Rock, Pop and Soul to Big Band Swing and Rock ‘n Roll, from quiet dinner music before the party gets going, to fully costumed routines from the Village People, Blues Brothers, Rocky Horror and the Disco era.
Here is our new Rotary Foundation newsletter. I hope you find it interesting and informative. I wish you the best for the festive season and hope you have a good break and an enjoyable time with family and friends. As always, I thank Jim Wells for his publication of the newsletter.
We all know that large Global Grants from the Foundation make it possible to undertake high impact international projects – but did you know they can be used for local projects too?
A good example is the Hills Kellyville Club in north-west Sydney. They were able to invest US$10,400 of their own funds and deliver US$116,557 in advanced imaging facilities that their local children’s hospital needed to treat kids with serious sight impairment.
And there’s the Waikerie Club in South Australia. With a club investment of US$15,152, they’ve had grants approved that will enable them to provide a desperately needed US$152,945 dialysis unit in a remote indigenous community in the north-west of the state.
If your club has a vision to create a major project that will have a significant impact on people’s lives, consider Rotary Foundation grants – for international and local projects.
Foundation funding would not be possible without the wonderful generosity of Rotarians and clubs!
Rotary Matters is a weekly one hour community radio program on Triple H 100.1 FM. The purpose is to reach and engage interest from non Rotarians into the many causes, projects and people who make up Rotary. Subjects covered in recent months include Shelterbox, ROMAC, RAM, RYPEN, RYDA, Interplast, Pride of Workmanship Awards, National Youth Science Forum, Model United Nations Assembly, End Polio Now, Dementia Awareness, overseas aid and community building projects in Philippines, Nepal and India. Each program includes a What’s On of district activities hosted by Rotary which are accessible to the wider non Rotary public.
Clubs are invited to propose ideas for exposure on Rotary Matters. Suggestions include interviews with:
Someone recently returned from an overseas aid project.
A Pride of Workmanship Award winner
A beneficiary of a Rotary fundraising project (eg Lifeline which is a beneficiary of the Bobbin Head Cycle Classic)
A returned youth exchange student
Host of a regular Rotary fundraising activity
A prominent club member with an interesting life story
Clubs are also invited to include Rotary Matters on the distribution list for their regular newsletters, to provide content for the weekly What’s On segment. Triple H 100.1 FM covers Hornsby and Kuring gai but can also be picked up outside this area. Rotary Matters is keen to profile activities throughout the 9685 District.
We’re all mourning the loss of a wonderful man – a great friend and one of very few people who achieve the status of ‘a real life legend’ in their own life time …
He sustained a mild heart attack last Saturday week – few days in hospital – home last Thursday. I enjoyed three hour long discussions and he was VERY relaxed … full on as we covered Rotary in general, our mutual challenge with the Century of Rotary in Oceania, political correctness and – reluctantly – his condition. He was still sharp as a tack – only his mortal body was failing …
Paul knew his time was up – he chuckled as he told me his ‘parts’ had worn out and doctors said there was nothing more they could. He said he had a great life – blessed with a wonderful family and plenty of opportunities to make a difference …
He never stopped giving - from service as a 22 years old mortar lieutenant on the Kokoda Track in PNG to ‘looking after’ 80 years old legacy widows as a 90 years old legatee !
Never talked much about his war service but admitted every year he has enjoyed since was a blessing with clear memories of Japanese bullets whizzing past his head several times. He shared with me he had once lost the skin off the souls of his feet as a result of months of jungle warfare in sodden conditions!!!
My wife Ann and I talked long and hard before I decided to apply for the position of managing editor at RDU back in 1983 – but sometimes in life, one gets lucky! I got to share 35 years with the most amazing man I have ever met …
I knew he was special from my first day at the old building in Harris Park. Every staff member loved him! It was very easy for me to continue to drive the organisation from that lofty position …
From the outset, his caring nature shone through … he stayed with me for six months to ensure I was settled in the job – and then jetted off with Peggy for another Rotary Convention!
Paul was a brilliant journalist. In fact, more than a journalist, he was an old style English essayist! His grasp of the English language was perfect. He was a genuine leader of men, but usually from behind sowing the seed and allowing others to think they had a brilliant idea!!!
I could talk about my experiences with Paul for hours but I should let the facts of his amazing life speaker for themselves …
Born January 26, 1921 - Country boy with a rural background – educated at Leeton High School. Loved cricket – claimed he could not play very well …
1937/39 – junior clerk Woolworths in Sydney – copy writer/announcer – freelance journalist. Accepted by St John’s Theological College, Morpeth, NSW but entry in 1940 was deferred at outbreak of war.
War service – enlisted June 4, 1940. Officers School – Commissioned Lieutenant, December 1941 – active service in PNG – transferred to Officers Reserve January 1946.
University of Sydney 1946/48
1948/54 – social worker with returned service personnel, leader within several service support organisations, including editor of the Australian Legion newspaper.
1954/65 – launched and published his own newspapers – The Guardian and Newtown Daily.
Joined Rotary Club of Marrickville in 1955; later transferred to Rotary Club of Newtown due to proximity to his office.
1965/84 – Founding editor of Rotary Down Under – three year trial! Led the Rotary magazine world to achieve recognition by RI for all magazines to be an official alternative to The Rotarian. Finally achieved in 1976 after a three year trial and several surveys … now 31 magazines in 24 languages!
RDU went from strength to strength and a Merchandise organisation (RDU Supplies) followed …
Many other successful campaigns – part of team to established Probus in Australia and Probus Centre South Pacific; Sydney Legacy and Editor of Torchlight Magazine for Legacy movement in NSW.
Some of his favourite causes and projects –
RSL sub branch
Australian Association of Social Workers/Family Welfare
Marriage Guidance Council of NSW
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards – District and Regional
NSW Association for Mental Health – Hon Secretary
District Governor, Rotary International; various committees
Duke of Edinburgh Awards State Committee
Ranfurly Library Service
University of Western Sydney Human Research Ethics Committee
Jane Austen Society of Australia
Accomplished historical author –
Gift of God, Friend of Man – history of timber industry 1986
Seventy Five Years of Service – Rotary in Australia 1921/71
In Search of Health (2001) for Australian Rotary Health
With Health in Mind (2011) updated for ARH
History of Probus (2014) for Probus Centre South Pacific
Editor of the narrative poem I, Jane Austen by Mary Corringham (2001)
Centenary of Rotary in Oceania – current …
Awards –
Order of Australia Medal (0AM) January 2001
Australia Day Council Citizen Award 2001
The Australia Rotary Health Research Medal for 2006
Rotary Down Under Distinguished Service Award
TERTIARY EDUCATION
Diploma of Social Studies, 1948
Master of Arts (Coursework), 1992
Doctor of Philosophy, 1996
Master of Arts (Hons) (Research), 2016
Friends,
I don’t know how anyone individual could fit so much into one lifetime?
But I do know how much he loved this Rotary Club and all of the members within. He had the time of his life at our recent 50th anniversary celebration – loved the walk down memory lane, catching up with so many old friends, Greg North’s poem, and so many entertaining program highlights …
He truly was a real life legend – and his spirit will live on within our hearts and minds for many years to come …
Thank you – Bob Aitken AM, Rotary Club of Lower Blue Mountains.
Please click HERE to view - download the ‘Rotary On The Move’ Newsletter for December 2018. Please feel free to share and send us your great membership stories.
Ku-ring-gai Rotary Club has transformed a little used storage shed and some heavily overgrown waste ground into a bright new learning centre and vegetable garden, complete with chicken house for Clarke Road School in Hornsby.
The work included building garden beds, bringing water to different parts of the garden, including a cistern to ensure continuous water for the chickens. The group also assembled the chicken coop, cleaned out the shed, installed new doors, added a deck and stairs and installed potting benches, all in an area which can only be reached on foot up long ramps.
The new facility including the refurbished shed will enable children with intellectual disabilities to learn skills which until now have not been able to be taught at the school. It will help the dedicated staff provide more opportunities for senior students.
Joy Newling, President of Ku-ring-gai Rotary Club, said that members were inspired by the teachers and parents of “this amazing school”, and were proud to provide not just a facility but opportunities for students.
This wonderful project could not have happened without a District Grant from The Rotary Foundation for which the club is extremely grateful.
950 HOURS WORK BY ROTARY VOLUNTEERS ACHIEVE AMAZING CHANGE
The Council on Resolutions for 2018 has been finalised and the attached document provides the outcome of those resolutions which have been adopted and will go to the RI board
The resolution 18R- 08 which was filed by Central Blue Mountains, on behalf of the D9685 was successful. If passed by the RI board, then clubs will be able to record all volunteer hours including administration and fund raising.
Greetings everyone, I wish to bring you up to date with some developments with my DG Partners Project, which is Grace’s Place. For those of you whom District Governor Susan and I have yet to visit, Grace’s Place is a purpose-built project to assist the children who have been the silent victims of a domestic homicide. This is a project of Martha Jabour, the CEO of the Homicide Victim’s Support Group in New South Wales, who is one of our keynote speakers at the District Conference next March.
It had been planned for a ‘SOD Turning” to get the project underway at the land in Doonside that had been donated to the group by the NSW State Government and the Blacktown City Council. Unfortunately, when the initial inspection was made of the land, it was found that it contained a large amount of Asbestos which had been dumped there over years gone past. Blacktown City Council has now undertaken a clean-up operation in readiness for an inspection and a building application to be approved. It is now thought that the turning of the ‘SOD’ will be either just before or just after the District Conference next march.
For those of you who like to have a shot at the ‘SOD’, or DG Susan’s Official Driver, the turning of the SOD is purely a building term and not associated with me, but I intend to attend that event.
I wish to thank the following clubs and Rotarians who have donated funds to Grace’s Place so that we can fit out one or more of the therapy rooms in the complex in the name of Rotary District 9685. Those clubs are Brookvale, Glenhaven, Castle Hill, Kenthurst, Richmond and the Rotary E Club of Sydney. I would also like to thank Karo Haltmeier for her personal donation.
If you wish, you may meet with Martha Jabour at our District Conference in Newcastle where she will be selling ‘building blocks’ at a stall or you can EFT funds to the District 9685 Admin Account and use the Reference 9875 which will alert the District Treasurer that the funds transferred are for Grace’s Place. If you could also send me an email so that I can have an audit trail for funds raised. If you would prefer to use a cheque, please make the cheque out to the District 9685 Admin Account. If you make it out to Grace’s Place, please endorse the back of the cheque to pay the Rotary District Admin Account.
Once again, thank you for your interest and support of Grace’s Place which is named after Grace Lynch, the mother of murder victim Anita Cobby. Grace was one of the four people who started the Homicide Victims Support Group after the death of her daughter.
Governor Wendy Protheroe and her amazing team in District 9600 have just received the best possible boost from the END POLIO NOW team at Rotary Headquarters in Evanston, USA … a grant of $185,896.95 to fund hi viz safety vests for our brave volunteers in PNG!
The story goes back to early September and meetings with representatives of WHO and UNICEF who explained the urgent need for the vests to enhance the safety and security of the volunteers providing medical support for victims of vaccine derived polio in the remote outposts of mountainous PNG.
Cost of the vests was estimated to be in the vicinity of $200,000 – completely out of reach for District 9600 and resources available to WHO and UNICEF at that time.
After discussions with Governor Wendy and her team, I sent a request to END POLIO NOW campaign manager Carol Pandak in Evanston seeking special support for the vital requirement.
Carol and her team were on the job immediately and sought support from Wendy and her District leaders in setting up a leadership team, special bank account and other resources.
It was very opportune that the Governor was about to leave for her visit to PNG and she really hit the ground running.
Yesterday, Governor Wendy received official word that The Rotary Foundation Chair Ron Burton had signed off on the grant and $185,896.95 was on the way to the District 9600 Management team – District TRF Chair Darryl Iseppi, Assistant Governor Wendy Scholz and Governor Wendy Protheroe. Governor Wendy has agreed to accept stewardship responsibilities.
The team has commenced the next step – getting the vests printed with the current Rotary mark and necessary words, followed by distribution to all teams in various regions of PNG. The vests will ensure the safety of volunteers and it follows contribute to the health of PNG children.
Governor Wendy and her support team was able to visit children in hospital in PNG and became caught up in the emotion of the experience.
Please allow me to share her heartfelt thoughts with you all …
Thanks to all the Rotarians who donate funds to Polio Plus – and for making sure the vaccines are reaching the children of the world.
Thanks to Polio Plus for recognising that sometimes we need to look a little more broadly than just vaccines and that we truly do have the ability to respond to special needs in various parts of the world.
Thanks to Rotarians on the ground in PNG who are encouraging everyone to travel and connect their children with the vaccinating teams.
Thanks to all Rotarians in District 9600 – and I have absolutely no doubt that each of your will donate just a little more this afternoon as you remember why we live ‘service above self’.
Friends … I urge you all to share this story with EVERYONE in your respective Districts. It provides absolute proof that the fund raising support we have maintained for Polio Plus since 1987 is vital and can benefit people in all parts of the world – even our own back yard!!!
When you are asked ‘why are we still supporting Polio Plus?’ share this story – and how quickly our dedicated leaders at The Rotary Foundation were able to respond.
I encourage you all to use the story to maximise giving in your respective Districts as we move towards the completion of the first half of our Rotary year -
US$1,500 per Rotary club
Plan now for 20% of unused DDF to go to END POLIO NOW at year’s end
Maintain the search for major donors – US$10,000 each. They are out there waiting to be asked …
Please click HERE to view - download the ‘Rotary On The Move’ Newsletter for November 2018. Please feel free to share and send us your great membership stories.
Bookings for our wonderful celebration of our Rotary Foundation on Monday 26th November are coming in steadily now. It would be great to have a record attendance of D9685 and D9675 Rotarians, partners, and friends at our dinner with Past Rotary International President Ian Riseley as our Guest Speaker. PRIP Ian will also make a very special presentation to a Sydney based recipient of a Peace award which is only awarded in the year to one person world wide.
Bookings are closing on Sunday 18 November. Our numbers needs to be finalised for the catering, so I urge you to get those table bookings in for your club as soon as possible. And for those of you coming individually we look forward to you registering as soon as possible now.
THE ROTARY CLUB OF TERRIGAL'S GREAT BOOK SALE will be at The Terrigal Scout Hall
Terrigal Drive, Terrigal on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 November 2018.
We raise funds for our charity donations and will be able to support youth projects, both locally and in Africa.
We are now collecting books and looking for volunteers Contact JOHN on 0411 176 364 if you have really good books for us to collect, or want to help out. Thank you YES PLEASE
• Fiction Paperback books • Fiction Hardback books • Sci Fi • DYI, Gardening, Craft, Hobby, Painting Books • Cook Books • Military and History Books • Children’s books • CDs • DVDs • Puzzles and games • Comics, graphic novels & Manga • ‘Talking book’ audio on CD NO THANK YOU
• Reader’s Digest condensed books • Law books, older than 3 Years • Encyclopaedias, no matter how new • Atlases older than 3 years • Magazines • Text books, unless recent & in mint condition • Any item not meeting our quality standards (any books that are yellowed, mouldy, torn, dirty, written in, or defaced can unfortunately not be sold)
The International Fellowship of Cricketing Rotarians (IFCR) is one of the most popular of all Rotary Fellowships with a membership now touching 1350. Melbourne has the honour of hosting this festival from January 20 next year. We will follow in the footsteps of previous festivals in Christchurch (2017), Nottingham (2014), Vapi in India (2012), Durban (2010), Colombo (2007) and Hunter Valley (2004). Registrations include 185 players from 9 countries and 85 non-players. Cricket games will be played at Caulfield Park and East Caulfield Reserve from Monday January 21 through to Friday January 25. On Wednesday 23 there will be a game at the spiritual home of Australian IFCR at Strath Creek which is 70k from Melbourne. A novel feature of this festival is that players will play in mixed teams. The spirit of cricket and the fellowship of Rotary will be assured across all competing countries. The Opening Dinner at the MCG on Sunday night January 20 will have one of Australia’s leading sports commentators as guest speaker. The Friday night Closing Dinner will feature leading cabaret performer, Marney McQueen. All in all, it will be a great week of cricket, fun, entertainment and fellowship. Festival details: http://rotarycricket.org Festival email: rgroom@iinet.net.au Australian IFCR enquiries to Doug King, email: kingdoug12@gmail.com
INTERNATIONAL FELLOWSHIP OF CRICKETING ROTARIANS MELBOURNE FESTIVAL
I have reviewed the proposed resolutions put forward by districts around the world. Our district, through Central Blue Mountains Rotary proposed the resolution regarding capturing volunteer time on administration and fundraising.
The results of the vote will be known in late November.
David Cook and I participated in the Council on Legislation sessions at Institute. It was good practice and worth listening to the proposals put forward by other districts and the RI Board. Our district put forward two proposed enactments.
Basically the Council on Resolutions manages recommendations to the Board to change policies set out in the Code of Policies.
The Council on Legislation acts as the parliamentary body and votes on bylaw and constitutional changes.
One Rotarian from every district forms part of the Council. Currently we vote on resolutions every year and on enactments once every three years.
On behalf of D9685 I have currently voted on the 2018 Council on Resolutions
If Rotarians are interested in finding out more the following materials are available to help you navigate the COR:
Council on Resolutions FAQs
Council on Resolutions Rules of Procedure
How to Read Resolutions
How to Participate in the Council on Resolutions
UPDATE ON COUNCIL ON RESOLUTIONS AND COUNCIL ON LEGISLATION
We are getting a number of inquiries as to the outcomes of the train ride. AS of today the tally is at A$245k so we are just $5k short. If there are any Clubs out there that can find it within their bank accounts to contribute and get the tally to $250k, we think this would be outstanding.
The train ride for Dave and myself was a great opportunity to help get the Polio massage to a larger audience and a big THANK YOU to all the Clubs that turned out to present cheques, to ride the train, and to promote the brand. We did have a lot of red End Polio Now shirts visible on the day. At the end of this month we will have a final tally and there will be a story in RDU November edition.
24 October is just a couple weeks away, and I hope all of you are busy planning for how your club will mark this year’s World Polio Day. It’s just fantastic to see how many clubs and districts have already registered events at endpolio.org, and how much thought and creativity has gone into their planning. There will be lectures, concerts, polio walks, polio rides, and of course, livestream viewing parties. Many clubs are also taking advantage of the virtual reality films now available and incorporating a virtual reality experience in their World Polio Day activities.
One of the things I’ve heard as I’ve traveled for Rotary is that Rotarians don’t always know how to answer some of the tough questions they get on polio eradication. To help, we’ve prepared a brief Q & A outlining some of the basics. The questions I hear most often, though, are the simplest ones: Why aren’t we there yet, and why are we still raising so much money for polio?
To answer that question, it’s helpful to use a metaphor many of us can easily understand: mowing a lawn. For most small lawns, you don’t need more than a push mower. If you’ve got something much larger—say, half an acre—you’d invest in a riding mower. And you’d be fine.
Now imagine you’re faced with mowing an absolutely enormous field—say, forty acres, or about sixteen hectares. Imagine it hasn’t been mowed in years, and it’s full of weeds, brambles, and thorns. And imagine you need everything on that field cut to the exact same height. You couldn’t do it over a period of days: the section you mowed first would grow back before you reached the end. What would you do? You couldn’t even think about a push mower. Even a riding mower would take a week and probably couldn’t handle it. The only way to do it would be to bring out the big guns, and get a tractor with a six-foot mower in the back—maybe even a couple of tractors.
Now consider the logistics of polio eradication. There are 360,000 babies born every single day in the world. To be fully protected against polio, each of them must be vaccinated not just once, but several times. To stop the virus from traveling, every child must be fully vaccinated all at the same time—before enough new children are born to allow the virus to travel again.
The only way to achieve eradication is through the massive and coordinated scale on which we are now working: using a vast network of systems to deliver about 430 million doses of vaccine every year, via mass immunization campaigns. Forget a 40-acre field—we’re talking about Africa, we’re talking about southeast Asia. Places with vast distances, incredibly remote communities, wars, instability, poverty—and hundreds of millions of children. We need to reach them all.
The only way to finish the job is to give it everything we have, all at once. Yes, it’s expensive. Yes, it’s difficult. Yes, it is a task of breathtaking ambition and scope. But thanks to you--we are doing it.
That is what all of us need to know, and understand, on this World Polio Day. Now is the time to give it everything we have, to raise the funds, raise the awareness, and Be the Inspiration to End Polio Now.
Yours in Rotary,
Barry Rassin President, Rotary International 2018-19
We would like to congratulate all the finalists in this year's Statewide Police Officer of the Year Awards. We have very happy to confirm that there are 5 finalists from District 9685 in the finals and wish them every success in winning their category.
The finalists are:
Sgt. Barry Cash, from Workforce Safety Command, Woy Woy - a finalist in the Corporate Services Police Officer of the Year Category
Snr. Constable Steven Mark Day, from the Blue Mountains Police Area Command - a finalist in the Metropolitan Police Officer of the Year Category
Leading Snr. Constable Daniel Glenn, from the North Shore Police Area Command - also a finalist in the Metropolitan Police Officer of the Year Category
Det. Sgt. Kelsey Priestley, also from the North Shore Police Area Command - a finalist in the Irene Juergens Fellowship Award Category
Harry Scope, from the Tuggerah Lakes Police District - a finalist in the Police Volunteer of the Year Category
It is a great honour for these worthy nominees to reach the final three in each of the categories, and it would be wonderful if you would consider coming along to the very prestigious Awards Night on the 16th November to cheer them on.
Rotarian Barry Edmundson, District Drought Appeal Co-ordinator gave a comprehensive report to the recent Presidents meeting regarding the district’s response to the drought appeal.
At the recent Australia and NZ Conference the District Governors from the drought affected regions were extremely grateful for the support of the rest of Australia. The support both monetary and physical is much appreciated by all those people living through this terrible time.
Many clubs around the district are still raising funds in a wide variety of ways ranging from Theatre nights to the old-fashioned bucket drops. The Channel Nine appeal has been closed off to donations after reaching just over $10 Million. The disbursement of those funds has begun. A full list of those disbursements can be found on the Channel Nine website about $4 million has been sent to the various organisations involved in drought relief including many rotary districts and projects.
While the Channel Nine RAWCS account has closed there are still RAWCS accounts open and receiving money for the drought relief. Please check the RAWCS website if you wish to donate money into one of those accounts.
Many many clubs are liaising directly with clubs and districts in the rural areas and I encourage you to continue to do that but please let Barry Edmundson know what your plans are.
At the recent President’s meeting a short YouTube clip was shown called “Adopt A Town”. This is an initiative from the Rotary Club of Caringbah, your club might like to take a look.
Thank You to all those Rotarians and clubs that are supporting the drought relief, your hard work is truly appreciated.
Locals across NSW are being encouraged to Love Where We Live by getting involved in Graffiti Removal Day on Sunday 21 October 2018.
Graffiti Removal Day is an annual state-wide volunteer day supported by the NSW Government.
The day draws attention to the fight against graffiti vandalism, and encourages the removal and prevention of graffiti in our local communities.
Graffiti vandalism costs our community millions each year. This is money that could be invested into improving our roads, schools and hospitals.
According to The Department of Justice, in NSW residential dwellings are the largest target for graffiti vandals, closely followed by public transport and commercial properties.
“Graffiti Removal Day is a day where locals come together to join in the fight against graffiti, restore community pride, and to show we can all Love Where We Live,” said Graffiti Removal Day Chairman, Bob Aitken.
“Rotary clubs throughout NSW are committed to combating graffiti alongside the NSW Government, Graffiti Removal Australian and sponsors such as Dulux, and Selleys.”
Last year across NSW, more than 1,800 volunteers removed 30,050m2 of graffiti from nearly 500 sites, and gained the support of close to 70 local councils, saving our community $2.1 million in clean-up costs.
“This year, become a local hero in the fight against graffiti by volunteering on the day or nominating a clean-up site at www.graffitiremovalday.org.au,” Aitken stated.
“Those who cannot make it on the day can still show their support by promoting the day on social media using the hashtags #GRD18 and #LoveWhereWeLive,” concluded Aitken.
With 1 in 5 people experiencing a mental illness every year, it's very possible that you know someone who has had a tough time with their mental health.
It's now Mental Health Month and World Mental Health Day is 1 WEEK AWAY. That's when Australian Rotary Health will be celebrating Hat Day to #LiftTheLid on Mental Illness.
KIDS IN NEED, NEED OUR HELP! EXTEND A HAND TO HELP SYDNEY KIDS IN CRISIS!
The Rotary Club of Beecroft are collecting toiletries to form “Starter Kits’ for homeless children/youth as they enter into the services of Taldumande Youth Services and we are hoping you, our wonderful community will help us once again!
Please have a look to see if you have anything around the house for these toiletry “Starter Kits” for girls and boys and if not, maybe you could pop an item into your shopping trolley next time you’re out.
Useful items for each pack –
Roll on deodorant (female and male) Shampoo Conditioner Face Wipes Razors Shaving Cream Body Wash Body Lotion Toothbrush Toothpaste Tampons Bars of Soap New and unused sample/travel-size items that you may have collected from hotels are perfect
We will be collecting toiletries from Saturday 29th September until Saturday 3rd November.
We have Sydney drop off addresses at Wahroonga, Normanhurst, Castle Hill, Beecroft, Warrawee, North Rocks, East Ryde and Epping
DID YOU KNOW THAT ON ANY ONE NIGHT IN AUSTRALIA, OVER 25,000 YOUNG PEOPLE AGED BETWEEN 12-24 ARE HOMELESS?
Taldumande are a registered charity who provide support to vulnerable and homeless children, young people aged 12-21, and their families across Northern Sydney, an area that extends from Sydney Harbour to the Hawkesbury River, into the Northern Beaches, out to Ryde, Denistone and Pennant Hills.
Please if you can SHARE this post so others can join in and help too, it would be appreciated.
Having a consistent brand image is important to all organisations, Rotary is no exception. In 2013, a new logo & brand image pack was developed, this was to ensure every club, in every district across the world could have the same high standard of brand recognition.
Over the past few months, we have been completing health checks, and it is very noticeable that there a lot of old style graphics being used in various publications, including newsletters & flyers, and hardware items, such as banners. Could all clubs please check all of their clubs portfolio, and make the correct changes. When posting anything on social media, or submitting items to the District newsletter, please make sure they are updated.
Please click HERE to view - download the ‘Rotary On The Move’ Newsletter for October 2018. Please feel free to share and send us your great membership stories.
Now’s the time to start planning your World Polio Day event. Spread the word in your community about the ongoing fight to end polio. Together, we can — and will — make history by ending polio for good.
You can join our global celebration in many ways:
Hold a fundraiser. Consider making virtual reality a part of it so people can see what it’s like to vaccinate a child against polio.
Educate your neighbors. Talk with friends, family, and colleagues about Rotary’s work to end polio.
Hold a viewing party. Watch the livestream of Rotary’s World Polio Day event as a club or with another Rotary or Rotaract club.
Light up your city. Illuminate a local landmark with the End Polio Now logo.
No event is too big or too small. Whatever you’re planning for World Polio Day, be sure to tell us about it.
Find resources to help you plan or promote your event at endpolio.org.
Tickets are now on sale for the next of Lower Blue Mountains Rotary’ popular charity movie nights – Ladies in Black - at the Glenbrook Cinema.
Just $20 for tasty finger food, beverages and a movie ticket represents great value
Set in one of Sydney’s major Department stores in the 1950s, Ladies in Black has been acclaimed as the latest movie hit for Australia’s premier movie Director Bruce Beresford.
Driving Miss Daisy and Breaker Morant are among the Director’s biggest hits.
All recent Rotary charity movie nights at Glenbrook Cinema have been ‘sold out’ and Ladies in Black will be no exception.
A ‘black business attire’ theme has been adopted for the night – Sunday, October 14 – and another light hearted evening of great entertainment is certain. Prizes will be awarded to the best dressed ‘Ladies in Black’ and their male escorts.
Bookings are with Rotarian Pamela Noal on 0447 778 870.
Doors to the Glenbrook Cinema Hall will open at 6 pm for finger food and refreshments, best dressed prizes will be presented at 7 pm and seating will commence at 7.15 pm.
Proceeds from the charity night will benefit Rotary’s youth programs in the Lower Mountains – Books for Schools, Primary School citizenship awards, mentoring youth, Rotary Youth Leadership awards, and maternal and child care in developing nations.
We are trying to negotiate a few opportunities for friendship exchanges between our district and other districts in the world.
Our first exchange will take place in District 3141In Mumbai India. The district has 5,000 Rotarians. We are looking up to12 participants, including partners who would like to visit for 7-10 days in late February. This is a time of many polio immunisation initiatives as well as their district conference on 23-24 February which is generally attended by 1,000 Rotarians. If the group would prefer, we can arrange any time between December and March. The district hosts can also arrange a visit to popular Indian destinations like Goa, New Delhi, Agra- Taj Mahal and Rajasthan, or elsewhere.
Rotarians - can you please contact me ASAP if you are interested in participating in this great opportunity.
District Governor Susan Wakefield OAM was delighted to receive a real financial bonus for District 9685 and The Rotary Foundation’s END POLIO NOW campaign during her recent official visit to the Rotary Club of Belrose.
President Shane Broekman presented a cheque for $100,000 from the deceased estate of resident Kathleen Sheather.
Fortunately for Rotary and three other charities, Rotarian solicitor Kos Psaltis was requested to advise on suitable charities for donations from the estate and $100k has been donated to The Rotary Foundation – specifically for the Polio campaign, along with The Fred Hollows Foundation, Cancer Council and Westmead Children’s Hospital.
District TRF Chair PDG David Rands was aware of the pending gift and was delighted to learn of the recent presentation.
He emphasised that the best news was that the $100,000 will become $300,000 when Rotary applies the multiplier effect of the Gates Foundation and other bonuses.
TRAIN RIDE TO END POLIO
All Rotary Clubs and senior leaders are reminded of the momentum building for the TRAIN RIDE TO END POLIO on Friday, September 28 …
Mark and David Anderson of the Rotary Club of Beecroft will ride the Sydney train network to visit ALL 187 railway stations and Rotarians and Rotary Clubs have the opportunity to be part of the largest and most successful public Polio promotion in Australian Rotary history.
Many clubs are already planning special activities to draw public attention to the event which involved the two Sydney Districts and should attract a colourful ‘army’ of red END POLIO NOW t-shirt ‘soldiers’.
The Andersons have called for club representatives to join them on the ride – and bring donations to grow District Polio funds –
Suggested personal gifts of $187 – one dollar for each station.
Club gifts of $10 per station - $1,870,
Canvas corporate supporters for $100 per station - $18,700.
Remember, personal and corporate donations are tax deductible through the Australian Rotary Foundation Trust and will be boosted by the Gates ‘multiplier’.
This event is a wonderful opportunity for club interaction. The Blue Mountains Clubs are urged to join Governor Susan Wakefield OAM on the morning train leaving Blackheath and taking in all stations to Emu Plains on Friday, September 28. Susan and her Lower Blue Mountains entourage will be on the 11.14 am train from Emu Plains so Rotarians along the Mountains line should check their time tables to coordinate their travel
Members from all over the Sydney area (Districts 9685 and 9675) are urged to wear their red END POLIO NOW T-shirts and join trains at station of choice.
Governor Susan and her entourage will join the train at Emu Plains Railway Station – where the Lower Blue Mountains Club is planning another END POLIO NOW barbecue to sell sausage sandwiches to commuters from 7 am.
The club will have promotional material and banners on display, and distribute membership flyers to train travellers.
All District Rotary Clubs are urged to make a ‘fun’ day of this excellent promotional initiative. Contact Mark Anderson on 0408 622 698 or email mark.anderson@rotary.org if you require further information on times and donations.
FURTHER $96.5 MILLION ‘END POLIO NOW’
FUNDING FROM ROTARY INTERNATIONAL
The big Rotary International news last week was announcement of a further US$96.8 million in grants to support the END POLIO NOW campaign.
The announcement came as Nigeria marks two years without further reported cases of wild poliovirus – following four reported in 2016.
The new grants support ongoing efforts in Nigeria ($16.1m), Afghanistan ($22.9m) and Pakistan ($21.7m) and underline the vital importance of continuing intensive fund raising efforts around the world to ensure surveillance and vaccination continues in vulnerable countries.
Rotary is committed to raising US$50m per year to maintain the Gates Foundation support.
Remember, our fund raising goals this Rotary year remain similar to last year –
US$1,500 per Club – to raise a world goal of US$50m.
20% or more from District Designated Funds (DDF) – goal of US$10m.
Ongoing quest to attract major donors in all Districts – goal of US$4m.
Please study the following excellent summary from RI’s Rob Byrne if you are keen to take advantage of a simple ‘fund raiser’ for your Rotary Foundation commitment this year …
Several clubs throughout our District stage regular charity movie nights and all are very successful.
Apart from the obvious fund raising benefit, such nights involve members of the public and provide the perfect public relations exercise for contact with potential new members.
So, please take time to study Rob Byrne’s excellent guidelines, then make arrangements for a meeting with your local movie cinema manager.
We recommend clubs in one suburb/city combine forces for the evening and make this a combined event.
Be sure to take Rob’s notes with you to the cinema meeting and share with the manager. Such action makes it very clear that Rotary has the full support of Fox Studios with this annual promotion.
I also suggest you print your own copies of the poster to share with Rotary club members – or circulate on line via your club bulletin once the event is arranged.
You will need to negotiate your special price with the cinema manager but please remember this is voluntary community service on his/her part and they are under no obligation. We need to build relationships with cinema people in the best possible way.
Some clubs serve finger food and beverages to add to the social occasion but such arrangements need to be made with the cinema manager.
Lower Blue Mountains Rotary has a great success story with charity movie nights and if anyone was further discussion, don’t hesitate to contact me directly.
With thanks and best wishes,
Bob
PDG Bob Aitken AM JP
District 9685 Public Relations Co-Chair
From Rob Byrne:
As you would know, this year’s Polio Movie Event is looking like the biggest and best ever. Bohemian Rhapsody, the story of Queen and Freddie Mercury, is something that we can all relate to, no matter what our age. Check out the trailer at www.bit.ly/BohRhapTrailer -- it will rock you!
To help your clubs to promote the event, I’ve created an A4 promotional flyer. I did it in PowerPoint so that clubs would easily be able to personalise it. Once they’ve done this, they can:
get flyers printed:
by printing it themselves (for small volumes)* or
saving it as a PDF and sending it to a printer (a good printer can shrink it to A5 if that’s preferred)
save the file as a .jpg image and use it in their:
club bulletin
Facebook page
website
email campaigns
etc.
But first, they will need to:
decide whether to partner with other local Rotary clubs
discuss the event with their local cinema, explaining that:
it is a fundraiser for Rotary’s #1 cause, EPN, and the cinema’s assistance would be greatly appreciated (please note that clubs need to avoid aggressive negotiations – this has occurred in some areas in the past and has damaged our relationship with Fox)
the offer from Fox is available for the seven days commencing Thursday 1st November (which is also the date of the worldwide release)
the cinema needs to contact James Warhurst, Sales Coordinator at Fox Studios (james.warhurst@fox.com) to discuss terms (this is not done by Rotary)
the cinema is likely to regard the Rotary event as great word-of-mouth promotion for the movie.
the club may want to consider making it more than just a movie event, by including other activities, such as dinner or canapés, raffles, prizes for best-dressed (Freddie-style?!), etc.
Please let clubs know that, to maintain consistency, the event is only to be used to fundraise for End Polio Now.
I’ve also attached a PowerPoint that you may wish to use to create an ad for your district bulletin, Facebook, etc. Feel free to edit.
If you have any questions, please let me know.
* Unfortunately, PowerPoint leaves a large margin around the printed area of a slide. If the club would like to reduce the size of this white border, they just need to increase the flyer’s printed size. In PowerPoint, select Print > Printer Options > Effects tab > Percentage of Actual Size and use about 110% (varies by printer).
Bank details BSB 032005 Acc No 810633 Name The Salvation Army Red Shield appeal
Send an email to donations@aue.salvationarmy.org detailing payments (date and amount)and receipting details (Nam as well as a note specifying the donation to Rural Support and address)
RURAL AID
Acc Name RiuralAid limited
St George Bank BSB 114 879
Acc No 439 938 530
Ref ( your name) then email us at deposits@buyabale.com.au with your reference number, name and donation amount a we will email your receipt
BUSH CHILDRENS EDUCATION FOUNDATION
BSB 062195
Acc no 10104674 then please email info@bcef.org.au with details of deposit amount to get a receipt
RAWCS
Log on to rawcs.org.au/project-search find project listed as Drought Relief NSW project number 2-2018-19
The Rotarians and Clubs in our district have responded magnificently to the drought relief appeal. It does not matter where you send your money. There are many and varied organisations that are working hard to provide relief to the rural communities.
I would like to highlight that it is all of the rural community that needs our support. The farmers and their families are of course a high priority but the business’s in the rural communities also need the support. I would like to encourage everyone to send the support in forms that support everyone.
The notion of taking trailer loads of “goods” to the bush is wonderful but it is not going to help the supermarket/general store in the small towns or the chemist or the local feed and grain merchant. These business’s also need people shopping with them if they are to survive.
Many clubs are now organising visits to small country towns within an easy drive from their areas, spending the night in the pub or caravan park, buying meals and afternoon teas in the clubs, pubs and cafes. Buying groceries and essential items in the local stores and putting them in the collection bins in the towns.
This way everyone is being supported.
Please continue to update Barry Edmundson with your efforts so I can keep my Governor colleagues advised to how we in District 9685 are assisting.
Thank you for what you are doing every little bit helps.
This year, on 24 October, Rotary will again mark World Polio Day. I am writing to ask all of you to join me on that day in raising global awareness of the urgent need to End Polio Now.
I have been a Rotarian since long before Rotary committed to eradicate polio. When I was inducted as a member in April of 1980, the idea of taking on polio eradication as a corporate project had not yet been seriously raised; polio still ravaged the lives of some 350,000 people, nearly all of them children, every year.
Today, the world is a very different place. Thanks to the vision of Rotary’s leaders then, and the commitment of the generations of Rotarians who have followed, we now have fewer cases of polio than at any time in history. As I write this message, only 14 children have been paralyzed by the wild poliovirus in all of 2018. Only three countries are still polio-endemic; wild virus still circulates in only one remaining reservoir, on the border of Afghanistan and Pakistan.
The success of this work has come as the result of decades of concerted and sustained effort by Rotary and all of our partners in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. Rotary’s involvement has been wide-ranging: we have raised over 1.9 billion dollars to date, and have contributed countless volunteer and staff hours to the practical work of eradication, including immunization, fundraising, and advocacy. Our success has been tremendous, and we are confident that our work will soon be complete.
Yet significant challenges remain, and the need for continued funding is acute. Until eradication is certified—at least three years from the time the last poliovirus is found anywhere in the world—every single child must be immunized, at a continuing cost of hundreds of millions of dollars per year. If any of that work is slowed or stopped, if any of our momentum is lost, we risk losing everything we have worked for, for so many years.
This is why I am asking every Rotary club to find its own way, on 24 October, to raise awareness of Rotary’s work to eradicate polio. At EndPolio.org, you can find some great resources to help plan an event, where you can also promote your event, find nearby events, and join our World Polio Day livestream from the College of Physicians in Philadelphia at 18:30 United States Eastern Time.
I look forward to coming together with all of you on World Polio Day—when we can all Be the Inspiration to End Polio Now.
Yours in Rotary, Barry Rassin Rotary International President, 2018-19
Please click HERE to view - download the ‘Rotary On The Move’ Newsletter for September 2018. Please feel free to share and send us your great membership stories.
It is time to provide you all with an update where the community is at following the 18 March fires that impacted Tathra.
Most of the Rotary Clubs contributed to the Mayoral Appeal and this fund has now accumulated over $1.5m.
The seven persons Committee set up to distribute these funds to individuals included 4 community members, one of which is Bega Rotary Past President Richard Galton.
Stage 1 - Initial distributions of a “flat rate” of $300,000 have been made to people where their house was destroyed either as primary residence owned or renting.
Stage 2 – Payments totalling approximately $609,000 has been made to 105 people with damage to their property.
Stage 3 - The criteria for the third distribution is currently being confirmed.
As previously advised, funds that were donated to Bega Rotary are being held and will be used as we identify specific cases that other funds do not cover. As previously indicated we have a long-term focus in this regard. The local Lions Clubs are taking a similar approach.
A summary of the current status
All blocks have now been cleared of fire debris.
Council has moved the “one stop” office to Tathra. This is to assist people work through the planning and development process for any rebuild. There is also dedicated people to address the emotional and social needs.
Replacement of retaining walls and repairs to damaged property is well advanced.
The first houses to be rebuilt are in progress – one already has frame & roof complete and the other the frame is being erected. Several others have materials on site and are ready to start.
I am aware 4 to 5 properties have been sold after the fires. The prices paid have been higher than if sold before the fire.
As expected, the social welfare issues have emerged with some families or individuals struggling with the situation on “rollercoaster” periods as predicted.
Two Rotary ladies have organised two “Ladies lunches” for the locals to get together as part of moving forward. Over 50 ladies attended each lunch.
Rotary has sponsored the publishing of a book by students at Tathra Primary School telling of their experience of being affected by the fires. These funds were from proceeds of our Winter Book Fair.
Rotary members have assisted in landscaping for an elderly couple that had fire damage. This will move into plantings in burnt gardens as we get into spring. Tathra Lions have been very active in this area.
All Rotary and Rotaract Clubs across Australia are encouraged to enter teams in the 2018 Waterline Challenge® which will be held 12-18 November. ‘Rotary Working Together’ will raise significant funds for ROMAC to help many more children from the Oceania island nations receive life-saving or dignity restoring surgery. See www.romac.org.au
Waterline Challenge® is a national event. Teams of up to 10 people can walk, run, cycle, paddle, row, swim, skate, horse ride, windsurf, along our waterways; coast, estuaries, rivers, lakes, islands. Be as creative as you can! You choose how you do it, how far you go, when you do it, and the money you raise goes to ROMAC. Each person is asked to raise a minimum of $200, so a team of 10 to asked to raise a minimum of $2,000 between them.
Clubs are asked to nominate a Waterline Challenge® Champion to put their team together and also promote the event to other community groups in their area to put teams together to raise funds for any of the 14 Waterline Charities. For further information or to register your Rotary or Rotaract Club go to www.waterlinechallenge.org
Julian Day, President RC Drummoyne and Founder of Waterline Challenge® will be attending the President’s Meeting on Saturday 29th September. He can be contacted on 0413 309 056.
Rotary Matters goes to air on community station Triple H 100.1 FM, on Fridays at 3 pm. The idea is to attract interest and engagement from non Rotarians. Each program features an interview about a prominent Rotary topic eg Shelterbox, National Youth Science Forum, Pride of Workmanship Awards, MUNA, ROMAC, Interplast etc.
The program finishes with a What’s On giving details of Rotary activities in 9685 open to non Rotarians. Clubs in 9685 are invited to propose topics, causes, activities and people who would make an interesting radio interview and to send details of their club activities to be mentioned on air. Triple H covers Hornsby and Kuring gai shires but the signal can be picked up much further afield. Contact Ian Stuart, presenter Rotary Matters, ian.stuart@optusnet.com.au
Mental illness is very common. One in five (20%) Australians aged 16-85 experience a mental illness in any year. The most common mental illnesses are depressive, anxiety and substance use disorder. These three types of mental illnesses often occur in combination. Australian Rotary Health is one of the largest independent funders of mental health research within Australia.
Australian Rotary Health have a number of different events that will engage with your members and potential members.
Save these Dates and register:
Thursday,11th October, 2018 – Golf for Research – Camden Lakeside Golf Club, 50 Raby Road, Catherine Field.
This will be an Ambrose Event (team of 4) with players sharing carts. The Full Package includes Breakfast and Buffet Lunch. 7am - Registration starts and 8am - Shot Gun Start Presentation and Lunch at 1.30pm.
Thursday, 25th October, 2018 – A Night with Researchers’ Dinner – Dooleys, Lidcombe Catholic Club, 17 Church Street, Lidcombe
This night will be an opportunity for Rotarians and the community to hear from some of our researchers in a relaxed atmosphere.
Researchers that will be with us on the night will include:
Professor Jane Pirkis - Jane has undertaken a number of policy-relevant studies of suicide and suicide prevention in Australia. She has a particular research interest in suicide and the media.
Professor Vera Morgan – Vera is a psychiatric epidemiologist with a special interest in studying schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders using record-linkage and survey methods.
Professor Allison Waters -Allison focuses her research on the cognitive-neuroscience of emotional disorders in children and aims to translate findings from laboratory and basic science research into clinical practice.
Book now to avoid disappointment ….. $60 per person
Saturday, 27th October, 2018 – Epiphanies, A Musical Theatre Gala Concert – York Theatre, Seymour Centre.
2 Sessions: 2pm and 7.30pm
Epiphanies will present some of the greatest pieces of music from the great shows of the 20th and 21st Centuries, backed by a stunning 18 piece orchestra. Rob McDougall (Les Miserables), Kerrie Anne Greenland (Helpmann Awarded Eponine, Les Miserables; Violet, Sideshow) and Daniel Belle (The Ten Tenors; Cover Valjean, Les Miserables) perform a dazzling array of pieces from the most beloved musicals, including Phantom of the Opera, Carousel, Wicked, The Secret Garden, Sweeney Todd, Sunset Boulevard and The Sound Of Music.
**FABULOUS PRIZE** The participant* (*must raise minimum $1000 to be eligible) who raises the most money for this year’s Cross Country Challenge will win 2 night’s accommodation at a luxurious penthouse in Hamilton Island** plus two return flights departing from Sydney. The total prize is valued at more than $4,000!
Thanks to all those Rotarians from Districts 9685 and 9675 who assisted with the Bucket Collection at the NRL - Rabbitohs vs Roosters game on Friday 10 August. The volunteers collected over $10,000 for the Drought Relief Appeal. If you would like to make a contribution head to http://rawcs.org.au/
As at 4.30pm on Wednesday 15 August, the Drought Relief Appeal has raised a staggering $4,176,209.
Breakout sessions as part of the convention program can inspire attendees, helping them polish their leadership skills and giving them new ideas for projects, fundraising, strengthening membership, and much more.
We know your Rotary network has many great initiatives, projects, and information to share with the Rotary world. As such, we’d like to officially invite you to submit your breakout session proposal for the 2019 Hamburg Convention!
Submitting your online proposal is easy! To complete your form, you’ll need to tell us:
Your session title, brief description, and a few learning objectives
Your intended audience and ideal format
Any equipment needs and schedule preferences
Help us build a breakout program that celebrates Rotary’s diversity! We are seeking sessions in English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese or Spanish.
All proposals must be submitted online by 23:59 Chicago time (UTC-5) on Sunday, 30 September 2018.
With the annual Graffiti Removal Day in NSW approaching on Sunday, October 21, several local government areas have fallen short with the provision of volunteers.
Graffiti Removal Day Volunteer Manager PDG Barry Antees urgently needs supervisors and volunteers for the following areas –
In Australia, farmers are the lifeblood of our country and they are in crisis. Record breaking heat and lack of rain means farmers are struggling to feed sheep and cattle, and keep crops alive. Families on the land are suffering and they need our help. Channel 9 and Rotary Australia have partnered with the National Farmers’ Federation, launching an appeal to big business and everyday Australians, so we can provide some emergency relief. 100% of donations go to the farmers and are tax deductible via Rotary and RAWCS. Every dollar counts.
The link for the donation page for the project is:
District 9685 calls on all clubs and Rotarians to get behind the urgently needed district support program for stricken farming communities.
Details below on how to support the program-
SHORT TERM APPROACH
Donations to the Australia wide RAWCS Account as seen on The Today Show on Channel Nine on Thursday 2/8/18.RAWCS Account 17-2018-19.
Clubs encouraged to make donations (generous giving please) via District 9650 RAWCS account which offers tax deduction and will be matched $ for $ up to $15,000.00. District 9650 is very, very drought affected.
Donate via RURAL AID, which operates the Buy a Bale Program.
There are two ways to support this program with Rural Aid, either by direct donations which can be directed to Feed, Groceries, Medical Assistance, Goods and Services (the donor can specify and area of support); and/or Buy a Bale, clubs can request money boxes to be placed in shops and at Rotary Functions. This approach will need a club ‘champion” to collect and replace the money boxes. Contact for these options Contact@ruralaid.org.au or www.buyabale.com.au
Clubs can also donate to Sydney Rotary clubs Hay Appeal. The club sends convoys of semi-trailers with feed to the bush. The cost of a semitrailer is approximately $14,000.
LONG TERM APPROACH
Clubs that have relationships with country communities are encouraged to continue to support via the short-term goals. The long-term plan is to provide moral and physical support to these communities.
Possible club visits to hard hit rural areas to implement working “bees” for support around the farm and home.
It is important to remember that it is not only the Farmers doing it tough but the small businesses and schools as well.
District 9685 has appointed Rotarian Barry Edmundson as our Coordinator. Barry is the “go to” person for information on where and when support is to be provided. Clubs are STRONGLY encouraged to advise Barry of their plans and actions.
We are working with other districts around the country as we strive to cover all critical situations as soon as possible.
Any and all support will be gratefully received at this time.
Other agencies providing support are CWA, Salvation Army Bush Schools education and the major Church organisations.
Goods either new or second hand are not a good idea, as we need to provide cash to support the small business in stricken area.
Our Central Coast Rotary Clubs have been meeting to form a coordinated approach with the 5 clubs in the cluster.
The Rotary Club of The Hills-Kellyville in partnership with Lions Club of Dehiwela North, Sri Lanka has conducted two successful Eye Camps. At the first Eye Camp approximately 280 needy recipients were tested and provided with the eye glass. The recent camp on 14 July was conducted at Al- Musthapa College, Waduwegama, Biyagama. A team of optometrists screened well over 250 patients & 219 of them received spectacles, which were collected by. The recipients, mostly from low income group from this sub-urban area were overjoyed. We also had Eye Specialist to provide further assistance to the patients who identified as high risk.
Rotarians from our district and Districts which make up the RAWCS Eastern Region collected well over 1,000 eye glasses from their local optometrists. These were sent to Sri Lanka to be distributed among the Deedy. The eye glasses were tested and graded by professionals, and unusable ones discarded in environmentally safe method. Eye camps were then published among the local community where a need was identified.
In response to requests made, The Hills-Kellyville Club are planning to conduct two more Eye Camp projects are planned in Ramboda in the Central province and the other in the North Central province.
More information on The Hills-Kellyville's International Projects visit their Facebook page or contact their International and Foundation Director – Pathmanthan Rama.
Please click HERE to view - download the ‘Rotary On The Move’ Newsletter for August 2018. Please feel free to share and send us your great membership stories.
District 9685 has responded to the drought crisis in the rural areas of our state by appointing Rotarian Barry EDMUNDSON of the Rotary Club of Wahroonga to be the District Coordinator for Drought Relief.
Barry has been and will continue to be in touch with the Districts most affected by the drought in NSW. Barry will be able to advise clubs that don’t have rural contacts just where their relief can be sent.
There are many ways we can support the rural communities and Barry will also have that information. We must remember that along with the farmers and their families, the businesses and schools in the drought affected regions also need support and relief.
I have been in contact with the District Governors in country NSW and 2 have responded with information and suggestions on how we can help.
It is important to remember that often times money is the best sort of assistance that we can send. The money can be converted into grocery cards administered by agencies such as The Salvation Army or local Councils.
The Rotary Club of Sydney is coordinating the sending of semitrailer loads of stock feed to areas of need.
Rotary District 9650 has set up a RAWCS project. That project will be matched dollar for dollar up to $15,000.00.
The project is listed on the RAWCS website as “Drought Relief NSW” project number 2-2018-19.
Happy New Year! Best wishes as we head into the second half of the Rotary year. As I work full time, the best (and preferred) way to contact me is email (communications@rotarydistrict9685.org.au).
Our plan is to send out 2 eNews editions each month:
* DG's eNews - 1st Thursday of the month
* eNews - 3rd Thursday of the month
Please look out for them in your inbox, please take the time to read and contribute to them!
It would be appreciated if the following email addresses could be used by you, your team and clubs:
When were you last inspired by a woman and what was so extraordinary about their inspiration?
How were you able to learn from their inspiration?
These and many more answers will be revealed when the NSW and ACT Rotary Districts and their clubs announce winners of the Inspirational Women's Awards 2018
Sunday, 26 August 2018 at 11.30 am for 12 noon The Epping Club, Rawson Street, Epping 2 course lunch with cash bar
Amazing guest speakers who will share their journey as you discover more about our 2018 inspirational winners.
The guest speakers include:
Louise Azzopardi – Diesel (Heavy Vehicle) Mechanic, SALT Apprenticeship Ambassador and successful WorldSkills competitor will share - What Has My Career in Heavy Machinery Maintenance Led To?
Detective Superintendent Deborah Wallace, NSW Police about - Inspirational Challenges and Making a Difference.
These awards recognise service to the community across all sectors. Directed at the non-Rotary community, it is about commitment, dedication, perseverance and proactivity in improving the lives of others across NSW and the ACT.
Often women, especially in country and regional NSW and ACT are the "quiet achievers" whose actions inspire others and make a difference in their communities.
The Awards cover 2 key categories inclusive of Rural, City Urban and Volunteer for each category:
Young Inspirational Woman of the Year for the 18-30 years
Inspirational Woman of the Year for the 30+ years
Finalists are selected from each category, resulting in 2 overall winners:
Young Inspirational Woman of the Year
Inspirational Woman of the Year
An exemplary number of applications ensured the panel of independent judges from Rotary Districts were challenged as they assessed the three key criteria:
Community service which best exemplifies Rotary’s motto of Service Above Self
Achievements
Personal attributes
* Your ticket purchase and proceeds from this event will support an Australian Rotary Health Scholarship for a young female GP by assisting with expenses during her 12 month placement in a Rural GP practice. ** Opting to incur the administration costs related to the issue of this ticket/s results in Rotary Health receiving those proceeds.
I am delighted to be serving in the District Communications Director role in 2018/19. As I work full time, the best (and preferred) way to contact me is email (communications@rotarydistrict9685.org.au).
Our plan is to send out 2 eNews editions each month:
* DG's eNews - 1st Thursday of the month
* eNews - 3rd Thursday of the month
Please look out for them in your inbox, please take the time to read and contribute to them!
It would be appreciated if the following email addresses could be used by you, your team and clubs:
Tickets are now on sale for Invictus Games Sydney 2018
From 10am 12 July, to coincide with 100 days to go to the Games, tickets went on sale for the Closing Ceremony, archery, powerlifting and wheelchair tennis.
There are also still some tickets available for our first release of sports including athletics, indoor rowing, sitting volleyball, swimming, wheelchair basketball and wheelchair rugby. Further sessions will be released in the coming weeks.
Spectators will enjoy free entry for the Jaguar Land Rover Driving Challenge, road cycling and sailing events.
Our Invictus Games Sydney 2018 Ticketing Guide has all the details you need.
A reminder about some important dates that we first shared with you in July 2018. If you haven't already, please add them to your Club Calendar NOW. Please don't schedule Club Projects or Events on any of these dates, as they are all important District Events (Conference & Changeover) or Training for 2019/20 Club Leaders.
IMPORTANT 2018-19 DATES TO ADD TO YOUR CALENDARS
16 March 2019 - President-Elect Training Seminar (PETS) - COMPULSORY Training for 2019/20 Presidents
Here are some important dates to add to your Club Calendar NOW. Please don't schedule Club Projects or Events on any of these dates, as they are all important District Events (Conference & Changeover) or Training for 2019/20 Club Leaders.
IMPORTANT 2018-19 DATES TO ADD TO YOUR CALENDARS
16 March 2019 - President-Elect Training Seminar (PETS) - COMPULSORY Training for 2019/20 Presidents
The North Ryde Fun Run for Youth Mental Health is a community event organised by the Rotary Club of North Ryde, with venue partner Macquarie University and local community groups.
The 2018 Fun Run will be held on Sunday 26th August from 9am to 12pm at the Macquarie University Sport Fields, corner of Culloden and Talavera Roads, Macquarie Park.
The proceeds raised go towards funding research into youth mental health through the Australian Rotary Health organisation and to treatment programs through the Centre for Emotional Health.
The Rotary Club of North Ryde in partnership with the Centre for Emotional Health is pleased to present two free information evenings ideal for parents and teachers. The seminars will be held at the Hearing Hub, Level 2 Lecture Theatre at Macquarie University.
Join us on Tuesday 24 July from 6:00 pm to 7p.m. to hear about Eating and Body Image Disorders in Adolescence :
• Beyond the stereotype: who develops an eating disorder and what does it look like
• Research findings from the EveryBody study: a world-first research endeavour investigating Australian teenage body image
• The role of social media in young peoples’ eating and body image concerns
• How parents and mental health professionals can help
Please click HERE to view - download the ‘Rotary On The Move’ Newsletter for July 2018. Please feel free to share and send us your great membership stories.
The Rotary Clubs of Mosman and The Entrance, and the Interact Club at the Tumbi Umbi Campus of the Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College recently cooperated in the very successful running of a “Wheelathon” to support the provision of wheelchairs for disabled children in developing countries. The “Wheelchairs for Kids” (WFK) program has two key objectives:
1. Providing wheelchairs to children enabling them to have mobility for the first time in their lives, facilitating their involvement with family activities, and aiding their integration into their local communities. The wheelchairs are provided free of charge through various organisations, including overseas Rotary Clubs, World Vision etc. who arrange shipment and fitting to the individual children. The wheelchairs are a life changer for both the children and their families.
2. Encouraging the school's students to think more generally about the importance of enabling access and inclusion for children who have less abilities than others and providing them with a meaningful opportunity to make a difference.
As part of the "Wheelathon", students are sponsored by family and friends to both "wheel" and "be wheeled" in wheelchairs around obstacle courses or sports grounds. The event at Tumbi Umbi ran for around half a day with great participation and enthusiasm from the students and more than $5000 was raised from sponsorship with additional funds coming from a sausage sizzle and other catering activities.
Manufacturing to support the WFK program is supervised by Rotary and carried out by volunteers in Perth. With the all up manufacturing cost being $200 per unit, the efforts of the team at Tumbi Umbi will mean more than 25 children and families will benefit from the provision of a wheelchair.
Mosman Rotary has 15 WFK wheelchairs for use in Wheelathons and can provide information for preparation of proposals for consideration by schools; help with the promotion of events by providing access to videos, presentations, photos and other materials; and together with Rotary Clubs near schools provide logistical support and related fund-raising activities on the day such as sausage sizzles.
To date more than 40,000 wheelchairs have been manufactured and supplied to international charities for their distribution around the world but as always, demand exceeds supply. If your Rotary club is interested in joining with a local school in running a Wheelathon please contact Richard Vahtrick from Mosman Rotary at rvahtrick@gmail.com.
At the May Presidents Meeting, the following awards were presented - Congratulations to those clubs recognized and all clubs in the District for their efforts and service.
MUNA 2018 was a huge success. It had a record number of 44 teams register, from 29 private and public schools and a record number of 27 sponsoring Rotary Clubs who sponsored 38 teams. The 126 students who participated were outstanding and one of the MUNA theme's of the weekend of " Building Future Leaders " was emphatically displayed. Their behaviour, attitude, debating skills and spontaneous gratitude and thanks were outstanding and quite moving.
The Parade of Nations on Sunday morning was a highlight with the Best Dressed Award going to Mackellar Girls representing Venezuela.
Third overall was Shore, second was Ascham and the winning team was PLC Pymble. PLC will proceed to Canberra in August to contest National MUNA.
Our distinguished Secretary General was David Ellyard with the two adjudicators being Rob Mitchell and Monica Saville.
Epping Boys High School deserve huge praise. They provided an outstanding venue free of charge and through their hospitality centre catered for over 150 students, staff and volunteers for the 2 days.. Special thanks to
Nadine Koff who was magnificent with the catering.
EBHS represented Canada and Kenya, and I was fortunate enough to be invited to a school assembly to present awards to the 6 students who represented their school so well and so proudly.Thanks to teacher, Michael De La Penna, who attended the whole weekend. He was a great help and also arranged students from EBHS to be volunteers.We had over 40 volunteers for the weekend from Balgowlah Rotary, St. Ives Rotary, Glen Haven Rotary and especially Epping Rotary Club where over 25 members and family helped. Volunteers were also from EBHS and Macquarie Rotaract.
Rotary District Photographer, Bill Forsyth, was there both days including 6 hours on the Saturday. A lasting image of the weekend will be of Bill climbing up a ladder on the roof to get shots of all 126 students following the Parade of Nations. The photos are available on the MUNA Website.
We were fortunate to have our Federal MP, John Alexander, and State MP, Damien Tudehope, open the event on Saturday morning. Damien was gracious enough to return on Sunday and be one of the judges for The Best Dressed Award, as were Damien Azzapardi and Carla Rank from Rotaract. This clearly illustrated the second theme of the weekend which was " Building Partnerships".
I'd like to thank the MUNA Committee who worked tirelessly for over 6 months to make MUNA 2018 the great success that it was. Gavin Ralston, Nick Pride, Phil Wishart, Janet Stacey, Peter Garrard, Alan Cunningham and Deretta Andrews were outstanding. However special mention must be made of Toula Serna who was amazing. Without Toula, this event would not have been the success that it was. Thanks Toula.
It's been a privilege to have worked with such great supporters of Youth and to witness the talents and quality of our future leaders.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Julie Bishop, has announced the Government will provide $ 50 million in friendship grants to boost Pacific ties. Grants between $ 30,000 and $ 60,000 will be awarded to Australian groups to help educational and developmental projects in the region. It is stated the grants are designed to strengthen connection between Australian groups such as Rotary and developing nations with small communities overseas.
DFAT are in the process of finalising the application documentation. I encourage you to register your interest at www.dfat.gov.au/FriendshipGrantsto be the first to hear when the grant round opens.
Please click HERE to view - download the ‘Rotary On The Move’ Newsletter for June 2018. Please feel free to share and send us your great membership stories.
Please note that our Rotary Foundation Grants Committee is will seeking applications for District Grants to support your club’s local and overseas projects. We do have increased funding available for District Grants this coming year so can offer the support to more clubs. It is a great way to double the effectiveness of your club’s contribution to a project.
Details are in your club Foundation Chair Manual, but can be briefly summarised as follows:
Up to $3000 for local projects and $6000 for international projects.
Must be matched by the club
Must be completed with in the Rotary Year
Project must be a new one and not already be started
Preference will be given to clubs who plan full club member involvement
Th Rotary club is responsible for simple recording of payments and the grant funds and will be required to give a summary when the project is complete.
Club must be qualified to take part with the Rotary Foundation
We look forward to Boards and Avenue of Service chairs discussing their project plans prior to the new Rotary year starting and making applications for Foundation assistance through District grants. Applications should be in before the end of June 2018.
The Rotary Leadership Institute course is now run over two days, powerpacked with information, learning and skills you can use in your Rotary life straight away.
Networking with other Rotarians and led by experienced facilitators, you are sure to enjoy what others are describing as the best Rotary training they have had. Register online now at rli.rotarydistrict9685.org.au and supercharge your Rotary.
There is 1 course available for registration:
RLI 48 - Saturday 4 and 25 August 2018
Please share this with your club members, particularly new Rotarians and new 2018/19 Board members.
The Rotary Club of Epping is hosting Northern MUNA at EBHS on May 19 and 20 starting at 9.00am. There are 44 teams from 29 schools registered. It will be opened by our Federal MP, John Alexander, and our State MP, Damien Tudehope.
Rotarians and friends from other Clubs are most welcome.
Congratulations to PDG Tony Castley on his election to the board of Rotary Down Under (RDU) representing the 9670, 9675, 9685, 9700, 9710 Districts. Tony brings a wealth of experience in media, marketing, and business.
Tony was 9680 District Governor in 2008-09, is a member of the Rotary E-club of Greater Sydney, was a past and very successful District Foundation Chairman, is Chairman of Sew Group international, is publisher of the “Humanity and Motion” books and so much more.
Together with his wife Sandra, Tony has for many years helped people in poverty throughout Asia via the Sewaid International programme.
Tony has previously worked closely with RDU and we look forward to Tony’s contribution the RDU board.
Gosford North Rotary Club has visited Madagascar eight times over the past few years delivering essential aid. They have been involved in a RAWCS approved program that distributes medical equipment, wheelchairs, SewAid, solar lights, blankets as well as setting up many programs including orphanage building, Skyjuice water project, carpentry skills building, school desk building, educational supplies.
On 6th June 2018, we are off again! This time we are taking in 1,112 RAWCS approved solar lights & undertaking a major water project. The people of Madagascar are experiencing the worst drought in many decades. We have raised some $20,000 to purchase materials to fund a two kilometre gravity fed water pipeline from a natural spring in the mountains down into a 'parched' village of 2,200 people.
Can you please help us? We are just $3,500 short of funds necessary to upgrade 12 existing, but damaged water points. We will be able to complete the work with this assistance.
On our return we would be pleased to visit your club with stories & testimonials.
We are so thrilled to be joined on this trip by Mr Howard Sullivan, Hydrogeologist, from Crows Nest Club. Please contact Madagascar project organiser Peter Pearce if you can assist the wonderful yet disadvantaged people of Madagascar. PS If you would love to join us on this trip, applications are open, leaving on 6th June.
The central district of District 9780 has been severley affected by 4 fires.
4 Fires are known as Hawesdale/Gazette, Garvoc, Terang/Cobden & Camperdown.
3 Peat fires still remain adjacent to Cobden. They are controlled with water being piped to the area, with the other firefighting assets have now been removed.
There have been the loss of up to 26 homes, 40,000 hectares of feed, equipment shedding, dairies, 4000km of fencing and wind shelter.
THE ASSISTANCE
Local assistance has been magnificent. Financial response has been fantastic with support ranging from Western Australia to NSW and everwhere in between. Material support has been from 41 truck loads of feed from Warracknabeal to Western Emergency Relief Network from D 9800.
THE CHALLENGES IMMEDIATE
Blaze Aid has set up camps at Cobden, Terang and MacArthur with volunteer efforts, materials of post and wire being purchased locally.
Internal boundary fences with burnt trees are not attracting funding support, but must be removed before the fencing recontruction can take place. This is an enormous cost and investigations are taking place with governments.
Feed management and reestablishment of pastures is a urgency.
THE CHALLENGES MID / LONGER TERM
Housing needs to be replaced, as well as shedding and equipment
Farm viability and farmer/family health are perceived a substantial pending challenges.
A Community Group has former to assist with donor distributions. The South West Victoria Fire Community Relief Fund Committee, has broad Local Government, Health, Industry and Community Bank. We have joined this committee to assist with the process of identifying needs. We will pool $60,000 of Rotary’s donations into the consolidate community fund. Bendigo Bank network have contributed approx $75000 to this account.
Thankyou to the many individuals and clubs, both locally and out of District 9780 for your generous support.
We have an account assigned for receipt of donations.
Account: Rotary International District 9780 – bushfire appeal
I am honoured to advise you ShelterBox has been nominated for the 2018 Nobel Peace Prize, the winner to be announced in October. Whatever the result, this is an amazing nomination and we are truly honoured. The nomination reflects the incredible work done by the ShelterBox staff and volunteers around the world, and to those who have supported us, especially the many Rotary Clubs and Rotarians.
The nomination is also an implicit recognition of the partnership between ShelterBox and Rotary International. Two great organisations combining their efforts to provide disaster aid wherever it may be required across our world. I am reminded that last year we helped 32,000 households, or 160,000 people, who had lost everything through conflict or natural disaster. We responded to world events 24 times in the year and deployed aid to 20 different countries. Rotary groups around the world helped us provide vulnerable people with emergency shelter and aid in almost all of the countries we have worked in affected by natural disaster. In 2017, we also surpassed the highest number of days ever deployed in one year. This includes 84 ShelterBox Response Team volunteers who deployed for a total of 1,530 days. That’s an average volunteer deployment of 18 days each.
I never underestimate the impact of the support of Rotary International, Rotary Clubs and individual Rotarian has to ShelterBox in achieving our goal of no family without shelter.
As we continue to pursue our goal, we thank each and every one of you for the support given, and make an impassioned plea for that support to continue into the future. As individual organisations we can make a difference in the world; as a partnership we can do even more.
Last year the Awards were a remarkable success and the women who were nominated were truly an inspiration.
This year the Awards Ceremony will be a lunch at The Epping Club – details to be provided later.
The Inspirational Women’s Awards (RIWA) have been established to recognise women and young women who best exemplify Rotary’s motto of Service Above Self (i.e. the community service the individual performs above and beyond their normal role.
The Awards are an initiative of the Rotary Districts and Clubs of NSW.
The Committee hope these Awards will be a Statewide event and are hoping for your support of the Awards. There are three categories:
Please click HERE to view - download the ‘Rotary On The Move’ Newsletter for May 2018. Please feel free to share and send us your great membership stories.
ROMAC (Rotary Oceania Medical Aid for Children) fulfils an exciting and very satisfying role within Rotary. It offers a unique chance to seriously help those who are disadvantaged. The reward received after being part of a team that repairs a child’s broken life and sees them return home fit and well, is unbelievable. The contact, humility and gratification are astonishing. It is perhaps why many of us joined and remain in Rotary
WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE PART OF THE TEAM?
Right now ROMAC is in the process of fulfilling its orderly succession plan.
The regular introduction of new people and fresh ideas ensures ROMAC continues its wonderful program. A program which, one way or another, has so far saved the lives of 500 children.
ROMAC is looking for Rotarians in the mould of those who have gone before; Rotarians who are self-motivated, committed and dedicated.
Two Australia and New Zealand wide positions are available:-
A third, position that of Eastern Region Chair, is available to a Rotarian residing within ROMAC’s Eastern Region (RI Districts 9670; 9675; 9685; 9700; 9710)
All positions are for a term of four years which commence after the ROMAC AGM in Hobart on Friday 14th September 2018
YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE PART OF THE TEAM?
Then check out the links above for each position and email your application to the ROMAC Chair, Rob Wilkinson at chair@romac.org.au
With just two months of our Rotary year to run, I request everyone to step up their efforts of ‘quietly encouraging’ Rotary Clubs and Rotarians to contribute to the END POLIO NOW campaign when considering their end of year donations.
Never has the need for funding been so important … especially when we note the amazing resilience and service coming out of countries like Pakistan …
Two weeks ago, Pakistan launched a new nationwide polio vaccination drive to reach 38.7 million children and push toward final eradication of the potentially deadly virus in one of the last endemic countries in our world!
Nearly 260,000 volunteers and workers fanned out across Pakistan in a sustained effort to reach every child under five in the week long campaign.
Pakistan’s national coordinator Mohammad Safdar told the Reuters news agency that everyone was cooperating with the door-to-door effort.
“The situation in our country has improved dramatically from 306 cases in 2014, to just eight last year and only ONE so far in 2018,” he said.
Efforts to eradicate the disease have been undermined by opposition from the Taliban and other Islamist militants who say immunisation is a foreign ploy to sterilise Muslim children or a cover for Western spies.
In January, gunmen killed a mother and daughter vaccination team working in the southwestern province of Baluchistan – where this year’s lone case of Polio was reported.
So, the 2017/18 request from RI President Ian Riseley and the Polio Eradication Program was simple –
Individual Rotary Clubs are requested to donate a special grant of $1,500 in addition to normal giving to END POLIO NOW.
All Districts urged to donate 20% of unused DDF to the Polio Eradication Campaign.
Districts and Clubs are urged to continue the search for TRF Major donors – at US$10,000 each.
Districts and Clubs are requested to include special promotions within their annual programs to celebrate World Polio Day on October 24 and Rotary’s birthday on February 23 every year.
Please be sure to thank your clubs and Rotarians for everything they are doing to sustain the Polio Eradication Campaign.
PDG Bob Aitken AM JP
RI END POLIO NOW Coordinator, Zones 7B/Part 8, 2014/18.
Minister for Emergency Services Troy Grant today announced 24 NSW and 8 ACT finalists for the 2018 Rotary Clubs and Districts of NSW and ACT Emergency Services Community Awards.
Mr Grant said the expanded awards, which include the ACT for the first time, are a fantastic opportunity to shine a light upon the enormous contribution of emergency services workers such as nominee Alan Johnson from Batlow who has been a volunteer for over 52 years.
“These awards celebrate the outstanding commitment, sacrifice and spirit of service. As a community it is important that we take the time to acknowledge and thank volunteers and personnel who give so much of themselves and ask so little in return,” Mr Grant said.
“As a state we are hugely indebted to all our emergency services men and women. We should never take for granted their commitment to protecting us and it is important that we acknowledge the unsung heroes who repeatedly go above and beyond.
“This year’s finalists have more than 600 years of combined service and I thank them all for their exemplary community service.”
Finalists come from the following emergency services agencies:
Fire & Rescue NSW
ACT Fire & Rescue
NSW Ambulance
ACT Ambulance
NSW Rural Fire Service
ACT Rural Fire Service
NSW State Emergency Service
ACT State Emergency Service
Marine Rescue NSW
NSW Volunteer Rescue Association.
Mr Grant announced the creation of a $1,000 Dorothy Hennessy Emergency Services Youth scholarship for a volunteer aged up to 21 for training and educational materials or equipment.
“This scholarship celebrates our young volunteers and honours the outstanding contribution of an individual in providing support to their community,” Mr Grant said.
Commissioners from the NSW SES, NSW RFS, Marine Rescue NSW and the NSW Volunteer Rescue Association will each nominate an outstanding individual for consideration of the scholarship. A Rotary NSW panel will determine the most deserving candidate.
Winners for each service, plus two special winners for NSW and for ACT, and the young volunteer will be announced at an Awards Presentation Dinner, at the Bankstown Sports Club.
Family, friends, supporters and the general public are invited to attend the presentation dinner. Tickets can purchased at: www.RotaryESCawards.org.au.
The 2018 Rotary NSW and ACT Emergency Services Community Awards finalists:
Service / Agency
First Name
Last Name
Community / Suburb
Fire & Rescue NSW
John
McGarvey
Gosford
Fire & Rescue NSW
Justin
Sullivan
Bankstown
Fire & Rescue NSW
Russell
Turner
Ingleburn
Fire & Rescue NSW
Andrew
Verus
Kogarah
Marine Rescue NSW
Paul
Bellard
Birkenhead Point
Marine Rescue NSW
Paul
Robinson
Birkenhead Point
Marine Rescue NSW
Jacquelyn
Taffs
Wooli
Marine Rescue NSW
Richard
Wrightson
Lake Macquarie
NSW Ambulance
Susan
Baker
Ashford
NSW Ambulance
Jarrod
Browning
Hawkesbury
NSW Ambulance
Allan
Simpkins
Kempsey
NSW Ambulance
Paul
Vowels
Beresfield
NSW Rural Fire Service
Donald
Anderson
McMasters Beach
NSW Rural Fire Service
Glenn
Byrnes
East Maitland
NSW Rural Fire Service
Les
Goldie
Kearsley
NSW Rural Fire Service
Deborah
Sharp
Engadine
NSW State Emergency Service
Bill - Roy
Atchison
Grenfell
NSW State Emergency Service
Keith
Dawe
Condobolin
NSW State Emergency Service
William
Dodd
Forster Tuncurry
NSW State Emergency Service
Naomi
Leviton
Manly
NSW Volunteer Rescue Association
Geoffrey
Hawes
Mudgee
NSW Volunteer Rescue Association
Alan
Johnson
Taree
NSW Volunteer Rescue Association
Debra
Scanes ESM
Binalong
NSW Volunteer Rescue Association
John
Wraight
Byron Shire
ACT Ambulance
Michael
Bohun
Fairbairn
ACT Ambulance
Andy
Francey
Belconnen
ACT Fire and Rescue
Mark
Blake
Canberra
ACT Fire and Rescue
Robert
Thompson
Fyshwick
ACT Rural Fire Service
Anthony
Kidney
Holt
ACT Rural Fire Service
Mark
Sedgman
Stromlo
ACT State Emergency Service
Sue
Elsbury
Campbell
ACT State Emergency Service
Norm
Nelson
Pialligo
ROTARY EMERGENCY SERVICES COMMUNITY AWARDS FINALISTS
Following the initial earthquake on the 26th February, ShelterBox deployed a team to PNG. Our team was on the ground on the 15th March and spend two weeks searching for an implementing partner (a humanitarian organisation that will support us with importation, installation or distribution of our aid); our preferred mode of operating. There are very isolated villages in the disaster area we need to access and in order to do this effectively the local villagers need to have an understanding of us and how we work, and we also need to be familiar with how they operate. In this instance we could not gain this knowledge or secure a local partner to operate in this manner.
The lack of an implementing partner, and the recognised security risk in PNG, meant we were not able to operate as a single agency, and were not prepared to put our volunteer ShelterBox Response Team members at risk. Consequently, we won’t be able to operate in PNG; the team has withdrawn and returned home.
While our team has departed, we are keeping a close eye on the situation and should there be a change in circumstances in PNG we may return.
We are aware that a number of Clubs and individual Rotarians made donations specifically for the PNG disaster. Those funds can still be used to support ShelterBox operations in Syria, Somaliland, Bolivia and the Lake Chad basin. There is always more to be done … and we don’t know when the next disaster will strike. Nonetheless, if any donor wishes to have their PNG donation applied to another specific disaster, or returned to them, ShelterBox will respect those wishes. All they need do is contact ShelterBox on 1300 996 038 to make those wishes known.
I have received an update from the ShelterBox Operations Centre. The latest advice is:
Following powerful earthquakes and aftershocks that have shaken the country since 26 February, ShelterBox has sent an assessment team comprising Ops staff, two SRT volunteers from UK and US. We hope they will be joined by colleagues from Australia and New Zealand in due course. An estimated half a million people have been affected. These families are in remote mountain locations, their villages and communities have been devastated, and the emergency shelter need is high. We are working with the Papua New Guinea Disaster Management Team, the Shelter Cluster and partners on the ground to make sure we can give families the right aid to help them rebuild their lives. ShelterBox has vital aid, including tarpaulins, ropes and mosquito nets, stationed in Subang, Malaysia. On arrival in the capital Port Moresby our teams will first assess need, and the challenges of reaching the most vulnerable.
Clubs may wish to provide support in anticipation of our involvement.
ShelterBox Nepal Trek
This venture, advertised on the back cover of the March issue of RDU, provides a novel and adventurous way for Rotarians and Rotaractors to support ShelterBox while trekking through Nepal and experiencing the Annapurna region. Former Australian ShelterBox response Team member Peter Pearce will accompany the trek. Peter’s vast experience in ShelterBox operations will enable trekkers to gain an insight into how ShelterBox delivers its aid. Peter has also walked the length of the UK raising funds for charitable work in Mauritius. His presence will make this adventure even more worthwhile. You are invited to join the trek. Simply use the contact details on the attached promotion.
The Conference (formerly the Institute) will be held in Hobart on 14 – 16 September 2018 and Rotary International Director Noel Trevaskis invites all Rotarians to join us for this event. There will be a number of interesting presenters covering Rotary projects and issues of interest together with a variety of breakout sessions. What better way to keep up-to-date and enjoy mixing with Rotarians from all Australian states and the North and South Islands of New Zealand as well as visiting some of the many attractions on offer.
Further details can be found on the Conference website http://www.rotaryinstitute.org.au/ and additional information is available from the contacts listed on the site.
And there is more! Rotaractors can attend the conference at a reduced fee and participants in the Youth Exchange Program in 2018-19 or in the past 5 years can attend with no fee to pay. We know of several Rotarians who intend to holiday in Tasmania in conjunction with the Conference – why not you? Why not assist Rotaractors and Youth Exchange participants/alumni to join you?
Regards
Peter Murfett
Co-Chair
Australia and New Zealand Rotary Conference 2018
ROTARIANS INVITED FOR AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND CONFERENCE
Please click HERE to view - download the ‘Rotary On The Move’ Newsletter for April 2018. Please feel free to share and send us your great membership stories.
FPS RAG was the first Australian RAG registered by Rotary International.
Food Plant Solutions provides a self-sustainable solution that empowers people to make informed choices about what plants to grow and eat that will nutritionally feed their family. We rely solely on fundraising to sustain our activities. Detailed information is available on www.foodplantsolutions.org and you can donate via our website.
Funds are urgently needed to enable the continued development of information and resources to support programs being developed in countries throughout the world. We receive emails every week asking for assistance. Without ongoing funding, at best we would be very slow in answering the call for assistance as we would need to go to specific clubs to ask for funds to cover the costs. Worst case, we would not be able to answer all calls for assistance.
This is the time of the year when clubs and districts are making decisions about where to put the funds raised during the year.
Could you please assist us this year when “ Rotary: Making a difference” is our theme.
Remember “Every minute of every day, 5 children under the age of 5 die from malnutrition”. Can you continue to let this happen?
With the sale of historic “Dunrath” at West Pennant Hills now finalised, the former owners are selling off the contents at an on site Auction Sale on 7th and 8th of April and Rotary has been asked to provide refreshments on both days.
Dunrath has been a district landmark since about 1939 when Captain de Groot of Sydney Harbour Bridge fame moved the 1850s stone from Bellevue Hill to its present site.
In later years the property has been owned by famed artist William Dobell and later by radio personality Barry Spicer. Since 1975 the property has been home to the McMillan family.
The Rotary Club of The Hills-Kellyville will be doing a BBQ with sausage sandwiches and steak sandwiches on sale and the ladies of Baulkham Hills Inner Wheel Club will be offering their famous Devonshire Teas on the rear lawn.
“We will be open for business from 10 am on Saturday and from 9 am on the Sunday morning,” Mr Stapley, spokesman for the club told The Times this week. “Mr McMillan has been a very generous supporter of our Rotary Club over the years and now we have our final chance to use this magnificent property to raise more funds for local and overseas charities “ he continued.
Details of the auction and a catalogue can be found at www.lawsons.com.au.
Patrons at the next Lower Blue Mountains Charity Movie Night will enjoy a special barbecue treat on entry to the Glenbrook Cinema Hall!
It’s all part of another charity Rotary theme night for the acclaimed new Australian movie – The BBQ. The barbecue will be prepared and served by Rotarians colourfully clad in their blue Rotary aprons.
With barbecue plates in hand, guests will be ushered into the hall for the usual liquid refreshments for cake and other savoury delights from 5.15 pm. Movie commences at 6 pm.
Any Australia movie starring Magda Szubanski and Shane Jacobson is certain to be a hilarious success so book now for the Charity screening at Glenbrook Cinema on Sunday, April 15. Tickets – inclusive of tickets, barbecue/ tasty snacks, and liquid refreshments are just $20 each.
Bookings are again with Rotarian Gaye Van Der Meer on 0430 433 717 – and please note payment on line (or cash) must be received to confirm bookings.
To again complement the BBQ theme, tickets will be sold for a super meat tray raffle and assortment of barbecue implements.
THE BBQ is a very funny movie with Shane Jacobson of ‘Kenny’ fame cast as the suburban everyman Darren ‘Dazza” Cook. Dazza finds his passion for the neighbourhood backyard ‘barbie’ thrust into the competitive international arena of BBQ festivals. The ‘steaks’ are high and Dazza will need some expert tuition if he is going to make it through to the finals – and of course that tuition is provided by Australia’s favourite funny girl Magda Szubanski.
Lower Blue Mountains Rotary conduct the movie nights in partnership with Ron Curran and his wonderful team at Glenbrook Cinema. All proceeds benefit Rotary’s amazing array of youth mentor programs and Australian Rotary Health Research – leading Australian research into mental illness.
Remember, tickets are limited so book early to avoid disappointment.
I am pleased to invite you to the Sydney Town Hall on 17 March for the Presidential Peacebuilding Conference where we will explore economic and community development in relation to peacebuilding on a local, national, and international scale.
Rotary District 9675 has planned an outstanding program featuring Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus, noted Australian foreign correspondent Hugh Riminton, Founder and Executive Chairman of the Institute for Economics and Peace Steve Killelea, Vice Chair of the Rotarian Action Group Against Slavery Dave McCleary and UNICEF CEO Tony Stuart. Joining them will be a host of other internationally recognised thought leaders from across the business and philanthropic communities.
We discuss important topics including the cost of conflict, the power of education, facilitating peaceful outcomes, as well as pressing issues such as cyberbullying and modern slavery affecting the harmony of our global community.
We’ll explore the real causes of economic instability, the intersection of sound community development and reconciliation, and opportunities to create peace through collaborative service projects globally and locally. You will leave the conference motivated to expand existing efforts in peacebuilding or initiate new ones.
I look forward to joining you in Sydney as we come together to Make a Difference by discussing challenges and identifying opportunities to address some of the most pressing concerns of modern times.
If you have not already registered, you may do so online http://rippc2018.com.au/registration. Consider bringing along a friend, school student or young person to learn and be inspire as we come together to explore how all of us can thoughtfully and practically build peace in our world
Sincerely, Ian Riseley President, Rotary International
2018-19 Board Members, please be aware of the following 2018-19 District training:
District Assembly
Sunday 29 April 2018
The Kings School
Pennant Hills Road, Parramatta
It will begin with registrations at 8.30am and formal start at 9.00am, finishing at 4.30pm.
The training content will be informative and entertaining. It is a Rotary International requirement that each club is represented at PETS and District Assembly.
17 people have indicated that they would like to take advantage of the Conference Shuttle on Saturday Evening. If you would like to utilise this service, please email conferenceregistrations@rotarydistrict9685.org.au
The wheelchair is fairly new and in good condition. The donor’s child had outgrown the use of this and like to have Rotary to onward donate to another child who can use this.
This is more suited for home use or rehab centre and not so for a hospital.
The Rifton Activity Chair is stored in Kennard Storage, Artarmon, NSW.
Honour Our Fallen is a newly raised not-for- profit organisation (registration pending) formed to honour and preserve the memory of those deceased military personnel, buried in Australia, who served our Nation in all conflicts and theatres since the Boer War.
In partnership with local Schools, who will research and locate ex-Service personnel graves in local cemeteries, in any area and thereafter, on each Anzac Day beginning in 2018, place an Australian flag on each gravesite or memorial plaque.
We request all veteran groups, historical, community, ex-Service associations and schools through member newsletters, and individual families and friends of deceased veterans, to individually complete a simple “Flag Request” form to assist us in our research and commemorative activities.
Honour Our Fallen was launched on Remembrance Day, 11th November 2017, through media announcements and via correspondence to a number of Government authorities requesting their assistance, with positive results to date. The program will allow us to implement our plans in concert with the 100th Anniversary of the end of World War 1.
Commemoration will include Army, Navy, Airforce, Nursing Corps, Women’s Services, Merchant Seamen and Peacekeeping personnel from all conflicts dating back to the Boer War.
Honour Our Fallen’s mission is to perpetuate the memory of all deceased veterans and to build pride in our community, particularly our youth, in the virtues of service to our Nation and respect for those who died protecting our freedom and way of life. This in turn should lead to greater recognition and respect for those presently serving in uniform, in particular, a feeling of acceptance on their returning from overseas duties.
Go to honourourfallen.com, complete a Flag Request form and press submit. We do the rest pre ANZAC Day 2018 in all requested areas of the Nation.
My name is Peter Pearce, Rotarian, ShelterBox Ambassador & Response Team Member.
After 20 deployments as a ShelterBox Response Team member in various locations around the world, I am more than excited to inform you that I will be joining the ShelterBox Nepal Trek with the team departing in September 2018.
In 2015 I was deployed to Nepal after the devastating earthquake, therefore,I know firsthand of the hardships this type of disaster causes its people. ShelterBox responded with enough aid to provide shelter for more than 67,000 people.
Reporting from earthquake-hit Pipaldanda, Sindupalchowk, Nepal 2015. Click on the image to view the video.
Your fundraising efforts to provide ShelterBoxes & ShelterKits will transform lives & rebuild communities that have been affected by disaster & humanitarian crisis.
Unloading ShelterBox aid at Kathmandu Airport
I would love to have your company on this stunning adventure
The 'ShelterBox experience' has changed my life & I am sure this trip will positively change yours
Together, we will share spectacular views of the majestic Annapurna ranges & enjoy many of Kathmandu's main attractions.
I am available to assist with your fundraising objectives & 'all things ShelterBox', from speaking engagements to information on becoming more involved in ShelterBox as a Response Team Member or Ambassador.
Do you need help with presentations, speaker notes, a ShelterBox & its contents for a fundraising or promotional event or information about ShelterBox & its operations?, I am ready to help.
Please share this email with friends and familiy members that might be interested in this amazing opportunity or contact me to get a poster to put up in your workplace or local noticeboard.
Feel free to call me at any time to discuss this very special opportunity, let's do it together!
Bill Gates now believes that we can eliminate malaria in the Asia Pacific area by 2025 and Julie Bishop (representing Australia) has agreed to join the End Malaria Council, co-chaired by Bill Gates to increase our Government’s commitment to the task. Read all about it in the ‘Australian’ newspaper story from Tueday 23 January, 2018 by following the link below:-
Rotary Clubs provide the heart and soul – and inspiration – of every District Conference and our Conference on 10 and 11 March will be no exception.
The Turning Point Showcase for Club and District Projects is an opportunity to display projects that your club or the District is engaged in. Projects will provide lasting inspiration for all Conference attendees – and especially those new club members sampling their first ‘taste’ of Rotary District service.
Register your Interest for a stand in the Turning Point Showcase
If your Club has a special project you would like to showcase, please REGISTER HERE
Please indicate if you need access to power and/or require a display board.
Setup of stand may be carried out on Friday afternoon (To be confirmed by venue two weeks prior to event) or Saturday morning at 7am.”
After 20 years secondary teaching and retraining in computers Tim went into business in information technology. His hobbies are computers, photography and 4 wheel driving. What a mix! His wife Jane is a relatively new Rotarian, who shares his Rotary interests. They have a son 37 – a mechanical engineer in the UK and daughter 34 in marketing and a recent first grandchild.
His Rotary life has spanned many opportunities, as a long term member of the Rotary Club of Berwick, president, an array of club and district responsibilities, Assistant Governor and then District Governor for 9820 in 2013-14. More recently he has represented District Governors on zone membership committees and helped train Governor Nominees and Elects. Locally he has been IT and membership chairs of his district. He especially enjoys working with clubs and districts on strengthening and growing membership as an Assistant Rotary Coordinator. He is a Board member of Rotary Down Under representing Victorian and Tasmanian districts.
This Rotary year has seen a new role as a Rotary Coordinator for 13 districts in Australia working closely with other Rotarians and Coordinators in our Zone and NZ. His role is to publicise and encourage all Districts and Clubs to promote and practice the objectives of Rotary international and our Zone. It is a role that he is really enjoying, particularly working with the many Rotarians that share his passion for growing Rotary, so we can achieve more in the local community and worldwide.
Maddison is a student advocate campaigner and entrepreneur who’s passionate about mental health and education. Maddison runs her own business “High Tide” which provides mental health education workshops to high Schools. Maddison is also a facilitator at the Reach Foundation and last year ran workshops for over 2,000 students through both of these organisations.
Maddison has spoken to the United Nations on human rights and the sustainable development goals; she will be speaking at Commission of the Status of Women (CSW) this March in New York at the United Nations Headquarters.
For her work Maddison has been awarded the NSW Young Achiever of the Year for Community Service and Leadership, a Youth Order of Australia and was the first Australian to make the finals for the Dalia Lama Peach fellowship.
Melissa Abu-Gazaleh is passionate about young men’s health and well-being. At age 19, she founded and became CEO of the Top Blokes Foundation, a boy’s health organisation which today has worked with over 11,000 young men, becoming Australia’s leading boy's social education organisation improving boys mental health and well-being.
She is 2017 EY’s Social Entrepreneur of the Year, 2016’s NSW Young Australian of the Year and named in Australian Financial Review’s Top 100 Women of Influence. In 2017, Melissa authored two chapters for the Nurturing Young Minds book, which is now available in book stores.
She is an Executive Director of the NSW Men’s Health Forum, Member of the Advisory Board of the Men's Health and Information Resource Centre and is an acclaimed speaker having presented at many national and state based men’s health conferences.
From passion to CEO, Melissa has overcome a number of challenges to learn the ropes of business during her 20’s. Today, she believes those experiences have helped shape the business woman that she is.
Melissa believes that empowering young men to challenge and redefine their own thoughts and behaviours is the key to reducing many social issues including youth suicide, family violence, drugs, alcohol and other anti-social and risk-taking behaviours.
She is passionate about youth leadership and empowering young men to be agents of change, not tomorrow, but today.
Griffith University’s fight towards a cure for one of the world’s most deadly diseases is edging closer after human clinical trials of a malaria vaccine developed by the Institute for Glycomics were a success.
Researchers have shown the world-first whole blood-stage malaria parasite vaccine PlasProtecT®, tested in collaboration with the Gold Coast University Hospital, is safe and induces an immune response in humans.
Now efforts are turning to an international fundraising campaign to enable further evaluation of the vaccine in clinical trials, before researchers can shift their focus to malaria endemic countries.
The Malaria Vaccine Project, officially launched by His Excellency General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Retd), Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, aims to raise $500,000 to get the research to the next stage through Rotary fundraising efforts.
Speaking at the Institute on Monday (March 27), Sir Cosgrove said the work represented Australian science and innovation at its very best.
“This is what will make a difference, a better world and save lives. It is being done in our corner of the world, for the world,” he said.
The malaria project has been years in the making for researchers Professor Michael Good and Dr Danielle Stanisic who first started clinical trials in 2013 working with medical staff at Gold Coast University Hospital.
Professor Good has so much faith in a vaccine that could save millions of people that he was the first person to receive it. As a study participant, he had to step back from his usual research role in the “first-in-man” clinical trial.
“I wouldn’t ask people to do what I wouldn’t be prepared to do, and we couldn’t do this without the volunteers who give their time to us knowing they are helping further work towards a cure,” he said.
Gold Coast Health Director of Infectious Diseases Dr John Gerrard said ground breaking collaborative research of this type cemented the role of the Gold Coast University Hospital as a leading medical teaching and research centre in Australia.
“For the past four years eight medical specialists have provided medical oversight for the volunteers participating in the trial,” Dr Gerrard said.
Dr Stanisic said volunteers, who had to attend appointments at Griffith University’s s Clinical Trials Unit every two days for a month, were administered with the vaccine which consists of inactivated human malaria parasites that prevent them from growing and causing a malaria infection.
“Initially we showed that this vaccine was able to induce cross-species protection in pre-clinical trials,” she said.
“We’ve now taken a human version of the vaccine and tested it in volunteers and shown it is safe and induces an immune response.
“This is a world first. We are the first to put a vaccine like this into humans that has potential to protect against multiple strains and species of malaria.”
There are approximately 3.2 billion people currently living in malaria endemic countries worldwide and of the 500,000 sufferers who die each year, 80 per cent are young children who are simply not strong enough to fight off the killer parasite.
Rotary past district governor Graham Jones AM said Rotary’s work with impregnated nets was helping in all kinds of endemic countries but an effective vaccine was sorely needed.
“This research could be the gateway to sustainable development of the vaccine and its use in eradicating malaria worldwide,” he said.
Steve Carroll, Rotarians Against Malaria chairman for District 9670 who lost his daughter Michelle to malaria when she was 19 years old, said they were on a crusade to make malaria the new polio for Rotary.
“She was our baby and for the first couple of years we were just devastated until we found Rotary,” he said.
“People don’t think of malaria as being much because we’re in a nice safe country but if we can get this vaccine out there, just imagine all the lives it could save.”
The next trial will test whether or not the vaccine protects people by immunising volunteers and challenging them with the malaria parasite.
In March 2018, it will be 30 years since Rotary Oceania Medical Aid for Children (ROMAC) brought our first patient, 11-year-old Annand Chand from Fiji, to the John Hunter Hospital for life-saving surgery. Since then, over 500 children, from our neighbouring island countries have received life-giving or dignity-restoring surgery, thanks to ROMAC. We can all be proud of our efforts.
To celebrate, I invite you and your partner to attend our 30th Anniversary Dinner at Strangers’ Dining Room, NSW Parliament House, 6 Macquarie Street, Sydney on Friday 16 March 2018.
The dinner is $150 per person (inc GST), plus the online booking fee, and includes 3 courses and drinks. All meals are gluten-free. Dairy-free and vegetarian options are available when booking online. More information about the Dinner is available in the 30th Anniversary Dinner Flyer.
You will be in the illustrious company of the current Rotary International President, Ian H.S. Riseley, and his wife Juliet; The Hon. Brad Hazzard, NSW Minister for Health and Medical Research; other key Rotarians, members of the medical profession and government, former patients and of course, our ROMAC friends and volunteers.
I would be delighted if you can participate in this significant event because:
It is a time to look back and to look forward - and to thank and recognise all the members who made ROMAC possible, including your Clubs
We need to thank the medical profession - the specialists, nursing and support staff who treat the children - for all they do
The governments, agencies and friends who provide support should see what Rotary is made of and what it can achieve
You will be supporting ROMAC’s commitment to saving the lives of children
Please register online at https://www.humanitix.com/event/romac/ as soon as you can because places are strictly limited. Also, please invite your ROMAC friends and your clubs to attend. Tables of 10 are available for $1500 (inc GST), plus booking fee.
Rob Wilkinson
Chairman
ROMAC - Rotary Oceania Medical Aid for Children www.romac.org.au
Yvonne Taylor, a member of Lindfield Rotary Club, has been named “2018 Local Woman of the Year” by Davidson state MP Mr Jonathan O’Dea. Yvonne is recognised for her dedication to “inspiring youth from all classes and cultures to contribute to their local communities”. A teacher for some 30 years, Yvonne worked as an English as a Second Language (ESL) educator, and assistant school principal. She served on the ministerial committee overseeing the first Aboriginal Education Curriculum for NSW and is still involved in peer support at Killara High School. Yvonne is current a Lindfield Club director with Youth and Membership portfolios and has twice been club president.
Rotary International President-elect Barry Rassin laid out his vision for the future of the organization on Sunday, calling on leaders to work for a sustainable future and to inspire Rotarians and the community at large.
Rassin, a member of the Rotary Club of East Nassau, New Providence, Bahamas, unveiled the 2018-19 presidential theme, Be the Inspiration, to incoming district governors at Rotary’s International Assembly in San Diego, California, USA. “I want you to inspire in your clubs, your Rotarians, that desire for something greater. The drive to do more, to be more, to create something that will live beyond each of us.”
Rassin stressed the power of Rotary’s new vision statement, “Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change — across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.” This describes the Rotary that leaders must help build, he said.
To achieve this vision, the president-elect said, Rotarians must take care of the organization: “We are a membership organization first. And if we want to be able to serve, if we want to succeed in our goals — we have to take care of our members first.”
Rassin asked the incoming district governors to “inspire the club presidents, and the Rotarians in your districts, to want to change. To want to do more. To want to reach their own potential. It’s your job to motivate them — and help them find their own way forward.”
Progress on polio
Rassin noted that one source of inspiration has been Rotary’s work to eradicate polio. He described the incredible progress made over the past three decades. In 1988, an estimated 350,000 people were paralyzed by the wild poliovirus; just 20 cases were reported in 2017 as of 27 December. “We are at an incredibly exciting time for polio eradication,” he said, “a point at which each new case of polio could very well be the last.”
He emphasized that even when that last case of polio is recorded, the work won’t be finished. “Polio won’t be over, until the certifying commission says it’s over—when not one poliovirus has been found, in a river, in a sewer, or in a paralyzed child, for at least three years,” he said. “Until then, we have to keep doing everything we’re doing now.” He urged continued dedication to immunization and disease surveillance programs.
Sustaining the environment
Rotary has focused heavily on sustainability in its humanitarian work in recent years. Now, Rassin said, Rotarians must acknowledge some hard realities about pollution, environmental degradation, and climate change. He noted that 80 percent of his own country is within one meter of sea level. With sea levels projected to rise two meters by 2100, he said, “my country is going to be gone in 50 years, along with most of the islands in the Caribbean and coastal cities and low-lying areas all over the world.”
Rassin urged leaders to look at all of Rotary’s service as part of a larger global system. He said that this means the incoming district governors must be an inspiration not only to clubs, but also to their communities. “We want the good we do to last. We want to make the world a better place. Not just here, not just for us, but everywhere, for everyone, for generations.”
2018/19 RI PRESIDENT BARRY RASSIN WANTS ROTARIANS TO BE THE INSPIRATION
The Rotary Leadership Institute course is now run over two days, powerpacked with information, learning and skills you can use in your Rotary life straight away.
Networking with other Rotarians and led by experienced facilitators, you are sure to enjoy what others are describing as the best Rotary training they have had. Register online now at rli.rotarydistrict9685.org.au and supercharge your Rotary.
There are 2 courses available for registration:
RLI 45 - Sunday 18 February and Sunday 18 March 2018
RLI 47 - Saturday 5 and 19 May 2018
Please share this with your club members, particularly new Rotarians and new 2018/19 Board members.
The 2018 District Conference on 10-11 March is going to be a fantastic weekend in the glorious Blue Mountains. Join us at The Fairmont Resort, Leura to hear world class speakers like Past Rotary International President John Germ, Shane Fitzsimmons and Dr Gill Hicks. Saturday Night will be a great time to catch up , enjoy great music, dance and be entertained by the Turtle Search Band. The Conference will inspire you, motivate you and empower you as a Rotarian,
The Police Officer of the Year Awards give great exposure to Rotary. Here is a link to the feature in the November 2017 Police Monthly focusing on the Awards and hard working serving nominees/recipients.
This major community event will be held on Sunday 25 March. It is being organised by the Rotary Clubs of St Ives, Ku-ring-gai, Turramurra and Wahroonga. It is the premier cycling event in Sydney. Some key statistics from the 2017 event:
· 2,500 cyclists raised $200,000 of which 50% was donated to our charity partner, Lifeline
· The other 50 % was donated to other charities supported by the Rotary clubs organising the event. These
charities are:
Cromehurst Foundation, Eagle RAPS, The Hornsby Women’s Shelter, Bo Hospital and KYDS
· Over 400 volunteers are involved to ensure the safety of the cyclists
There are 4 ride distances being 27km, 57km, 80km and 104km. The cost to participate varies with each ride.
The committee would welcome Rotarians registering to ride in the event. The committee is also looking for volunteers prepared to be marshals during the event to ensure the safety of the cyclists. For further information please email Tony McLelland at tony@wildcolour.com or Peter Lorschy at peterlorschy12@bigpond.com
For those Partners who wish to explore the Mountains on Saturday 10 March, here are details of the Blue Mountains Explorer Bus.
ONE MORNING PICKUP FROM THE FAIRMONT ON SATURDAY 10 MARCH AT 9.30AM (ONLY).
Timetable
Start point: Explorer Bus ticket office, outside Katoomba Station. Tour duration: 60 minutes First Departure: 9.00 am Frequency: Every 30 minutes. Last Departure:4.15 pm Season: They run every day of the year. Even Christmas Day! Ticket Validity: Up to 3 days. Validate your ticket upon arrival at the Katoomba shop..
Jeremy Carter is the CEO of Rapport Leadership International in Australia. After a successful corporate career and ten years as a leading business and executive coach and entrepreneur, Jeremy decided to bring Rapport Leadership International to Australia after attending one of their leadership training courses in the United States and seeing the transformational outcomes experienced by attendees at the course.
A thought leader, Jeremy has been featured in the Sydney Morning Herald, Australian Financial Review and Daily Telegraph as well as magazines including CIO, APAC CIO Outlook and Face2Face. His leadership articles on LinkedIn have resulted in him attracting an audience of over 13,000 followers.
"Leadership is as much an art as it is science. A leader will either hold a team back or stretch them to a whole new level. Developing your leadership skills is one of the fastest ways to improve results as it enables you to bring the best out of yourself and the people around you. "
Professor James Arvanitakis is the Dean of the Graduate Research School at Western Sydney University. He is also a lecturer in Humanities and a member of the University’s Institute for Cultural and Society. James was also the founding Head of The Academy at Western Sydney University that received an Australian Financial Review higher education excellence award (2016) and the Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue Excellence in Education Award (2017).
James is internationally recognised for his innovative teaching style and was the recipient of the Prime Minister’s University Teacher of the Year Award in 2012 and an Eminent Researcher Award from the Australia India Education Council in 2015. In 2017 he was appointed a Research Fellow of the Australian Indian Institute and sits on the Australian Indian Education Working Party.
A former economist and free market advocate, James changed his position after witnessing child and indentured labour. After 9 years of working in finance, he has since worked with a cross section of organisations across Australia, Asia, Pacific and Europe including Oxfam Hong Kong, Aid/Watch and Friends of the Earth (France).
His research areas include citizenship, resilience, piracy and the future of universities. James has authored over 100 articles and this year has released three books: Sociologic (a first year sociology textbook with Oxford University Press), Citizen Scholar and the future of universities (Palgrave), and From Despair to Hope (Penguin). James is a regular media commentator appearing on ABC TV and hosts the podcast ‘Sociologic’.
James is a board member of the Public Education Foundation, the Chair of Diversity Arts Australia, an Academic Fellow at the Australian India Institute and a Research Fellow at the Centre for Policy Development.
A collection of his work can be found atwww.jamesarvanitakis.netand can be connected through twitter @jarvanitakis
LARGER ROTARY DISTRICTS – AN EXCITING PLATFORM FOR CHANGE!
MOVING FORWARD TOGETHER
TO RE-INVIGORATE CLUBS AND MAKE ROTARY FLOURISH FOR ANOTHER 100 YEARS
Dear Fellow Rotarians,
After almost 100 years of successful operation in Australia and New Zealand, Rotary finds itself at a very significant cross road. With a declining membership over the last ten years, Australia has lost 4,314 members (13%) and New Zealand has lost 1,967 (19%) plus an ageing membership demographic, the continued existence of Rotary as we know it is under considerable threat.
Do we remain doing what we are currently doing and find we no longer exist in 20 years OR do we acknowledge we have a problem and accept the challenge to work together to address the issues and make the changes necessary to take Rotary forward for another hundred years? It is both a challenging and an exciting time for Rotary in this part of the world.
There is an urgent need for change both at the Club and the District levels. Clubs need to find new ways of attracting and retaining members and Districts need to focus their efforts on providing the best possible support mechanisms to Clubs in their crucial endeavour to grow and strengthen Rotary. Larger and better resourced Districts are seen as a significant way of providing this support to Clubs.
In recent weeks I have had the pleasure of working with a ‘Task Force’ of dedicated Rotarians from all levels of service to discuss urgent planning and action required to reverse the serious downward trend in membership across all 27 Districts in Zone 7B and 8 – and discuss how we can all move forward with confidence that Rotary will flourish for another 100 years.
The task force included grass roots Rotarians, club presidents, Governors Nominee, Governors Elect, Past Governors and RI staff – male and female and of a variety of ages.
I am delighted to report a wonderful spirit and commitment during the two days and there was general agreement that I now had to share the same positive message with you all – as we move forward together.
Be very certain that this message is NOT just about re-Districting. Re-Districting is only one of the suite of changes needed to revitalise Rotary ‘down under’.
We all agreed that ONLY Rotary Clubs can turn around the current alarming membership challenge confronting Rotary in the western world. However, for this to happen, the administration of Rotary at District level has to change dramatically to provide Clubs with the support they need to address this challenge.
The meeting acknowledged that the age of ‘Larger Districts’ has arrived – and that these larger, more resourced and more support focused Districts will start to happen from 1st July 2020.
Planning is already well advanced for the merger of Districts 9700 and 9710 in central west and southern NSW along with Districts 9500 and 9520 in South Australia. Senior leaders are considering various options in WA, Victoria and northern Australia, along with southern Queensland and northern NSW.
Similar discussions are taking place in New Zealand where a meeting is planned for early March to discuss re-Districting options in that country.
The Task Force concluded that new LARGER DISTRICTS provide a great opportunity for:
Developing a flatter, more streamlined District administration with access to a greater number of resources to better support clubs, including the possibility of having a paid administrator/CEO to lead the business team and enable cost efficiencies;
Decluttering the role of the District Governor and increase focus more on strategic leadership thereby enabling the possibility of attracting working/younger Rotarians taking up the Governor role;
Strengthening the role of the Assistant Governor by giving them the training and resources to provide direct support to clubs and turning them into Area Governors with a maximum of 15 clubs each;
Making better use of technology for more regular communication within the District and between Clubs and the provision of a wider range of training and support activities;
Utilising economies of scale to employ professional facilitators/resources to help Clubs;
Dissemination of a clearer ‘national and state voice’ for Rotary and improve the public image of Rotary;
Attracting national corporate sponsorship and the possibility to employ a national fund raiser to support and fund the business model.
The Task Force was adamant that such sweeping District changes must not only encourage but also support genuine change within Rotary clubs; it also acknowledged that changes may generate increasing levels of anxiety within Clubs, which is an understandable reaction as things held in high regard for years start to change.
However, the important thing to remember as we strive to continue as a vibrant, community focused service organisation, is that some things must never change; these include our Objects, Values and Ethics (4 Way Test), as well as our desire to serve others and to enjoy fellowship.
Consequently, for Club leaders to affect meaningful change within their Clubs they will need to appreciate and accept that Rotary has a problem that needs to be addressed and in so doing, they have an exciting opportunity to:
Play an active role in changing Rotary to enable it to flourish for at least another hundred years;
Re-invigorate their Club with targeted and customised support from the District so they promote and market Rotary in a variety of new ways to attract and retain members;
Enhance and strengthen community and vocational service;
Promote the new flexibility in Rotary and utilise the new resources available;
Work together with other Clubs in different ways or networks that retain individuality and treasured elements but capitalise on the advantages of a larger cohort of members;
Establish strategic partnerships with local entities and organisations.
The Task Force also considered how Districts and Clubs could work together to:
Make Rotary membership more physically and financially accessible by developing innovative ways of engagement for a wider variety of cultural and special interest groups;
Turn the focus from fundraising to service and provide Rotarians with more hands-on ways to serve. I leave you with the new RI Vision Statement … “Together we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change - across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves”
Noel Trevaskis, RI Director 2016-2018
LARGER ROTARY DISTRICTS - AN EXCITING PLATFORM FOR CHANGE!
As happens every year, the RYLA program of 2018 includes a formal dinner for RYLA participants and the Rotarians of their sponsoring clubs. It is an important part of the RYLA experience, and an opportunity for us to show our sponsored young leaders that RYLA is a program which we as Rotarians hold in high regard. It is also a chance to get to know your sponsored participants better, and invite them to your club meetings to talk about their RYLA experience or as potential new members.
It would be great if we could have a strong turnout of District 9685 Rotarians. Partners and guests, including the parents and family of sponsored participants, are more than welcome.
The formal dinner will be held on Tuesday 9th January 2018 at Miramare Gardens, Terrey Hills. The event commences at 6.30 pm and will conclude at approximately 10.30 pm. The cost is $50 per person and includes a two-course meal. Our guest speaker will be Michael Regan, Mayor of Northern Beaches Council.
If you wish for family and/or friends to attend, please provide their names, Club association and any dietary requirements to RYLA dinner coordinator, Raylene Jarvis of Upper Northern Beaches Rotary Club. Her contact email is raylene2@iprimus.com.au
Payment for the dinner can be made by direct deposit:
Rotary D9685 RYLA
Westpac BSB: 032 086
Account no.: 333 127
Please complete payment by December 31st and send an email to Raylene when a direct deposit payment has been made.
Below is a link to an interview the PCYC CEO Dominic Teakle had with 2GB's Chris Smith minutes prior to the official opening of the PCYC Hornsby/Ku-ring-gai; good mention of Rotary.
The Conference Program includes keynote lecturers and presentations from international and national leaders in the industries of ‘Economic and Community Development and Peace’. Delegates will hear about the underlying causes of conflict including poverty, disease, lack of water and food security and the lack of education from our inspirational and stimulating speakers.
PDG Danny has just been in Vietnam where he has been awarded the Friendship Medal by the President of Vietnam, being the highest honour conferred on a foreigner for service and contributions to Vietnam in addition to promoting friendship between Vietnam and Australia. This comes to Danny after his tireless efforts to bring Rotary to Vietnam and in particular promote relationships between our club and various entities in Vietnam.
VIETNAMESE FRIENDSHIP MEDAL AWARDED TO PDG DANNY LOW
Please click HERE to view - download the ‘Rotary On The Move’ Newsletter for November 2017. Please feel free to share and send us your great membership stories.
The outstanding performances of the 2017 ‘Skillaroos’ and their experts at the 44th WorldSkills International competition in Abu Dhabi has propelled WorldSkills Australia into the top 10 skill nations in the world.
Congratulations to the Skilleroos on their great achievements. Some of these young people are willing to make themselves available to talk to Clubs about their experience. If you would like to find out more, please contact Bobby Redman - District Vocational Chair
Andrew Best from Turramurra Rotary, is participating in a 170km Ride to End Polio Bike Race. http://ridetoendpolio.org/
With over 9000 cyclists, and 100 fellow Rotarians, (I am the only Australian Rotarian in the race), we are aiming to raise $10 million USD for the fight to eradicate polio. To date, I have raise $5000 USD and I am asking for your support to spread the word and share this link throughout your District to generate donations this November, Foundation Month.
Below is the link to my page. If Rotarians log in through MyRotary, their donations will be tracked and recognition points will be given. Clubs and Districts can also donate, online, or offline by contacting Andrew directly.
PAST RI PRESIDENTJOHN GERMIS ATTENDING OUR 2018 DISTRICT CONFERENCE AS THE RI PRESIDENT'S SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE
We are delighted to have John and Judy joining us in Leura. Don't miss a wonderful opportunity to hear from Immediate Past RI President, John in March 2018.
John F. Germ, a member of the Rotary Club of Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA, and chair of the International PolioPlus Committee, was Rotary International President of RI in 2016-17.
For Rotary to thrive, Germ says, members must face current and future challenges and opportunities with "passion, enthusiasm, perseverance, and above all, integrity."
"I envision Rotary boldly and creatively engaging the success of polio eradication, membership and identity issues, strengthening clubs, work with youth – our future lifeblood, and the creation of critical, strategic partnerships," says Germ.
Germ says no one should ever have to ask, "What is Rotary?"
"We will enhance Rotary's public image by successfully and enthusiastically marketing who we are, what amazing things we are doing, and incredibly, have done locally and globally," says Germ.
With the global economy still unpredictable, Germ says Rotary must make participation affordable and "also be unfailingly diligent in efforts to ensure we spend every dollar effectively and efficiently," he says.
In 1965, after four years in the U.S. Air Force, Germ, an engineer, joined Campbell and Associates Inc., an engineering consulting firm. He now serves as the company's board chair and chief executive officer.
He also serves on the boards of several organizations including the Public Education Foundation, Orange Grove Center Inc., and the Blood Assurance Inc. He is the founder and treasurer of the Chattanooga State Technical Community College Foundation and is president of the Tennessee Jaycee Foundation.
In 1970 he was recognized as Tennessee Young Man of the Year, Engineer of the Year, and Volunteer Fundraiser of the Year in 1992.
A Rotary member since 1976, Germ has served Rotary as vice president, director, Foundation trustee and vice chair, chair of Rotary's US$200 Million Challenge, and RI president's aide. He is a recipient of Rotary's Service Above Self Award and The Rotary Foundation's Citation for Meritorious Service and Distinguished Service Award. He and his wife, Judy, are members of the Arch Klumph Society.
"Rotary will adapt to a rapidly changing world by embracing innovation within the guidelines of our tradition and values," says Germ. "By aggressively embracing new technologies, social media, and new opportunities, individuals and businesses will see that Rotary helps promote a good civic and public image while adding credibility to their people."
Berowra Rotary Guest Speakers: Professor Bill Gibson AO and the author of his biography, Tina Allen. Wednesday 22 November 2017 6.30pm for 7.00pm
A biography about Prof Gibson, Bill Gibson: pioneering bionic ear surgeon by Tina K Allen has recently been published. Professor Bill Gibson, who is a world expert in cochlear implant surgery and Menière’s disease, will be introduced by Tina Allen and his biography will be available for purchase on the night ($30).
Bill Gibson has been a member of the Rotary Club of Berowra, the Rotary Club of Haberfield, and the Rotary Club of Balmain; and a recipient of a Rotary District 9685 Vocational Excellence Award in 1992/93.
Everyone is welcome to attend this dinner meeting at the Berowra RSL Club, but RSVPs are essential for catering purposes by COB on 17 November to Jan Childs on: 9456 1482 or fjch@bigpond.com.
District 9685 has been awarded the 2016-17 Presidential District Citation.
The covering letter from PRIP John Germ expresses his thanks for your efforts in Serving Humanity and acknowledges your outstanding contribution to the Rotary Foundation.
You will remember that D9685 was recognised at the Atlanta Convention for your End Polio generosity.
As DG Peter said recently…….”It is nice when the Boss sees that you are doing good work!”
Rotarians, partners, children – even family pets – gathered at Tench Reserve on the Nepean River, Penrith, on Sunday morning to take part in a special observance to mark World Polio Day on October 24.
A spectacular parade of almost 100 people with the words END POLIO NOW emblazoned on their bright red t-shirts enjoyed a three kilometre stroll in brilliant morning sunshine – much to the interest of early morning joggers and diners.
Rotary clubs of Penrith, Penrith Valley, Nepean, Lower Blue Mountains and Springwood were all represented in the walk, broken half way by a pause to plant a tree on the river bank to mark the Global Polio Eradication Initiative involving Rotary International, the World Health Organisation, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and several other major partners.
The tree planting also marks the Rotary International Presidency of Australian Ian Riseley OAM in 2017/18 – the fifth Australian to lead the world’s oldest service club organization!
Rotary’s Global Polio Eradication Initiative is on the brink of ultimate success with only 12 cases of the Wild Polio Virus reported so far in 2017 in just two countries – Pakistan and Afghanistan. The downward trend has been impressive in recent years – 359 cases in 2014, 74 cases in 2015, and 37 cases last year,
The cost of ultimate success is huge. Rotary has invested US$1.9 billion in the campaign with clubs throughout Australia and New Zealand heavily involved in ongoing fundraising. Costs are not confined to the manufacture of serum but also the cost of ongoing surveillance to ensure no children in any part of developing countries are overlooked. Governments of the world have also invested billions in the campaign and ultimate success will result in vast savings for the world economy.
Chris and Carol Bennett, owners of the Nepean Belle Paddle Boat, generously hosted walkers and families to a genuine Aussie breakfast, at the end of the walk – and treated walkers to their own private cruise on the Nepean River!
Chris Bennett said he and Carol had a tremendous respect for Rotary and were proud to offer their support to this significant celebration.
ROTARY CLUBS WALK TO CREATE AWARENESS OF THE FIGHT TO END POLIO!
Shane Fitzsimmons has over 30 years experience with the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) serving as both a volunteer and salaried officer. In 1998 he was appointed an Assistant Commissioner with the RFS and has held portfolio responsibilities for Operations, Strategic Development and Regional Management.
In 2004 he was appointed the inaugural Australasian Fire Authorities Council (AFAC) Visiting Fellow to the Australian Institute of Police Management (AIPM) for a period of 12 months.
In September 2007 he was appointed Commissioner of the NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) and also the Chair of the NSW RFS Bushfire Co-ordinating Committee and the Rural Fire Service Advisory Council.
He was appointed a Director of the National Aerial Firefighting Centre (NAFC) in March 2008 and was the Chair of the NAFC Board from 2009 to 2013.
He is also a member of the NSW State Emergency Management Committee and the NSW State Rescue Board and was Chairman from 2008 to November 2015. He was a Director on the Bushfire Co-operative Research Centre from 2009 to 2014.
In July 2012, he was appointed a Board Member of the NSW Government Telecommunications Authority. In January 2016 he was appointed as a Councillor of the Royal Humane Society of NSW Inc.
Shane was awarded the National Medal in 1999 and the Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM) in 2001.
Rotary Oceania Medical Aid for Children (ROMAC) requires a self-motivated Rotarian to fill the role of Operations Director.
The position requires the Rotarian to become a Director of ROMAC entities and take overall responsibility (together with the ROMAC Operations Manager), for all operational matters pertaining to the processing of referrals through to the safe return, after treatment, of the ROMAC Patient and their Carer.
To be a successful in this role a candidate will require the following attributes:
1. Proven organisational skills
2. Experience in negotiations at a high level. Experience within the medical and health delivery areas, and other State and Federal government departments, would be beneficial.
3. Confident in their computer skills and demonstrable skills in this area are essential.
4. The Operations Director requires a personality and an ability to accommodate different cultures and encourage volunteers to work as a team.
5. The Operations Director also requires a big heart and be prepared to be one of the key persons to enable ROMAC to fulfil its Mission; that of providing specialist treatment for children from developing countries, in the form of life saving and/or dignity restoring surgery not accessible to them in their home country
Please direct your application, or queries, to the ROMAC Chair, Rob Wilkinson, at chair@romac.org.au
Following the many years of traditional Rotary Christmas cards, we’ve launched the modern, efficient, environmentally-friendly version – CHRISTMAS E-CARDS!!
Proceeds from the sale of our e-cards support Interplast in rebuilding bodies and rebuilding lives in the Asia-Pacific region.
Recipients of the e-cards you choose will see our Rotary and Interplast logos when they open their cards.
You and your club members and/or friends can take advantage of this service by going to our website at http://ryderotary.org.au/e-club-ecards and following the instructions there.
We hope you will join us in this initiative to support a really good cause, and to further demonstrate that e-clubs really can do just about anything conventional clubs can do.
Between November 16-19 we have a delegation of 120 Rotarians and their partners from District 3232 from Chennai India here in District 9685. The delegation will visit our district for a Friendship Exchange having completed the first half of their visit in Victoria.. I would like to invite all clubs to participate in this historic exchange at events hosted at various zones in our district. District 3232 is very keen to establish Sister club relationships. This supports part of the Rotary objective to build international understanding and goodwill. Sister clubs share club information, projects and activities.
The RFE members will stay at the PARKROYAL Parramatta.
Thursday 16November
Arrival from Melbourne – Flight Details to be confirmed.
Dinner – Sydney Showboat Departing Kings Street Wharf Darling Harbour (Cluster 2 & Cluster 5 / Zones City North, North Shore, Upper North Shore and Beaches) – Those interested to attend can contact Rtn. Haran Ramachandran for booking.
Friday 17November
Day Trip to Blue Mountains (Cluster 3 / Zones – Blue Mountains and Nepean)
Day Trip Central Coast (Cluster 4 / Zones Central Coast, Lower Central Coast and Upper Central Coast)
RAWCS Dinner – Diggers RSL Club, The Entrance
Sunday 19November
Sydney City Tour
Dinner meeting – Harris Park (Little India) (United India Association, Consortium of Tamil Associations, Australian Tamil Chamber of Commerce and Australian Medical AID Foundation). Rotarians are also welcome to join the Sunday Night Dinner at Harris Park. Dinner Cost $40 + BYO (No corkage)
A number of the Indian clubs are interested in sister club arrangements. A sister club is one that has a sharing relationship with another club, preferably an international club. This supports part of the Rotary objective to build international understanding and goodwill. Sister clubs share club information, projects and activities.
Ideally, such clubs should have some club members visit each other periodically. On such visits, visiting Rotarians can be home hosted, experience something of the club, district, culture and the country. Visiting Rotarians can visit local club projects, club meetings and district activities. Visiting Rotarians can also be encouraged to support proposed local and international projects.
It is possible for sister clubs to participate in important club meetings via internet video connections. Club bulletins should be exchanged on a regular basis and project reports. It is important to maintain regular contact with sister clubs to build a strong relationship and knowledge of each other and each other’s country.
Don't miss out on your chance to attend this year's Rotary NSW Police Officer of the Year Awards. This event will sell out so please book early!
Friday 10 November 2017 Hyatt Regency, Darling Harbour, Sydney
The Rotary Club of Sydney is proud to host the 8th Annual Awards for the NSW Police Force to give state-wide community recognition for excellence in Police service to officers and unsworn employees throughout NSW. This year as last, nominations for the Customer Service award were made by the General public and Rotarians. This year’s Rotary NSW Police Awards promises to be the best ever!
The event will bring together the local winners from all over the state. Together with their colleagues we will come together to celebrate the hard work and outstanding achievements of officers, volunteers and civilian employees for excellence in Police Service throughout NSW.
The Rotary Clubs of NSW 2017 Police Officer of the Year Awards proudly supports Police Legacyand The Rotary Foundation. Funds raised from the evening will be donated to the supported charities.
See a list of the Finalists in the 2017 Police Officer of the Year Awards.
Rotarians who believe that they can make a difference, one club at a time are encouraged to train as a Club Vision Facilitator.
Club Visioning is a foundation element for clubs, bringing members together towards:
Continuity of leadership, vision and process
Consistency in programming
Consensus toward solidarity and unanimity in purpose and action
Becoming a Club Vision Facilitator contributes to Rotary President-elect Ian Riseley’s theme for the 2017-2018 year - Rotary: Making a Difference. President Ian “We know that we can do more together than we could ever hope to do alone”. “Clubs will make a difference this year through their own decisions, said President Ian, but it will take teamwork on a global scale to move Rotary forward and secure its future”.
The Club you serve will benefit from the teamwork that you and your fellow Vision Facilitators display as you guide a group of Rotary Club leaders through a process that will deliver a vision result. This Vision Result presents a club with a strong path toward the future, while engaging current membership toward a clear set of goals.
Professionally, as a Facilitator you will learn a skill set and process that can be applied where ever a group of individuals come together for a common purpose looking for an uncommon result. The skills you develop and the process you learn will be an asset available to each of you in times to come.
Personally, as a Rotary volunteer you will not only grow as a leader but will make a difference with your fellow Rotarians and their clubs through your actions. The personal satisfaction that comes from facilitating your fellow Rotarians toward their vision in growth and delivery of humanitarian service cannot be matched. It is your “Legacy of Service”.
You are encouraged to have a look at the Club Visioning material on the District website, under District, Club Visioning or Google Rotary Club Visioning and have a look at the power of the program to make real and lasting change that will underscore Rotary: Making a Difference.
If you are interested in delivering planning and club assistance to clubs in our district, then Club Visioning may be for you. Typically a club visioning session occurs on a week day evening starting at 5.30pm concluding at 9.30pm although there may be events scheduled for a weekend . Hospitality is provided to the facilitators by the club.
Club Vision Facilitation Training is scheduled for Sunday 3rd December 2017 8.30am for 9.00am concluding at 4.00pm at the District Office in Thornleigh. After the District’s contribution to the cost of providing the training which will include morning and afternoon tea and lunch and a Club Visioning Facilitation Manual there is nothing for you to pay.
Please click HERE to view - download the ‘Rotary On The Move’ Newsletter for October 2017. Please feel free to share and send us your great membership stories.
Whilst the news of a further WPV case during the week is disappointing, it must be remembered we are now in peak season for the virus in the endemic countries (Nigeria, Pakistan and Afghanistan). The total of 11 WPV (6 in Afghanistan, 5 in Pakistan) cases for the year to date reflects the controlled and improving situation when we note a total of 25 for the same period last year. Nigeria has been clear for 12 months now.
RI President Ian Riseley has maintained very simple fund raising goals this year and is appreciated of your support –
DDF money is to be spent, not saved, and a donation of 20% of unused funds is recommended.
Every Rotary Club to be encouraged to make a special ‘one off’ donation of US$1,500 to END POLIO NOW to gain maximum advantage from Gates Foundation support.
Every District to continue the search for TRF Major Donors of US$10,000.
All clubs be requested to plan a special promotion to mark World Polio Day on October 24.
Again, thank you for all you are doing and best wishes for another outstanding year of Rotary service …
PDG Bob Aitken AM and RI Past Director Ken Collins AM,
RI END POLIO NOW Coordinators, Zones 7B and 8, 2016/18
There are a number of accommodation options available in Leura, Katoomba and surrounding towns. However the Fairmont Resort has provided options for the Conference weekend.
For a 2 night stay Friday 9/3/18 and Saturday 10/3/18 rates are:
Full Registration (incl. Saturday, Dinner and Sunday) – $280
Includes all Conference sessions (incl. Saturday morning tea, lunch, & afternoon tea, Dinner and Sunday morning tea).
Saturday (Day Only) – $100
Registration for the Plenary sessions includes the Conference plenary sessions on Saturday only (incl. morning tea, lunch & afternoon tea) Does NOT include any other sessions or events.
Saturday (Day and Dinner) – $200
Registration for the Saturday Plenary sessions and Dinner includes the Conference plenary sessions on Saturday only (incl. morning tea, lunch & afternoon tea) and Saturday Dinner. Does NOT include any other sessions or events.
Saturday (Dinner Only) – $110
Registration for the Saturday Dinner includes Saturday Dinner. ONLY Does NOT include any other sessions, catering or events.
New Rotarians (on or after 11 March 2017) Full Conference – $190
For New Rotarians, joining Rotary on or after 11 March 2017 in District 9685.
Includes all Conference sessions (incl. Saturday morning tea, lunch, & afternoon tea, Dinner and Sunday morning tea).
Notes about Registration
Friends and family may be added to your registration, or they can register themselves as a full delegate. You do not need to be a Rotarian to attend.
A joint registration requires full registration for each person.
Attendance requires prior registration.
You may pay by Credit Card (Visa or MasterCard only, via PayPal) or by direct credit or cheque. You do not need to have a PayPal account in order to pay by credit card. But you do need to select the PayPal option to pay by Credit Card. Follow these instructions
On Sat 9 Sept 42 Rotarians participated in the Advisory Board Training offered free of charge by Rapport Leadership at Hornsby RSL. Norwest Sunrise Rotarian Jeremy Carter and Bruce Manefield delivered a very engaging workshop that provided lots of tips and strategies for conducting successfully Board meetings.
Board meetings have 3 key functions: to set direction for your club; to make decisions; and to ensure, as a legal entity, that the club is compliant with regulations.
Participant comments included: ‘Fast, on time and concise’: ‘Really helpful – lots of good practical tips’; ‘Best training I have participated in all my years in Rotary’; ‘Logical and realistic with good examples and a purposeful small group exercise that made us think’; ‘A fun, interactive session providing immediately applicable strategies and ideas.’ Many thanks Jeremy and Bruce.
Special Interest Meeting - Role of District Governor
Sunday, 19th November 2017 at 10am
Have you sometimes thought you’d like to put your name forward for District Governor, but are not sure what the job entails or whether you have the necessary attributes to carry out the role successfully?
An opportunity to find out about the role of District Governor and to have your questions answered will take place during a Special Interest Meeting to be held on Sunday 19th November 2017 between 10am and 12 noon at the District Office, Thornleigh.
Topics discussed will include:
The role of District Governor
Obligations and Expectation
The Selection Process
What happens after selection
Costs involved.
There will be ample time for questions to be answered
Attendance at this meeting does not create any obligations or expectations for you to apply for District Governor this year or in the future.
For catering purposes (morning tea will be provided), if you are interested in attending this meeting please contact PDG Gina Growden, Chair, District 9685 DG Nominating Committee for 2017-18 on gina.growden@bigpond.com or 0412 128 106 by Monday, 13th November.
SPECIAL INTEREST MEETING - ROLE OF DISTRICT GOVERNOR
Understanding that there will be many options and opinions about what counts as service and what does not, club leaders are encouraged to use the four-way test to determine what they think counts.
A few guidelines from RI President Ian Riseley:
Q What kinds of hours should we track?
A Keep track of any hours that are directly related toservice.
Time spent organizing, preparing for and participating in a service project should be tracked and counted.
Q Does time spent in club committees count?
A Most time spent in club committee meetings does not count as direct service. However, count time spent in club committee meetings for the purpose of planning service activities.
Q Do Fundraisers count?
A The hours spent planning and participating in fundraisers does not count. The funds raised will be counted when contributed to a specific service activity.
Q Does attending a club meeting count?
A Some clubs do a service project during one or more of their regular meetings. These hours count. However, a regular meeting with (or without) a meal, announcements and a speaker does not count as service.
Q How should we count hours for projects done in collaboration with other organizations?
A If a Rotary club does a service project that includes Rotaractors, Interactors, members of a Rotary Community Corps, scouts, or other community volunteers, you should count the hours of all of the volunteers because the club arranged the service opportunity.
On the other hand, if a few Rotarians volunteer at a soup kitchen that was run by the Boy Scouts, you should only count the hours of the Rotary club members that participated.
Q What if I have a question I don’t see answered here?
A There are an infinite number of possible questions about how to count service hours. This endeavor is intended to be comprehensive, without being overly complicated. If your specific question is not addressed above, please use the four-way test to decide if you will include the hours in your tally.
REPORTING VOLUNTEER HOURS AND SERVICE PROJECT CONTRIBUTIONS - FAQs
‘Enjoy a bowl of soup and donate $10 towards END POLIO NOW’ to celebrate World Polio Day on October 24’!
That’s the special request from RI Director Noel Trevaskis as Rotary International edges ever closer to its thirty year goal of eradicating polio from our world.
Director Noel emphasises that the dwindling number of polio cases around the world – just NINE so far this year – calls for a genuine celebration by Rotary Clubs and Rotarians to mark this red letter day.
‘When we launched the amazing PolioPlus campaign in 1985/86, there were 350,000 cases of Polio in 125 countries. This number has dropped significantly in recent years – 359 in 2014, 74 in 2015, 37 in 2016 – and the wild virus is now circulating in just three countries … Nigeria, Pakistan and Afghanistan.’
Rotary clubs are urged to involve community organisations and members in their celebrations. To list just a few ideas -
Walkathons and Swimathons
School bicycle marathons
Music concerts, talent quests, Battle of the Bands sessions in schools
Main street/railways station FREE barbecues with high impact signage and bucket collection points.
‘Paint a Pinkie’ for a gold coin in infant schools and primary schools.
Odd sock/crazy shirt days
However, the ‘Soup Saver Meal’ requires real commitment from Rotarians at their regular meetings and create good media opportunities if politicians and community leaders are involved.
Concept is simple … members agree to pay $15 for a bowl of soup and bread roll. Five dollars should cover the cost and $10 goes into the Club END POLIO NOW fund.
For added value, clubs may negotiate with leading restaurants to provide the soup in return for community publicity and media coverage.
IF adopted by every Rotary Club in Australia and New Zealand, the concept could raise as much as $750,000!
Plans are in hand to encourage a similar ‘saver meal’ concept during the week of Rotary’s birthday - February 23 next. However, on that occasion, it will be a coffee and birthday cake meal – involving local High School home science classes to bake giant birthday cakes.
Director Noel said that a strong commitment to fund raising was vital to ensure successful completion of the Polio Eradication Campaign.
‘Costs are heavy. For example, there are 363 permanent transit teams working 19 cross points on the Pakistan/Afghan border; some 38 million children under five have been targeted in recent National Immunisation Days in Pakistan – and that program involved 250,000 vaccinators!’ he concluded.
Hat Day on 10th October , in the guise of Lift The Lid is fast approaching, so we need to get our skates on.
Apart from the usual club activities there are two additional events to consider.
Railway Station collections.
Our ARH Director, Graeme Davies has gained permission for Rotary Clubs to mount a donation campaign at railway stations on the Metropolitan network however each station must have individual permission. Please consider doing a collection at your nearest station, let me know of your intention and Graeme (who is on holidays at the present) will organise the necessary permission. Contact me at lacol@myiusp.net.au
Bunnings information tables.
If your club regularly does a Bunnings BBQ it has been OK’d for you to run a Lift the Lid information table on or about 10th October. You must contact the Community Liaison person at the shop and organise everything with him/her. They will supply a table and chairs etc. Again, please let me know of your intentions (lacol@myiusp.net.au) so I can schedule clubs to the various shops to prevent doubling up. Don’t assume that another club will “get the job”, go and see for yourself.
Lift the Lid" promotion at a favourite coffee shop There is also a possibility for a club to conduct a "Lift the Lid" promotion at a favourite coffee shop. More details to follow on this one.
With the upwards spiral of suicides, especially in young men and in particular country men, it is imperative that we do all we can to fund more research into the problem so that a solution is found.
This cannot wait. Mental Health problem affect us all both directly and indirectly so please, get behind all events aimed at helping everyone with M H issues.
Our 2017 Foundation Dinner will be held on Monday 20th November at the Blacktown Workers Club. Our guest speaker is Jennifer Jones, who is a Past RI Director. Please put this date in your diary, and we look forward to your club booking a table.
Once again the Rotary Club of Upper Northern Beaches is presenting the Northern Beaches Spring Concert, on Wednesday 20 September and featuring our own Northern Beaches Orchestra. This year we are delighted to have as our special guest the acclaimed Australian singer/songwriter Melinda Schneider. Come along to the Grand Theatre at United Cinemas Warriewood and enjoy this exciting live show, Melinda Schneider Sings with Strings, packed with popular hits. Buy your tickets from www.rotaryuppernorthernbeaches.org.
Gosford North Rotary Club are leaving for their seventh deployment to Madagascar.
This year the focus will be:
personally delivering 1200 Luminaid solar sights to remote communities,
building of a recreational area within a children's home
delivering medical community programs through newly established Rotary clinic
general building & welding projects
Team members required for working team leaving for Madagascar in late October. Interest sought from physically fit individuals with specific skills that are required within the team. Skills required are medical, dental, electrical, plumbing, building, welding, education or enthusiastic general team support persons.
Limited numbers available
Please contact Madagascar Project Manager Peter Pearce OAM
PDG Leslie Whitcroft AM, the man who ‘kick started’ serious fund raising for Rotary International’s PolioPlus program in 1986, passed away at his home in Turramurra, Sydney, on August 12 aged 97 years.
Les was an outstanding Rotarian, businessman and family man – and pursued a lifetime of community service.
With his friend Harry Tyrell, he founded National Can Australia in Fitzroy, Victoria in 1954. He was the driving force behind the success of the company in Australia, New Zealand, Asia and Oceania over the next 60 years. He retired from the Company in 1981 to focus on Rotary and community service.
A generous and caring man, Les with his wife Shirley, established The Whitcroft Foundation to benefit many charitable organisations around Australia – including long term sponsorship of the ‘Bridging the Gap’ youth mentoring organisation in Blacktown, NSW.
Les enjoyed an amazing Rotary career and was the inspiration behind many outstanding projects –
Past President and member of the Rotary Club of Ryde for 43 years.
Past Governor of District 9685.
Founding Director of Australian Rotary Health.
Chairman of the Fund Raising Committee for the Rotary Wing at Westmead Childrens Hospital.
Past Chairman, long serving Director and benefactor of Rotary Down Under Incorporated. Les provided an interest free of $730k over three years to fund the purchase of the original Rotary Down Under House in Argyle Street, Parramatta, in 1985. The debt was repaid by the Rotarians and Rotary Clubs and Districts of Australia and New Zealand – and the building changed the course of Rotary in Australia by providing a solid base for administration of many programs over the next decade.
However, it was his service as National Chairman of the Australian PolioPlus Committee in the late 1980s that Les made an extraordinary contribution. Rotary International set a fund raising goal of $125 million in 1986 and early progress was slow until Les and Shirley Whitcroft made a donation of US$250k to then RI President MAT Caparas at a Pacific Regional Conference in Adelaide. This single act provided great leadership to Rotarians and corporates around the world and donations began to flow in great numbers and amounts. Shirley Whitcroft was a key figure in the campaign – inspiring everyone by way of her own battle with polio. Shirley contracted the dreaded virus after she and Les were married and her youngest child was just 18 months old.
Les Whitcroft’s lifetime of service was suitable recognised when he was honoured with an AM (Member of the Order of Australia) in 1989.
He is survived by his daughters Prudence and Diana, son in law Michael, grandchildren Scott, Kirsty, Louise and Fiona, and great grandchildren Xavier, Joshua, Lachlan, Savannah, Eugenie and Josephine.
A Service of Thanksgiving will be held at Christ Church St Ives, 1 Cowan Road, St Ives on Monday 21 August 2017 at 1pm.
Rotarians attending the service - parking is limited in the area, so carpooling and early arrival are advised.
VALE PDG LES WHITCROFT AM - DEATH OF A POLIOPLUS HERO
Jeremy Carter, President of Norwest Sunrise Rotary Club has offered his company's training course for Board Members - for free to Rotarians and $50 for Non Rotarians.
Saturday 9 September 2017 - 8.00am-11.30am
8.00am Coffee & Registration
8.30am - 11.30am Training incl. Morning Tea
Register HERE by Tuesday 5 September 2017 for catering and room organisation purposes.
Advisory Boards – Unlocking success in your organisation
Having a great board of advisors is a powerful asset for your Rotary Club (or any organisation for that matter) to get objective advice, identify unexplored opportunities, open new doors and increase profitability and sustainability.
This workshop covers what you need to know in order to establish an effective Advisory Board from inception to succession. Unlike corporate boards, advisory boards do not have fiduciary responsibility and their advice is non-binding.
Topics include:
The importance of governance in organisations
How to setup an effective advisory board
Choosing the right people for the board
Setting objectives, expectations and compensation
Planning for Meetings
Running effective board meetings
Best practice communication strategies
We'd appreciate registration by Tuesday 5 September, so that necessary catering and room organisation arrangements can be made.
Castle Hill Rotary wish to announce that registrations for the “2017 Cross Country Challenge” are now open. Come along and get active for a good cause then spend the day enjoying entertainment, food stalls and much more. Register now and help us put an end to domestic violence at www.crosscountrychallenge.com.au
]n keeping with the Rotary’s motto of “Service Above Self”, the Rotary NSW Emergency Services Community Awards recognise and acknowledge the selfless Community Service of NSW Emergency Services Personnel while supporting an important Australian Rotary Health initiative “PhD Research Scholarship into Post Traumatic Stress Disorder” (PTSD) in Emergency Services Personnel (workers and volunteers).
Emergency Services Agencies involved in this project include Fire and Rescue NSW, Marine Rescue NSW, NSW Ambulance, NSW Rural Fire Service, NSW State Emergency Service and NSW Volunteer Rescue Association.
The Awards Presentation Dinner is an opportunity for Rotary, the Emergency Services and New South Wales to celebrate the outstanding community service of Emergency Services personnel across the state.
Join Rotary on Friday, 4 August 2017 in acknowledging and celebrating outstanding Community Service of NSW Emergency Service Members.
ACKNOWLEDGING AND CELEBRATING OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY SERVICE
As a precursor to the fourth annual North Ryde Rotary Fun Run, the Rotary Club of North Ryde is again holding mental health seminars with the Macquarie University Centre for Emotional Health.
The Fun Run is Sunday 27 August 2017 at Macquarie University Sports Grounds with proceeds to Australian Rotary Health and practical programmes for youth mental health. To find out more about the mental health seminars please go to the following web pages. http://bit.ly/socialanxiety2017 and http://bit.ly/procrastination2017
Social anxiety in youth – 26th Jul 2017 6:00pm – 7:00pm
The Centre for Emotional Health in partnership with Rotary Club of North Ryde* is pleased to present a FREE community information evening for parents, carers, school counsellors and teachers on dealing with social anxiety in youth.
Around 2-3 % of Australian youth (4-18 years) suffer from Social Anxiety Disorder – a fear or worry about other people’s evaluations to such an extent that it stops them from easily making friends, talking to people or being the centre of attention.
In this informative session Distinguished Professor Ron Rapee will discuss:
Ways to identify social anxiety disorder in young people
How social anxiety can affect children
Tips to manage social anxiety in youth
Available treatment options for children offered through the Centre for Emotional Health Clinic
The presentation will include Q&A time. About the Presenter
Ronald M. Rapee is a Distinguished Professor in the Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia and founder of the Centre for Emotional Health. Prof Rapee has established an international reputation for his research into the understanding and management of anxiety and related problems in both children and adults and has published widely in some of the leading scientific journals. He has developed a number of empirically supported treatment programs that are used by researchers and therapists in countries across the world.
Event Information
Date: Wednesday, 26 July 2017
Time: Doors open 5.30pm. Event 6.00pm to 7:00pm Venue: Australian Hearing Hub, Level 1 Lecture Theatre 16 University Ave, Macquarie University NSW
Parking: Free parking from 5.30pm in X2 and W3 car parks. All people who register will be emailed a parking permit.
RSVP: Bookings are essential as places are limited.
Overcoming procrastination in adolescence
Stress around academic performance is very common during adolescence as pressures at school escalate. Increased stress has been shown to be related to worry and procrastination around school work, and reduced self-esteem around work output.
By the end of this presentation teenagers will have gained practical ideas in how to manage negative emotions and stay on task. Procrastination is largely a habit which can be overcome with the right strategies and plan. To maximise learning, the seminar will involve several hands-on exercises, and a portfolio of free worksheets.
In this information session, Dr Carolyn Schniering will discuss:
the factors which make youth vulnerable to procrastination,
practical strategies to manage procrastination in this age group for both parents and teenagers, and
available treatment options for adolescents through the Centre for Emotional Health.
About the Presenter
Doctor Carolyn Schniering is a senior lecturer, researcher and child psychologist. Carolyn’s passion is to increase understanding of childhood emotional health problems and to improve treatment programs for anxiety and depression in youth. She has developed and evaluated a treatment that targets both anxiety and depression simultaneously for adolescents – a unique offering in Australia. She is also the creator of the Children’s Automatic Thoughts Scale (CATS) which has been used nationally and internationally to identify unhelpful thinking styles associated with emotional difficulties in youth.
Event Information
Date: Thursday 3 August 2017
Time: Doors open 5.30pm. Event 6.00pm to 7:00pm Venue: Australian Hearing Hub, Level 1 Lecture Theatre 16 University Ave, Macquarie University NSW
Parking: Free parking from 5.30pm in X3 and W4 car parks. All people who register will be emailed a parking permit.
*NORTH RYDE FUN RUN
The North Ryde Fun Run for Youth Mental Health is a community event organised by the Rotary Club of North Ryde, with venue partner Macquarie University and local community groups.
The 2017 Fun Run will be held on Sunday 27th August from 9am to 2pm at the Macquarie University Sport Fields, corner of Culloden and Talavera Roads, Macquarie Park. There is a 2 k walk and a 5 k run.
RSVP: Bookings are essential as places are limited. REGISTER
Rotary International President-elect Sam F. Owori died unexpectedly on 13 July due to complications from surgery. Sam was a member of the Rotary Club Kampala, Uganda, for 38 years.
“Rotary has become a way of life for me – with the intrinsic value and core belief in mutual responsibility and concern for one another as a cornerstone,” Sam said when he was nominated last year. “I feel immense satisfaction knowing that through Rotary, I’ve helped someone live better.”
Sam's term as Rotary’s 108th president would have begun on 1 July 2018.
“Please remember Sam as the outstanding, hard-working Rotarian he was,” said Rotary International President Ian Riseley. “In this difficult time, I ask you to keep his wife, Norah, the Owori family and Sam’s millions of friends around the world in your thoughts.”
Under Sam’s leadership, the number of clubs in Uganda swelled from nine to 89 over the course of 29 years.
Sam saw in Rotary members "an incredible passion to make a difference," and wanted to "harness that enthusiasm and pride so that every project becomes the engine of peace and prosperity."
Sam was the chief executive officer of the Institute of Corporate Governance of Uganda, whose mission is to promote excellence in corporate governance principles and practice in the region by 2020. Previously, he was executive director of the African Development Bank and managing director of Uganda Commercial Bank Ltd., and director of Uganda Development Bank. He has also served as corporation secretary of the Central Bank of Uganda.
He served as member and chair of several boards including FAULU (U) Ltd., (now Opportunity Bank), the Uganda Heart Institute, the Centre for African Family Studies, Mulago Hospital Complex, Mukono Theological College, and the Kampala City Council.
Sam also was the currently vice-chair of the Hospice Africa Uganda, and member of the board and chair of the Audit Committee of PACE (Programme for Accessible Health, Communication and Education) in Uganda.
“Sam was a special person in so many ways, and his unexpected death is a huge loss to Rotary, his community and the world,” Riseley said. “In addition, we are establishing details on plans to celebrate his life as they become available.”
Rotary is establishing a memorial fund in Sam's honour and will provide further details soon.
I am delighted to be serving in the District Communications Director role in 2017/18. As I work full time, the best (and preferred) way to contact me is email (communications@rotarydistrict9685.org.au).
Our plan is to send out 2 eNews editions each month:
* DG's eNews - 1st Thursday of the month
* eNews - 3rd Thursday of the month
Please look out for them in your inbox, please take the time to read and contribute to them!
It would be appreciated if the following email addresses could be used by you, your team and clubs:
Feel there are gaps in your Rotary knowledge? Want to prepare for your Rotary Year? Hungry for knowledge that goes beyond PETS and DA? Want to share your experience of Rotary with others?
Then RLI is for you and new Courses for 2017 are open now:
The benefits of doing RLI are many; so boost your knowledge and skills, and share your experience by joining in.
The three part course is held at our District Office, Thornleigh. Morning tea and lunch are provided. Each day starts at 8:30 for 9:00am and finishes around 3:45pm.
Here is what recent graduates had to say about the Rotary Leadership Institute Course;
The course is by far the most educational, inspirational and motivational element of Rotary thus far. The people who deliver the course are not dogmatic, not zealous, but they do know their subject and can deliver it very effectively. Michael Sawczak., RC The Entrance, RLI 39
Excellent workshop, very beneficial to everybody; Excellent! Time well spent; Eye-opening; Gives confidence in initiating a club project; The course is an essential activity for all members. Participant feedback from RLI 37.
* The fee covers direct participant costs. Rotarians who have partially completed RLIs prior to today and wish to do individual parts should contact PDG Ian Scott for registration by response to this email; the cost for catch up sessions is $20.
RI President John Germ, early in his term, wished to make a special push on the End Polio Now effort in the Rotary Foundation’s Centenary year. He was conscious of the huge amount of District Designated Fund money lying unused in many districts of the world, so exhorted Governors around the world to make a special donation to the Polio Plus campaign from their DDF. He promise to honour the top 5 districts giving from their DDF at the International Convention in Atlanta in June 2017.
District Governor Bruce Lakin asked the Foundation committee to consider making a donation in this way. We hadn’t done this in the past conserving our District Designated Fund for humanitarian and educational projects. However we had accumulated sufficient to believe that in this Centenary year we could make a donation of up to USD $50,000. Grants Chair, David Dean suggested asking the clubs to match a DDF donation and we worked out that in doing so their donation to Polio would be multiplied by a factor of 7.5 thanks to a 50% subsidy of DDF money by the Foundation’s World Fund, and then the 2 to 1 match from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation If we had just provided DDF, then that money would have gone from our ability to use it with no recognition anywhere in the system. However, with club involvement it would serve to really focus our District Clubs’ attention on how close we are to eradicating polio and how important it is to still work hard collectively to fund the program.
So, as already reported, we were astounded and delighted when 43 of our 72 clubs met the challenge of donating USD $2650 (John Germ’s challenge) or AUD $3577 to Polio Plus. This meant over USD $114,000 from clubs was matched by this amount from our DDF, providing USD $854,000 (or AUD $1.15M) to the battle against Polio. We were delighted to hear during May that as the third largest contributing district from DDF in the world that we would be called to the stage in Atlanta to receive recognition. PDG Bob Aitken, our district Polio co-Chair was at the Convention and delightedly received the certificate on behalf of District Governor Bruce Lakin.
Well done and congratulations to all those clubs that were able to make this special effort by March of 2017.
We'd love to showcase your club's 2016/17 projects, activities and events at District Changeover. Please send 10-15 high res engaging photos(smaller file size would be appreciated) to changeoverphotos@rotarydistrict9685.org.au. Please send the photos by Tuesday 20 June 2017.
All 9685 clubs are invited to start organising their Hat Day “Lift the Lid” event.
When:- 10th October 2017 which is World Mental Health Day.
Please look at this video Lift The Lid ARH for a message from ARH Chair Elect Greg Ross
The direction of ARH research into Mental Health, is of vital importance to us all, particularly since statistics clearly demonstrate the staggering fact that the age when problems start is dropping alarmingly and youth suicides are on the increase. We owe it to the children of our country to help NOW.
Marshall received his exciting news just in time to head for New York in June to take up his studies at Columbia University for an MA in Psychology and Education.
His Area of Focus is Peace and Conflict Resolution.
As a teacher, speaker and author he envisions working in disadvantaged communities helping them to combat abuse, bullying, domestic violence and suicide.
Rotary support will be given to Marshall at home and overseas. Mosman is his sponsor club here and the Rotary Club of Wall Street is his host sponsor club in New York.
CAROLINE ENGLISH
Caroline English has just received the exciting news that she has been awarded a US$30,000 Global Grant Scholarship funded by our District and The Rotary Foundation.
Her Area of Focus is Economic and Community Development.
She leaves in September to study for a Master of Public Administration at the London School of Economics. Her involvement with the UN Youth Association of Victoria, her role as Chief Financial Officer for the Oaktree Foundation and her current role in Strategy Consulting with Port Jackson Partners has led to her plans to work in Economic Development in South East Asia.
There will be Rotary support for Caroline at home and in London. Turramurra is her Club sponsor at home and the Rotary Club of Leytonstone and Woodford is her host sponsor for her time overseas.
Our Peace Fellow for 2016-17 is Patricia Garcia OAM, who has just completed her three months of study at the Peace Centre at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok. The 22 Fellows are hosted by the Rotary Club of Bangkok and other Bangkok clubs.
Patricia found the course to be extremely intense, challenging and inspiring and is already making plans for future work in peace and conflict resolution.
Patricia is a highly respected humanitarian and human rights advocate who has worked in war zones for over 20 years (Afghanistan, Sudan, Burma) and has worked for many global NGOs, managing programs with responsibility for emergency and post conflict recovery.
She was a state finalist for Australian of the Year (Humanitarian) and has been recognised with an OAM.
Patricia is looking forward to speaking at Rotary Clubs.
How do you communicate with your community about your club? Are prospective members hearing about who you are and what you do? If your club is looking to promote its unique culture, events, and service projects, you can customize a club brochure. Edit the content or upload your own photos to make a distinctive promotional pamphlet.
Use the Discover Rotary presentation and the Impact Begins With You prospective member brochure to introduce Rotary’s values and history, the benefits of membership, and what makes Rotary stand out.
Does your club sponsor an Interact or Rotaract club? You can customize your own promotional cards for Rotary’s programs for young leaders through the Rotary Brand Center. This is a great opportunity to show potential members all the ways they can get involved through Rotary.
Rotary Australia Compassionate Grant (RACG) Projects have been made possible by a $1,000,000 donation to Rotary Australia World Community Service (RAWCS) by Dick Smith.
RACG Projects are registered under the entity of Rotary Australia Benevolent Society (RABS), ABN 54 563 288 318.
All RABS Projects have DGR status with the ATO. ie. donations are tax deductible.
The aim of the RACG Projects is to provide assistance to disadvantaged members of the Australian community irrespective of their location.
What are the Project Criteria
1. RACG online Project Applications may be submitted by a Rotary Club or a Rotary District.
2. RACG Projects must provide specific, direct relief to people in need and not be simply a general funding donation to an organisation even though that organisation may provide assistance to people in need
3. The funding must satisfy a specific need and may be provided directly to a person or a small group of people. Alternatively, the funding may be to an organisation to provide a piece of equipment that will satisfy the needs of a disadvantaged section of the community.
4. The funding must satisfy the needs of disadvantaged people or a small disadvantaged section of the community and not be simply to provide a benefit to the whole community.
5. The project should be such as to arouse the compassion of the community.
6. The project should define and target the disadvantage or need of the people or group of people for whom it is intended.
7. The concept of disadvantage is unlimited and could arise from sickness, suffering, distress, misfortune, disability, destitution, helplessness or poverty, any aspect of the negative side of the human condition. The criteria are not prescriptive but should be used as a guide to determine the disadvantage.
8. Priority for grants will be given to those whose disadvantage has arisen from an ‘ad hoc’ event over which the disadvantaged had no control, such as an accident, assault, medical condition.
9. RACG Projects cannot be registered as part of an existing RABS Project.
10. Rotary Australia Compassionate Grants will match a Club’s or District’s fundraising on a dollar for dollar basis subject to the following;
a. a qualifying project must have a minimum value of $2,000 (ie. a minimum grant of $1,000), and
b. a Club or District can apply for up to 2 grants in any calendar year, subject to a maximum grant total of $10,000.
11. All RACG Projects must contain a budget that states the total cost of the project and the anticipated source of these funds.
12. All RACG Projects must be completed within 12 months of the date of registration and are required to submit six monthly online progress reports when requested and a final report on completion.
Registering a RACG Project
All RACG Projects are registered on-line Click here to apply.
The normal RAWCS project approvals process has been streamlined to enable efficient administration. The Club provides final endorsement of each project submitted by the Project Manager and the project then goes to a Screening Committee of two Rotarians. Following endorsement by the Screening Committee, the Project goes to the RAWCS National Project Manager for approval and registration. Once registered, RACG Projects appear as normal RABS Projects with (RACG) appended to the Project title.
The following RABS projects are examples of projects considered to meet the above RACG approval criteria.
Provision of a modified family motor vehicle for a 6 year old with cerebral palsy
Modifications to a home to assist access and functionality for a quadriplegic
Financial assistance for a seriously injured sportsman’s family
Ongoing support for non PBS medicines for a sufferer of Lymes disease
Provision of a specialised bed for a person with Parkinson’s Disease
Supply insulin pumps to three children with juvenile diabetes
Provision of improved prosthetics for an amputee
Assistance to a family who lost everything in a fire
Provision of financial assistance to a young family whose mother drowned
Providing refurbishment of a kitchen and bathroom for a women’s refuge or for a house for disabled people.
For further assistance or to get in touch with a club please contact: racg@rawcs.org.au
G’day all 9685 Rotarians, Caravanners, 4WDers and car tourers.
Like to join this ARH initiative AND see parts of Australia (maybe for the first time maybe on a return trip), meet other Rotarians, meet the friends you are yet to make and at the same time help ARH in this great initiative for meeting the challenge of Mental Health (Yep we can say it now)
Go here to see all the drives, from 16th July 2017 to 3rd June 2018, 12 legs in total
https://www.muster.org.au/drive-details/
select the one you want to join and let Dudley know at mrdgm41@gmail.com. I’ll put together a data base for all to see.
This is open to everyone so invite your friends, form a group and double, triple, quadruple (don’t know the word for any more) your fun.
See you on one of the Drives. You don’t have to do the full drive(s) just go for a while or as much as you want to. It is Hop On Hop Off.
An invitation is extended to fellow Rotarians to join Lower Blue Mountains Rotary Club in the welcome of our guest speaker, Rotary International Director, Noel Trevaskis, who will be joining us on Tuesday 2nd May 2017.
Lower Blue meets at the Leonay Golf Club, 1 Leonay Parade, Leonay (exit M4 at Russell Street ) at 6.30 pm for 7.00 pm. Dinner costs are $23. Payments at welcome desk or via Club cheques please.
Canberra dinner on May 1 to showcase Australia’s Peace Centre
The Rotary Peace Centres Program is one of Rotary’s star performers. Australia is privileged to host one of the six global centres, based at University of Queensland. Each year a class of around 10 outstanding Fellows study for their Masters in Peace and Conflict Resolution, but there are few opportunities for them to meet the wider Rotary community. Past RI Director John Lawrence has taken advantage of Class 14’s visit to Canberra to convene a dinner on May 1st, with the help of Canberra area Rotary Clubs, to which all Rotarians are invited. It is a chance to meet and hear from these wonderful Rotary ambassadors. Honoured guests include RIPE Ian Riseley, senior politicians and members of the diplomatic community. Venue for the dinner is the Commonwealth Club in Yarralumla, with a limit of 200 attendees.
There was a great response to the Raffle of two bottles of Muster Wine and four acrylic goblets at the District conference. The winner was Margaret Neal from the Rotary Club of Kincumber.
The total amount raised for ARH was $222 which represents around 50c per person who attended the conference.
Australian Rotary Health District Chair, Dudley Mercer said “Everyone who was asked bought a/some ticket(s) so, Thanks to everyone.”
ARH continues to be a large investor in Mental Health Research Scholarships, second only to the Federal Government.
The research is “By Australians – In Australia - then made available the World.”
A large number of research results and developed programs are in use overseas particularly the “Mental Health First Aid” program flagged by then President Obama as a very worthwhile program.
District 9685 is a very generous donor to ARH, something the committee is keen to maintain. Please keep ARH in mind when distributing funds or perhaps hold a special ARH event – this year’s Hat Day is titled “Lift the Lid” on mental health – look out for more information here later on.
Watch this space for more details of the D9685 contingent in the Muster for Mental Health later on in the year too.
District Governor Bruce Lakin has joined District Rotary Foundation Chairman David Rands in calling for EVERY club in District 9685 to donate US $2,650 towards the END POLIO NOW campaign in support RI President John Germ’s personal request for special giving to mark the 100th anniversary of The Rotary Foundation in 2016/17.
This unique amount from each club will then be matched by a similar amount from the District 9685 District Designated Fund (DDF), followed by a 50% Rotary World Fund match for a sub total of $6,625.
The amazing generosity of the Gates Foundation then comes into play with a 2 for 1 further match for Polio giving.
Total impact of the original special club donation of $2,650 is and amazing $19,875!!!
Rotary Foundation Chair David has had enquiries from several clubs, but noted payment rom only a small number so far. So during March we would like to see many more clubs make that special effort and stretch in order to take advantage of the absolutely wonderful opportunity to stretch your $2650 to $19875 of benefit.
Governor Bruce joined the push this week and stated ‘like all things in Rotary, this excellent opportunity will not achieve maximum impact unless we make it happen’.
‘The 100th anniversary of the Rotary Foundation is a very special occasion and there is no better way to celebrate than for everyone to make an extra effort to strive for Polio eradication. I request club presidents to discuss this request within clubs during the next week and get donations to Chairman David and his team as soon as possible,” he said.
Governor Bruce reminded club presidents that this donation is a special ‘one off’ request and should be in addition to normal giving to The Rotary Foundation.
District Polio Chairs Bob Aitken and Bruce Nicholls have joined District leaders in this fund raising ‘push’ and reminded club presidents that RI President John Germ, in his 2016/17 citation, requests Rotarians around the world to support the club giving program with a personal gift of $26.50 to END POLIO NOW.
This amount of $26.50 is the original amount donated from the International Convention that year to launch The Rotary Foundation and has special significance in this 100th anniversary year.
Chairmen Bob and Bruce suggest that clubs organise a special event in March to raise the total amount required and ease the cost burden on individual members. Community ‘Walk because you can’ events have proved very popular and successful with mass school children joining Rotarians in main street marches for gold coin donations.
EVERY DISTRICT 9685 CLUB CAN GENERATE $19,875 FOR POLIO ERADICATION
Do you feel the urge to fill some very large shoes??
Would you like the opportunity to promote and progress the ideals of Probus in our District?
If so, the I would love to hear from you!
And if you are wondering why, it is because, after many years of devoted and dedicated service, PP Adrian Hallett has decided to pass the baton to a new owner and give someone else the same opportunities that he has enjoyed.
In the words of Probus Chairman of the Board, Douglas Geekie,
“I express our thanks and appreciation for your efforts over your term of office in advancing and supporting our Probus Organisation. Your devotion and commitment is recognised, and has been greatly appreciated.
Probus South Pacific Ltd is indeed indebted to our many and various volunteers for their devotion and hard work that results in the success of the company. Without such commitment and support, we would be a much lesser organisation. Your personal contributions have been significant in the role of RDPC which has provided great communication lines with our resident Director, the Probus team in Parramatta and of course the many Probus Clubs in your Rotary District. Together, we have successfully promoted the image “Probus - a Community Service Activity of Rotary Clubs”.
We wish you well in your continuing Rotary Life and various other community commitments.”
Adrian has been an integral part of Probus for a long time, and now it is your turn!
Please let me know if you are interested in finding out more about advancing and leading the ideals and outcomes which Probus delivers to its thousands of members in our District!
Samantha Chebat is 12 years old and suffers from a rare, serious disabling disease which means that she cannot go to school or associate with other children because of the risk of infection and possible death.
She has wonderful parents and recently, Ryde Toyota in collaboration with our club arranged for a new car to be specially fitted out and supplied for her parents to take her around.
The car cost $30,000 (interest free loan) and to date there has been very generous support from local individuals and The TWT newspaper, we have raised approximately $8000 so far and the funds are initially processed through the RAWCS account for further disbursement .
My personal wish, which is fully supported by our club, is to raise enough funds to clear the debt by mid-year 2017. At the end of the Rotary Year, many clubs look for deserving local community charity cases to be given donations at the Changeover Dinner.
Could you consider making Samantha one of the beneficiaries of your Club’s generosity this year? Any funds raised in excess of the $30,000 target will be donated to Polio Plus”
Could you please help us do this? Any contribution will help this wonderful young girl.
Programs organised and administered by other organisations and supported by Clubs
Youth Driver Awareness [RYDA]
Operation Hope (Wesley Mission Camps for disadvantaged children)
Youth Insearch (community-based organisation coordinating program focusing on resolving adolescent issues at a peer level)
Programs initiated by Clubs to meet the needs of young people in their local communities
Scholarships, bursaries and awards for school students
Inter-school debating competitions
'My Mother - My Hero' Mother's Day Essay/ Poem for Primary School students
Homeless youth programs
Community Centres for Youth
Youth Forums, ARH High School Forums on Mental Health (Years 10 & 11)
Youth Art Shows, Drama Festivals and Showcases of Musical Talents
Leadership training for High School Student Representative Council members
Support for students with disabilities - wheelchairs, computers, social outings
If so, the following WWC obligations apply:
Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012
Child protection (Working with Children) Regulation 2013
Children and Young People (care and Protection) Act 1998
Rotary Youth Protection Guide (2016)
These requirements are encapsulated in the draft “Child Protection Policy and Procedure Manual” available to clubs on the D9685 website. It is recommended that all clubs adopt this manual if they participate in any form of Youth Program.
To learn more
D9685 is taking a 3-phased approach to explaining how these obligations affect our District and Club Youth programs. It will be achieved as follows:
Phase 1 PETS 1 April 2017
An overview of the relevant documents and their requirements to create an awareness for President’s – Elect so that they have a basis to manage the responses of their respective Clubs.
Phase 2 District Assembly 23 April 2017
Club Board members and the Club Verification Officer should attend to hear a more detailed explanation about these important requirements and to receive guidance about their implementation.
Phase 3 FREE “Working with Children” workshop on 29 April 2017 in the District Office, Thornleigh, to expand on the DA.
A representative of the Office of the Children’s Guardian will be present and the primary objectives will be to:
Explain more about WWC and why it is an important matter; and
Participate in a Q&A session at which any misconceptions or misunderstandings that may exist will be addressed.
Suggested attendees would include:
2017-2018 D9685 Directors responsible for Youth programs
Relevant 2017-2018 D9685 and Club Committee Chairs (e.g. RYE Program)
Club Verification Officers
Club Youth Service Directors
Club Presidents
Rotarians
WORKING WITH CHILDREN WORKSHOP ON 29 APRIL - Register HERE today!
Anybody who wishes to be a part of this team would be welcome to come and join this. A flyer has been prepared and the program and other details are on the web site http://www.shikhar.com/rotary-international
2017-18 Board Members, please be aware of the following 2017-18 District training:
District Assembly
Sunday 23 April 2017
The Kings School
Pennant Hills Road, Parramatta
It will begin with registrations at 8.30am and formal start at 9.00am, finishing at 4.30pm.
The training content will be informative and entertaining. It is a Rotary International requirement that each club is represented at PETS and District Assembly.
2017-18 RI President Ian H.S. Riseley announces his presidential theme, Rotary: Making a Difference
Rotary International President-elect Ian H.S. Riseley made the case on Monday that protecting the environment and curbing climate change are essential to Rotary’s goal of sustainable service.
Riseley, a member of the Rotary Club of Sandringham, Victoria, Australia, unveiled the 2017-18 presidential theme, Rotary: Making a Difference, to incoming district governors at Rotary’s International Assembly in San Diego, California, USA.
Environmental degradation and global climate change are serious threats to everyone, Riseley said. “They are having a disproportionate impact on those who are most vulnerable, those to whom Rotary has the greatest responsibility. Yet environmental issues rarely register on the Rotary agenda,” he said.
Environmental degradation is one of the major threats listed by the UN’s High-level Panel on Threats, Challenges, and Change.
Riseley added, “The time is long past when environmental sustainability can be dismissed as not Rotary’s concern. It is, and must be, everyone’s concern.”
The president-elect challenged every Rotary club to make a difference by planting a tree for each of its members between the start of the Rotary year on 1 July and Earth Day on 22 April 2018. Trees remove carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases from the air, which slows global warming.
“It is my hope that the result of that effort will be far greater than the environmental benefit that those 1.2 million new trees will bring,” Riseley said. “I believe the greater result will be a Rotary that recognizes our responsibility not only to the people on our planet, but to the planet itself.”
Securing Rotary’s future
In his address to the 2017-18 class of district governors, Riseley also urged clubs to improve their gender balance and lower the average age of their members.
Only 22 percent of Rotary’s members are women, up from 13 percent 10 years ago. At that rate, Riseley said, it will take another three decades for Rotary to achieve gender parity.
We know that we can do more together than we could ever hope to do alone.
“Three decades is far too long to wait to achieve a Rotary that reflects the world in which we live. We need to make it a priority now,” he said.
Noting that 103 of the 539 incoming governors are women, Riseley said they are the type of women we need in Rotary, “leaders who will help Rotary connect with, and represent, and better serve, all of the members of all our communities.”
Riseley also believes it is imperative that clubs find ways to attract and engage younger members. Today only 5 percent of reported members are under 40, and a majority of members are over 60, Riseley told the audience.
“Consider what Rotary stands to look like 10 or 20 years from now if we don’t get very serious, very soon, about bringing in younger members,” Riseley said.
Clubs will make a difference this year through their own decisions, said Riseley, but it will take teamwork on a global scale to move Rotary forward and secure its future.
“We know that we can do more together than we could ever hope to do alone,” he told incoming governors. “I ask you to keep that spirit of teamwork and cooperation always in your minds and to take it back with you to your districts.”
We are close to eradicating a human disease for only the second time in history. A global public-private partnership has reduced the poliovirus caseload by 99.9% over the last 30 years, but there’s still plenty of work to do.
Even before we reach that milestone, the knowledge and infrastructure built to fight polio is being repurposed to take on other global challenges.
3 countries where polio is still endemic
Fewer than 40 children were paralyzed by polio in 2016, the lowest number in history. This is a dramatic decrease from the estimated 350,000 cases per year in 125 countries that the world saw in 1985 — the year that Rotary International initiated a worldwide effort to eradicate this terrible disease.
155: the number of countries involved in largest coordinated vaccine switch in history
In 1988, Rotary was joined in the effort by WHO, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, UNICEF (and more recently the Gates Foundation) to create the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI).
You are invited to the annual Welcome Home Youth Exchange Dinner for all our Returning and Inbound Students at Muirfield Golf Club, Barclay Rd, North Rocks
on Friday 10 February 2017 at 6:30 for 7pm.
Cost is $40 per person. Normal practice is for the Club to pay for their inbound and
returning students and for family members and friends to pay for themselves.
RSVP Friday 3 February 2017.
Payment by cheque to Treasurer, Rotary Club of Carlingford, PO Box 2740 Carlingford Court, NSW 2118 or EFT to BSB 062 300 Account number 2802 2803. You will need to include the names of the people you are paying for and your club in either method.
Rotary Clubs provide the heart and soul – and inspiration – of every District Conference and our Conference on 11 March will be no exception.
Projects will provide lasting inspiration for all Conference attendees – and especially those new club members sampling their first ‘taste’ of Rotary District service.
Expression of Interest for a stand in the Lighthouse Project Showcase
LIMITED STANDS – REGISTER YOUR INTEREST BY 10 FEBRUARY 2017
If your Club has a special project you would like to showcase, please send an Expression of Interest to Raylene Jarvis, Conference Chair – conferencechair@rotarydistrict9685.org.au
Please indicate if you need access to power. Setup of stand may be carried out on Friday afternoon or Saturday morning at 7am.
BOLLYHILLS 2017 is HERE. Let us celebrate by supporting a program which is sponsored by the Trustees of Our Foundation,“WinS – WASH in Schools” India. We will also support the campaign for “Prevention of Drug Abuse and HIV / AIDS in Northern and Eastern Sri Lanka”.
When: Saturday 18th of February 2017
Time: 6pm onwards
Where: Cherrybrook Community Centre 31 Shepherds Ln, Cherrybrook NSW 2126
Tickets: $50 ($500 for Table of10)
Please support us with your presence and help us promote this event with fellow Rotarians, Friends and Family.
Invitation to a young person interested in international postgraduate study to apply for a Rotary District 9685 Global Grant Scholarship
The purpose of the Global Grant Scholarship program is to support international study at post graduate level.
Rotary District 9685 supports the Global Grant Scholarship Program of The Rotary Foundation and will offer one Global Grant Scholarship in 2017. This scholarship program is funded by a District 9685 grant of US$15,000 which is matched by the Rotary Foundation providing a scholarship to the total value of US$30,000.
At the District Conference on 11 March 2017, there are a wonderful array of speakers - a great mix of Rotary information and entertaining and informative speakers such as David Ireland and Peter Switzer.
The day will be topped off with a wonderful evening with a glamorous cocktail function and entertainment provided by Normie Rowe and the Playboys - LIVE on stage.
Rotary Clubs provide the heart and soul – and inspiration – of every District Conference and our Conference on 11 March will be no exception. Projects will provide lasting inspiration for all Conference attendees – and especially those new club members sampling their first ‘taste’ of Rotary District service.
Expression of Interest for a stand in the Lighthouse Project Showcase
LIMITED STANDS – REGISTER YOUR INTEREST
If your Club has a special project you would like to showcase, please send an Expression of Interest to Raylene Jarvis, Conference Chair – conferencechair@rotarydistrict9685.org.au
Please indicate if you need access to power. Setup of stand may be carried out on Friday afternoon or Saturday morning at 7am.
Peter Switzer is one of Australia’s leading business and financial commentators, launching his own business more than 20 years ago. The Switzer Group has since grown into three successful companies spanning media and publishing, financial services and business coaching.
Peter is an award-winning broadcaster, twice runner up for the Best Current Affairs Commentator award for radio, behind broadcaster Alan Jones.
She was appointed Minister for Transport following the election of the O’Farrell Government in March 2011 and has served as Deputy Leader of the NSW Parliamentary Liberal Party since April 2014.
After the election of the Baird Government in March 2015, Gladys was appointed Treasurer and Minister for Industrial Relations.
Fifty plus years in journalism and media management – 27 of which were spent ‘flying the flag’ as managing editor of Rotary Down Under – saw Bob well prepared to enjoy the role of Executive Director of Rotary Down Under Inc, specialising in public relations and corporate development in his final three years as leader of the Rotary region’s premier media organisation.
In 2015/16, Bob was chairman of District 9685 Public Relations and Polio committees, project manager of Rotary’s NSW Graffiti Removal Day project – in partnership with the NSW Government, and assisted with promotion of favourite Rotary projects in Australian Rotary Health and Dream Cricket. In 2016/17, Bob continues his role as Chairman of District 9685 Polio Committee; and that of Chairman of Graffiti Removal Australia Ltd. RI President John Germ has invited Bob to serve as END OF POLIO Coordinator in Zone 7B and part of Zone 8 in 2016/17.
John Barnes
John Barnes joined the Rotary Club of Clayton in District 9810 in 1979. He was President in 1983/84 and again in 2002/03. He has held most positions at Club level including Secretary for ten years and is a multiple Paul Harris Fellow and a member of the Paul Harris Society.
In 2010/11 he began a three-year appointment as an Assistant Rotary Coordinator. In 2011/12 he commenced a four-year term as District Foundation Chair. In 2013/14 John received a Citation for Meritorious Service from the Trustees of The Rotary Foundation. John has also been a part of the GETS Training Team for incoming District Governors in 2010, 2011 and 2012.
On 1 July 2014, John commenced his three-year term as a Trustee for The Australian Rotary Foundation Trust (TARFT). In March 2015 John and Gaye represented the RI President and his wife at the District Conference of District 1260 in St. Albans England and again at the District Conference of District 3011 in New Delhi, India in February 2017.
John is also a member of Interplast ANZ’s Committee of Rotarians, having been associated with Interplast since 1999 and a Board Member from 2002—2014.
From 1 July 2015 John took up a position as a Regional Rotary Foundation Coordinator, responsible for the six New Zealand Districts and the ten South Eastern Australian Districts.
Malcolm is the Rotary Zone Coordinator for 12 Districts in Zone 8 which includes Papua New Guinea, Timor Leste and the Solomon Islands and has been jointly responsible for administering the Regional Membership Development Plan for Australia and New Zealand and is responsible for distributing the electronic newsletter Rotary on the Move.
In 2010-11 Malcolm was the District Governor of Rotary District 9520. He joined the Rotary Club of Brownhill Creek in 1986 and was President in 1990/91. In 1990 he was a member of a Fourth Avenue In Motion (FAIM) team to the Solomon Islands and in 2003 led a Group Study Exchange (GSE) team to District 2760, Japan.
David Ireland is arguably one of the world`s most experienced wildlife film producers and presenters, his Wildlife Man films are shown to countless millions world-wide on major TV networks in Europe and Asia, including Discovery HD Channel USA and Canada and Channel Nine and Win TV Australia. David works with a huge diversity of animals, everything from lions and leopards to sharks and crocodiles, deadly snakes and ocean giants like humpback whales.David often works with dangerous animals and has many life threatening encounters, his back has been broken by a whale, his ribs smashed by a wild boar and has come close to being killed by a massive crocodile.
Stuart is living proof we can get alumni of our programs to join Rotary. He first came into contact with Rotary as an attendee of RYLA as a 20 year old in Auckland, New Zealand. Some 15 years later he was part of a D 9980 GSE team that went to Nigeria in 1987. That was the experience that has led to a lifetime of involvement with Rotary. He saw first-hand how Rotary can make a difference to peoples lives.
Stuart has worked in business all of his life and was CEO of the largest agricultural supply cooperative in New Zealand for 20 years. On retiring from that position he has focused on governance roles and chairs a number of boards of directors giving him a broad perspective of many sectors including NZ Cricket, University Bookshop (Otago) Ltd, Pioneer Generation Ltd, Infinite Energy (NZ) Ltd, and Well South Primary Health Network. He is also a director of a Rural Fire Authority and a Forestry Management company. He was a director of Rotary International 2010-2012 during which time he also chaired the RI Strategic Planning committee. He was an International Assembly training leader in 2003 and 2004. Stuart and Adrienne will be the moderators for Rotary International Assembly in 2017 in San Diego.
For those Partners not keen on attending the Conference day sessions but wish to enjoy the evening with their partner, an alternate Partners Program is being offered.
You will travel to the Blue Mountains for:
Some retail therapy in Leura Village, followed by
Lunch at the Fairmont Resort, and then
Some relaxing cultural time with a visit to the Norman Lindsay Gallery
An air conditioned coach will be available for the day.
This Partners program option is available only in conjunction with a Platinum registration.
The cost includes all transfers, luncheon, Gallery entry and the Conference Cocktail Function and Entertainment.
Departure will be 9.15am from Penrith Panthers, returning at 4.30pm for the Cocktail Function and Entertainment.
The Mercure Hotel Penrith is providing accommodation for the 2017 Rotary District 9685 Conference.
The below rates are available subject to availability on a first come first served basis, there is a limited block for the Rotary group. Full prepayment is required.
Rates will be held at the below costings until one month before the event 10 February 2017. Late bookings will incur the full price of the Best Unrestricted Rate of the day. Should all of the rooms be taken before this date the hotel will sell upgraded room types at public rates.
To book simply fill in this form and return toH9877@accor.comand we send back your confirmation number. There are limited amounts of each room type.
From Sydney use the M4 Motorway and take the Mulgoa Road exit to get to Penrith.
From the North use the Sydney Newcastle Freeway or Pacific Highway follow Pennant Hills Road and the Cumberland Highway to M4 Motorway, turn right along M4 or use M2 Motorway to the M7 Tollway and exit at the M4 Motorway and then take the Mulgoa Road exit to get to Penrith.
From the West use M4 Motorway/Great Western Highway, take the Mulgoa Road exit for Penrith.
By Public Transport - Penrith is on the Western and Blue Mountains line of the Sydney Trains network. The local railway stations are St Marys, Werrington, Kingswood, Penrith and Emu Plains. Trains to the Blue Mountains via Penrith and Emu Plains depart from Central. Suburban trains depart regularly from Central and City stations.
Following the Conference, there will be a Pre Show Cocktail Function including drinks, finger food and feasting platters. This will be followed by a special live on stage performance featuring Normie Rowe & The Playboys.
Includes all Conference sessions (Morning tea, lunch, & afternoon tea, Cocktail Function and Entertainment).
Alternate Partners' Program (Linked with a Platinum Registration) $150
For those Partners not keen on attending the Conference day sessions but wish to enjoy the evening with their partner, an alternate Partners Program is being offered.
You will travel to the Blue Mountains for:
Some retail therapy in Leura Village, followed by
Lunch at the Fairmont Resort, and then
Some relaxing cultural time with a visit to the Norman Lindsay Gallery
An air conditioned coach will be available for the day.
This Partners program option is available only in conjunction with a Platinum registration.
The cost includes all transfers, luncheon, Gallery entry and the Conference Cocktail Function and Entertainment.
Departure will be 9.15am from Penrith Panthers, returning at 4.30pm for the Cocktail Function and Entertainment.
Note: Numbers may be limited.
Day Package - $100
Registration for the Plenary sessions includes the Conference plenary sessions on Saturday only (incl. morning tea, lunch & afternoon tea) Does NOT include any other sessions or events.
I am delighted to be serving in the District Communications Director role in 2016/17. As I work full time, the best way to contact me is email (communications@rotarydistrict9685.org.au).
Each month 2 eNews are distributed:
* DG's eNews - 1st Thursday of the month
* eNews - 3rd Thursday of the month
Please look out for them in your inbox, please take the time to read and contribute to them!
It would be appreciated if the following email addresses could be used by you, your team and clubs:
In January, visitors to Rotary.org will discover a new, contemporary site that tells Rotary’s story in a fresh and exciting way. Rotary staff offer a look at the site’s features: a modern design, increased use of imagery and graphics, and better organization to help readers – especially newcomers – find out who we are and what we’re doing.
I bet you thought the use for those old encyclopaedias in the garage was well gone.
Nope. Its time to start swotting for the 2017 e-TRIVIA CHALLENGE. Google won't help you on this occasion, but a bookshelf of encyclopaedias, memorised, will.
Set aside 11th February. You'll get only a few minutes to answer and if you're at or near the top of the leaderboard you'll be in the running for prizes.
And you can start receiving weekly clues, hints, or teasers from our Quizmouster to give you the jump on your competitors.
You'll have to be quick, early and organised. Cost is only $20 a game. All proceeds go to Australian Rotary Health and Ryde Family Services.
Register now for our e-Trivia Challenge so you don't miss out on hint #1, coming soon - www.e-trivia.org.au
Feel there are gaps in your Rotary knowledge? Want to prepare for your Rotary Year? Hungry for knowledge that goes beyond PETS and DA? Want to share your experience of Rotary with others? Then RLI is for you and Courses for 2017 are opening now:
RLI 37 runs Sundays 22 January, 19 February and 19 March
RLI 39 runs Saturdays 4 February, 18 February and 18 March
Rotarians who have partially completed earlier RLIs and wish to do individual parts should contact PDG Ian Scott for registration by response to this email.
The benefits of doing RLI are many; so boost your knowledge and skills and share your experience by joining in.
The three part course is held at our District Office, Thornleigh. Morning tea and lunch are provided. Each day starts at 8:30 for 9:00am and finishes around 3:45pm.
Until further notice, District is bearing the full cost as part of its training budget - it is free.
“Young people of today must believe in themselves and make the most of every opportunity that comes their way.
“Australia is still the lucky country and future generations share the responsibility of building a better future for all people and cultures”, said Deng Adut – NSW nomination for Australian of the Year – at a Rotary Community Forum night in Penrith this week.
Lower Blue Mountains Rotary pulled off a major public relations success with its “Night with Deng Adut”
A capacity crowd of 166 Rotarians, partners, university and high school students, and interested citizens packed into the Emus Plains Sports Club at Penrith and acknowledged the quality of the guest speaker with a standing ovation after his 45 minute address.
Just 33 years of age, Deng enthralled the audience with stories of his life – child soldier, refugee, service station employee, student, now defence lawyer and winner of the 2016 Law Society President’s Medal for service and achievement!
Rotary President Pamela Noal said the inspirational evening provided ultimate proof that successful Rotary Clubs ‘connect’ with their communities. She said the club extended special invitations to students from local high schools to attend – and members were delighted with the response.
DENG ADUT URGES YOUNG PEOPLE TO BELIEVE IN THEMSELVES
Lane Cove Rotary Club will be hosting an Indonesian Dinner on Tuesday evening, February 7 at Lane Cove Country Club starting at 6.30 for 7.00pm.
You don’t see many Indonesian restaurants this side of the harbour so when an opportunity for quality Indonesian cuisine, excellent entertainment and pleasant company appears, then perhaps you could consider it.
The evening will be a fund-raiser for our Rotary Small Grants Project Indonesia, which funds small grants to farms and school projects in eastern Indonesia.
The evening offers you:
· Genuine Indonesian food prepared by experts.
· Traditional Indonesian musical acts.
· Entertaining raffles and auctions.
· The company of many very nice people including. Representatives from the Indonesian Consulate and Lane Cove Council and Rotary District 9685 have been invited.
This is your opportunity to wear that souvenir batik shirt or sarong Kebaya that you have never quite found a suitable function for. Perhaps you are worried about the spicy food. Please don’t be. The spices will generally be ‘on the side’ to be chosen to your taste. You will feast on;
· Potato Croquette
· Nasi Tumpeng. A traditional yellow rice dish cooked in coconut milk. This is a meal that is usually reserved for special occasions. It includes vegetables and meat patties.
· Chicken Satay will be personally cooked by Rtn Andre Hariman from Chatswood Sunrise club.
· Gado-Gado. Blanched vegetables with peanut sauce (on the side, of course!).
· Indonesian cake and mixed tropical fruits.
And if that is not sufficient, we can direct you to the nearest McDonalds!
This is a great opportunity. Set it in your 2017 calendar now. Rotary Club of Lane Cove, Indonesian Dinner, iron shirt (or sarong), 7 February 2017.
Well-known philanthropist Dick Smith has today announced his donation of $1 million towards alleviating the suffering of Australians in need. The funds will be distributed via a specific Rotary program developed for this cause, which includes eligibility criteria determined by Dick and Pip Smith.
The program will provide support for individuals suffering personal hardship. It will be up to Rotary Clubs to identify those recognised by the local community who need support, and be willing to match the requested grant on a 50/50 basis.
This donation continues Dick and Pip’s ongoing relationship with Rotary. Dick has previously given a significant amount through Rotary towards the eradication of the once widespread disease polio. This project has run for thirty years and is nearing completion, polio is now isolated to a few small enclaves in remote regions. Dick joins the likes of world-renowned philanthropist Bill Gates as a major supporter of Rotary and its various programs worldwide.
On this occasion, the donation by Dick and Pip will be administered by the Rotary Australia Benevolent Society, for the benefit of local individuals and communities. Dick highlighted the fact many Australians suffer personal hardship, whether through accident, illness or misadventure. He considers Rotary one of the most trusted and respected charities in the world.
The Chairman of the Rotary Australia Benevolent Society, Mr Michael Perkins, thanked Dick and Pip Smith for their generous donation and looks forward to seeing how Rotary volunteers throughout Australia will turn their project vison into a reality.
“For more than 100 years Rotary has worked with communities, corporates and philanthropists to make a difference throughout the world. We now have an extra $1 million to help those in need in our own backyard and with the famous Australian ingenuity I can’t wait to see how far we can make it reach,” said Michael.
The program will be launched in February 2017 and full details will be made available then.
Central Blue Mountains promoting Rotary across the Blue Mountains and into Greater Sydney!
With the assistance of Tom Colless OAM, and his company Colless Foods, Katoomba, Central Blue Mountains Rotary have established what might be a “first” in Australia - a mobile billboard that promotes Rotary and urges people to join our community of leaders and take action at home and around the world.
The massive signage on each side of the truck is 30 feet long and 9 feet tall. It cannot be missed. The truck travels the Great Western Highway and into Greater Sydney four days a week. It’s estimated life span is 10 years.
New Zealand was hit by a 7.5 magnitude earthquake at 12.02 am on 14 November 2016. Fortunately major damage to communities was limited in the main to the South Island town of Kaikoura and surrounding districts.
Kaikoura, a coastal tourist town is situated 180 kms north of Christchurch and has a population of approx. 2000.
Following inquiries from within New Zealand and overseas an Appeal has been set up
Rotary New Zealand will be working with members of the New Zealand Disaster Relief Forum to provide any support that is called for. Any specific concerns as to welfare of people etc. email info@rnzwcs.org
Kaikoura and surrounding districts which is in District 9970 does not have a Rotary club. Appeal funds will be distributed to community activities resultant from the Earthquake as approved by District Governor 9970.
Four Donation Options Quoting Activity No. 999
Internet Banking Westpac 03 1702 0192208 01 - Swift Code WPACNZ2W IBAN Code 031702
The International Fellowship of Rotarian Educators is one of RI's newest fellowships. The website address is www.rotarianeducators.org. As you can see from the website, one does not have to be an educator or work in the field of education to be a member-just have a passion for or an interest in education. Membership is available for one year ($20 USD), three years ($50 USD), or a lifetime membership for $100 USD.
Yours in Rotary Service,
Charles Grant, Ph.D.
Chair
Note: International Fellowship of Rotarian Educators operates in compliance with Rotary International’s policies for Rotary Fellowships but it is not an agency of, or controlled by, Rotary International.
Hurricane Matthew, the most powerful Caribbean hurricane in nearly a decade has left thousands of people displaced in Haiti, with officials struggling to reach the worst hit areas. Haiti is one of the world’s poorest countries, and many residents live in flimsy housing in flood prone areas.
There have been a number of deaths in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, which together comprise the island of Hispaniola. Death tolls are expected to rise as the extent of damage emerges. In the port town of Les Cayes an estimated 70,000 people were affected by flooding, and many of the area’s fragile houses have lost roofs.
With advance warnings at least 10,000 people were evacuated to shelters, but the UN has since reported overcrowded hospitals and fresh water shortages, with fears of waterborne disease. An estimated four million children may have been exposed to hurricane damage.
SHELTERBOX RESPONSE
ShelterBox already has aid stored in Haiti and large stocks of aid in Panama, ready to assist during the hurricane season. With airports closed, some of this aid has already been dispatched from Curacao aboard the Dutch Navy vessel HMNS Holland. The aid includes water filtration equipment which will be vital given the flooding, solar lighting to assist during electricity blackouts, blankets, special shelter kits of tools and tarps to help weatherproof damaged buildings.
An SRT is heading out this week to assess damage and need. The team includes: Andre Bloemink (CA), Peter Leach (UK), Rachel Swist (UK), Mike Peachy (NZ), Yi Shun Lai (US) and Bill Woodard (US).
EXPERIENCE RESPONDING IN HAITI
ShelterBox has responded in Haiti previously after hurricanes in 2004, 2007 and 2012, as well as the devastating earthquake in 2010 which left 1.5 million homeless, injured around 300,000 people, and left over 230,000 dead.
ShelterBox responded immediately after the quake struck and provided more than 25% of all emergency shelter in Haiti. The deployment went on to be the biggest, longest and most complex in the history of the international disaster relief charity.
LOOKING AHEAD
Precautions are being taken already in Florida, the Bahamas, and along the Eastern seaboard as Hurricane Matthew tracks north. ShelterBox Operations will continue to monitor the storm's effects to these areas. ShelterBox USA has dedicated webpage to provide ongoing updates.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
As has been the case in the past, I know you and your Clubs will rally to ensure we are able to make a major contribution to assisting those affected by this devastating natural phenomenon. The ShelterBox Australia website provides the mechanism for Clubs and individuals to donate. Because we don’t yet know exactly what aid will be required, we ask you to consider making your donation to ShelterBox Solutions, rather than to ShelterBoxes. This will give us maximum flexibility to source and provide aid tailored to meet the need s of the people.
The need today is as great as it ever is. Events such as these highlight to cooperation between Rotary and its disaster aid project partner, ShelterBox
Blaxland teenager Calvin Canterbury is currently planning the ‘adventure of a lifetime’ – 12 months in Brazil as part of Rotary’s Youth Exchange Program! A Year Nine student at St Dominic’s College in Penrith, Calvin is the son of Julie and James Canterbury and a resident of Lapstone in the Lower Blue Mountains. Lower Blue Mountains Rotary Club is his Youth Exchange sponsor, via the District 9685 YEP Program.
Calvin is very excited at the prospect of everyday life in Santos, Brazil, following in the wake of the successful Olympic Games in Brazil.
“I see the Rotary Youth Exchange Program as an opportunity to build my self confidence and organisational skills – especially in a non English speaker country,” he said. “Soccer is my favourite sport and football is a way of life in Brazil,” he added.
Calvin is a keen Industrial Metal and Maths student at school and a career in the Royal Australian Airforce as Mechanical Engineer beckons ‘down the track’.
Again, he sees the Youth Exchange opportunity as a vital part of the ‘framework’ in building his future career.
We hope that you can join us at Panthers, Penrith on 11 March 2017 for a wonderful day of fellowship, great guest speakers and project showcase. Stay into the evening for the Cocktail Function and Entertainment with Normie Rowe.
Register and fully pay for your Conference registration before 31st December 2016 and go into the Draw to be one of four lucky delegates receive your Conference Registration refunded* – so you can attend the Conference for free!
* Early Bird Lucky Draw Winners will either be Platinum or Day Delegates – Platinum Delegates will be refunded $150 and Day Delegates will be refunded $100.
The finalists for the Police Officer of the Year Awards, 2016, have been announced and the good news is that there are 2 finalists from our District.
Congratulations to Constable Andrew Schepis of the North Shore LAC and Detective Sergeant Michael O’Keefe of the Marine Area Command (Special Services Group).
Time to book to go along to the Awards Night, on November 4th at the Four Points by Sheraton, at Darling Harbour. This promises to be a wonderful Gala Night, so don’t miss out. Full details and booking information can be found on http://www.sydneyrotary.com/events/police-awards
The evening will include:
A cocktail reception on arrival
The presentation of the awards
A three course meal with fine wines
Dancing to the NSW Police Band
Tickets still only $95 per person
The Rotary Clubs of NSW 2016 Police Officer of the Year Awards proudly supports Police Legacyand The Rotary Foundation. Funds raised from the evening will be donated to the supported charities.
Taking part in a Rotary Friendship Exchange where you visit another Rotary District somewhere in the World and stay with like minded people is truly an opportunity of a lifetime. My club has taken part by being the hosts of teams from the USA and Sweden and we have taken a team to Brazil, now the opportunity exists for two more great experiences.
Our District has received two requests to take part in a reciprocal Friendship Exchange, one from Tampa Bay in Florida, USA, in District 6890. The second one is from District 9370, South Africa and is well placed for the Cricket Tragics in our District. I will explain more later.
If you are attending the Atlanta Convention in 2017, then the opportunity of taking part in a Friendship Exchange is a possibility. It also leads to other activities as Miami and Cape Canaveral and the Kennedy Space Centre are not far away. Also there are great Cruise liners who leave from Miami for the Caribbean, not to mention Disney World and Epcot just a short distance away.
South Africa is another wonderful place to visit and the Cricket matches between Australia and South Africa will no doubt be a feature in the proposed Friendship Exchange to D9370. A reciprocal visit to Australia and our District would take place when the next cricket season is on in Australia where we would be expected to host a similar group from D9370. If you don’t wish to spend all of your time at the cricket, Kruger National Game Park is not that far away.
An ideal number of persons to take part in such an exchange is 12 and can comprise of both single persons or couples. The trip to the USA has identified three possible locations of 2 or 3 nights in each location. A similar number of persons would be best suited to the South Africa exchange.
Having visited both of these two Rotary Districts, I can certainly vouch for the hospitality and the friendship that evolves from such a trip. It is a fantastic opportunity for a single Rotary Club or Zone to become involved. The major expenses are your air fare and your spending money. You will be accommodated in Rotarians homes and transported to all of the wonderful places that will be shown to you by your hosts.
Of course our District will be obliged to host an inbound team from each District at some time in the future. We will let you know when that is likely to occur as no time frame has been put in place by the other Districts as yet.
If you have any further inquiries, please contact myself or PDG Graeme Davies on gradav@ozemail.com.au and as the Co-Chairs of Friendship Exchange for D 9865, we will assist you in organising your team, or if you wish hosting an inbound team.
The success of Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) in District 9685 is because it delivers skills and knowledge that Rotarians can apply straight away in their clubs. RLI (1) hones leadership skills, (2) builds Rotary knowledge, (3) gives a perspective about where Rotary has been and where it is now, and (4) shares a vision of what Rotary can be. This is all done while (5) networking with Rotarians from other clubs and (6) providing opportunities for partnering in service.
The three-part course is held on Saturdays or Sundays at our District Office, Thornleigh. Morning tea and lunch are provided. Each day starts at 8:30 for 9:00am and finishes around 3:45pm.
Until further notice, District is bearing the full cost as part of its training budget - (7) it is free.
Courses 37 (Sundays) and 38 (Saturdays) and are open for registration:
RLI 37 runs 18 September, 9 October, 30 October
RLI 38 runs 15 October, 12 November and 26 November
GRAFFITI REMOVAL DAY is being held this year on Sunday 30th October.
This Rotary driven project is an initiative of the NSW Government’s Dept. of Justice aimed at creating a greater awareness of graffiti vandalism. It encourages local communities throughout NSW to get involved in the removal and prevention of graffiti.
To Rotary clubs it offers a lot more eg
Getting involved with a fun yet different activity
Only needing a few people – men or women
Providing an opportunity for your club to be exposed and promoted in your local community
Working on a common cause with other volunteers – which may even lead to finding a few more new members!!
Involving no costs as all the required materials such as paint, brushes etc are provided by sponsors – the major one being Dulux. Even murals and green screening can be undertaken.
This is a big event – now in its fourth year. Last year almost 2000 volunteers removed over 20,000 sq. metres of graffiti from over 450 sites in 56 Council areas.
It’s the time of the year when the Oktoberfest gets celebrated in Munich. As most of us can’t attend the original Oktoberfest I’ve organised one closer to home!
You’ll enjoy life music, dance, sing along and sway, very tasty and ‘filling’ German food , beer and wine and a great raffle - the proceeds go to ShelterBox Australia. It would be great if we can get a ‘Colleagues / Friends-table’ together and have again lots of fun.
Hopefully you can join in for the Oktoberfest. Looking forward to welcome you at the Austrian Club soon.
Daryn Hardy, a Lane Cove postman, was presented with a Pride of Workmanship Award from the Rotary Club of Lane Cove in May but he was unable to attend on the evening due to his wife being unwell. President (at the time) Jenny May went to the St Leonard's Mail Delivery Centre a few days later to present Daryn with his award in front of a large number of his work colleagues. It was a great experience to see the very positive reaction of all of Daryn's colleagues and senior management at his recognition. Several photos were taken and a couple of these later appeared in the national Australia Post Journal which was great publicity for Rotary despite a few typos in the article!
Increasing public awareness of the imminent demise of the dreaded Polio virus – and raising vital dollars to fund the end of Rotary’s 40 year PolioPlus campaign – must be the common goal of ALL Rotary Clubs and Districts on World Polio Day … October 24!
Effective fund raising is always a priority, BUT projects that build public awareness and image ensure that we really connect with our respective communities!
In Great Britain, Rotarians are gearing up to sell 50.000 colourful Crocus plans and bulbs to highlight their ‘go purple’ for a day promotion, ie: purple clothes, decorations, hair, offices, purple cake stalls, and sale of teddy bears with purple vests, etc on Polio Day.
In Germany, plans are in place to print one million END POLIO NOW stickers for general distribution – along with special athletic events for children.
In the USA, Million Dollar Community Dinners encouraging people to support Rotary in the wills have proved successful.
Around New Zealand and Australia, many excellent ideas are emerging … main street END POLIO NOW barbecues, bush dances, Battle of the Bands for schools, walkathons, family cycle days, movie nights, $100 Centurian collection poles and jumble sales to name a few.
Clubs are being urged to link with high profile personalities, local politicians and sports men and women to help achieve media coverage.
All events must be high profile, ie: Rotarians wearing the red END POLIO NOW t-shirts and copious numbers of posters and Polio pull-up banners delivering effective messages are important.
No idea it too big or too small but start planning NOW!
WHAT ARE YOU PLANNING FOR WORLD POLIO DAY? 24 OCTOBER 2016
Proudly supported by Rotary District 9685 and 9675
Transplant Australia is looking for volunteers in the following areas: Administration, Transport, Signage, Sports, Junior program, DonateLife Fun Run, Special Events, Health Care (including physio) and Promotions.
BBQ help needed :
Thursday 29 September 11:30-1:30 at Aqua Golf Penrith – a few to cook and serve BBQ for 30-40 people
Saturday 1 October 12:30PM – Jamison Park, Penrith, before the Soccer Game between Transplant recipients and the LAC Police Team a BBQ as “Thank You” for volunteers (free) and others (purchase). Need mobile BBQ trailer, cooks and servers.
Signage
Rotarians have donated the use of vehicles. They need helpers to come with them to put out the signs early each day and take down in the afternoon. Maybe you can help one day , or mornings or afternoons – any help will be appreciated,
All volunteers must register for the Games please visit www.Australiantransplantgames.com – Click on ‘Get Involved’ and then ‘Volunteers’. .
Over 350 guests attended the second annual, Rotary NSW Emergency Services Community Awards Presentation Dinner at Dockside Pavilion, Darling Harbour on the 23rd July to acknowledge and celebrate selfless community service performed by members of the six New South Wales Emergency Service Agencies. Funds raised through the awards support an Australian Rotary Health, PhD Research Scholarship investigating Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in Emergency Services personnel.
The event is an initiative of the Rotary Districts and Clubs of NSW and is the only time all six NSW Emergency Service Agencies are recognised in a combined awards program (Fire & Rescue NSW, Marine Rescue NSW, NSW Ambulance, NSW Rural Fire Service, NSW State Emergency Service and NSW Volunteer Rescue Association).
Stephen Humphreys, District Governor of Rotary District 9675 said “Rotary is honoured to recognise the selfless work performed by the many paid and volunteer members of our Emergency Services. Their work epitomises Rotary’s motto of Service Above Self”.
The Hon David Elliott MP, Minister for Emergency Services was on hand to present the awards and congratulated the winners for their outstanding service.
Twenty-four (24) finalists from across the state were recognised and presented with commemorative plaques. Six Officers of the Year were announced - one for each of the six Emergency Service Agencies. The finale of the evening saw two Overall Officers of the Year announced – one Volunteer Officer of the Year and one, Paid Officer of the Year.
Emergency Services, Officers of the Year:
Fire & Rescue NSW Graham Parks from Leeton
Marine Rescue NSW Peter Taylor from The Shoalhaven Region
NSW Ambulance Grant Prendergast from Murwillumbah
NSW Rural Fire Service Mark Murphy from Liverpool Range Zone
NSW State Emergency Service Danielle Osborne from Lightning Ridge
NSW Volunteer Rescue Association David Cotsios from Batlow
Overall Officers of the Year:
Officer serving in a Volunteer Capacity: David Cotsios, NSW Volunteer Rescue Association
Officer serving in a Paid Capacity: Graham Parks, Fire and Rescue NSW
Only one in three Australians have joined the Australian Organ Donor Register, even though 81% believe registration of donation decisions is important (Woolcott Research 2015)
91% of families agree to donation proceeding where the deceased was a registered organ donor. This drops to just 52% where the deceased was not registered and the family had no prior knowledge.
1,500 +Australians are today waiting for a life-saving or life-transforming transplant.
Registration of your donation decision leaves your family in no doubt and, in doing so, provides comfort that they are upholding your decision.
In DonateLife Week (31 July – 7 August) we are asking all Australians, “What are you waiting for? Join the Australian Organ Donor Register online today!”
For more information contact Marilyn Mercer PDG. Rotary District 9685, Organ and Tissue Donor Liaison and Australian Transplant Games LOC Member 0416 026 848 mmm@myisp.net.au
Thank you to all the people who have registered for the Million Dollar Dinner. For Rotarians who have not yet registered, the last day for registrations is Sunday 20 November 2016.
email Monica Saville savillem@bigpond.net.au your full name, club and any special dietary requirements.
PARKING: As parking is limited at the club, please advise Monica if you need reserved parking because of a disability (sticker required) or have limited mobility.
Otherwise free parking is available in the car park adjacent to Coles just a few metres from The Epping Club.
BEQUESTS and DONATIONS: There has been an excellent response from many generous Rotarians and their partners and we're well on our way to that Million Dollars! Rotarians considering leaving a bequest or making a donation and who would like to be recognised at the Dinner, need to contact Monica no later than Sunday 20 November.
ROTARY FOUNDATION MILLION DOLLAR DINNER - 28 NOVEMBER 2016
Local identity Les Arndell, still lives on his own, has his licence and still drives, is very active in Rotary and is really enjoying life after his 100th birthday. In 1788 Captain Arthur Phillip landed in Botany Bay. On Board Friendship was Dr Thomas Arndell. Five generations of Arndell's later, on 27th June, 1916, Les Arndell was born in Armidale.
When Les and his wife, Ivy moved to the Central Coast, his first job working for the Red Bus Company as a mechanic and conducting tours. He borrowed 500 pounds from the bank and started Midway Motors, having a dealership for Land Rovers. Midway Motors became a very successful business on the site of the current Mitsubishi dealership at North Gosford.
In 1972 a new and very important part in the life of Les Arndell was about to begin. Rotary.
Les was approached to become the first President of a new Rotary Club about to be formed, Gosford North. With no knowledge of what Rotary was, he declined, but did become the second President. He is one of three Charter members still in the Club. The number of successful projects during his Presidency were remarkable.
Les held many Board positions in Rotary but it was in the International field where he excelled, being the District International Chairman for several years. He twice visited New Guinea on Rotary projects. Les also often flew District Governors to many parts of the country. He is a Paul Harris Fellow and remains very active and generous with his advice in Rotary matters.
Les is now one hundred and shows no signs of slowing down, attending Rotary nearly every week. He also attends the Club’s Rotary Wheel most Saturdays, being their best ticket seller. Few Rotarians achieve 100% attendance and his club believe he has achieved this by averaging participation in a Rotary project every week over the past year.
When asked what he owes his longevity to, Les gives many reasons. One is Rotary.
Gosford North Rotary Club offers a challenge. “Do any other Clubs in the world have a hundred-year-old member as active as Les?”
We believe Les is the ‘best active 100 year old Rotarian in the world’
If you enjoy an ‘absolutely fabulous’ night at the movies, Glenbrook Cinema is the place to be on Wednesday, August 3, for another Rotary ‘fun’ charity night.
The Lower Blue Mountains Rotary charity night is scheduled for Wednesday, August 3 – the night before the movie is officially released in Australia. The all inclusive price is just $20 and bookings must be made with Susan Bell on 0409 834 646. All proceeds will be shared between Rotary’s local youth programs and The Rotary Foundation’s END POLIO NOW campaign.
Delicious finger food and light refreshments will be served at 6.30 pm with seating at 7.15 pm and screening to commence at 7.30 pm.
Glenbrook Cinema has limited seating so don’t be disappointed. Book early.
The Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) has more courses organised for the first half of 2016-2017. RLI is of great benefit to all Rotarians regardless of years of service, and in fact "senior" Rotarian participation is encouraged as their knowledge and experience is invaluable during the workshops.
The course is run over three days at the District 9685 office in Sefton Road, Thornleigh.
The day starts at 8:30 am and finishes around 3:45 pm; morning tea and lunch are supplied.
The course dates are: RLI 38 runs 15 October, 12 November and 26 November
If you wish to register for one of these courses, please register on-line at rli.rotarydistrict9685.org.au. You will receive a confirmation email and further details on the venue.
A very well attended Changeover Dinner on Saturday night saw District Governor, Gina Growden present the remaining district awards and other recognitions of some individual Rotarians and Clubs that have put Service Above Self over the past 12 months.
The E-Club of the Southern Cross has had a short but successful life - a hard but correct choice as the club closes at the end of June. The majority of the remaining members are moving into other Rotary clubs.
President Amanda Barnes (nee Woods) has provided a final club report - download it here and take a moment to see what this club in fact achieved.
When was the last time there was polio in Europe? If you guessed 2002, the year the region was certified polio-free, you were wrong. The last time polio affected a child in Europe was last summer. In 2015, two Ukrainian children were diagnosed with paralytic polio, and, given the way the disease manifests itself, that means many more were likely infected and didn’t show symptoms. At least one Western news outlet deemed the outbreak “crazy” – but the reality is that no place on earth is safe from polio until the disease is eradicated everywhere. Ukraine...
This is an invitation to attend a very informative and pleasant evening at Lane Cove Rotary Club.
On Tuesday night 5 July, Dr. Colin Barlow will be talking to Lane Cove Rotary club about the work of the Nusa Tenggara Association in the alleviation of poverty and other developments in eastern Indonesia. Lane Cove supports Dr. Barlow with our program Rotary Small Grants Project Indonesia.
Dr. Barlow in an agricultural economist and expert in Indonesia. He has been visiting the area twice each year of for more than 30 years as he and his team monitor the NTA's projects.
The meeting is held at the Lane Cove Country club on River Road Lane Cove and commences at 6.15pm for 6.45pm. Please register here ( or RSVP by email or telephone 0417049335 for catering purposes).
Some time ago, Vernon Song proposed to his fellow Rotarians at the Rotary Club of Chatswood Sunrise that they explore the possibility of supplying HippoRollers to a village in South Africa where women and children traditionally cart buckets from local water sources to their homes - 20 litres (20 kgs!) carried either on the head or by hand. Yet one HippoRoller can carry 90 litres, All the weight is in the barrel and it's easily pushed or pulled.
This week the fund-raising bore fruit: thirteen HippoRollers were delivered to the rural community of Mathibestad, northwest of Pretoria. No longer are backs and necks strained; one trip to water replaces four; children can instead attend school. Chatswood Sunrise, the "boutique" Rotary Club of the three in Willoughby, is pleased to be " a gift to the world" as it "serves humanity." And they have had fun doing it as well!
(Once the exchange rate is taken into consideration - payment is in USD - each HippoRoller costs around $AUD200)
The twenty-four (24) finalists for the 2016 Rotary NSW Emergency Services Community Awards were recently announced by Hon. David Elliott MP.
While each service runs their own internal awards, the Rotary NSW Emergency Service Community Awards are the only awards that recognise all Emergency Service personnel. The Public were invited to submit nominations in any of the six officially recognised State Emergency Service Organisations. i.e. Fire and Rescue NSW; Marine Rescue NSW; NSW Ambulance; NSW Rural Fire Service; NSW State Emergency Service; and NSW Volunteer Rescue Association, and the finalists were selected by teams of Rotarians from various Districts through NSW.
Finalists will attend an Awards Presentation Dinner to be held at the Dockside Pavilion, Darling Harbour on Saturday 23rd July 2016 where winners for each service will be announced, plus two special winners:
Emergency Service Officer of the Year serving in a voluntary capacity
Emergency Service Officer of the Year serving in a paid capacity
Family, friends, supporters and the general public are invited to attend. Tickets are $97.80 per person and can be booked online at www.RotaryESCawards.org,au
Congratulations to this year's recipients from our District in the 2016 Queen's Birthday Honours List:
Dr Nick Dorsch AM - For significant service to medicine as a neurosurgeon, to medical education and training both nationally and internationally, and to research (Chatswood)
PDG Danny Low OAM - for service to Rotary International (Mosman)
Peter Pearce OAM - for service to the international community through humanitarian programs (Gosford North)
Twelve outstanding citizens of the Lower Mountains were recognised for their contributions as valued volunteers during a polished ceremony at Emu Plains Sports Club last week.
Lower Blue Mountains Rotary called for nominations from the community some months ago and last Tuesday’s function was the culmination of many hours of assessment by the Rotary organising committee.
Blue Mountains Citizen of the Year Heather Gwilliam set the tone for the evening with a special address to congratulate the 12 guests of honour.
She said the room was ‘packed with citizens of the year’ such is the service ethic of Rotarians and volunteers everywhere.
“There is a wonderful community spirit throughout the Blue Mountains,” she continued.
“I an energised by volunteering and we have people here tonight who represent a myriad of community groups all of which offer support and value to our community. We are all the richer for knowing our neighbours and we have many examples of outstanding volunteer caring through the bushfires and disasters that impact our lives from time to time”, she said.
Members of Springwood Rotary Club are very proud of their $48,000 contribution towards community health in the Lower Blue Mountains of NSW.
Club members and representatives of Blue Mountains City Council recently combined resources to fund and install a ten station exercise area on the southern border of Summerhayes Park, Yellow Rock, on the outskirts of Springwood.
The project is the ‘brainchild’ of 2015/16 Club President Pat Ainslie during her year as President Elect and the plan has been slowly developed over the last two years. She received staunch support from Past President Colin Kenney and a small committee of dedicated workers.
Springwood Rotary provided the major part of the cost of the state of the art exercise equipment, whilst Blue Mountains Council provided support with site selection and installation.
Ten work stations allow for a full range of physical exercise and training – legs, arms, shoulders and back – and large groups of morning and afternoon joggers have already been seen enjoying the facilities. The exercise area will be open for public use 24 hours a day and the equipment is designed to be vandal proof.
An impressive plaque has been struck to acknowledge Springwood Rotary and Council. It will be safely installed in a secure rock bed to ensure permanent record.
Through a Vocational Training Team grant, Interplast - with the generous support of the Rotary Clubs of Ryde and Apia - recently delivered a successful surgical skills workshop in Apia, Samoa. The workshop was the first of its kind and the first time that Interplast has partnered with Rotary International for a Vocational Training Team grant.
Without the generous support of the two clubs and Rotary International, the program would not have been possible. Interplast looks forward to continuing its longstanding relationship with Rotary Clubs in Australia and New Zealand and in partner countries to implement its life changing and lifesaving programs.
IT'S arch klumph's birthday, but you get the gift!
Celebrate with us in Atlanta!
At the 1917 Rotary Convention in Atlanta, President Arch Klumph spoke about his dream of creating a Rotary endowment fund. A century later, we're celebrating The Rotary Foundation and all the good work Rotarians have been able to do since then -- because one man dared to dream.
We're offering an extra-special early registration rate of $265 for the 2017 Rotary Convention, in honor of Arch Klumph's 6 June birthday, and the $26.50 first contribution to Rotary's endowment.
Join us in Atlanta next June. Register and pay today, because this special price of $265 is good only until 6 June 2016.
A time to celebrate the year that has past and welcome the future. It is a wonderful evening and a great opportunity to gather with Rotarians from across the District. Now is the time to talk to your club members and organise a table.
We look forward to seeing you and your partner at the District Changeover.
DISTRICT CHANGEOVER - 2 WEEKS UNTIL REGISTRATIONS CLOSE
On Saturday 14th May 2016, well over 100 people gathered for a special Rotary occasion.
A sandstone Monument and 4 sandstone timber topped seats were unveiled to celebrate 64 years of continuous, Active Service to Rotary, by PP Rod Radford PHF, aged 96.
The Monument was unveiled by his great grandson, Logan Ascot Radford, aged 11 years, on behalf of the Rotary Club of Umina Beach.
Rod opened a Pharmacy in Ferry Road Ettalong 1945.
The Monument also informs the locals of many years of community service delivering urgent medicines to the Peninsula area with, firstly his “rowing boat” for 20 years, then with his “Amphicar” all before the Rip Bridge connected Daleys Point to Ettalong in the early 1970’s. (See Rod Radford Story – attached) Rod also used his car for many projects run by his Rotary Club and over the ten years he wore out two of them.
Tony Nassar, a restaurateur in Cooma, also has a working ”Amphicar”. Tony brought his car up from Cooma to help “re-create” the car trip over the water from Rod’s home at Wagstaffe to Ettalong. Rowan Hatfield is restoring Rod’s old rusted car in Indooroopilly, Qld. Rowan also came down for this event. The event was two years in the planning/ approval stage.
Northbridge Rotarian David Robertson travels to Fiji twice each year and he always manages to take with him donations which provide practical help to poor and disadvantaged families.
In May, the Rotary Club of Northbridge supplied David with many packages of rubber gloves for the Lautoka Hospital in Fiji to lessen the chances of cross infection. David also brought soaps to wash nurses’ and doctors’ hands before seeing their patients, surgical scissors and toothbrushes and toothpaste for each child so they can be taught oral health and keep their incredible white smiles.
Last year, David – a Castlecrag resident - brought more than 500 solar-powered lights to remote villages in Fiji which do not have regular electricity to provide a source of light for school children and their parents.
“Most people know Fiji for its fabulous resorts and some of the friendliest people on earth,” David said. “What they don’t know is that just a few kilometres away there are seriously poor and disadvantaged families living in extreme poverty. They don’t get the tourist dollar, and on some islands the villages have no access to health care”.
Northbridge Rotary expressed its sincere thanks to Ansell for supplying the gloves; Donations In Kind for donating the toothbrushes and soaps; and to David for carrying the 30 kilograms of baggage from Sydney to Fiji.
The Australian stock market has been up for six consecutive weeks on the back of strong commodity prices, lower Australian dollar, healthy data sets locally and abroad, and lastly the RBA rate cut. However,investors remain wary of global growth prospects as uncertainty lingers over China and renewed talks about the US Federal Reserve increasing interest rates.
Australia’s jobs data printed close to expectations, with the unemployment rate holding steady at 5.7% (expectation: 5.8%). The Australian dollar remained soft, currently trading at US$0.7230. Oil Search recently announced plans to buy Papua New Guinea-focused InterOil for $US2.2 billion ($A3.04 billion) with the aim of boosting its liquefied natural gas development.
Key Investment Ideas
Company Recommendation Note
Origin Energy Accumulate Potential Spin-Off
Credit Corp Accumulate Hinting Acquisitions
JB Hi-Fi Hold The Good Guys
James Hardie Hold Full-Year Results
To discuss further, please contact Kieran Hailes of Ord Minnett on (02) 8216 6337 or khailes@ords.com.au.
District Governor Gina took the opportunity at the Presidents' Meeting on Saturday 21 May to recognise the sterling efforts and achievements of many clubs during the 2015-16 year. All clubs are deserving of recognition for the work being done and the task of selecting 'winners' was indeed difficult.
The District Governor's Shield, the District Governor's Trophy for Small Clubs, and The Rotarian Vocational Excellence Award will be presented at the District Changeover on 25 June.
I’ve just had some great news from ARH Director PDG Graeme Davies. D 9685 is one of the TOP donors to ARH this year with around $66K being exceeded by only two other districts. (This is where we all cheer, clap ourselves on the back and congratulate each other.)
On looking at the statistics I am even more excited because there are still about 40 9685 clubs yet to send on their donations to ARH. I know a lot of clubs are yet to finalize their donations so I feel sure we may in fact double the $66K. You may recall that I suggested that if each club donated $500 of their hard earned funds we would, as a District, donate some $35K to ARH – we are well on the way to achieving this.
At the end of this Rotary year I look forward to letting you all know that we at least hold our position or step up the donations ladder. Keep in mind that ARH funds research ONLY in Australia BUT that the results of that research is made available to the whole world – what a wonderful gift we help make come true.
A time to celebrate the year that has past and welcome the future. It is a wonderful evening and a great opportunity to gather with Rotarians from across the District. Now is the time to talk to your club members and organise a table.
We look forward to seeing you and your partner at the District Changeover.
We are Northern Beaches Rotaract and we are a new club based on the Sydney Northern Beaches. We are running our first event in a few weeks and would love to invite you to a relaxed Sunday BBQ on the 22nd of May at Manly Dam!
There will be great food, great company and great times to be had all round meeting, new people and supporting our club in starting up :)
For $10 we are offering a BBQ deal including a sausage sandwich and beer/soft drink, and these costs will go towards us getting started as a club.
In true Rotaract spirit, we will also be holding a fundraiser during the afternoon so bring your spare change!
Look forward to seeing you there!
Please extend the invite to anyone you think would be interested
Rotary Youth Exchange Students from District 9685, recently joined with other Exchange Students from Districts 9675, 9670 and 9650 for the annual Youth Exchange Safari around Australia. Students had a wonderful time, developing and strengthening relationships with each other, whilst discovering Australia and learning more about the culture.
The tour took the students up the East Coast of NSW and Queensland, as far as Cairns; across to Alice Springs as a starting point for exploring the Red Centre; before heading out through South Australia and Victoria, driving up on the Great Ocean Road; through Melbourne, Canberra and home.
Each night the students held a Rotary Meeting, which included the compulsory Rotary fines session…at these sessions the students raised $314 (pretty impressive on 20c fines), which they decided to donate to Taldumande, the “Place of Refuge” providing support and accommodation for homeless youth. Mosman Rotary Club generously made the amount up to $500, which was presented to this fantastic organisation. Well done to the Rotary Youth Exchange Students and thank you Mosman Rotary for your support.
The Rotary Chatswood International invites you to the private screening of the premiere of Alice Through the Looking Glass
Thursday 26 May 7.00pm
Events Cinema, Level 4, Top Ryde City Shopping Centre
109 – 135 Blaxland Road, Ryde
Admission is $25 per person
To secure tickets, please deposit funds to the account below.
BANK: WESTPAC
Account name: ROTARY CLUB OF CHATSWOOD INTERNATIONAL INCORPORATED
BSB: 032090 Account no: 747824
Reference number: ***** Please put in your name *****
For individual/ group bookings please provide your name/ names of your guests, your mobile number and email address along with your deposit confirmation to contact person/s below:
The Post Polio Workshop at Gosford Hospital, saw a good turn-out of 29 professionals, including nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and one speech therapist. The presentation given by physiotherapist, Mel McConaghy, was well received and the participants particularly seemed to enjoy the talks by the three volunteer polio survivors Wayne Woolley, Di Bull, and John Tierney. What interesting stories these folks had to tell and what tremendous courage in the way they told their stories. The audience were clearly very interested and the positive comments that followed said it all.
The workshop was opened by District Governor Gina and attended by Assistant Governors Russell Grove (Upper Central Coast) and Bobby Redman (Lower Central Coast). A special thanks goes out to Gosford Hospital for providing the venue and to the members of the Rotary Clubs of Gosford North and Kincumber who provided a delicious afternoon tea.
Hopefully the word will spread, to other health professionals, of the importance of gaining a better understanding of Post Polio Syndrome, so that these people who have already fought their way through this insidious disease can gain the support and treatment required.
Name of event: Stars of the North – Dance for Cancer
Address: The Concourse, 409 Victoria Ave, Chatswood NSW 2067
Date: Saturday 4 June 2016
Time: 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm
About:
Filled with fun, laughter and plenty of dancing, Stars of the North – Dance for Cancer is an inaugural fundraising event guaranteed to spark off a good time. Watch local community “Stars” with no dance experience team up with professionals to perform in the name of entertainment. These local heroes will fundraise and dance their way onto the stage in a bid to raise $100,000 for Cancer Council NSW.
The competition will be fierce as they compete to take home the trophy for:
– Judges Choice
– People’s Choice
– Highest Fundraiser
Cancer Council NSW believes that we can and will beat cancer. There are things that we can all do every day to help make this happen.
Stars of the North is a fresh, fun way to raise valuable funds and join in the fight against cancer. We hope you will join us for a night of fun, dancing and entertainment!
Are you thinking of an elusive project that you want to turn into a registered project?
Would you like to get a grant to support your project?
Do you want to know more about Rotary Australia Benevolent society (RABS)?
Want to learn how to make a difference to the teenage mothers in our own community?
Do you have a project for the indigenous community, and turn this into a RABS project?
Want to learn about woman's empowerment?
Hear how one club made a difference to one of its own member and his family.
And much more............
DONT MISS the RAWCS Eastern region general meeting on Saturday 14th of May at Diggers Club at The Entrance. Our district is hosting the meeting and your RAWCS district committee has been working to educate and showcase RAWCS projects and how you can make that project you have in your mind into reality. We encourage you to attend the next RAWCS Eastern Region General Meeting at “The Entrance” on the beautiful Central Coast of New South Wales.
The Australian stock market had another strong week, with resources stocks bolstered by a surge in commodity prices. Banks also enjoyed a bounce and offshore strength added to the firm tone. The S&P/ASX 200 Index was up 1.6% in Friday afternoon trade, adding to last week’s 4.6% gain, for the strongest two-week period since September 2015. The Australian VIX hit its lowest level in six weeks and the Australian dollar maintained its strength at US$0.78. Oil prices sustained an upward trajectory. Top iron ore miners Vale, Rio Tinto and BHP Billiton, all trimmed production targets – a move that could help sustain the current rebound in iron ore prices. Minutes of the RBA's April decision revealed the board had paid greater attention to global headwinds in justifying its decision and current policy stance.
Key Investment Ideas
Company Recommendation Note
Telstra Hold Capital idea
NIB Buy Trending right now
Rio Tinto Hold Shipments to slide
BHP Lighten Shipments to slide
Austal Accumulate In the (Aussie) Navy
To discuss further, please contact Kieran Hailes of Ord Minnett on (02) 8216 6337 or khailes@ords.com.au.
Recognising the crucial role that not-for-profits play in addressing homelessness, Community Sector Banking has announced their 2016 Social investment Grants Program will focus on reducing homelessness, offering not-for-profits the opportunity to apply for grants totalling $200,000.
The Social Investment Grants Program is funded by Community Sector Banking and contributions from Social Investment Deposit Account holders. The program shows the power that everyday banking can have on the community.
“This program highlights our commitment to improving social outcomes, and shows that everyday banking can have a tremendously positive effect on the community” says Amanda Watt, Community Sector Banking’s Head of Marketing, Communications and act.
The 2016 Council on Legislation may well be remembered as one of the most progressive in Rotary history.
Not only did this Council grant clubs more freedom in determining their meeting schedule and membership, it also approved an increase in per capita dues of $4 a year for three years. The increase will be used to enhance Rotary’s website, improve online tools, and add programs and services to help clubs increase membership.
The Council is an essential element of Rotary’s governance. Every three years, members from around the world gather in Chicago to consider proposed changes to the policies that govern the organization and its member clubs. Measures that are adopted take effect 1 July.
The tone for this year was set early, when the RI Board put forth two proposals that increase flexibility. The first measure allows clubs to decide to vary their meeting times, whether to meet online or in person, and when to cancel a meeting, as long as they meet at least twice a month. The second allows clubs flexibility in choosing their membership rules and requirements. Both passed.
GLI is an intense leadership opportunity held in Norwalk Connecticut at the luxurious Dolce Convention Center (https://www.dolcenorwalk.com) July 26th-31st for global change makers between the ages of 19-35 years old.
During the week participants will be pushed personally and professional to become the leaders they have the potential to be.
Once again nature has intervened to adversely affect the lives of thousands of people. The article below outlines ShelterBox’s current position following the earthquake in Ecuador. Once the Response Team has made its assessment, ShelterBox will be in a position to start moving aid into the country.
We cannot ignore the plight of thousands of Ecuadorians now homeless, without good shelter and warmth, and deprived of human dignity. ShelterBox hopes, once again, Rotary can come to the aid of the Ecuadorian people.
[ Image: Damage caused by the massive 7.8 magnitude earthquake in Ecuador (Wikimedia http://ow.ly/4mOf7B) ]
7 April 2016 - Last night's draw of the Rotary Club of Upper Northern Beaches' Community Service Appeal marked the completion of the club's 19th and most successful annual raffle. Since September, the Rotary club and 17 local community groups have been selling $2 tickets for the grand prize, a new Nissan Micra. The proceeds from this year's ticket sales, which reached a record $130,000, will be distributed to the participating groups.
At the finale for the raffle, held at Bayview Golf Club, the prize car was on display on the clubhouse terrace. Pittwater Member of Parliament Rob Stokes drew the winner from the tickets that had been loaded into the boot of the car. Rotarian Mark Lawrie, who has been managing the raffle project for the past 15 years, then phoned the winner, a hard-working family who couldn't believe their good fortune.
RAWCS Volunteers are doing some really great things to make lives more comfortable for many of our near neighbours. Those of us that don’t do hands on stuff, like me, can assist the program by making sure that all Rotarians know about RAWCS, in particular our RABS Program, that will allow Tax Deductibility for donations to projects that meet the conditions, operating in our own local communities.
If you don’t know about RABS, Click here and check out the conditions. Your Club might have somebody or group that could be assisted!
Here are a few of the many RABS Projects presently in place. More can be found on the website www.rawcs.com.au
To improve the living standards of homeless youth clients to Taldumande and other safe houses in Sydney and immediate areas
To provide Welcome Packs of items to refugee families arriving in NSW
To provide financial & other relief for the family of 21 year old Tahlia who is suffering from Chronic Lyme Disease which causes frequent seizures. Her medications are expensive and not covered by the PBS.
To raise funds for Dean Walsh who was seriously injured in a car accident and requires a special vehicle to get him to physiotherapy & medical attention to complete his rehabilitation.
Download the latest edition of the RAWCS Rover to know more and share it with your fellow Rotarians and Friends
my name is Wolfgang Jürgensen, I am a pharmacist and member of the Rotary Club Husum which is a small town in Germany near the border to Denmark. I have a rather unusual request for you and hope that I don’t bother you too much with it.
My daughter Hanna is finishing her A-Levels in summer 2016 and before studying, she would like to spend some time as an au-pair in Australia.
Since there are so many girls who share this wish there is unfortunately just a limited amount of host families for all the applicants and it is very hard to get a job. Therefore she wants to try it besides from matching-portals on the Internet also in this way.
The next RAWCS meeting will be hosted by our district and is to be held at Diggers at The Entrance May 14 and 15. It is a great venue in a beautiful location. RAWCS weekends are a wonderful networking opportunity for all Rotarians and friends with a passion for humanitarian service.
Our District is incredibly active with RAWCS and has 70 registered RAWCS projects operating in Australia and in 24 developing countries.
We hope you can join us and Rotarians and friends from six Districts in NSW and ACT for an inspirational weekend.
As an added incentive Pink Umbrella Foundation is again offering six $1,000 grants to RAWCS and RABS projects, the application form is attached.
Penrith RSL Club was the venue for the FIFTH Post Polio Clinical Practice Workshop, sponsored by District 9685 and Polio Australia, last Thursday, March 24.
Governor Gina Growden said she was pleased to see the Workshop happen – although numbers were slightly down to eleven health professionals from the Penrith area. “We are pleased to be sponsoring these Workshops with Polio Australia and believe that every event is worthwhile as we strive to being recognition to the need for an accepted course of treatment for the Late Effects of Polio Condition”, she added.
ARC Health’s leading authority and facilitator, Mel McConaghy, conducted the workshop and those present were mainly physiotherapists from Nepean District Hospital, a chiropractor and a couple of therapists. Two well versed Polio survivors in Merle Thompson from Lithgow and Ben Tipton from Mt Riverview add great value to the forum sessions.
Workshops have now been held at Ryde, St Leonards, Katoomba, North Rocks and Penrith. The Wyong Workshop scheduled for February 27 was cancelled and the very first event planned for November 19 at Brookvale has been rescheduled to Thursday, May 5, at Narrabeen.
Further workshops are planned as follows –
Hornsby – Thursday, April 7, at 1 pm at Mt Wilga Hospital. AG Sivaraj Sagathavan is the contact person – siviraj5@optusnet.com.au
Windsor – Saturday, April 16, at 9.30 am at Hawkesbury Clinical School Rooms. AG Bob Kay-Smith is the contact person – KayeSmithR@syntechtron.com
Gosford – Thursday, April 28, at 1 pm at Gosford Hospital. AG Russell Grove is the contact person – russellgrove50@gmail.com
The rescheduled Brookvale Workshop will be held in The Tramshed Hall on Pittwater Road, Narrabeen and AG Rayleen Jarvis is the contact person – Rayleen.jarvis@gmail.com
All Rotarians and Rotary Club officers in these areas are requested to make contact with health professionals and urge them to attend the appropriate Workshop.
FIFTH POST-POLIO CLINICAL PRACTICE - PENRITH WORKSHOP
The Rotary Club of Gosford West provide a service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through our fellowship of business, professional and community leaders.
One of the biggest and most significant projects we are undertaking is the Wheelchair Project. This involves purchasing and arranging new wheelchairs for people in developing countries. We purchase and deliver wheelchairs for children, teenagers and adults in the Asia Pacific Region who need one, but simply cannot afford one. Wanting to continue our mission and deliver further wheelchairs, The Rotary Club of Gosford West are hosting a fundraising event on April 29th.
We formally invite you to attend this incredible fundraising event, with all proceeds going towards the projects supported by Gosford West Rotary Club. Please see attached your invitation with further details.
The Australian stock market is on track to notch up its first monthly gain of 2016. The Australian dollar has also risen as a US Federal Reserve decision to hold interest rates steady and dial back the pace of planned rate rises to potentially two rate rises this year impacted global currencies. The Bank of Japan and Bank of England have kept their benchmark interest rates steady, as expected, while Norway cut its rates further. RBA minutes revealed the Australian central bank is upbeat about the local jobs outlook, but said another rate cut could still be on the table as inflation remains tepid. It also acknowledged that employment growth had stalled in January following a surge in late 2015. Finally, the ABS reported that Australia’s unemployment rate dropped to 5.8% in February.
Key Investment Ideas
Company
Recommendation
Note
Rio Tinto
Hold
Jacques takes on mantle
Caltex
Buy
At the margin
NAB
Hold
Home alone
To discuss further, please contact Kieran Hailes of Ord Minnett on (02) 8216 6337 or khailes@ords.com.au.
The Rotary Leadership Institute has two courses organised for later this year. This of course is of great benefit to all Rotarians, but particularly for those who will become members of their club board from 1 July.
The course is run over three days, morning tea and lunch are supplied.
The day starts at 8:30 and should be completed around 3:45 pm.
The course is held at District 9685 office in Sefton Road, Thornleigh.
The course dates are:
Course 33 30 April, 11 June and 2 July
Course 34 18 June, 9 July and 16 July
If you wish to register for one of these courses, please register on-line at this link.
Our research group at The University of Sydney is looking for risk factors in the environment that may trigger motor neurone disease (MND). We have developed a questionnaire about these risk factors for people with MND, and for every person with MND we need two people who do not have MND to take the questionnaire, so that we can compare between the groups.
You can help us learn more about potential causes of MND by completing the online questionnaire, "ALS Quest." The only requirement for participants is that they be aged 18 years or over.
The questionnaire takes about 60 minutes to complete, and can be undertaken in multiple sessions. No details that could identify you are requested.
More information about the study, and a link to the questionnaire, can be found at www.alsquest.org.
Rotarians Libby Bleakley and Teresa Beck (both Australian Federal Police Members) have completed their 357km ‘Trek-4-Timor’, arriving at Parliament House in Canberra last Saturday afternoon. Earlier this month they set off from Martin Place in Sydney and trekked south for the nation’s capital to raise funds for a youth and community centre in Timor-Leste.
The trek wasn’t always smooth sailing with many blisters and long, hot days, but they were sustained by a support team along the way.
Timorese Ambassador Abel Guterres joined Libby and Teresa for the last few kilometres of the trek.
All funds raised from their trek are being used to complete construction of a youth and community centre in Timor-Leste, which will focus on crime reduction through positive engagement
You can follow Libby and Teresa’s progress with their project at Timor Learning Centreon Facebook.
I thought I better update the district on work being undertaken with the the funds raised by Rotarians and clubs in District 9685 in 2014-2015 Rotary year for the spouse project - Sustainable Cambodia.
Please click here for a report for Village 4. Work commenced started on Village projects 3, 4 & 5, in October 2015. The support focuses on clean water and sanitation at the request of the villagers. Over the next year, further villages will receive assistance.
There is limited space so it will be first in best dressed. The Kings School has a limited number of tables and chairs so we encourage you to provide your own, along with banners and any printed material.
The Showcase will be open from 8.00am and during the breaks throughout the day.
The Rotary Club of St Ives would like to invite you to see the film “Girl Rising “ which will screen on Friday 22 April at the Barker College theatre.
This film promotes gender equality and education for girls especially in Asia and Africa. Please see details on the flyer which enables you to book online.
All funds raised will be donated to Room to Read which focuses on literacy and gender equality by building and resourcing schools and libraries and publishing book in 10 countries in Asia and Africa. A fact sheet is available here. More details are on www.roomtoread.org.
We’re embarking on our second (now annual) golf tournament in May. This is a form of golf which can be played without having to wear funny clothes or turn up on a rainy morning to play 18 holes in soggy shoes.
The Rotary Satellite e-Club of Ryde embarked on this project in 2015 and, as far as we know, an untried method of fundraising … Golf in your pyjamas. It’s an eSatRyde brainchild. Monday 30th May 2016 is the “day”; starting at midnight and concluding at midnight. Yes a whole day of virtual golf – 18 holes of golf played with your mouse!
Drinks are provided by you, from your own kitchen. And you can also have as many breaks in the game during the day as you need – just keep the game open on your computer.
Registration to play is open and the only way to book is by www.trybooking.com/KLTK. The cost of a game is $30 per person (plus booking fee), so why not enrol your family as well. If you register now and later discover more people you’d like to pay for, add a new registration.
We’re looking for SPONSORS
Tournament sponsors receive a space for a banner advertisement on the web-page as well as a similar visual in each of the mailouts we’ll send to our “golf list”. These little ads can have a hyperlink back to your website. If they sign on as the major sponsor, this comes with complimentary games.
Our beneficiaries represent local, national and international organisations –
» Brighter Futures, West Ryde (Benevolent Society)
» Indigo Foundation (an extension of the prior commitments of the core club)
» The Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia
Please support this initiative.
You don’t have to be a wiz at golf or a technical genius. If you can load a web-page and use your mouse and keyboard then that’s the primary qualification.
Join thousands of Rotarians in Korea 28 May--1 June at the Rotary Convention. Register before 31 March for extra savings. After you register, be sure to sign up for a memorable host committee event: the Welcome Festival, a night at the symphony, or an evening of contemporary ballet. Connect with old friends and make new ones, and be a part of the best that Rotary has to offer.
Whether you have registered for the full conference, or just plan to attend on Friday Night, Saturday, or Saturday Night - we look forward to welcoming you to Canberra for the District Conference.
Not only will it be lots of fun, it will also stimulate you and reinvigorate your involvement in Rotary. As DG Gina has said: "the best part of Conferences is the opportunity to catch up with old friends and make some new ones. Fellowship is such an important part of Rotary."
Good news will also be contagious and in good supply.
Friday night is a ‘normal’ Rotary meeting, so business attire would be appropriate (ties not necessary for the men!). Ladies do not need to get the tiara’s out – or the basic black and pearls!
Saturday - smart casual
Saturday Night - see the website BUT it's up to you/your club!
Whether you have registered for the full conference, or just plan to attend on Friday Night, Saturday, or Saturday Night - we look forward to welcoming you to Canberra for the District Conference.
Not only will it be lots of fun, it will also stimulate you and reinvigorate your involvement in Rotary. As DG Gina has said: "the best part of Conferences is the opportunity to catch up with old friends and make some new ones. Fellowship is such an important part of Rotary."
Good news will also be contagious and in good supply.
Gosford City Rotary Club will be holding the “Toast the Coast” Food and Wine Festival on the Central Coast on Saturday 2nd April at The Entertainment Grounds Gosford.
The funds raised from this event will go to the awareness & education for the prevention of domestic violence on the Central Coast, with the primary beneficiary being Coast Shelters’ domestic violence prevention, protection and education programs.
When a family loses its home, it’s devastating. But when a family loses its home in the depths of winter, with temperatures as low as -25°C, it’s a matter of life and death.
In the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (the DPRK), families are facing the bite of winter with nowhere safe or warm to sleep. Year after year, floods and severe storms have smashed through the countryside, tearing homes in two and destroying crops. This means no building materials and little hope of rebuilding again.
Tuesday, 23 February is Rotary’s 111th Birthday and it’s the time of the year that Rotary clubs everywhere should plan an appropriate celebration.
Rotary’s many new members need to experience the happy, social side of Rotary and an entertaining birthday party is a simple way of achieving fun and fellowship.
Some clubs have the date permanently listed on their program planners and schedule a major event but others choose to observe a simple celebration within their own weekly meeting –
A celebration party at the weekly club meeting – complete with birthday cake and party hats.
Plan a special Rotary birthday program and invite several club members to address the meeting for 2-3 minutes on a Rotary success story. Request all members to bring a guest and hear Rotary’s story.
Inform your social media ‘team’ and followers that February 23 is Rotary’s 111th birthday and change your Facebook cover photo to a birthday cake image.
Plan a special community project to mark the anniversary and strive for coverage in the local media.
Confer Paul Harris Fellow recognition on a local community leader/achiever and inform local media the recognition is provided to mark Rotary’s 111th birthday.
Make a special donation to a major Rotary project like Australian Rotary Health or Rotary Oceania Medial Aid for Children, and issue a press release providing details.
Conduct a main street FREE barbecue during lunch time on February 23 – with plenty of banners announcing Rotary’s birthday, and flyers to hand out to members of the public.
Whatever you decide to do, take photographs and distribute same on social media – and send coverage to the local press and radio outlets.
It is time to ACT. Register your club members ... Now!
We know there are many who say they are going to Canberra BUT they have not yet registered. The organisers want to know that your club Members are definitely attending the District Conference, so they can cater for you.
Tell us now please. See the club booking instructions below.
There’s a saying often quoted ‘that a vision without action is just a daydream’, and it’s never more true than in relation to our Regional Membership Plan. Our current plan has three key goals – to strengthen clubs, attract new members, and increase member engagement. There’s a focus on providing better support to clubs, increasing club numbers and diversity within clubs, and improving retention. There’s also an emphasis on supporting individual Rotarians and clubs to access Rotary’s digital and online resources, and to connect with other Rotary clubs and projects around the world.
Students in years 9,10 & 11 are being invited to an Information Night to learn about Rotary Youth Exchange and meet current and former exchange students, host families and participating clubs
Students in years 9,10 & 11 are being invited to an Information Night to learn about Rotary Youth Exchange and meet current and former exchange students, host families and participating clubs
Students in years 9,10 & 11 are being invited to an Information Night to learn about Rotary Youth Exchange and meet current and former exchange students, host families and participating clubs
Students in years 9,10 & 11 are being invited to an Information Night to learn about Rotary Youth Exchange and meet current and former exchange students, host families and participating clubs
Libby and Teresa will be available for interviews before the trek starts but can also be contacted along the way.
Tax-free donations can be made through the Rotary Club of Blackheath’s webpage www.rotaryclubofblackheath.com.au by clicking our emblem on the right, or alternatively on the Sentru Formasaun Ba Juventude Facebook page, by clicking the hyperlink on the left hand side under “About”.
For more information and coordination of media interviews contact Libby Bleakley on M-0411032961 or Bob Aiken on M-0417722190.
Home World and Australian Rotary Health, in partnership with Nanshan Australia Golf Resorts, are challenging corporate golfers to support Mental Health Research in our universities and institutes by registering for the 10th Annual Charity Golf day on Wednesday 24 February 2016 at Riverside Oaks.
Show you are supporting mental health by registering a corporate team.
Phil Jones said that Home World Builders understand the value of good mental health in the work place and endorses Australian Rotary Health “supporting healthier minds, bodies and communities through research, awareness and education”.
Contact Terry Davies to organise your team & corporate signage for the 2016 Challenge Cup on 0412 229 994.
Book now..... Telephone Terry Davies 0412 229 994.
We know there are many out there who are going to Canberra BUT have not yet registered. The organisers want to know that you are definitely coming, so they can cater for you.
The Conference has outstanding speakers to provide us all with the opportunity to renew our commitment and passion for what Rotary is and does for the many communities which it serves – in our clubs, our district and internationally.
Cricketing Rotarians, Partners and Friends are invited for a week of cricket
in Wagga Wagga for the Bi Annual IFCR
Australian Festival, from Sunday 16 to Friday 21 October
2016.
Come along and be part of this great Rotary Cricket Fellowship.
It is with great pleasure that we inform you that the Board of Rotary International approved a proposal to establish the Environmental Sustainability Rotarian Action Group (ESRAG) on 23 October 2015.
We established ESRAG to help protect and sustain our planet’s environment for present and future generations. Other RAGs, including the RAGs for Population and Development, for Peace, Water and Sanitation, among others share parts of our Mission. As our ESRAG evolves we will be partnering closely with other RAGS around shared objectives to multiply our impact
ESRAG will assist Rotarians in implementing service projects, building awareness, and inspiring action toward environmental sustainability. ESRAG will particularly focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate the global warming humanitarian crisis.
Go to the ESRAG website for more information and to join.
ANNOUNCING NEW ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY ROTARIAN ACTION GROUP
SATURDAY'S SPORTS FUN, FROLICS, ENTERTAINMENT & DANCING
What else do you want?
Saturday night’s dinner and dance will be held at the world-famous Australian Institute of Sport.
Come dressed as:
your favourite sporting identity, or
in your team colours, or
in Olympic colours
A pre-dinner session in the AIS’s interactive facility will allow those of you who are competitive to test your skills kicking goals, serving aces, slam dunking or swinging the golf club. View this video to learn more about the Sportex program.
Breaking News
And ..........
Australian Brennon Dowrick is one of Australia’s most successful gymnasts - and he is joining us for dinner. He has represented Australia at two Olympic games, three Commonwealth Games and seven World Championships. Brennon was Australia’s first ever gymnastics Commonwealth Games Gold Medallist in 1990, a feat he repeated in 1994. He also was Australia’s first Olympic games finalist at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games.
Smooth Ops -a six piece Canberra cover band - is also joining us on Saturday night. Will they have live karaoke, bagpipes, horns or even violin? With two fabulous singers and a tight ensemble of keyboard, lead guitar, bass and drums, the dance floor won’t stop moving with the best loved tunes from the 60s to now. Don't miss the dancing!
Congratulations to this year's recipients from our District in the 2016 Australia Day Honours List:
Noel Cislowski AM - Chatswood; for significant service to the performing arts, particularly to speech and drama, to music, and to a range of community organisations (Noel was also recognised as Willoughby's Citizen of the Year!)
PDG Geoff Grenfell OAM - for service to the community of the Central Coast, and to youth Gosford;
Trevor Lloyd OAM - Lower Blue Mountains; for service to the community of the Blue Mountains
PDG Monica Saville OAM - Epping; for service to the community, particularly through Rotary
Tamara Sloper-Harding OAM - Upper Northern Beaches; for service to the communities of Timor Leste and Pittwater
Trish Wetton OAM - Carlingford; for service to people with a disability, and to the community
Ray Wiles OAM - Central Blue Mountains; for service to the community through a range of organisations
We know there are many out there who are going to Canberra BUT have not yet registered. Yes! there are still 43 days before the Conference starts on 11 March, however the organisers want to know that you are definitely coming. The earlier you tell us the better.
Quality speakers and outstanding stories of service and achievement will be the highlight of the Rotary District 9685 Annual Conference planned for Canberra on March 11 and 12.
Rotary District 9685 stretches from the Blue Mountains to Gosford and back to the north western districts of Sydney. It is one of the largest and most successful Rotary Districts in Australia.
District Governor Gina Growden chose the Canberra Convention Centre as the venue for her major event of the year because of the quality and pricing of the facility and nearby accommodation – compared to other major venues around NSW.
Always the innovator, Governor Gina has created a unique opportunity for Conference patrons in that weekend sessions will be confined to Friday evening; and Saturday – with a free day to explore and shop in Canberra on Sunday!
Saturday evening will be a fun night at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra with Rotarians and partners dressing in special sporting theme costumes.
Another innovative feature of Governor Gina’s planning is her invitation to the general public to attend the Conference to be informed, enlightened and entertained!
Interested members should go to the District Conference website –
My club does not have a vocational service committee. However, last year when I surveyed my colleagues, it became apparent that the concept of vocational service is deeply integrated into the fabric of our club. My fellow club members knew that through their Rotary affiliation they were using their skills and expertise to do good in our community and the world.
For example, although at the time we did not consciously consider our club’s International Women’s Day event as a vocational service project, it is an example of an application of the concept by my club.
At the 2014 RI International Convention in Sydney, a local Women in Rotary group .....
Remember that the District Conference will officially open on the Friday evening.
The official opening will include the traditional welcomes and presentations relating to The Rotary Foundation - plus keynote speaker, Robert Pennicot. Don't miss his exciting presentation!
Rotary International President-elect John Germ believes everyone recognises the opportunity to serve Rotary for what it truly is: not a small opportunity, but a great one; an opportunity of a lifetime to change the world for the better, forever through Rotary’s service to humanity.
"Rotary members around the globe are serving humanity by providing clean water to underdeveloped communities, promoting peace in conflict areas, and strengthening communities through basic education and literacy. But none more important than our work to eradicate polio worldwide", he said.
Two off-duty policewomen will start a 357km trek from Martin Place in Sydney at 7am on 3 March, to kick-start the 10-day Trek for Timor to Parliament House in Canberra, arriving 12 March.
Rotarians Libby Bleakley and Teresa Beck (both Australian Federal Police members) are walking a different beat to raise funds for their Community and Youth Centre ‘Sentru Formasaun Ba Juventude’, in Dili, Timor-Leste.
Rotary members are vital to recruiting qualified candidates. You can help advance peace in troubled areas around the world by promoting peace fellowships and supporting peace fellow candidates through the application process.
Some of the best candidates for Rotary Peace Fellowships are in your community.
Rotary members and our partners in the fight to eradicate polio offer our heartfelt condolences and express a deep sadness in the wake of a horrific bomb attack in Quetta, Pakistan, that took the lives of at least 15 security personnel on 13 January. See story here
This tragic attack outside a polio immunization center is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by Rotary, our partners in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, and the brave women and men on the front lines of our effort to protect all children from the paralyzing effects of polio. While the bombing will be investigated, one thing is clear: The security personnel who were killed died because their job was to protect teams of polio immunizers. We applaud the government's commitment to continue the vaccination campaign throughout Pakistan, which is one of only two countries where the poliovirus is still endemic.
Today we pause to honor the sacrifice made by the heroic police officers killed. Yet our 30-year commitment to end polio remains steadfast. Even as we absorb the horror of this bombing, we are redoubling our efforts to educate families and build confidence in the safety of polio vaccines, and to engage community and religious leaders to support our campaign.
We are closer than ever to achieving a polio-free world. Vast improvements have been seen in Pakistan, with more than 80 percent fewer cases in the country than in 2014. In order to stop polio in Pakistan in 2016, we must ensure the safety of vaccinators to reach every child.
And today, our release of $35 million in grants for polio eradication signals our determination to finish the job to which thousands of courageous individuals have committed themselves, and to never forget the sacrifices made by those who lost their lives in this effort.
Rotary News
13-Jan-2016
ROTARY CONDEMNS DEADLY ATTACK ON POLIO SECURITY PERSONNEL IN PAKISTAN
On Thursday, 25 February, the Rotary Club of Windsor will hold its annual Charity Race Day at Hawkesbury Racecourse, Clarendon.
Bookings are now available for Tables of 10 at a modest fee of $1500 and provides an excellent opportunity to invite clients, friends or family to enjoy a day at the races. Table bookings include course entry, race book, hot and cold buffet lunch with dessert, tea and coffee and drinks (draught beer, red & white wine and champagne) for 10 people in the Ted McCabe Function Centre. You may also display a small sign (provided by you) on your table to promote your business.
Individual tickets are also available, for $150 per person and also include entry, race book, lunch and drinks as described above.
Further information and a ticket booking form may be downloaded from www.windsorrotary.org.au and then Service Projects/Charity Race Day.
Alternatively, contact Harry Grange on 0409 124 382.
Fijian physiotherapist Alena has been working with Interplast teams for three years, in particular with Interplast volunteer physiotherapist Mrs Jennifer Ball, who visits Fiji on a regular basis. Alena has been identified as one of the senior physiotherapists by the Colonial War Memorial (CWM) Hospital, and is now the key referral point for local surgeons for the rehabilitation of hand and burns patients.
The head of the Physiotherapy Department at the hospital, and Jenny, identified that Alena would benefit greatly from a training attachment in Australia, supported by Interplast’s physiotherapy and hand therapy volunteers, with a particular focus on hand management and burns.
Interplast was extremely grateful that our Rotary District generously funded this program to provide an invaluable training opportunity for Alena.
In July last year The Rotary Club of Winston Hills merged to become part of the Rotary Club of The Hills-Kellyville. Members of the merged Club agree this has been a very positive move as they continue to work in the community of Winston Hills and surrounding areas while joining with other Rotarians in supporting communities in the Hills area of Sydney.
President Ray Campbell and members of The Rotary Club of The Hills-Kellyville are looking forward to hosting The Australia Day Breakfast, which has been organized by Rotary for over 25 years. A large crowd is once again expected at the Rotary Club of Winston Hills Australia Day Breakfast and Citizenship festivities at Third Settlement Reserve Edison Parade Winston Hills.
Community Service Director Joan van den Burg commented “The Club has developed strong local partnerships that have provided great support to ensure that residents of our community have an opportunity to come along join in the fun and ignite national pride in this historic landmark area of Winston Hills”.
Our Turramurra club has recently commenced a terrific program to support the provision of wheelchairs to kids in Bangladesh. A $5,000 District Grant supported this great project.
To help fund the activity, one of their members, who is in the travel business, has put together a tour through Vietnam and China and is providing it at cost plus a contribution to the project. Outstanding value!
Rotaract and Interact Committee 2015-16 met on Dec 3-4, 2015 at Rotary International Headquarters, Evanston, USA.
The agenda of the meeting was to look into existing policies and recommend changes which can improve Rotaract and Interact movement across the globe. During the meeting various strategies and policy changes were discussed which would be further passed on to the Board of Directors.
Assistant Governor Russell Grove (Woy Woy) was surprised at the recent Team Meeting when District Governor Gina announced that he was the winner of the Early Bird prize for the 2016 District Conference.
Russell will of course be going to Canberra for the 11-12 March Conference so you will be able to congratulate him there, if not before.
The time to GAME ON is flying so encourage all your colleagues who may not have registered to register now - it is not too late!
It was great to hear that David is feeling a bit better and would welcome some visitors.
Please SMS Anne before visiting, to ensure that it is convenient, and to make sure everyone doesn’t turn up at the same time! She can then also advise of the most suitable time to visit so as to not interrupt his physio sessions etc.
Please also ensure that you don’t stay very long – a maximum of 5 minutes – so as to not tire David too much.
In a recent note, David writes:
"I have received many scores of wonderful messages, and when looking at them all I realise I haven't personally acknowledged them all. So please forgive me for a group thank you. Each message has been a great boost and very warming for me.
"The future is still nebulous; the wound seems to be healing slowly, and already I am spending several hours a day up and in a wheelchair and have commenced a physio regime to get me more able to ultimately get independent.
"Will be a long haul, but I am in good spirits, and can keep in touch with everything going on outside thanks to Comms devices.
"Anne and I wish everyone a great Christmas and a happy New Year, David"
It is time for you to update your Club's Executive for 2016-17 on the District website, or via your own club's site if you are a ClubRunner subscriber.
Instructions on how to do so are available on the District website Helpdesk, specifically this document which we ask you to follow.
We especially ask that you ensure that members have been allotted to the following positions:
Community Service
Vocational Service
International Service
Youth Service
Administration/Club Service
It is important that all club positions be reflected in your club's listing so that correspondence from District on the various portfolio responsibilities gets to your club.
If there is no name against a particular position, then the risk is that your club will not receive important communications.
It is indeed a time of deep grief for all of us with the fury of rains rendering untold hardship on many of our fellow citizens. This has hurt all of us, especially the poor and homeless. Many Rotarians and Rotary clubs are already on the ground providing support to the needy.
As part of a larger measure, it is time for all of us to gear up to rehabilitate the people who have lost their homes, belongings and in some cases family members.
A flood relief committee has been formed and the terms of reference of this team will be:-
To address the basic needs of people affected by the flood waters.
To receive the relief materials and arrange for effective distribution.
President-Elect Training Seminar and District Assembly
Please advise your Club, Members and in particular 2016-17 Board Members of the following 2016-17 District training dates:
President Elect Training Seminar (PETS)
Saturday 27 February 2016
Macquarie Graduate School of Management
Talavera Road, North Ryde
District Assembly - Training for all Club Board Members
Saturday 16 April 2016
The Kings School
Pennant Hills Road, Parramatta
Partners are welcome at both events and will begin with registrations at 0830 and formal start at 0900.
The training content will be informative and entertaining. It is a Rotary International requirement that each club is represented at PETS and District Assembly.If your club's President Elect cannot attend it is important that a representative from the club take their place.
In 2005, a visionary, hard working group of Lindfield Rotarians dreamt up the concept of KYDS (Ku-ring-gai Youth Counselling Service) which in turn became a reality in the same year. It is now known as KYDS Youth Development Service, and proudly celebrated it’s 10 year anniversary on 26 November.
KYDS is a non profit provider of adolescent mental health and counselling support to the community of Northern Sydney and receives no on-going state or federal government support and is dependent upon the community it serves to continue operating. Lindfield Rotary Club, with the support of Ku-ring-gai Council, continues to actively support the KYDS organisation as it continues to help young people in need.
Professor the Honourable Dame Marie Bashir AD CVO, who is the Patron of KYDS, said in a congratulatory letter to KYDS:
“I would like to acknowledge the members of the Rotary Club of Lindfield who initially recognised the need for a dedicated youth counselling service in the area, and who then worked tirelessly to bring the idea to fruition. I would also like to acknowledge Ku-ring-gai Council for its early and ongoing support particularly in providing a central location for the service. It is because of your energy and enthusiasm, and belief in doing good for others, that KYDS exists and thrives today. This is a great investment in our nation.”
The Rotary Club of Lindfield, continues to provide on-going financial support to the KYDS organisation through its fund raising activities.
In recognition for years of dedication to ShelterBox and disaster relief, ShelterBox Ambassador, Peter Pearce was recently given a Distinguished Service Award at the Rotary Zone 8 Institute in Melbourne.
Peter, (second from the left and a North Gosford Rotarian) deployed 20 times as a Shelterbox Response Team member, served on the board of ShelterBox Australia and continues to work tirelessly as an Ambassador in every sense of the word. ShelterBox said "the award is a small token of our appreciation to one of our most dedicated volunteers".
Sunday 22 November was the Lane Cove Swimming Club's Spring Carnival. It attracts entrants from all over the Metropolitan area as it is a qualifying event for the State Championships. Lane Cove Rotary was invited by the swimming club to run a barbeque in conjunction with the event.
Despite grey skies, a lot of egg and bacon or sausage sandwiches were sold, an enjoyable time was had, and it raised nearly $900.
The swimming club really appreciated the effort, as did all the hungry swimmers and supporters!
95% thought the Bulletin Editors' eNews was a good idea
Only two negatives and three not usefuls
See below for a list of comments
What improvements would you make?
Pay more attention to your information although I often find our club's own news coupled with other close clubs takes the space we have most weeks.
maybe a Club highlight?
Cosmetic
Is there a portal where club editors and presidents can submit items for publication to eNews? Is there a procedure for this?
Include more articles from District clubs activities. Maybe have a website where we could upload stories and photos for inclusion
Not put it out as everyone gets the DG newsletter and if they wanted to read something they would read it there.
It is very informative as it is.
reduce information - we're suffering from information overload
Have an index as the first item so we can know what we need to find and not have to go through the whole thing. As always emails can be a positive and negative and for most of us we get more of them that we can comfortably manage.
More input from clubs needed. As well as project news, who were good guest speakers might help
It is OK as it is
Just right-plenty of information but not too long
Any other comments?
Take an interest in your info even though no apparent value
Your eNews makes my job as bulletin editor much easier.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder :)
If it is NOT supported by clubs then discontinue
This is probably already done but is all the information that an Editor might simply copy and paste in the same font and size format on eNews?Good to keep up on current issues
I have found eNews valuable to publish stories or events on our club website and bulletin, thereby not spending too much time in trying to source these articles (good content for both), also our club members through the bulletin are getting this information easily.
Looking like a little boy lost in the big city ' Junior ' John Kali is in Sydney from Honaira, Solomon Islands.
Just two and half years of age and wondering what all the fuss is about.
John is here with his mother Junita, and is scheduled for a heart procedure at Westmead Children's Hospital.
Rotary Oceania Medical Aid for Children ( ROMAC ) is Rotary in action of a special kind, identifying children who could not otherwise access surgery, facilitating medical assessments, transport, host families, hospital, medical and other support.
While in Sydney John and his mum will be hosted by the Rotary Club of Glenhaven, thanks to regular ROMAC hosts, Rotarians Liz and Hans Rupp.
The Wahroonga Rotary Club has joined forces with Community groups to provide WELCOME PACKS for 200 Refugee families due to arrive into NSW in early 2016.
A Community Appeal was launched by Ku-ring-gai Mayor Cheryl Szatow recently to join the initiative.
The club is seeking the support of schools, churches, sports clubs, community organisations and local businesses to assist in rallying the community and encouraging them to donate new “Goods in Kind” and Cash donations via the link below to support the project.
A RAWCS Benevolent Fund Project #26 has been established to receive funding for this purpose.
Wahroonga Rotary welcome your participation and invites other Rotary Clubs and Community Organisations to join this Community Project.
We are pleased to inform you that a total of 382 have so far registered for the Saturday plenary sessions; 346 on the Friday night for the start of the conference, and 369 for the Sports Gala on Saturday Night.
That is a great early outcome and we congratulate you on the efforts you have made to date to make the Conference a success.
However, there is a long way to go - as DG Gina said in her 1 December eNews:
" ... I am aiming for 750 so we’ve still got a way to go! Remember, the clubs that have the most fun at District Conferences are those that have a good roll-up of their members. Conferences are not just the keynote speakers and the Rotary presentations. To me, the best part is the fellowship opportunities and the chance to catch up with friends from other clubs – and of course, to make new friends. I’m hearing all sorts of rumours of the dress-up themes clubs are considering for the Saturday night dinner (hopefully there won’t be too much lycra!). It sounds like it’s going to be lots of fun, so I encourage you all to be part of it."
So please keep up your good promotional work in your club as we edge closer to 11 March next year - the time will fly and then it is GAME ON!
Please click HERE to read the latest edition of Rotary on the Move newsletter.
At Rotary Institute in Nelson, RI Director Elect Noel Trevaskis stated that the majority of those who leave Rotary comment that "we know no more about Rotary than when we joined". This lack of knowledge about Rotary means that they did not know how, or have the confidence to become engaged. Yet there are in place some ready tools and opportunities that any club can make known and available to their members.
In November, we reached three years without a case of wild poliovirus type 3 (WPV3), an important sign that the genetic diversity of the disease is shrinking. But sounding a note of caution, the Emergency Committee of the International Health Recommendations met for the seventh time, extending the temporary recommendations to address the risk of the international spread of wild polio and expanding these to include circulating vaccine derived polioviruses. Earlier in the month, the Independent Monitoring Board reported on both the recent successes and the final challenges that stand in the way of finishing polio for good. And wrapping up this month, leaders from Commonwealth countries gathered in Malta to announce new commitments that will help to drive us forward towards a polio-free world.
Congratulations to Wahroonga and Chatswood for having their Nepal Global Grant approved last week !
We are constantly hearing from other districts complaints that the Global Grant process is too hard and too restrictive. But in our district we have no complaints !
Currently we have 32 active global Grants. whereas we hear that the average in other Australian districts is around 0-4 !
It is simply a matter of following the rules and focusing the project on sustainability. For years many of us have visited past projects just to find them broken down or completely missing, so it is not hard to understand that in Rotary we want to build projects which are sustainable and that will stay active for many years !
If you have a Global Grant project in mind, please ring PDG Tony Castley and he will guide you through the process or recommend other contacts who can help.
Ten health professionals took part in the successful launch of District 9685’s pilot series of Late Effects of Polio Workshops at Royal Rehab, Ryde, on Thursday, November 19.
Governor Gina Growden and her District team have partnered with Polio Australia to get the historic program off the ground.
The next Workshop is scheduled for December 8 at ARC Health, St Leonards, with eight further Workshops planned over the next five months, culminating at Gosford on April 26.
Registrants who participated in Thursday’s historic event included physiotherapists, nurses, an occupational therapist and a massage therapist.
Workshop topics included the history of polio and why there is still a need to vaccinate children in these modern times.
This year there were some very good candidates for the National Youth Science Forum (NYSF).
Keep up the good job in selecting these students. Thank you all for paying your students fees promptly.
Are you able to billet one or two of these students in January - around the 2, or 3, or 16, or 17 January? Usually for just one night.
Normally NYSF organises the candidates to stay with other students but sometimes these arrangements fall through, or there isn’t quite enough placements and often we don’t find out until quite late.
So NYSF Chair Sarah Whereat is asking now for you to consider your availability and let her know. Then she won’t need to ring around at the last minute. Sarah's contact details are below:
"There are many such caring Rotarians in this world, who can ALSO become part of your “family”. They don’t NEED to speak to you every week or every month. Somehow, they just seem to care so much about other people."
Read a little more about PDG Peter Perry OAM in this tribute by one of our Rotarians.
Members are encouraged to register individually - but your club is welcome to arrange a bulk club registration (details here).
Register before 1 December to be eligible for Early Bird pricing - and the Early Bird Prize of a case of Tyrrell's wine. Full conditions are available here. That could be an estimated benefit of around $300 just for being early (for a couple & if you are the winner!).
Remember, delegates also need to secure their own accommodation.
Give your Rotary flag or banner a new and professional look with our updated materials, available in the Brand Centre. With eight options of colors and backgrounds to choose from, you can find the design that will best strengthen your club or district brand.
The Brand Centre also offers everything you need to create communications with the Rotary look and tone. You can download Rotary’s logo - or create your own club or district logo. And you’ll find editable templates for brochures, newsletters, PowerPoint presentations, fliers, and more. (Sign-in required.)
As well as funding a broad range of medical research, Australian Rotary Health has a strong vision to improve the health of Australians living in rural & remote areas, as well as for Indigenous Australians.
Chulalongkorn is unique among the six Rotary Peace Centers in packing intensive coursework and field studies into a three-month program aimed at professionals already working in fields related to peace.
In its first decade, the center has graduated 355 peace fellows from 69 countries with certificates of professional development. Read more about Chulalongkorn and join a discussion on peace.
As a police department peace officer in Chatham-Kent, Ontario, Canada, Jennifer Jacobson deals with child abuse cases and sometimes sees the worst of humanity. But the goodness she sees in her fellow club members keeps her excited about Rotary. Her experience as a Rotary Peace Fellow cemented her decision to become a Rotarian. “Rotary has given me so much. I couldn’t not be a part of it,” says Jacobson, who is also a former Group Study Exchange participant.
Members are encouraged to register individually - but your club is welcome to arrange a bulk club registration (details here).
Register before 1 December to be eligible for Early Bird pricing - and the Early Bird Prize of a case of Tyrrell's wine. Full conditions are available here. That could be an estimated benefit of around $300 just for being early (for a couple & if you are the winner!).
Remember, delegates also need to secure their own accommodation.
Lower Blue Mountains Rotary honored twelve citizens of the Lower Blue Mountains and Penrith at a special Vocational Service Awards Night at Emu Plains Sports and Recreation Club on Tuesday night.
‘Rotary is a vocationally based community service organization and it is most appropriate we recognize those within our community who go the extra mile to provide quality service within their respective businesses,” Club Vocational Service Director Stan Noal told the gathering of award winners and family, Rotarians and friends.
Advice has been received regarding the 2016 National Immunisation Day (NID) trip to India, organised by Howard Travel (US), the group that organised the Rotary Club of Lower Blue Mountains team’s 2014 & 2015 NID trips.
The Rotary Club of Lower Blue Mountains members found this to be a very well organised tour, as well as being a thoroughly rewarding experience. It gives those who take part a real experience of Rotary in Action.
Please contact Lower Blue Rotarians - Susan or John Wakefield, Peter Agar, David Cook, Irene Williams or Sue Bell – contact details are available in the District Directory.
The Rotary Club of St Ives will be holding the St Ives Food and Wine Festival on Sunday 6 March 2016 at the St Ives Village Green. This will be the Club's major fund raising event for the 2015-16 Rotary year. The Club would appreciate the support of all Rotarians, their family and friends by coming along for a fun day.
The event will have 60 food, wine and life style stalls on the St Ives Village Green.
The event is supported by Ku-ring-gai Council and is expected to attract about 10,000 visitors.
Break Thru invites our Rotarians to participate in an important survey about employment of people with disabilities. The survey is voluntary should take no more than 10 minutes to complete.
The Australian Human Rights Commission has launched an inquiry into Employment Discrimination against Australians with Disability and invite all interested people and organisations to make a submission to the Inquiry. Break Thru is a champion for social inclusion and we are keen to provide a means by which people can have their voices heard on this important issue. Participation in this survey is completely voluntary. You have been invited to take part because we value your insight, experience and expertise.
Bulletin Editors, please distribute this survey to your members.
Solomon Islanders 17 year old Roselyn Jatobatu and her mother Anna have a lot to smile about after live-saving heart surgery.
ROMAC has transformed more than 400 lives since its inception 27 years ago identifying children who could not otherwise access surgery, facilitating medical assessments, transport, host families, hospital, medical and other support.
A combined effort between members of four Rotary Clubs has seen a new computer lab set up in a remote school in Fiji.
The project kicked off when PP Ken Engsmyr of RC Parkes was offered 25 computers from Northparkes Mine.
Having visited Fiji with a team from RC Parkes to work at Koroipita, formerly the Fiji Rotahomes Project, under team leader Liz McDougall, Honorary Member of RC Brookvale, Ken suggested they go to a school in Fiji.
Liz has been assisting the Ra Maternity Hospital, a three hour drive north east of Nadi, for almost 20 years and was aware of a new high school opposite.
With Ken co-ordinating the computers and Liz the Fiji details, Rod Smith, RC Dee Why Warringah loaned his ute and muscles to get the computers to Port Botany and RC Lautoka, Fiji, looked after the shipment and transportation Fiji side.
Please click HERE to read the latest edition of Rotary on the Move newsletter.
What we do in the Rotary Club of Doncaster is make everyone in our club feel welcome and important, and make our meetings enjoyable. Members start gathering up to an hour before our club meeting to socialise, and new and visiting members are swept into the constantly moving and changing conversational groups that form during this time. One of our club’s strengths is that we make everyone feel a part of the group and no one finds themselves standing alone with no one to talk to.
There is a great range of accommodation options within easy walking distance to the National Convention Centre. There are also over 75 hotels within easy driving distance.
The time left to register at concessional rates is getting much closer!
Members are encouraged to register individually.
Register before 1 December to be eligible for Early Bird pricing - and the Early Bird Prize of a case of Tyrrell's wine. Full conditions are available here
Remember, delegates also need to secure their own accommodation.
Members are encouraged to register individually - but your club is welcome to arrange a bulk club registration (details here).
Register before 1 December to be eligible for Early Bird pricing - and the Early Bird Prize of a case of Tyrrell's wine. Full conditions are available here
Remember, delegates also need to secure their own accommodation.
Members are encouraged to register individually but your club is welcome to arrange a bulk club registration (details here).
Register before 1 December to be eligible for Early Bird pricing - and the Early Bird Prize of a case of Tyrrell's wine. Full conditions are available here
Remember, delegates also need to secure their own accommodation.
We are pleased to accept multiple bookings from a club in accordance with the procedure outlined below.
Procedure for Club Bookings
The responsible person should register him/herself in the normal way by providing personal details then selecting a package followed by the number of additional registrations required for each category.
Direct Credit Option EFT payment should be made immediately by direct deposit to the following bank account: Westpac Banking Corporation Rotary District 9685 BSB 032 086 A/c 333 071
Please send a confirmation email including your name, club, registration number (from the confirmation email), amount credited and the names of all persons (using this Booking Form) by email to ConferencePayments@rotarydistrict9685.org.au
Congratulations to the following clubs in our District for rising to Rotary International’s Membership challenge during 2014-15. Rotary International is recognising clubs within Districts who achieve success in membership growth in various categories during the period 1 July 2014 to 1 July 2015.
Clubs who received Certificates from Rotary International in recognition of their membership growth achievements last year are:
Norwest - highest growth rate
Chatswood Sunrise - highest growth rate of members under 40
Kincumber - highest growth rate of female members
Central Blue - highest retention rate over last three years.
World Toilet Day is a day to take action. It is a day to raise awareness about all the people who do not have access to a toilet - despite the human right to water and sanitation. Of the world's seven billion people, 2.5 billion people do not have improved sanitation. One billion people still defecate in the open. Women and girls risk rape and abuse because they have no toilet that offers privacy.
It is a day to do something about it. Want tools to help?
Applications are invited for Rotary Peace Fellowships awarded in 2016 for the academic year in 2017
The Rotary Peace Fellowship is the premier educational program of The Rotary Foundation (TRF) and supports Rotary’s mission to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace. It is intended for individuals, who have chosen a career related to international relations, peace, and conflict resolution; who have work experience in these areas; and who have a commitment to community or international humanitarian service and working for peace. Applicants should consider these objectives carefully before applying.
ROTARY DISTRICT 9685 Rotary Global Grant Scholarship in 2016
Invitation to a young person interested in international postgraduate study to apply for a Rotary District 9685 Global Grant Scholarship
The purpose of the Global Grant Scholarship program is to support international study at post graduate level.
Rotary District 9685 supports the Global Grant Scholarship Program of The Rotary Foundation and will offer one Global Grant Scholarship in 2016. This scholarship program is funded by a District 9685 grant of US$15,000 which is matched by the Rotary Foundation providing a scholarship to the total value of US$30,000.
RAWCS - or the Rotary Australia World Community Servuce - is a big business with an exciting future. The RAWCS management team are putting in sound strategies to enable more growth and more opportunities for Rotarians to do wonderful humanitarian work locally and internationally.
With the emergence of Rotary Australia Benevolent Society (RABS) RAWCS can now respond to humanitarian need or crisis in our own local community.
RAWCS is a growth area of Rotary. Volunteers both Rotarian and non-Rotarian working on RAWCS projects continues to increase.
The RAWCS quarterly meetings are a great opportunity to see what RAWCS is all about. All Rotarians and friends are welcome to attend. If you can make it, we would love to see you there. It is a great chance to hear about some wonderful Rotary work undertaken and meet some inspiring Rotarians.
RAWCS is all about ordinary people doing extraordinary things. You can find out much more in the latest RAWCS Rover. Download it here
You may check your club's progress by following this link to see who has already registered. Follow this link to see how your club compares with others.
Remember to keep encouraging your members to register - it assists the organisers if action is not left until the last minute!
We are looking forward to a great Conference and hope to see as many of your members there as possible.
Less than one month to register at concessional rates!
Members are encouraged to register individually but your club may arrange a bulk registration. Delegates need to secure their own accommodation.
Register before 1 December to be eligible for Early Bird pricing - and the Early Bird Prize of a case of Tyrrell's wine. Full conditions are available here
Less than six weeks to register at concessional rates!
Members are encouraged to register individually but your club is welcome to arrange a bulk club registration. Delegates also need to secure their own accommodation.
Register before 1 December to be eligible for Early Bird pricing - and the Early Bird Prize of a case of Tyrrell's wine. Full conditions are available here
ABC weekend morning presenter Simon Marnie was a big hit with the capacity crowd at the Lower Blue Mountains Rotary Community Night in Emu Plains Sports and Recreation Club on Tuesday.
A most entertaining speaker, Simon recounted the highs and lows of his outstanding career in radio – along with experiences as a food critic and judge of oysters and coffee at various high profile events.
The special guest made many friends in the Blue Mountains area as a result of critical on air support during the most recent Bushfires in Springwood and Winmalee. He has a strong listener base in the Mountains and many of those people joined the audience for the evening.
After his address, Rotary President Drew Fitzpatrick and Rotary Past Governor David Cook presented Simon with Paul Harris Fellow Recognition – in honour of his ongoing support for Rotary and so many other community organisations.
During the last three months, top media outlets have featured Rotary’s leadership in the effort to eradicate polio worldwide. Rotary spokespeople were quoted in stories about our recent milestones in Nigeria and Africa in USA Today, the Wall Street Journal, and the New York Times. Time, People, and the Associated Press also highlighted Rotary’s spearheading role in the global polio eradication initiative.
Lucy Hobgood-Brown has been named as one of six six women honoured for leadership and humanitarian service.
Lucy is a member of the Rotary E-Club of Greater Sydney and cofounded HandUp Congo, a nonprofit that promotes and facilitates sustainable, community-driven business, educational, social, and health initiatives to underprivileged communities in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
RAWCS team successfully concludes Congo Canoe Challenge
Munching on caterpillars and travelling 600 km in a motorised canoe are just two of the exhilarating highlights experienced in August and September by e-Club of Greater Sydney members Dr Grace maano and Lucy Hobgood-Brown, when they travelled to the Democratic Republic of Congo on a four week medical training mission in August. The self-funded team included three other Australians, Dr Vera Sistenich, Chris Coombes and Maureen Burdynski.
In cooperation with HandUp Congo, Rotary Australia World Community Service and, with the help of numerous donors including many Rotarians, the team took 400 kilos of donated medical equipment, eyeglasses, footballs and other community development resources to four locations.
NSW-based Dr Vera Sistenich, an Emergency Physician and Fellow of the Australian College of Emergency Medicine, provided training in neonatal, pediatric and adult life support, airway and trauma management, as well as fluid resuscitation for children. Dr Grace Maano, a Locum Career Medical Officer based in NSW, trained Congolese medical staff in basic ECG reading and obstetric ultrasound scanning, handling obstetric emergencies and contraceptive (Jadelle) implant insertion.
Chris Coombes and Maureen Burdynski documented the medical training of more than 90 health care staff in the four venues, as well as more than 150 women receiving contraceptive implants. They also roamed each training site, photographing local communities’ capacity building initiatives, including a Pygmy village in remote Equateur Province. This village is accessible only by canoe, which inspired HandUp Congo to initiate regular Congo Canoe Challenges with skilled volunteer teams.
Many photos can be viewed on HandUp Congo’s facebook. A video of the 2015 Congo Canoe Challenge can be viewed here.
Listen to an interview about the trip here (25 minutes into the program).
Celebrate Congo and all the supporters of the 2015 Congo Canoe Challenge!
Sunday, 22 November 2015
12 noon to 4 pm
Blugibbon, 211 Pacific Highway, St Leonards = a short walk from St Leonards train station. Ample free parking.
Over 30,000 Aussies suffer Sudden Cardiac Arrest every year… and only 10% survive. If more people knew basic CPR, we could turn that statistic right around.
TakeHeart Australia would like to invite you and your club members to join us on the 30th of November for a day of free CPR and emergency training at Allianz Stadium, Moore Park.
Check out here the updated manuals in Rotary’s Lead Your Club series, which provide vital information about the role and responsibilities of the club president, secretary,treasurer, and recommended committees.
On Saturday 7 November there will be a premiere screening of "Umina - the First 50 Years" at Cinema Paradiso, Ettalong, at 6.30pm for 7.00pm. Ticket price is $15.
This film is the work of Julie Aitchinson and is based on the research that Julie did last year for the centenary of Umina. The film covers a history of Umina from 1914 to 1964. Attached is a promotional brochure.
There is also an article about this film in the Friday 16 October edition of Express Advocate (page 54).
Tickets are selling quickly.
The Rotary Club of Umina Beach is proud to have supported Julie in putting together this history. Proceeds from the evening go to local Rotary projects and the local Surf Club.
If you or any of your colleagues, family or friends are interested in attending, please email uminahistory@bigpond.com
Northbridge Rotary Club’s first Pictures on the Pitch event on Northbridge Oval on October 10 was a very successful community evening, according to the organizer, Rotarian Karin Eurell.
The Australian movie Paper Planes was shown to an audience estimated at about 600. The young Australian star of the movie, Ed Oxenbould, attended the evening and met many young locals.
Before the movie, a paper plane contest was held in which many local children showed their skills building and flying their planes. Prizes were awarded for the planes which travelled the longest distance on the oval.
The approximately $12,000 proceeds (before costs) from the event will be used to support worthy local youth charities and Rotary health and education projects overseas.
Karin said that the inaugural event went without a hitch. “It was a great night for families - we were lucky with perfect weather,” Karin said. “The movie was well supported by the community, there were rides for the children and the Rotary barbecues were busy.”
Karin thanked Northbridge Plaza which was the major sponsor of the event and also expressed her appreciation for other sponsors: Westpac, Anytime Fitness and Intelligentsia Café. “Without such generous sponsors, we would not have been able to hold the event,” she said.
Karin said she believed that local participation in such events was invaluable in building community spirit. “I specially thank all those who came to support the event,” she said. “I’m also extremely grateful to the 60 Rotary Club members, partners and other volunteers who, together with Rural Fire Service, Community Radio 99.3 and Bunnings face painters, all helped to make the night a success.”
Picture captions:
Young Australian movie star Ed Oxenbould meets a Northbridge local at Rotary’s showing of the movie Paper Planes at Northbridge Oval on October 10.
Part of the enthusiastic crowd at the showing of the movie Paper Planes at Northbridge Oval on October 10.
The Rotary Club of Lane Cove presented the inaugural Tom and Thelma Tait Award (in memory of PDG Tom Tait and his wife, Thelma) on Tuesday 13 October (Tom's birthday) to Jessica Ellis, a member of the Lane Cove Youth Orchestra.
Part of the citation read: Jessica has been with Lane Cove Youth Orchestra for 6 years and has an impressive attendance record. She is always punctual and well prepared for rehearsals and concerts. She has developed into a highly competent player, a strong leader of the cello section and is always attentive in rehearsal and respectful of conductor’s or tutor’s directions as well as being a good friend to others in the group.
This will be an annual award from the Lane Cove Rotary Club to a deserving member of the Lane Cove Youth Orchestra of which Tom was a great supporter. The club was fortunate to have Tom and Thelma's daughter, Julie Dalgleish, and their grandson, James Tait, make the presentation which covers the orchestra and camp fees for a year.
The next Jazz at the Pines is on Sunday 18 October and features the ‘Sydney Youth Jazz Orchestra’, starting at 12.30pm. Location is Roughley House, 656 Old Northern Road, Dural. Tickets $18 adults and $15 concessions. Phone 9651 4411 or
Tables can be booked for groups and individuals or simply turn up on the day with your chair, picnic rug and eskie, there is plenty of room.
Jazz at the Pines is a project of The Rotary Club of The Hills-Kellyville with the support of The Hills Shire Council. The new season of Jazz starts on 20 September 2015 and runs through to May 2016.
The Rotary E-Club of Greater Sydney invites you to a special screening of "He Named Me Malala". The funds raised from the movie will support the provision of Days for Girls sustainable feminine hygiene kits to schools in Fiji to help girls stay at school and complete their education.
Malala comes from a family of Rotarians and became a celebrated global icon after she was shot for defying the Taliban by speaking out for girls' education.
Join us for light refreshments before the movie and hear more about the wonderful work of Days for Girls International. You may like to contribute items for the feminine hygiene kits detailed on the Days for Girls website. We will be happy to collect these on the night.
Read on for details of the evening and the link to purchase tickets
“An apple a day may keep the doctor away”, but “an apple for the teacher” is exactly how St Ives Rotary Club is honouring teachers in St Ives. There are ten schools in St Ives and this week every school received a gift-wrapped basket of apples … and that equates to just over five hundred teachers in our schools!
Rotarians around the world celebrate Basic Education and Literacy Month in September. In response to that focus month the Rotary Club of St Ives responded by initiating apples to say thank you to our teachers.
Inaugurated on 5 October 1994 by the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), World Teachers’ Day is celebrated annually in over 100 countries. World teachers’ Day celebrates the efforts of teachers on a global scale, acknowledging the important contribution made to our community in an increasingly complex, multicultural and technological world.
Di Barnes from Rotary Club of St Ives said “we recognize quality education offers hope and the promise of a better standard of living for children as well as providing support to families”. Schools were sent a basket of apples for their teachers as a token thank you for the positive impact they have on the lives of students.
BASKETS OF APPLES FOR ST IVES TEACHERS FOR INTERNATIONAL TEACHERS’ DAY
Young leaders from Primary Schools in Lower Blue Mountains and Penrith were honored with ‘Service Above Self’ awards by Lower Blue Mountains Rotary on Tuesday night.
More than 120 pupils, their families, Rotarians and friends enjoyed the inspirational night at Emu Plains Sport and Recreation Club.
Schools are required to nominate one outstanding senior leader for the annual event each year and Rotary recognizes the students with a framed citation and special book prize.
The Rotary Club’s Youth Service Director Glenn Anslow explained to those present that it was never too early to recognize leadership and citizenship – and that the recognition evening was a perfect ‘fit’ for Rotary’s youth mentoring projects.
Those honored included Ben Watson of Blaxland East Primary School, Lexy Thorpe of Glenbrook, Savannah Burns of Mt Riverview, Grace Madill of Lapstone, Lara Roser of Our Lady of the Way Emu Plains, Caitlin Mitchell of Warrimoo, Lachlan Moore of Leonay, Liam Lester of Emu Plains, Anneleise Shapcott of Emu Heights, Tyler Pockran of St Finbars and finally twins Angelina and Lillian Hawkins of Blaxland.
Rotary President Drew Fitzpatrick made presentations to all pupils on behalf of the Rotary club.
Please draw your members attention to the existence of prospective Rotarian Action Group for Addiction Prevention and encourage them to become a member of this action group.
Springwood Rotarian and Past President 2013/14 Laurie Waterson PHF lost his courageous battle with brain & spinal cord tumours on Saturday 3rd October, 2015. He joined The Rotary Club of Springwood in January, 1995 and served on numerous boards over his years in the club including Secretary in 1999/2000 and again in 2014 until he was forced to resign due to his illness. He also served on various district committees in District 9690.
The pinnacle of his service came when the 2013 bushfires hit the Winmalee area. He led the efforts to look after our members, the emergency services and the wider community in that difficult time and brought a District Conference to tears during his presentation regarding the impact of the fires on his community.
He was cared for so beautifully by the staff at Westmead Private Hospital. You may like to consider a donation to Nogin - our brain tumour support group. We are also participating in Walk 4 Brain Cancer in November as a family.
His dedication, commitment and service above self will be missed by the members and friends of The Rotary Club of Springwood Inc.
The Rotary International Convention travels to Seoul, 28 May-1 June 2016. Explore this world-class city and discover the rich culture that connects the latest trends with time-honored traditions. Taste eclectic cuisine and shop for the newest fashions and electronics. Meet new friends, share ideas, and interact with new technology at this dynamic, unforgettable convention. Connect with the thousands of Rotarians who will come together in friendship and peace.
Register Now and Save!
Check back for new details and program updates. Take advantage of your opportunity to save. Be sure to register before 15 December for early registration savings.
You’re invited to Connect with Korea — Touch the World at the 2016 Rotary International Convention in Seoul, 28 May-1 June. Of course, planning is to make it the most successful convention to date and with your help, attract a record number of Rotarians from across the globe.
Make convention promotion a high priority for this year. Make sure members know:
The Rotary Convention is for all Rotarians, featuring information, activities, and exchanging ideas
Seoul is an amazing destination with so much to offer — history, cuisine, culture, and shopping
The convention provides an exciting opportunity to network, meet new people, and make lasting friendships
Attendees can participate in a meaningful project in the community
The program features engaging speakers, spectacular entertainment, and House of Friendship events
Use the tool kit of promotional materials available on the convention website at www.riconvention.org under Resources. You’ll find posters, brochures, postcards, web copy and letters to download and print.
Encourage members to make their travel arrangements, including flights and hotel, together. Let them know that they should register before 15 December to take advantage of early registration savings at www.riconvention.org.
Please click HERE to read the latest edition of Rotary on the Move newsletter.
Young people want to be office bearers and meaningful leaders in Rotary, and they want to support causes that they can relate to – these were just two of the many findings from the Australian National Youth Summit held recently in Canberra. Held in parallel with the National Membership Success Seminar, the Youth Summit brought together around 25 young people from Rotary, Rotaract, and Youth Exchange.
The theme of the Summit was ‘Shaping the Future of Rotary in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific’.
Simon Marnie – popular weekend presenter on ABC Radio – will be special guest at the next Lower Blue Mountains Rotary Community Night – planned for Tuesday, October 20.
Members of the wider Penrith and Lower Mountains communities are welcome to attend the evening and share the insight into the life and times of this colourful personality.
Marnie has been a long time supporter of Rotary clubs and a huge variety of community events. He was very supportive of victims of the horrific Lower Mountains bushfires two years ago.
Born and raised on Sydney’s North Shore, Simon Marnie has lived and breathed radio all his life – commencing as station mascot at 2UW in the 1980s. He moved on to Triple J and later conceived and produced SBS TV’s music show, Nomad. He has produced on WOW TV and reported on ABC TV’s TVTV, before getting back to mainstream ABC radio via Tony Delroy’s NightLife.
Now firmly ensconced in the Weekends Show, Simon says he loves the shift and everything about Sydney weekends.
Members of the public keen to enjoy this special community night should ring Rotarian Heather Chourlianis on 0424 002 314 by 5 pm on Sunday, October 18, to book. The special event will be held in the Emu Plains Sports and Recreation Club (Leonay Golf Club) – 6.30 for 7 pm. Price is $25 per head for a two course meal and coffee/tea.
For further information, ring David Cook (0439 494 835).
The acclaimed new Australian movie from Universal Pictures International, The Dressmaker, is the star attraction at the latest premiere for Glenbrook Cinema on Thursday, October 22.
Lower Blue Mountains Rotary is proud to work with the Cinema Managing Director Ron Curran to offer yet another special ‘treat’ for Lower Mountains and Penrith movie enthusiasts.
Certain to be a box office success, The Dressmaker was directed by Jocelyn Moorhouse and stars Kate Winslet, Liam Hemsworth, Judy Davis, Hugo Weaving and Sarah Snook. It is a fascinating story of revenge – laced with drama and humour - in a small Australian rural town.
As always, Lower Blue Rotarians will spare no effort in staging yet another memorable evening, commencing with finger food and refreshments in the grounds of Glenbrook Primary School adjacent to Glenbrook Cinema.
Patrons will be invited to gather in the school grounds at 6 pm to enjoy fun and fellowship and a brief background summary of The Dressmaker story … before walking across to the Cinema for the commencement of the movie at 7.30 pm.
Tickets are priced at just $20 for the pre party and movie. All proceeds will support Rotary Youth projects in the Lower Mountains and The Rotary Foundation’s ongoing campaign to eradicate Polio from the world.
Seats within the Glenbrook Cinema are limited and prospective patrons are urged to book early with Rotarian Sue Bell (0409 834 646) to avoid disappointment.
The Dressmaker is based on the hit debut novel of the same name – by Australian author Rosalie Ham – published in 2000.
Rotarians can join Rotary’s newest Fellowship – the Fellowship for Cruising Rotarians, by emailing cruisingrotarians@gmail.com for the joining form and info.
Join 156 other like-minded Rotarians in this great fellowship.
The World Health Organization (WHO) today announced that it has officially removed Nigeria from the list of countries where polio is endemic. It’s been 14 months since a case of polio caused by the wild virus was reported there. That leaves only two countries, Afghanistan and Pakistan, where transmission of the virus has never been stopped.
The next two training courses in 2015 - and the first two in 2016 - are now available for registration. The courses consist of three parts and are held at the district office in Thornleigh. The course session starts at 8:30 in the morning and finishes at around 3:45 pm. Morning tea and lunch are provided. Course materials will be sent to you nearer the time.
We’re closer than ever to ending polio, so find out how you can help us finish the job during our third annual World Polio Day live-streamed global status update. Join Rotary’s global partners, celebrity ambassadors, and polio survivors broadcasting live from New York City on 24 October at 09:30 AM AEDT.
But don’t wait to celebrate how far we’ve come. Here are ways you can make a difference now:
Download the World Polio Day tool kit and join our worldwide network of End Polio Now advocates.
Share our social media graphics to show your support for the final push to end polio.
Donate or host a fundraiser. Every donation that we commit to polio eradication will be tripled by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
The Sydney Hills Garden Competition has been held for this year and the Awards Night is to be held on Friday 25th. Some of the prize winning gardens will then be open to the public over the weekend.
So this is your chance to see the best gardens in The Hills. The gardens which will be open between 10 am and 4 pm on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September are : “Elsie’s Garden” , 16 Gordonia Grove, Baulkham Hills, “Taliesin” , 5 Jane Place Dural, “Boulevard”, 20 Wylds Rd Middle Dural, “Burnt Rails”, 28 Glen St, Galston
Pakistan launched a nationwide polio campaign this week to vaccinate more than 35 million children in 163 districts of the country. Approximately 200,000 polio workers are participating in the polio campaign, during which Vitamin A will also be distributed. More
As progress continues to be made towards polio eradication, surveillance is increasingly one of the most important things the programme can do to protect children against every last poliovirus. Read more about how surveillance works here.
As a team building exercise for Corporates and a fabulous way to demonstrate corporate social responsibility, the Rotary Club of Sydney invites participation in “The Dance”, an exciting fundraising flashmob for ‘Rotary Kids Health’ and to support your chosen charity. This year will be the first of what we aim to be a major annual event. The idea is to bring CBD Sydney together to celebrate our good fortune to live in such a beautiful city with such a fantastic climate, where we can express our caring for others in such a healthy, liberating way. The theme for the Dance is ‘Your Cause, Your Dance, Your Way’ so that all Sydney-siders can own a piece of the action.
We have invited Charities to work with us towards our common goal of improving the lives of those we care about. Our RCS volunteers have organised the event and, in recognition, we hope that Charities don’t mind sharing 30% of the funds raised with ‘Rotary Kids Health’.
Rotarians and friends it is now time to dust off your dancing shoes and show that you really care about improving the lives of others. On “The Dance” website www.thedance.org.au find out all about this fun-filled fundraising event where Sydney’s Martin Place will liven up with music and dance from a flash mob that includes you. If not you, then your representative, perhaps someone working in the CBD. Your involvement will help ensure a number of things:
• Generate much needed funds for the many projects of Rotary under the banner ‘Rotary Kids Health’.
• Show Rotary is a young, vibrant, all-inclusive organisation, teaming up with corporates and charities to support their favourite cause.
• Reach a wider audience by harnessing the latest technologies and communications.
• Start something really big, an annual event which will ultimately break records.
“The Dance” will eventually be Sydney’s largest flashmob, this year taking place at lunchtime in Martin Place on Friday 27th November 2015. Participants will be dancing to a choreographed routine for 3 minutes, sponsored by their network of family, friends and work colleagues. “The Dance” will bring excitement and surprise to our streets, an energy that will be viewed on social media well into the future.
Improving the lives of children is the focus of ‘Rotary Kids Health’. Internationally, Rotary leads the way in the eradication of Polio from the world and the job is nearly done. The Rotary Club of Sydney supports health and education programs in the Asia Pacific region as well as India and Africa. Locally our scholarships and personal development programs save disadvantaged kids from a life of misery and create a pathway for tomorrow’s young leaders. Find out more on our website www.sydneyrotary.com
District Governor 9685 Gina Growden’s official visit to Central Blue was Wednesday 16/09. After being presented with one of CBM's large fluffy rams, Gina was photographed with club president Noel Hiffernan.
World Polio Day is some five weeks away and now is the time for your club to plan something special within your community to highlight the END OF POLIO …
Lower Blue Mountains President Drew Fitzpatrick and Lower Blue’s youngest member Chris Mahoney (with brush) stage for an Instagram to promote Graffiti Removal Day in NSW on October 18. District clubs and Rotarians are urged to take note of Graffiti Vandalism sites around our District and go to the web site www.graffitiremovalday.org.au to nominate such sites for removal. The call is also out to Rotarians and members of community organisations to register on the web site to assist at various sites on October 18.
If you would rather speak to a real, live person – call the Graffiti hot line on 1300 665 310
Accor Hotels is pleased to inform you that all members attending the 2016 District Conference will have special rates between Monday 7 March and Monday 14 March 2016 with the following AccorHotels in Canberra:
Novotel Canberra
Mercure Canberra
Ibis Styles Canberra
Ibis Eaglehawk
By just clicking on the “Book now! link you will have access to your preferential rates.
How to book and benefit from these exclusive advantages?
The Hills Rotaract Club, Norwest Sunrise and The Hills-Kellyville Rotary clubs would love to see you all at our BOLLYHILLS 2015 fundraiser to be held on 31October 2015 at the Our Lady of the Lourdes School Hall, Grantham Road Seven Hills. This event will support the MEDICOS 4 BOLIVIA project of the Rotary Club of Norwest Sunrise (Bella Vista) and the School rebuilding project in Vanuatu of the Rotary Club of The Hills-Kellyville.
The tickets are priced at $50 per person - why not book a table of 10 to have an exciting evening with Rotary Fun and Fellowship.
INNER WHEEL CLUB OF BAULKHAM HILLS invites you to come and wander the beautiful gardens at the Open Gardens weekend on 26 and 27 of September and enjoy a delicious DEVONSHIRE TEA. You can search for bargains on the TRASH AND TREASURE stall. Parking available on site.
“Glenhope”
113 Castle Hill Rd, Castle Hill
26 and 27 of September
10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Enquires 9634 2508
ALL MONEY RAISED WILL GO TO SUPPORT THE SANCTUARY, THE HILLS DISTRICT WOMEN'S SHELTER AND OTHER LOCAL HILLS CHARITIES
Our Districts Grant Scholar for last year, William Chan, will leave for his studies in Milan Italy on the 23rd of this month. A summary of his background which William prepared for the RC Milano Cordusio is available in Word and so you can easily condense it or change it to suit your club’s bulletin. Please keep your Club informed on important Foundation successes such as this.
For the information of Clubs and Rotarians there were 6 applicants. All honours graduates, two with University medals (William was one). Clubs need to know that they should only nominate someone with an outstanding academic background and with a track record of community service.
His field is water and sanitation.
He was nominated by RC Macquarie Park.
He knows ‘Rotary’ having been to RYLA and having been President of his school Interact club. Just reinforcing the importance of our Rotary Youth programs.
He leaves on 23rd September.
He will keep us informed with his news while he is way, and he will be able to speak at clubs on his return.
The Foundation Grant for William was US$30,000 and was paid into our District account as A$40.800.
Resources (Background and image) are available by reading on.
We will shortly be calling for nominations for this Rotary Year’s US$30,000 scholarship, so Clubs and Rotarians please start making enquiries around your Universities and higher education facilities.
MindDog, is an organisation uniquely Australian, that assists people who have a psychiatric disability to live as normal a life as possible with the assistance of a psychiatric service dog.
Tony Edwards, will be talking at Belrose on 20 October about these amazing dogs as well as mental health. He was first diagnosed with a mental health condition at 13 years of age. He will give a personal perspective on his journey with mental health and MindDog.
An exclusive invitation to lunch on 29 October and to attend an investment seminar that will explore the impact of global markets on your financial portfolio.
Over 4 million refugees have fled Syria and more than 16 million people are in need of assistance. The majority are in desperate need of shelter and other vital aid, leaving their homes with just the few possessions they can carry. The need for emergency shelter and essential aid is now is greater than ever.
71 year old Bob Montgomery sets off from Perth to Sydney on 4,000km bike ride raising funds for Motor Neurone Disease
What are these three seniors thinking? Would you challenge yourself to help others? Will you reach your $50,000 target? What do you know about MND? How come Rotary are helping?
On 14 September, semi-retired business person, local cyclist and Rotarian Bob Montgomery, is embarking on a solo charity bike ride from Perth to Sydney...over 4,100km. All money raised will go towards raising awareness and research funds for Motor Neurone Disease. This is Bob's second charity ride, also for MND. In 2013 he rode from the Blue Mountains to Port Douglas raising over $35,000 for MND. Now aged 71, Bob and wife Jenny, and friend Peter Shehadie are about to set out again and need your support for MND.
Rotarians who believe that they can make a difference, one club at a time are encouraged to train as a Club Vision Facilitator on Saturday 21 November.
Club Visioning is a foundation element for clubs, bringing members together toward …
Continuity of leadership, vision and process
Consistency in programming
Consensus toward solidarity and unanimity in purpose and action
Read on if you are interested in serving Rotary in this way ...
Each ShelterBox provides Shelter, warmth and dignity for ten people in a disaster. ShelterBox has provided survival in nine years to 1m people in 80 devastated countries.
The Rotary Club of Dee Why Warringah is committed to raising funds for 100 ShelterBoxes, as the disasters continue and the ShelterBoxes are desperately needed.
There is much more information and resources on the club's website
Come to the Theatre of the Kolling institute at the Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards at 6.00pm on Tuesday October 13,and hear Dr Charles Brooker of the Pain Management Research Institute, talking about conquering pain.
Dr Charles Brooker is an Anaesthetist and Pain Medicine Specialist with over 17 years’ experience practicing in pain medicine. He is involved in acute and chronic pain medicine and related clinical research. Dr Brooker is currently Director of the Chronic and Cancer Pain Service and Head of the Department of Pain Medicine at the Royal North Shore Hospital.
The Rotary Club of Glenhaven is working together with the Rotary Club of Illawarra Sunrise to assist in the rebuilding of homes lost to Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines during November.
The two clubs have worked hard to fund their building projects, latest fundraiser is 'Swing into Spring' held early September.
Glenhaven Rotarian and project volunteer Francis Bernabe has said " Homes dedicated to the typhoon victims will greatly improve the lives of recipient families."
" Parents can concentrate on providing food and education for their children now they have a secure shelter."
" The Bacolod community has embraced the generosity of Rotary and local government has acknowledged the tremendous task and support the Rotary Club of Glenhaven has undertaken."
" The rebuilding of houses is providing a much needed income for local workers, a positive economic domino effect is now noticeable. "
Credit must go to Glenhaven club's volunteers Francis and Ophelia Bernabe, Myra Castellano-Hegarty for their hard work and dedication, together they have made many trips to Philippines where they have assisted with building, medical and food programs.
Less than three months to register at concessional rates!
You are encouraged to register individually but your club may be arranging a bulk club registration - check with your club's Conference Promoter. You also need to secure your own accommodation.
Register before 1 December to be eligible for Early Bird pricing - and the Early Bird Prize of a case of Tyrrell's wine
Get connected with Rotary alumni during the first Alumni Reconnect Week, 1-8 October.
Invite former Rotary Youth Exchange students, host families, and community partners to share their experience at a Rotary club or district event. Alumni already have a strong connection to Rotary, and when they reconnect at a club meeting or get involved in a community project, they can learn even more ways that Rotary changes lives locally and globally.
District alumni chairs around the world are already planning fun and engaging ways to reconnect with Rotary. Work with your district leaders to plan a service activity, arrange for a talk at a club meeting or event, or organize a fundraiser to support future Youth Exchange students. Or connect with local Rotary clubs to find out about events happening in your area.
When alumni reconnect with Rotary, they discover the benefits of membership, they network with proven leaders, and they explore new opportunities to give back through Rotary.
INVITE YOUTH EXCHANGE ALUMNI TO RECONNECT WITH ROTARY
Please click HERE to read the latest edition of Rotary on the Move newsletter.
It is quite apparent that we have a Regional Membership Plan and District Membership plans, and we need to support and encourage more clubs to develop their own club based membership plans. Those of us who have the opportunity to attend the Rotary Success Conference in Canberra on September 5-6 will acquire new skills and knowledge that will help build our club’s membership.
Like the builders, we have all of the tools and resources at our disposal. Can we build it? We hope your answer is: “Yes we can!”
The Rotary Club of Roseville Chase are delighted to present An Evening with Rod Macqueen AM on Tuesday 8 September 2015.
Rod Macqueen AM is a leader in the sports world as well as a motivator, mentor and innovative thinker in life and in business. He is an internationally renowned coach, winning every trophy available during his 4 year tenure as Head Coach of the Australian Wallabies including; the Rugby Union World Cup, Tri-Nations Series and British and Irish Lions Series. He was previously a top level surfboat rowing and rugby athlete. He is an Associate Member in the Australian Sports Hall of Fame and his autobiography One Step Ahead was a best seller. He is also a highly successful businessman as Chairman of Advantage Line, a multi-million dollar point of sale advertising company. Rod Macqueen was awarded as a Member of the Order of Australia in 2003.
As Edwin Zemancheff interviews Rod, hear stories from the world of Rugby, life beyond coaching and the work of the Sargood Foundation. It promises to be a memorable evening!
Attached is a flyer, biography of Rod and a registration form are available on the District website here.
The club looks forward to seeing you and your table of family, friends and colleagues on 8 September. Please RSVP by 1/9/15 - places are booking quickly!
Nominations have opened for the 2015 National Disability Awards, giving Australians the chance to celebrate the people and organisations that have made a positive impact on the lives of people with disability.
The Awards showcase the work being done throughout the community to improve the lives of people with disability so they can become more active in work and the community.
Nominations are open in the following six categories:
Lesley Hall Award for Lifetime Achievement in Disability
Emerging Leader in Disability Awareness
Excellence in Accessibility – Technology
Excellence in Accessibility – Community
Excellence in Choice and Control in Service Delivery
Excellence in Advocacy.
Nominations for the National Disability Awards close on 4 September 2015.
Head to the Nomination form for more information on how to nominate and download a copy of the National Disability Awards Guidelines.
A CALL TO ACTION - NOMINATE NOW FOR THE NATIONAL DISABILITY AWARDS
Kelvin Crombie will be presenting some of his new DVD 'Gallipoli - The Road to Jerusalem' at Cessnock City Church, 6 North Ave, Cessnock, 7pm on Thursday 10 September.
Kelvin lived in Israel for 25 years and is a renowned historian, lecturer, and researcher. This DVD gives a wonderful depth of understanding on the geopolitical issues surrounding the Middle East throughout history and the importance of the ANZAC involvement in paving the way for the formation of the modern state of Israel. Please come and hear Kelvin as he presents this DVD.
Below is a 3-minute promo in which Major-General Jeffery, our former Governor General, encourages Kelvin in what he is doing. Please feel free to pass on this invite to our local communities, especially our local RSL's, Rotary, Libraries, shopkeepers, and others you feel may be interested. This can be located at: www.vimeo.com/120296045 Code name : Promo GALLIPOLI – THE ROAD TO JERUSALEM
All Welcome - Refreshments will follow this DVD screening. Filmed on location in 11 countries, this compelling documentary seeks to answer questions that connect to ANZAC involvement to Australia’s destiny.....
After Shore was selected as the reserve team to represent our Rotary District 9685 at the National Model United National Assembly (MUNA), they represented Brazil & came away as the winners!
We can all be proud in our program for having prepared them so well to take out the title!
Dick Babb is a retired Senior Executive of the Commonwealth Bank, Vice President of Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Parkinson’s Support Group, Community Representative on Medicare Local (GP Network) and a representative on a number of associated health care task programmes.
He is actively involved in assisting refugees to settle into the community.
Dick is also the Treasurer and Board Member of the recently opened Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Women's Shelter.
He will be speaking about the 10 bed refuge for homeless women and victims of domestic violence in our community.
Wahroonga Rotary held a very successful Vocational and Community services Award evening at the Pymble Golf Club on 19 August.
The event was designed to recognise Educational institutions – and in particular individual Teachers achievements. There were eight schools recognised and 10 recipients of awards.
The school Principals or their representatives attended with many other school support staff and the District Vocational Chair, Jade Catherall. There were in excess of 100 people at the event.
Recently elected Ku-ring-gai MP Alister Heskens SC presented the awards to the recipients and was welcomed to Wahroonga Rotary Club as an Honorary Member.
President Marlene Carty in thanking all the guests and recipients said: "she was proud to welcome Alister Heskens to the Wahroonga Rotary Club and congratulated the Committees for the their initiative in designing this recognition programme to highlight the wonderful contribution teaches and staff make to our local Educational institutions".
Our Glenhaven Rotarians have collected a mountain of tooth brushes and tooth paste for children in two Vietnamese orphanages.
This is a support project of Australian TAFE teacher Anna Papoutsakis who has dedicated every opportunity to help the disadvantaged children since 2010.
Anna volunteers at two orphanages, Tam Ky has 84 children, Peace village has 52 with a capacity for 110, children range in age from birth to 17 years. Both orphanages receive a minimal government funding, local people donate what they can and try to help as well.
Anna Papoutsakis fundraises in Australia non-stop, spending a straight 12 months at the orphanages in 2012 with other trips of between two and eight weeks during school holidays.
Glenhaven Rotary has made a number of financial donations to ' Anna's orphanages ', most recent during April.
Bev Cooney is technically a member of the Rotary Club of Castle Hill. She’s moved to live at Bathurst recently, and meets with the Bathurst Rotary Club there when she’s in-country.
In a recent letter to the club, she described the first two weeks of her current visit to Peru.
" ... (The Shining Path is) a rebel group of terrorists who over the last 30 years have killed many thousands of people here in Peru. 30 years ago they kidnapped many women and used them as baby making machines. A couple of weeks ago these women and many children were rescued by the military from the deep jungle and have been taken to a camp in Mazamari ...
"Because of my previous work in the town I was able to go there the other day to see what I could do to help. With an interpreter I was able to communicate with them and ask what they want and what they need. ..."
Glenhaven Rotary Club has a history of support for a young Australian TAFE teacher Anna Papoutsakis, Anna dedicates every opportunity she can to help two orphanages and many disadvantaged families in Vietnam.
'Glenis' the cow was purchased by the Glenhaven Rotary Club and is providing much needed financial assistance to a single father who is battling to raise three young children.
Glenis has already had one calf and is pregnant again, the family sell the calves to provide income, selling one offspring can be the equivalent of 6-8 months income.
2016 being an Olympic year, our Conference theme is a sporting one.
This will be most evident at Saturday night’s dinner and dance at the world-famous Australian Institute of Sport where delegates will dress as their favourite sporting identity, or in their team colours. To get the idea, view this video.
AIS’s interactive facility will allow delegates to test their skills kicking goals, serving aces, slam dunking, or swinging the golf club.
There is a great range of accommodation options within easy walking distance to the National Convention Centre. There are also over 75 hotels within easy driving distance.
The table at this link shows a selection (but not all) of the closest properties. There are also many serviced apartments with up to 5 bedrooms for group bookings as well as camping and caravan parks. Check the Trivago or Hotels Combined websites for best rates.
The Crowne Plaza Canberra is the Conference Hotel - see the concessional booking rates here.
We are pleased to accept multiple bookings from a club in accordance with the procedure outlined below.
Procedure for Club Bookings
The responsible person should register him/herself in the normal way by providing personal details then selecting a package followed by the number of additional registrations required for each category.
Direct Credit Option EFT payment should be made immediately by direct deposit to the following bank account: Westpac Banking Corporation Rotary District 9685 Administration Account BSB 032 086 A/c 333 071
Please send a confirmation email including your name, club, registration number (from the confirmation email), amount credited and the names of all persons (in a spread sheet - showing the details set out below) by email to ConferencePayments@rotarydistrict9685.org.au
The NATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE is Canberra’s largest, purpose-built functions, meetings and events venue. Unrivalled in facilities, size and scope, the convention centre provides a collection of more than 15 spaces over two floors. The National Convention Centre is conveniently located just 7km from airport and just minutes walk from a range of accommodation options and the city centre.
At the AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF SPORT, passion for sport is inspired by passion for life. Join the nation’s elite athletes in an environment that reflects Australia’s commitment to sport and our ongoing pursuit of excellence. As the training camp location of choice for Australia’s sporting teams, the AIS offers us the perfect venue to celebrate ‘Game On’.
Over the last two years, our Rotary District has raised over $50,000 to fund an Interplast team. Last week D9685 Interplast Chair, David Hart was informed that the team funded by D9685 will go to Kirabati (pronounced “Kirabas”). Interplast goes there about every 18 months and takes two doctors, two anaesthetists, and two theatre sisters. The team will be led by Miklos Pohl who is a regular Interplast volunteer. The team will leave probably in the first half of next year.
And the news gets even better. D9685 will also fund a physiotherapist from Fiji to come to the Royal Hobart hospital for skill upgrading. She is coming to Hobart in the next few weeks.
Interplast sends a big thank you to all clubs in the district and particularly to those clubs who made a contribution. Read on for more detailed information.
The Wahroonga Rotary Club and the Ku-ring-gai Council joined forces to hold a Business Breakfast at the Warrawee Bowling Club facility on 12August.
This event was an initiative to extend the club’s reach into the community and welcome local business representatives to meet together and exchange ideas.
The guest speaker was Rtn Jeremy Carter from the Norwest Sunrise Rotary Club and spoke to the attendees on the dynamics of Leadership. There were 70 visitors at the event and Wahroonga President Marlene Carty welcomed the guests and Mayor Jennifer Anderson - a Paul Harris Fellow - thanked the group and welcomed the relationship with Rotary as a fine Community event.
Wahroonga Rotary is hopeful that the relationships arising from the Breakfast event will provide opportunities to add to its Club membership and strengthen its Community relationships.
Twenty-three deserving individuals will benefit from another successful Lower Blue Mountains ‘Wrap with Love’ program in 2016.
Members, family and friends of Lower Blue Mountains Rotary, Glenbrook CWA and St Andrews Uniting Church gathered at St Andrews Church on Saturday afternoon to complete sewing, crocheting and packaging of 23 woollen wraps – the result of this year’s program.
Each wrap comprises 28 squares of wool and the finished product is a large, warm woollen quilt or wrap!
In my travels as a newly fielded district governor, I’ve run into a misperception that several clubs have told me is getting in the way of membership growth.
Dr. Anne Prescott from Australia is a senior lecturer in Mathematics and is one of the important supporters of the Sambhav Nepal Project. She will be the guest speaker at the Rotary Club of Belrose on 18 August. She is a long time member of the Rotary Club of Wahroonga which has supported her work in Nepal and is currently that club's International Service Director
Sambhav Nepal’s current mission is to achieve grassroots reforms in education, poverty, health and sanitation and also community support to women, various youth clubs, vocational skills and training programs along with supplying necessary stationary and sports equipments in 29 village development community (VDC) of Gorkha district in Nepal, so as to uplift the living condition of the underprivileged.
Anne was a consultant to the teacher training program in 2011 at Gorkha and shared her views and ideas on the mathematics and provided training on various teaching methodologies. In January 2013, Anne was also involved in Gorkha fund rising Charity Trek event. She is very keen on further assisting Sambhav Nepal in the future in various teacher training programs and other projects in Gorkha.
Australian accountant Ian H.S. Riseley, a member of the Rotary Club of Sandringham, Victoria, was selected by the Nominating Committee and will become the president-nominee on 1 October if there are no challenges from other candidates. Riseley has been a member since 1978, and has served Rotary as treasurer, director, trustee, RI Board Executive Committee member, task force member, committee member and chair, and district governor.
Today, 11 August marks a tremendous milestone: one full year without a single case of polio caused by wild poliovirus in Africa.
The magnitude of this achievement can hardly be overstated. A polio-free Africa has been within sight, so near and yet so far, for over a decade. The hard work and commitment that have brought us to this point have been nothing short of heroic. Tens of thousands of health workers reached hundreds of millions of children with vaccine, in some of the most difficult conditions imaginable. Together, we have done what once seemed impossible: We have stopped polio in Africa.
Yet this progress, momentous as it is, is still fragile. As long as polio exists in the two remaining endemic countries of Pakistan and Afghanistan, the virus still has the potential to spread and to spark new outbreaks. Now, more than ever, we need the power of all of Rotary to carry us through to the end: not just a polio-free Africa, but a polio-free world.
Wherever you live, whether your country has just conquered polio or has been polio-free for decades, we need your voice, and your help. I ask all of you to read and use the materials in this tool kit to find ways to raise awareness in your community, and beyond. We need every Rotarian, in every Rotary club, to be talking about polio: making sure that media outlets report on our progress and our elected officials see polio eradication as a global priority. Your grassroots work helps drive the increased media coverage we have seen in the past year, which in turn drives global backing of our work to eradicate polio. Together, we will keep polio front and center in our communities and on our national agendas, keeping up the energy and the momentum that will push us through to the finish.
The battle in Africa has, for the moment, been won, but we need the strength of every Rotarian to help us win the war. Together, we will End Polio Now and truly Be a Gift to the World.
On behalf of the Regional Membership Development Team I would like to invite you to attend the National Membership Success Conference and Youth Summit in Canberra on 5-6 September.
In a fact finding mission to Kenya and South Africa, John Glassford was shocked at what I saw on the front line of the rhino and elephant poaching war. The main aim of the visit was to establish what Rotary can do on the ground in Kenya and South Africa to help stop the poaching.
As Rotarians and Rotaractors, we can do something about this. We need your help to save our threatened species facing extinction and you can make a difference by joining the approved Rotarian Action Group for Endangered Species.
Rotary’s areas of focus encompass some of the world’s most critical and widespread humanitarian needs. Our members and partners around the world have rolled up their sleeves to promote peace, fight disease, provide clean water and sanitation, save mothers and children, support basic education and literacy, and grow local economies. We are proud to say that Rotary has become a global leader in advancing these vital goals.
A joint program of Rotary International and The Rotary Foundation will highlight Rotary’s areas of focus in a series of presidential conferences in 2015-16 highlighting our areas of focus. Between January and March 2016, five conferences will be held around the world, each focusing on one of these areas:
Please note that the Rotary Youth Exchange Welcome to Australia BBQ 2015 on 16 August has been re-located to the home of PDG John Dodd, at 2 York Street, Beecroft.
CHANGE OF LOCATION : RYE WELCOME TO AUSTRALIA BBQ 2015
Once again the (proposed*) Rotary Club of Northern Beaches is presenting the Northern Beaches Spring Concert - on Wednesday 16 September - featuring the Northern Beaches Orchestra.
This year the club is delighted to have back as its special guest the acclaimed Australian vocalist, Peter Cousens.
Come along to the Grand Theatre at United Cinemas Warriewood and enjoy this exciting live show, a special evening of hits from musical theatre.
A very special dinner has been organised by the Rotary Clubs of Greater Sydney to welcome Rotary International President Elect John Germ & Judy
This evening will mark the official visit of RIPE John for the Rotary International Director’s Networking Seminar and presents the only opportunity for Rotarians and partners to enjoy a general Rotary world update from the man who will lead Rotary International in 2016/17.
The evening will consist of a 2 course meal, entertainment and most importantly an address by RIPE John – with opportunity for questions.
Date: Thursday 20th August
Time: 6.00pm for a 6.30pm start
Location: Doltone House | Jones Bay Wharf
Piers 19-21 Upper Deck, 26-32 Pirrama Road, Pyrmont
Cost: $80.00 per person
The School for Life Foundation's Early Learning Centre, Assembly Hall and Tailoring Centre is nearly complete!
The pre-schoolers are excited about their new classroom!
The construction team have been hard at work completing the final touches on the new building at Katuuso. It is scheduled to open in the coming weeks and will be a great new space for students, staff and the community.
Read this and more stories in the latest newsletter of the School for Life Foundation here.
THE PRE-SCHOOLERS ARE EXCITED ABOUT THEIR NEW CLASSROOM!
Eagles RAPS located in Doonside, Western Sydney is dedicated to the prevention of youth suicide by giving opportunities to young people from disadvantaged/dysfunctional backgrounds through education and the building of self-confidence. The organisation established in 2003 a “school” as an alternative education setting for young people who have had difficult times in mainstream school settings. This “school” started with 2 students and at times grew to around 180. The students’ success rate is 83% in various TAFE courses, the majority being the completion of Year 10. Eagles RAPS is working to break the cycle of unemployment and welfare dependency.
Rotary Club of Northbridge will provide clean water and sanitation to the people of the remote Letefoho district, in Timor Leste, which presently has no direct access to water. The club has raised US$35,000 (approx A$45,000) to fund the construction of three kilometres of water pipeline in this mountainous area, 72 kilometres south-west of Dili.
The Rotary Club of Lane Cove was asked by Lane Cove Council to cook the barbecue for the National Tree Planting Day organised by the Council and Lane Cove Bushcare. It was held at Upper Stringybark Creek on Sunday 26 July.
About 60 people took part in the planting and Streamwatch Walk and Talk before enjoying the barbecue. It was beautiful weather. A few Rotarians and friends assisted with cooking and serving. The Golden Whistler bird also arrived to entertain the children.
The latest edition of the Road Safety Education Limited Newsletter leads with the latest road crash statistics that show a 47% reduction in youth road deaths over the past 10 years. Along with Government initiatives and campaigns and the introduction of safer cars and roads, education is a vital piece of the road safety puzzle.
An exciting new partnership with Robert Bosch (Australia) Pty Ltd is also announced, read some evaluation results from RYDA 3.0 and look into how the fast evolving world of gadgetry effects us as drivers.
Please click HERE to read the latest edition of Rotary on the Move newsletter.
If you want to know more about satellite clubs, family memberships, leadership, diversity and innovation in Rotary, how Rotarians are connecting with the Community across our Zone, and new model Clubs, you will hear from inspiring speakers on all these topics and more.
If you have ever wanted to know why Club Visioning is so successful around the world and what it can do to help your Club, come and talk to the Club Visioning Team on Friday afternoon, 4th September and see why this is a must for your Club.
Rotaractors, this is a wonderful opportunity for you to celebrate and showcase your passions for Rotary and share with us the details of your contributions to the Community. Make Canberra “your space” on the 5th and 6th of September.
The Success Conference and the Youth Summit should not be missed. It is about the future of Rotary.
We now need to continue our battle and put our full efforts in supporting Pakistan and Afghanistan, the other two remaining polio-endemic countries, to become polio-free.
Newly inducted President of Lower Blue Mountains Rotary, Drew Fitzpatrick, did not waste any time inducting his first new member for 2015/16 – his wife Carolyn Fitzpatrick!
Carolyn has been a standout Rotary ‘partner’ for many years and when her husband Drew (a prominent Penrith cardiologist) finally found time to accept the leadership of one of District 9685’s outstanding Rotary clubs, she said she felt she should ‘do the right thing’ and present herself for Rotary membership.
However, Drew’s new member drive will not end with his wife. He and his new Board have just launched an outstanding membership program for the new Rotary year. Watch this space …
Public Relations in Rotary is all about ‘connecting’ with the community and the Rotary Club of Kincumber on the NSW Central Coast (District 9685) recently hit a public relations ‘home run’ with unique assistance from the Kincumber branch of Westpac Bank.
Sandy Hunt-Sharman is Kincumber Rotary’s membership chairman and never lets a chance go by that might promote her Rotary club and enhance membership interest within the community.
During a recent visit to the Westpac branch, she was discussing Rotary promotion and public relations endeavours with Branch Manager Katja Hagries.
Following is the draft proposal for a series of Polio Clinical Practice Workshops throughout Rotary District 9685 – as presented to the District Presidents’ meeting on Saturday.
The proposal was well received by Presidents and will now be further discussed by clubs in association with their Assistant Governors, before reporting back to District Governor Gina Growden who is seeking District support for the program.
Venues and dates of the final Workshop program are being developed by Polio Australia in association with our District Polio team, and will be advised as soon as possible.
Nigeria’s milestone is attracting media attention. The major news agencies released stories that are being picked up by widely read media outlets, and many of the articles prominently feature Rotary’s role in the effort. An Associated Press story posted on ABC News quotes Dr. Tunji Funsho, chair of Rotary’s Nigeria PolioPlus Committee, discussing the significance of the milestone and the need for continued surveillance. Meanwhile, Reuters focuses on the success of engaging traditional and religious leaders and using thousands of volunteer workers to build trust. See these media reports:
This year's theme of WASH in Schools proved to be very popular. Attendees gave the event rave reviews. If you weren't able to attend in person, you can listen to all the sessions. You'll also find the PowerPoint presentations that were used by our presenters.
Wahroonga Rotary has joined forces with the Ku-ring-gai Council to sponsor a Community Business Breakfast on the 13th August 2015 .
An inspirational Business speaker Jeremy Carter, a leadership specialist, international business coach, trainer and consultant will attend the event-- which is free for attendees. Numbers are limited!
We encourage small to medium size businesses to participate and takeaway some special skills.
See link here for for further details Business Breakfast
Central Coast International Women’s Day Combined Clubs Committee extends an invitation to all volunteer community groups and friends to join them at the 28th Annual Women in Service Dinner on 21 August.
Full details and flyer on the Event page on the District website here
National Skills Week this year will be held 24-30 August and the launch of National Skills Week is set for Monday 24 August (6.30pm - 8.30pm) at Parliament House. All Rotarians from D9685 and D9675 are invited to attend.
Why not attend and make the night a vocational visit?
INVITATION TO THE NATIONAL LAUNCH OF NATIONAL SKILLS WEEK
The Rotary Club of The Hills-Kellyville Writing competition awards night will be held on Monday 10 August 2015. The night is also combined with a School Principals night where we recognise the outstanding work being done by the principals in our local primary schools.
The aim of this project is to promote literacy in our schools and is part of our Rotary Youth encouragement program. The format of the project is that Year 6 students from local schools are invited to write a piece in their own words on a nominated topic. Each participating school then submits the three best entries and a panel of judges from the Rotary Club then selects the three major prizewinners. Read on for full details and the flyer.
Rotary Down Under's next one-day workshop will be held at Rotary Down Under House, Parramatta on Saturday August 1st at 10am for a low price of $55 per person inc GST - get in quick as places are extremely limited!
Here are some testimonials from some recent participants.
"I now understand a lot more about what Facebook can do" Margaret B, Rotary Club of Gosford.
"One of the best value for money workshops I have attended" Geoff B, The Rotary Club of Ryde.
"The training was great, good pace and met the various levels of expertise in the room" Renica A, Rotary Club of Macarthur Sunrise.
Over 1100 Rotary Clubs across Australia are urging families to ‘have the chat’ about organ and tissue donation with their loved ones and register their donation decisions during DonateLife Week.
Rotary Clubs will be issuing press releases to their local newspaper and radio station for publication and broadcast during that week. Clubs are also being urged to have one of their members speak at a local high school, using the materials available from the DonateLife website.
Rotary’s participation in DonateLife Week 2015 was prompted by the story of Jack Wilson, the grandson of one of the 21 Rotary District Governors in Australia. Jack was born with nephrotic syndrome, a congenital kidney disease which resulted in lengthy periods of hospitalisation.
Jack who had a kidney transplant at age 21 months is to be the face of the campaign.
There is a great range of accommodation options within easy walking distance to the National Convention Centre. There are also over 75 hotels within easy driving distance. The Conference website shows a selection of the closest properties. There are also many serviced apartments with up to five bedrooms for group bookings as well as camping and caravan parks.
The official Conference Hotel is the Crowne Plaza Canberra which is within an easy walking distance of the National Convention Centre. A large number of 'City View' rooms have been reserved for delegates to book at an attractive rate of $185 a night on 11 and 12 March.
In order to take advantage of this offer, please call 1300 662 218 (Mon–Fri 9am–5pm) to book directly with the Hotel quoting “ROT”. See more information on the Conference website.
This issue of Conference eNews is being sent to all our hardworking conference promoters/chairs in every club in this great district.
It includes some tools for you to use in your club in order to encourage attendance at the 2016 Conference in Canberra.
As you now know, registrations for the 2016 District Conference have opened with attractive ‘Early Bird‘ pricing which will be available until 30 November.
“Full registration at $270 makes the Conference on 11-12 March very attractive and with the chance to win the ‘Early Bird Prize'”, Conference Chair Angelo Raveane has said.
During the year, DG Gina will promote the conference at her club visit and your AG will be visiting your club at least twice to encourage attendance. Please make them welcome and give them your support. Some clubs have in the past not supported the conference at all with zero attendance. If your club is one of these, please make an effort to break the cycle. Clubs with the highest attendance also tend to be the most active in completing Rotary programs and have the most fun.
There is a presentation included in this newsletter for you to use in your promotion of the Conference to your club. The Assistant Governor or other district team member may also use it, but it is designed to assist you.
All registrations prior to midnight on 30 November will be eligible for the very attractive pricing that is now available AND for the chance to win a one dozen case of select mixed wines from Tyrell’s with a retail value estimated at well over $250.
Northbridge has donated around 100 corrugated iron permanent shelters to victims of the Nepal earthquake. The club’s donation was made possible mainly through a “bucket appeal” to Northbridge residents in May and subsequent donations which together raised more than $18,000.
The houses each hold from six to eight people, and in total will provide shelter for up to 800 people. Most of these houses will be overseen and organised through the Rotary Club of Banepa, Nepal.
The Crows Nest club has been promoting this fundraiser for clubs and other associations since 2001.
It is again producing Melbourne Cup Trifecta Tickets for 2015. A set of tickets will cost your club only $400 if your members are willing to fold the uncut tickets. When all tickets are sold, the profit to your club will be $2,648.
There is no need to write out names, addresses and phone numbers like a raffle. Just collect $2 coins and hand over a ticket - makes selling very simple and allows multiple sales. Most members can sell 50 or more tickets very quickly.
While the 2015 Melbourne Cup is months away, selling early maximises sales and you will need to order more tickets!
Selling Melbourne Cup Trifecta Tickets is an easy way to raise funds for your club.
To order your sets of tickets, go to the Crows Nest website and complete the online order form.
Are you interested in getting involved in a fantastic creative problem solving program for Primary and Secondary students in the Sydney North Region. Tournament of Minds (TOM) is a spectacular program that encourages creative problem solving, critical thinking, team work and innovation, to name just a few skills, that benefit students immediately in their learning and also in their lifelong pursuits. Teams of seven students spend six weeks working together to solve a problem and develop a dramatic presentation of their solution.
The Regional Tournament will be held at Roseville College on Sunday 23 August 23 and good judges are needed.
Include your events on your club's ClubRunner website - select the District option for inclusion on our District Calendar & events; this does not automatically include the details in eNews so email as above
The Rotary Club of Lightning Ridge would like to help about 50 families in the Lightning Ridge area who are struggling on the land due to the current 10 year drought. Although we had some small falls of rain recently it will take years for these families to get back on their feet. They need help now to pay the bills and put food on the table. Sometimes all they need is some time away, so perhaps a few days holiday away could help save someone's' sanity.
Welcome to this first edition Bulletin Editor's eNews!
As you will be aware from earlier advice, BEeN will publish each Thursday and be distributed to Bulletin Editors; the District Team will also get a copy. The intention is that the content will include:
Highlighted club news and events
Items of potential interest for your Club Bulletin* (including advertising of District Events)
Upcoming Events
(* if you do not have a club bulletin, please distribute this email to your club members)
We have previously apologised that we cannot sift out items that not relevant to your club; we also apologise that this issue has a higher than normal number of articles.
Remember to follow the 'Read More' links as there you will find resources related to the article like images and PDFs which will make your life easier.
Also included in this issue are various links to news sources under 'For Your Reference'.
It is our hope that Bulletin Editors will carry all relevant articles in their club's next Bulletin.
There is a great range of accommodation options within easy walking distance to the National Convention Centre. There are also over 75 hotels within easy driving distance. The Conference website shows a selection of the closest properties. There are also many serviced apartments with up to five bedrooms for group bookings as well as camping and caravan parks.
The official Conference Hotel is the Crowne Plaza Canberra which is within an easy walking distance of the National Convention Centre. A large number of 'City View' rooms have been reserved for delegates to book at an attractive rate of $185 a night on 11 and 12 March.
In order to take advantage of this offer, please call 1300 662 218 (Mon–Fri 9am–5pm) to book directly with the Hotel quoting “ROT”. See more information on the Conference website.
District Community Service is taking on Books In Homes for 2015-16.
Penrith Valley has supported a number of local schools through the Books in Homes Program over the past several years as it believes that reading & literacy will play a major role in further enhancing the communication skills of todays youth.
Your support will enable us to continue this important path. The goal is modest. Can you or your club help?
“Service Above Self” is second nature to Rotarians. But we all know fellow members who go “above and beyond” in service to their community – and indeed our nation.
They seek no reward beyond mere satisfaction that they have made a difference in the lives of individuals or society in general.
We recognise their commitment by Clubs contributing to our Rotary Foundation or by a District or sometimes an RI Award.
But while many Rotarians have also been honoured by our Nation through the Order of Australia, certainly there are others well deserving of recognition – but have never been nominated – or sometimes unsuccessfully. How often have you searched the Australia Day and Queens Birthday Honours List to identify recognised Rotarians?
Subaru has offered Rotarians of District 9685 fleet discount rates for the purchase of any new Subaru. Wherever you see the Subaru logo on the District website or in eNews, click on the image to follow the link to obtain a quote.
All registrations prior to midnight on 30 November will be eligible for the very attractive pricing that is now available AND for the chance to win a one dozen case of select mixed wines from Tyrell’s with a retail value estimated at well over $250.
Start of another Rotary year - yet another occasion to renew our commitment of Service Above Self!
In his address at the 2015 Rotary Convention, TRF Trustee Chair John Kenny shared an update status on the five foundation goals which had been set for Rotary year 2014-15. It is encouraging to see the progress we have made on each of these goals, and as we step into the new Rotary year, we look forward to a fresh set of goals and begin working towards achieving these.
Grace Maano and Lucy Hobgood-Brown (of the E-Club of Greater Sydney) are excited about their upcoming Congo Canoe Challenge. They will be in Congo from August 19 to September 11. Grace is piggybacking her time in Africa with further projects in East Africa.
In his 2016 calendar, multi-award winning photographer John Edwards of our Turramurra club shares his magnificent images of wildlife in our southern oceans to aid the eradication of polio.
The renovation of a birth friendly facility in the village of Remexio, in Aileu District, is taking place in July 2015 with a team of eleven Rotarians from District 9685 and District 9600. The facility will be renovated to provide private areas for women giving birth, and for those who have just given birth, along with areas for family to wait and stay. While the building is in reasonable condition the interiors need work to bring them up to a standard that the local women will feel comfortable using. By using the facility they then have the advantage of trained midwifery care.
The project is listed with RAWCS, so any donations by individuals will be tax deductible. The RAWCS number is 56 and the Project is Birth Friendly Facility Renovation, Remexio, Timor Leste.
Donations will help complete the project, provide much needed equipment and will provide on-going support for the midwives with education and training.
BIRTH FRIENDLY FACILITY RENOVATION, REMEXIO, TIMOR LESTE
The recently concluded five-part webinar series about membership set a new standard for Rotary, as the sessions were the most popular webinars Rotary has ever produced. Now you can join the thousands of participants from 109 countries by viewing the five sessions on demand. Discover innovative new ideas and strategies for strengthening and growing your club's membership.
The Crows Nest club has been promoting this fundraiser for clubs and other associations since 2001.
It is again producing Melbourne Cup Trifecta Tickets for 2015. A set of tickets will cost your club only $400 if your members are willing to fold the uncut tickets. When all tickets are sold, the profit to your club will be $2,648.
There is no need to write out names, addresses and phone numbers like a raffle. Just collect $2 coins and hand over a ticket - makes selling very simple and allows multiple sales. Most members can sell 50 or more tickets very quickly.
While the 2015 Melbourne Cup is months away, selling early maximises sales and you will need to order more tickets!
Selling Melbourne Cup Trifecta Tickets is an easy way to raise funds for your club.
To order your sets of tickets, go to the Crows Nest website and complete the online order form.
The Rotaract Club of Macquarie University is pleased to invite you to the District 9685 Changeover for 2015. This year the club has combined it with it's 5th birthday, so there’s double the reason to celebrate! With gourmet hors d’oeuvre platters for dinner, you know it’s going to be a classy night!
So please join Rotaract as they welcome the new Rotaract year, change over their boards and celebrate all the success Rotaract has had this year.
The response from members and Clubs across Australia to the recent natural disasters in Vanuatu and Nepal has been most generous. That support, for people who have lost everything, is enabling communities to rebuild their homes, to replace essential belongings and to provide shelter, warmth and dignity to their families. The Board of ShelterBox Australia have passed on their thanks for your support.
The need, however, will not cease in the short term. It will take a long time to re-establish even the simplest of housing, welfare, educational and community facilities in both Vanuatu and Nepal. At the same time, ShelterBox is responding in Cameroon, Chile, DPRK, Iraq, Niger, Syria and her bordering countries. Please consider further Club and personal donations to help keep up the supply of ShelterBoxes.
Our Dee Why Warringah club is raising funds for ShelterBox through the sale of unique stamp sheets. A true collector's item, the stamp sheets when framed make a perfect gift for a guest speaker.
The sheets can be ordered through the club's website, www.rotarydeewhywarringah.com.au at a cost of $20 a sheet or download this flyer. Stamp collectors worldwide will welcome the release of the ShelterBox, Limited edition (525 red - 525 blue), stamp sheets.
On June 2, the Rotary Club of Lower Blue Mountains celebrated another successful year of fundraising with a special dinner at Emu Plains Sporting Club, which was attended by a crowd of members and special guests.
The members of the Club have raised in excess of $100000 during the past 12 months and President David Clark was proud to present cheques to a range of local community organisations, as well as a number of international Rotary projects.
Local recipients included Glenbrook Public School ($5000), Springwood High School ($4000), Gateway Family Services ($6000), Odyssey House ($3800), several local Rural Fire Service Brigades, SES, Books in Homes, Bear Cottage and Destiny Rescue.
District 9685 Rotarians & Friends are invited to a ShelterBox Operational Open Day on Saturday 20 June 1-3pm at Rotary Hall, Duffys Road, Terrigal.
View the iconic ShelterBox and its lifesaving contents
Walk inside a disaster relief tent
Meet ShelterBox Australia General Manager, Mike Greenslade
Chat with ShelterBox Response Team members recently deployed overseas. Hear first hand accounts of their experiences operating in disaster zones such as Malawi, Nepal and Vanuatu
Hear about the new ShelterKits and the 'ShelterBox Solution'
Peter Ward joined the Rotary Club of The Entrance in 2004. The attraction at the time was the people he would be associating with. And this still is the case.
He has served as club President first in 2007-8, again in 2011-12 and most recently in 2014-15.
Rotary membership in Australia is growing at a respectable rate of 1.14% according to the latest membership figures produced by RI.
Membership data for the year to May 2015 shows that the number of Rotarians in Australia is currently 30,730, up by 346 from July 2014. Membership growth has also been recorded in neighbouring countries in our region. In the Philippines, the rate of growth is an impressive 12.42%, while Rotary membership in Indonesia has increased by 5.35% since the beginning of July.
The recently released data also shows that female membership rates .......
Please click HERE to view - download the ‘Rotary On The Move’ Newsletter for June 2015.
In an exciting national final, Sydney’s 105th Rotary International Convention has been awarded Australia’s best Corporate Social Responsibility Program.
Held in June 2014, the convention attracted worldwide attention and media coverage for the association’s key cause, the global eradication of the Polio disease.
In September of 2005 following the horrific flooding of southern Louisiana by Hurricane Katrina, I was asked to go to the Astrodome to receive 200 ShelterBoxes that were to be redistributed as locations most in need were determined. They told me to go straight to the second floor of Reliant Center outside Logistics. I met the Rotarian from ShelterBox and he informed me that the delivery was on a short delay. He was on a tight schedule to return to his home and could not stay. He said, “Suzi, just stand here and wait for the delivery of the ShelterBoxes and whatever you do, do NOT go through THOSE TWO DOORS!”. He was pointing to the entrance of the Logistics center ......
Want to know what happened? Click here to read the latest newsletter for this story and more.
A random act of generosity by IGA Crows Nest to the Rotary Club of Crows Nest has been paid forward to help students from struggling families at Naremburn School.
Immediate Past President and current Club Secretary, Bruce de Graaf was picking up drinks and napkins from IGA Crows Nest for the club’s regular barbecue when the manager offered him $2,000 from the IGA Community Chest program. In turn,100 $20 food vouchers were then donated to Naremburn School. Naremburn School principal, Cassandra Mitchell said the vouchers would mean the world to her students.
The picture is courtesy Annika Enderborg & the North Shore Times: Rotary Crows Nest Secretary, Bruce de Graaf gave $2,000 in IGA food vouchers to Naremburn School principal, Cassandra Mitchell to help support the students.
Mrs Margie Abbott, the 'First Lady of Australia', (wife of our Australian Prime Minister), has graciously accepted the role as a ROMAC’s Patron. This appointment follows Dame Quentin Bryce, former Governor General, stepping down, having completed her five year term as Patron.
The ROMAC Board and Rotary, are delighted to welcome Mrs Abbott to our project. We wish her great success as ROMAC's new Patron. As an influential Australian we anticipate Mrs Abbott will enhance and promote ROMAC to new heights as the leading Rotary project in Australia and New Zealand, that changes Children's Lives! See ROMAC's website at www.romac.org.au
ROMAC's Mission: 'To provide medical treatment for children from developing countries in the form of life saving and/or dignity restoring surgery not accessible to them in their own country'.
2015 marks the ninth occasion where the Rotary Club of Chatswood have presented the Gordon Waterhouse Memorial Music Scholarship, a prestigious event which invites the leading musician from the six local high schools to compete for over $3,000 in prizes.
The concert/performance will be at 7pm on Wednesday 10 June 2015 at the Zenith Theatre, Chatswood.
The family friendly event to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of cease fire at Gallipoli to be held on Sunday May 24, 2015 will now support Parramatta Day in November. The postponement of The ANZAC Parra-Amble, a discovery walk around Parramatta as a fund raiser for Australian Rotary Health, means more people will have the opportunity to experience Parramatta in November 2015.
A Great Innings … 60 Years of Service for Paul Henningham!
On May 12, 1955, a young newspaper publisher joined the former Rotary Club of Marrickville in Sydney, NSW.
A decade on, that young Rotarian, Paul Henningham, had become a charter member of the Rotary Club of Newtown and was the driving force behind the establishment of Rotary Down Under – official Rotary International Regional magazine for Australian and New Zealand Rotary Districts. He also served as the second Governor of District 269 when it was formed in 1974/75.
At the grand age of 94, Paul Henningham is now a member of Lower Blue Mountains Rotary and has just celebrated the 60th anniversary of his induction into Rotary.
Recent polio progress in Pakistan (as at early May 2015)
District Polio Chair, Rob Byrne provided this update at the Presidents' Meeting on 7 May.
He said that "with these great results in Pakistan, and only one case outside Pakistan this year, we have never been this close to eradicating polio. Now's the time to make sure we finish the job.
Then? Then the hard part begins, maintaining focus for three years to be sure the job really is finished.
A second GroTrees certificate (click here to view it on our Club News & Events blog) is winging its way towards Kensington Palace. Princess Charlotte will have her tree planted by Landcare on 9 May at the Rotary GroTrees Grove at Lithgow. Prince George's tree was one of the last of those planted in the now completed grove at Teralba, near Lake Macquarie.
Register now for the National Rotary Success Conference
The National Rotary Success Conference is to be held over the weekend of 5–6 September 2015 at the Hellenic Club, Woden in Canberra.
Jonathon Welch from the Choir of Hard Knocks and Andrew McLeod will both be actively involved in the conference. RI Director Mary Beth Growney Selene will be the keynote speaker on the Saturday morning. Mary Beth is a dynamic speaker on membership. She was heavily involved in the Young Professionals Conference in the US.
Who should be attending? All Rotary Leaders, Presidents and Presidents Elect, PR Chairs, Membership Chairs and Future Rotary Leaders and Rotarians who want to be involved in the continuing success of Rotary in Australia. There will be presentations about a number of new innovative ideas on a wide range of topics, all practical ideas that can be used in al Rotary Clubs.
The program will consist of mainly breakout groups enabling everyone to be able to participate and interact over the weekend in a practical, worthwhile and meaningful way. The breakout groups will cover a wide range of topics.
Coupled with the Rotary Success Conference this year will be a Youth Summit for people under 40 years of age.
This Conference will be focussing on the future. We are positive that every Rotarian will gain practical knowledge and new ideas to take back to their Clubs and Districts from this Conference. You will meet Rotarians from across Australia and New Zealand and be able to share with them your ideas and hear their ideas; it will be a great experience for everyone.
Click here to download this inspiring update on this RAWCS project.
Days for Girls hope you leave a few dollars for the Days for Girls – Gingoog project. A $100 donation sponsors 10 kit for 10 girls for three years each, equalling 30 years of education!!!
If enough clubs donate to reach $50,000 one whole school could be supplied every week for one year.
Please consider a donation from your club this year. Click here to donate, or post cheque to the Rotary Club of Burwood, 10 Gollan Ave. Oatlands 2117
Minda Dentler is the first woman handcyclist to complete the Kona Ironman. She is a polio survivor and recently made her views on vaccination clear in an article in the May 2015 edition of the EndPolioNow Newsletter.
She says "If not for the anti-vaccination movement, preventable diseases wouldn’t be a risk to children in developed countries". She also makes the excellent point that these 'anti-vaxxers' send exactly the wrong message to parents in other countries that are trying to overcome the scourge of these diseases. So the question is: where did this 'anti-vaccination movement' come from?
The debate about the risks associated with vaccines really took off in February 1998 when British doctor, Andrew Wakefield, published a study in The Lancet. In a paper authored by Wakefield and twelve others, it was claimed that their research had proved that the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine was a direct cause of autism. This sensational claim received huge public attention ....
Read the full article by Rob Byrne, District's Polio Chair here
A great initiative by the Rotary Foundation Trustees to review the new grant model introduced under the Future Vision Plan.
TRF Trustee John Kenny has appointed an independent committee of four past RI Presidents, and they are inviting sharing of experiences and feedback on the Areas of focus and the District and Global Grants.
PRIP Bill Boyd will serve as the Chair and his thoughts are "What is encouraging is that we are getting messages from Rotarians which because they are in narrative form are thoughts that would not be revealed in a survey. There is a mountain of work ahead but the constant thread is that the changes were worthwhile but we can make them better".
Such inputs and experiences from Rotarians world over will help make improvements and ensure that the Rotary Foundation continues to Do Good in the World in the best possible way.
Rotary Club of Berry’s annual fundraiser - the Berry Celtic Festival
The annual Berry Celtic Festival is on again on Saturday 23 May 2015.
The Festival always has lots of surprises, and this year the Lachlan Valley Railway's 120 year old 3237 Steam Locomotive together with beautifully restored 1930’s FS compartment carriages, is being planned to bring Festival patrons from Sydney and Wollongong to Berry for the day.
More information about nominations here. Nominations close 31 May.
Please take a few minutes to view the recent Rotary NSW Emergency Services Community Awards Launch at NSW Government House filmed with compliments by SkillsOne.
One of your club members, a well-known local business owner and a strong advocate of your club’s service projects, is going through a tough business transition and her financial decisions are adversely affecting many of her clients. As a result, community members are questioning her business integrity and her interest in improving the community. Now, her diminished image is having an impact on your club’s reputation.
Is Social Media still a mystery to you? Freaked out by Facebook? Can't get the hang of hashtags?
Does your club need to build an online profile visible to your local community?
To book, email: digitalenquiries@rotarydownunder.com.au
Please click HERE to read the latest edition of Rotary on the Move newsletter.
Younger Rotarians are encouraged to have their say about the future of Rotary in Australia and New Zealand at the upcoming ‘Youth Summit’ in Canberra in September.
The Youth Summit will run as part of the National Membership Success Conference to be held in Canberra on 5 and 6 September 2015. Younger Rotarians are invited to contribute their ideas about the future shape of Rotary, and to provide advice and guidance about strategies to make Rotary more attractive to younger people.
Australian Rotary Health has introduced a new ANZAC PHD Research Scholarship in response to the rising incidence of post-traumatic stress disorder in war veterans. The area of research has generated a lot of interest and community support.
The ANZAC Parra-Amble is a fundraising event in support of this scholarship. Further information is available at www.parra-amble.com
It would be most appreciated if you could volunteer sometime on Sunday 24 May in assisting with this family oriented fun event.
If you are interested and likely to be in a position to help please email your details to graemedavies@rotarydistrict9685.org.au on or before COB on Thursday 30 April. That will enable preliminary "on the day" planning to be undertaken. Graeme will then contact you to confirm your availability and allocate your role and other details for the day.
Please spread the word, invite family and friends to be volunteers or participate in the “Amble”.
There is an official discussion group for Rotary & Rotaract clubs in District 9685 on My Rotary. It is there so members may share their club projects and amd discuss ideas with others in the district - .it is the perfect place to discuss non-urgent matters or raise issues that would otherwise create a long email trail.
Join the group and help ensure that the My Rotary Community of District 9685 is a place filled with active, engaging ideas and discussion.
To find the group, logon to MyRotary then click here, or search for 'Rotary International District 9685' under 'Exchange Ideas' then 'Groups' )
Chatswood Sunrise and local radio station 2NSB 99.3FM are cooperating on giving publicity to the BowelCare program. The station has produced a short Community Service Announcement to be broadcast at regular intervals during May and June.
The station is also running a Trivia session over five weekends - five pairs of questions will be asked, the first part consisting of some historical trivia about the Chatswood area, and the second part is directly related to Rotary. Five GroTrees will awarded to the winners.
Blue Mountains Interplast Dinner a Fantastic Success
Over 50 Rotarians and friends raised over $6,500 at the Interplast Dinner last Wednesday night. Notwithstanding heavy rain, everyone turned up for a night of fun, fellowship and serious fundraising. The funds raised contribute to District 9685’s goal of raising $50,000 to fund an Interplast team of plastic reconstructive surgeons to the Asia/Pacific region. The night was organised by Upper Blue Mountains Sunrise and well supported by the other mountains clubs, particularly Springwood, Central Blue Mountains and Blackheath.
Interplast teams include volunteer plastic reconstructive surgeons, anaesthetists, nurses and allied health professionals to repair bodies and rebuild lives of those with cleft palate, burns, and hand and foot deformities, and to upgrade the skills and capacity of local medical personal.
At the workshops, on 18 February, the 30,000th wheelchair was loaded, along with 165 others, into a sea container for Myanmar. The occasion was celebrated by the Volunteers along with special guests.
This milestone has been achieved after 16 years of volunteer wheelchair production during which time there have been in excess of 380 volunteers who have, at some point, given their time to hands-on wheelchair production
Without the Rotary support generated from your district we may not have reached this magical milestone in production.
Kim Saville (fellow Rotarian) is currently touring Australia. Kim has been at St Jude’s since the school had 11 students, one bus and no electricity! With the support of many Rotary clubs, the school now educates more than 1,900 of Tanzania’s poorest students, fighting poverty through education.
Kim will be in Sydney next week (27 April - 1 May) and then again Thursday 7 May - Tuesday 12 May and is eager to attend any Club meetings that are keen to learn more about our work in Tanzania.
If anyone is interested in Kim attending their meeting it is best to touch base with Sarah Henry (who is the contact here in Australia for The School of St Jude, Tanzania) by emailing her at australia@schoolofstjude.org
Check out the following links to see the individual histories. While doing so, check if your club is listed; if not, why not submit your club's history to communications@rotarydistrict9685.org.au
Gateway Family Services volunteers were the big winners at the inaugural Community Volunteer Awards Presentation Evening hosted by Lower Blue Mountains Rotary recently.
Some 110 Rotarians and partners, Award winners, family and friends crowded into the function room at Emu Plains Sports and Recreation Club to enjoy the historic evening.
District Polio Chair, Rob Byrne of the Rotary Club of Turramurra gave a presentation at the 2014 District Conference. Watch the video on YouTube in conjunction with the presentation slides (click here)
An update was given at the 2015 District Conference and the slides from that presentation may also be downloaded here
One of the legends of the Rotary Polio project passed away recently.
Professor Ron Huckstep (pictured in the centre) was pivotal, together with Past President Rob Sheldon (North Sydney) in getting the District Governor and the World President Elect aboard the polio project which as it's first act was to immunise the Philippines...that is how it started and on it goes.
Ron and Rob threw the first pebble into the pond which started those tiny ripples which have turned into waves which have saved so many lives and reduced ...so much human suffering.
When it started polio was endemic in 125 countries with 350,000 polio cases or 40 children being diagnosed every hour. The mortality rate among kids was 2 - 5% which meant that there were over 10,000 deaths per year.
We are close to the end and we thank you Prof Ron Huckstep for your persistence your humility, your determination and your resolve.
ANMM at Darling Harbor has a speakers program where volunteer guides are available to speak to clubs. The presentations available cover some important events in Australian Maritime history. There is more information about the topics on our Speaker Bank.
Have you had a good speaker at your club? Remember to share the details so other clubs may benefit.
The final webinar in RI's Membership Matters! series focuses on growing and strengthening your club by inviting new and diverse groups of professionals to club meetings, asking friends and colleagues to participate in projects, and reaching out to Rotary program alumni.
The Membership Matters! webinar series provides tools to evaluate and improve the membership experience, and strategies to engage current and potential members. Club leaders are encouraged to share the series at club meetings and discuss ideas for your club. Find recordings of the first four sessions.
The Rotary Club of Mosman will be holding a FUN(d)RAISING GALA DINNER at Manly Golf Club on April 29th to benefit Taldumande Youth Services. Taldumande provide family support, accommodation options and support services to homeless young people.
Guest Speakers will include young people sharing their stories. There will be a live band and dancing, dinner, premium wines, entertainment and much, much more.
D9685 joins the Australian Rotary District Blood Drive
Many will have seen the article (and front cover) of the March edition of RDU with our very own Bruce de Graaf dressed as a vampire. Hopefully it will set the scene for a great Rotary Community Activity and everyone gets to have a bit of fun on the way.
The teams at the Blood Service are in the process of being updated about the Rotary blood drive.
Read on for all the information you need but the important thing to remember is that all Rotarians must register with the Red25 program to make their donation count.
Obviously the real winners will be the patients in hospital.
Please click HERE to read the latest edition of Rotary on the Move newsletter.
The updated Strengthening Your Membership guide is now available. It explains the process of creating a membership development plan and provides strategies and tools you can use to attract and engage new members. It also includes information about sponsoring new clubs and an overview of the membership resources available on Rotary.org
Are you ready to make it clear how Rotary invests in youth and young adults? We are rolling out a new visual identity for our youth programs that does just that. This new look will better align Interact, Rotaract, RYLA and Youth Exchange with Rotary, making it more clear how these youth programs are connected to Rotary and an important part of our story.
The Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) is a multi-district, grassroots leadership development program of member districts organized into regional divisions throughout the world.
It is not an official program of Rotary International and is not under its control BUT the success of RLI is that it is a grass-roots program administered by Rotarians locally, and not by Rotary International as an official program. The RI Board does not want to undertake the administrative and operational burden to endorse or make it a Rotary program.
The RLI seeks to have Rotary Clubs in member districts identify those Rotarians who seem to have the POTENTIAL for future club leadership (not necessarily as club presidents) and provide those so identified with a quality education in Rotary knowledge and leadership skills for voluntary organizations.
"Having leadership skills does not alone assure good Rotary leadership. An effective Rotary leader must ALSO have Rotary knowledge, perspective about where Rotary has been, where it is now and a vision of what Rotary can be."
Pack some country style casual gear for Friday, your best Great Gatsby outfit for the Roaring 20s banquet on Saturday, and comfortable clothing for sessions.
Ties may be worn around the neck or around the waist, but they are definitely only de rigueur for the DG and RIPR, and even then probably not! Think about swimmers, golf, tennis, walking and any other leisure gear you have, because this is Relax-Ville Hunter Valley.
Tasting tours are available on Friday and Saturday. They start with a Dessert tasting, go on to a major conference supporter in Tulloch Wines to sample their wares, then to the Tempus Two Complex for more tastings of wine and cheese. Crackers and fruit will be provided for you to eat any cheese you purchase in the grounds as a light lunch, but if you prefer, you can buy other food on site. From there we are privileged to go to the actual Meerea Park winery and watch the vintage in action and take a stroll around. We are still taking bookings (click here), so get your friends together for a tasting tour.
Friday 20th March and Saturday 21st March
Departs 10:00 am from Crowne Plaza, return at 14.30.
There is ample parking at Crowne, although you may have a short walk to Reception. Enter the venue and you will see the registration desk in front of you, where smiling Rotarian Volunteers will hand over your bags ‘n’ tags. You can also access bus timetables for evening events, be able to indicate a preference for break-out sessions, and you must choose your Sunday lunch option – either buffet or picnic lunch box.
(We will endeavour to get Bus timetables out by email this Thursday morning to you as well).
Apply now and share your ideas for a safer community in 2015
Grants from NRMA Insurance of up to $5,000 are now available to support initiatives that make local communities safer, stronger and more confident. Share your ideas for projects in four categories.
Applications for Scholarships & Fellowships closing soon
District is seeking nominations from Clubs of outstanding young persons interested in applying for either a Rotary District 9685 Global Grant Scholarship (closing date 31 March 2015) or a Rotary Peace Fellowship (closing date 30 April 2015).
The District 9685 Global Grant Scholarship is being offered for the first time. It provides one year funding (US$ 30,000) for postgraduate studies in an overseas University or Institute.
The Rotary Foundation awards up to 50 Peace Fellowships each year which provide full funding for a 2 year Master’s degree program at a Rotary Peace Centre in Universities in USA, UK, Japan, Sweden and Australia as well as up to 50 Fellowships for a 3 month Professional Development Certificate course at Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Full details of eligibility criteria, grants and application processes for Clubs, Applicants and Referees are available on the District website. Additional enquiries can be directed to Martin Silink, Chair, District 9685 Foundation Scholarship and Fellowship Committee, 0400 804 948, martin.silink@gmail.com.
Applications for Scholarships & Fellowships closing soon
Rotary International President Elect K. R. Ravindran said "It is a widely accepted fact that literacy forms an important measure of a nature's progress and development. However, the challenges in moving towards total literacy are enormous. Rotarians have always thrived on challenges and I am sure this will be one more instance where Rotarians of this region respond to these challenges appropriately."
Rotary’s Learning Center puts professional development right at your fingertips. You’ll find a variety of interactive courses that will help you navigate Rotary’s online tools or develop leadership skills to prepare for a new Rotary role. It’s just one of the resources Rotary has developed to make your membership more rewarding.
Two weeks out and Friday is looking fabulous, Saturday is looking Super and Sunday is Sensational. We have to close registrations soon – please join us for a terrific Rotary experience.
Conference eNews 5 has just been published - click here to download it and read all about Sensational Sunday
Francine Bell is going to take us to another place as the conference wraps up
Francine has an amazing record as a singer, songwriter, entertainer, presenter, author and more. But she does not stop there, running Open Talent Workshops and other skills training for young musicians, and supporting charities and a whole lot more.
After revisiting your secret singing career with Francine, fortify your inner Rotarian with lunch before you hit the road or the Hunter hotspots as our Conference draws to a close.
Francine Bell is going to take us to another place as the conference wraps up
Roll out the Red Carpet – we have awards that will have you cheering
We have some surprises in store as hard working Rotarians in our district receive some prestigious awards. Be there to give them the acclamation they deserve.
INSERT TEXT
Roll out the Red Carpet – we have awards that will have you cheering
By the simple act of hand washing with a bar of soap we can potentially reduce the number of sanitation related deaths by over 40 per cent. Soap Aid Director of Sustainability and Environment, Matt Dyson, will tell us how as this program is prepared to roll out in Sydney.
We now turn our focus on Turkey and Gallipoli, 100 years after the campaign that forged a Nation’s character. We will hear from the leaders of our Vocational Training Team to Turkey, and then sit back as Peter FitzSimons brings the campaign to life.
Two weeks out and Friday is looking fabulous, Saturday is looking Super and Sunday is Sensational. We have to close registrations soon – please join us for a terrific Rotary experience.
Stop Press! Tasting Tours (wine, cheese, desserts) have been set up for Friday and Saturday leaving Crowne Plaza at 10.00 am and back by 2.30 pm – full details and registration to be announced soon.
The Showcase will be a delight, the conversation cracking and the fellowship fantastic as we break for lunch and morning and afternoon tea.
Then head back to put on your glad rags for the Roaring 20s Banquet. Buses will do the rounds of accommodation within 6 or so kilometres to take away your driving worries. You can relax and enjoy the entertainment, scrumptious food, competitions and dancing as you step back nearly a century to the days of the Speakeasy.
Please click HERE to read the latest edition of Rotary on the Move newsletter.
"Our membership and services are what make Rotary powerful and strong. To keep it strong, membership recruitment and retention have to be a priority for every incoming Rotary leader".
District 9685 and its predecessors have a great history of men and women who have taken on the role of District Governor.
It’s a challenging, but rewarding task with the opportunity of two years’ training and preparation before taking on the position. It’s YOUR opportunity to lead and inspire Rotarians in 77 Clubs.
Applications are called for the position of District Governor for the Rotary Year 2017/18. Applicants must be current members of at least 5 years standing as at 2015 and a Past President.
At first instance, please contact the Chair of the Nominating Committee PDG John Dodd on johndodd@cluemail.com or 0418 464 413. John will assist you by providing information about the role and the selection procedure.
Is your club interested in trying new ways to find and keep members?
Applications now being accepted: Pilot allows innovative and flexible approaches to running a club
Is your club interested in trying new ways to find and keep members? Then it may be a good fit for the Innovative and Flexible Rotary Club pilot to experiment with variations on the traditional Rotary club structure. Applications are due 31 March
The RI Board of Directors invites up to 850 more clubs to take part in the pilot. Your club could try out ideas not currently allowed under the Standard Rotary Club Constitution, such as shared attendance with spouses, alternating between online and in-person meetings, or new leadership structures.
Do you know your way around the ClubRunner Administration system – either on your club’s website or on the District website?
Do you know how to use ClubRunner to better manage your club and promote your club in the community?
Is your club’s website in need of attention?
Are you interested in using ClubRunner for your club’s website?
To answer these and other questions, Rotary District 9685 is proposing to hold either a:
Seminar, or
Webinar
We are asking you to help determine which of these options is most suitable, the most appropriate venue, and the timing - to do so, please complete the survey at: seminar.rotarydistrict9685.org.au
Wanted: Your ideas, comments and or observations that would help shape a long term strategy for the District's future direction to achieve Rotary International's Strategic Plan in the District's strategic environment.
The question is: "How do we achieve Rotary International's Strategic Plan in the District's strategic environment?"
All Rotarians are encouraged to express an interest in attending a part day strategic planning workshop. The timing and venue for the workshop are dependent on the number that are to participate. As a guide the workshop is expected to be held in late April / early May at either the District Office in Thornleigh or at the Rotary Down Under Office in Parramatta on a weekend.
Interested? Please register your interest at this link.
Upper Blue Mountains Sunrise is holding a Gala Dinner in aid of Interplast on Wednesday 22 April 2015 to raise the final funding for sending a team of surgeons to the Asia/Pacific region under the District 9685 banner.
Your Interplast chair, David Hart, is available to be a guest speaker at your club in the next few months.
This year marks 30 years since Rotary launched PolioPlus, its campaign to rid the world of polio. Beginning on Rotary's anniversary, 23 February, Rotary members worldwide will be holding events to celebrate three decades of polio eradication progress.
Since 1985 Rotary and its partners have helped reduce the number of cases from 350,000 annually to fewer than 400 in 2014, and they remain committed until the disease is eradicated. Rotary has contributed more than $1.3 billion and countless volunteer hours to protect more than 2 billion children worldwide. In addition, Rotary's advocacy efforts have played a role in decisions by donor governments to contribute over $10 billion to the effort.
Former Rotary President Clem Renouf recalls conversations with Rotary leaders as the organization turned its attention to eradicating polio:
Before the global scope of PolioPlus, individual clubs ... read more at rotary.org
This year marks 30 years since Rotary launched PolioPlus, its campaign to rid the world of polio. Beginning on Rotary's anniversary, 23 February, Rotary members worldwide will be holding events to celebrate three decades of polio eradication progress.
Since 1985 Rotary and its partners have helped reduce the number of cases from 350,000 annually to fewer than 400 in 2014, and they remain committed until the disease is eradicated. Rotary has contributed more than $1.3 billion and countless volunteer hours to protect more than 2 billion children worldwide. In addition, Rotary's advocacy efforts have played a role in decisions by donor governments to contribute over $10 billion to the effort.
Former Rotary President Clem Renouf recalls conversations with Rotary leaders as the organization turned its attention to eradicating polio - view the video
Before the global scope of PolioPlus, individual clubs ... read more at rotary.org
Help create a new Guinness Record, while raising money for Rotary's' End Polio Now campaign
Rotary District 9685 is the fundraising arm of this incredible ride around Australia in 34 days to break the Guinness World Record and raise funds for End Polio Now.
Rotarians and bike riders of Australia- join Rob Lewandowski from Tasmania in his epic ride around Australia in 34 days to create a new Guinness Record, while raising money for Rotary's' End Polio Now campaign.
Bike riders can join Rob on the road ( 30kph ) and everyone can donate a few dollars so that this rides can raise valuable money to eradicate Polio !!
Hunter Harvest Beckons Your Taste Buds from 4 pm Friday
Dress casually or country as the bounty of the Hunter comes to you in a great outdoor setting at Conference in a dazzling array of red, white and bubbles.
Grab your souvenir glass and as you wander beside the resort pool enjoying a free tasting of the great Hunter wines you will be entertained by wandering musicians enhancing your Harvest experience. Wineries will be offering terrific discounts.
Between tasting why not browse the stalls from Hunter Handmade Markets:
Wild Women Wear-Jewellery
Spotty Dog-Wine based cheese pastes, mustards, and marmalades
Peppertree Soap House-Soap, bath scrubs and salves (yes – it is soap not dessert!)
Lindsey’s Art of Nature and Stationary-Botanical art and greeting cards
Hunter Harvest Beckons Your Taste Buds from 4 pm Friday
At 6 pm the Mayor of Cessnock, the local District Governor’s representative and the RI President’s Representative will follow the spectacular and moving Welcome to Country Smoking Ceremony with brief but heartfelt welcomes of their own. (You might want to keep a tot in that souvenir glass for this bit).
From there we move in to the Hunter Harvest Themed venue for our delicious Premium BBQ Buffet:
Baker’s basket - Antipasto
Chef’s selection of salads with condiments and dressings
From the BBQ
Salmon fillets with lemon, dill and roasted cherry tomatoes
Tasty country sausages
Sirloin steaks with rosemary and garlic
Chicken skewers in a BBQ sauce
Marinated and grilled Mediterranean vegetables
Corn on the cob
Baked potatoes with sour cream and chives
Tomato, BBQ and chilli sauce, mustard and chutneys
Chef’s selection of desserts from the pastry kitchen
Sliced tropical fruits or selection of Hunter Valley cheeses with crackers
Freshly brewed tea and coffee
During the meal service a wonderful Vocal Duo will entertain helping you relax and enjoy yet another Conference experience.
Now a chance to dance the night away and soak up the atmosphere with the Star Struck Band or just sit and relax and catch up with old and new friends.
Rotary Youth Exchange involves a great deal of administration including collation of applications, certification requirements and organising functions and training for large numbers.
The District Committee is offering a position of part time employment from 1 July 2015 for someone to carry out those administrative duties. The position may suit the partner of a Rotarian.
If interested, please contact the current Secretary, Alison Bowland via email
Hear from Catalysts for Peace this International Women’s Day!
Join the Macquarie University Equity & Diversity Unit and Rotary Hunters Hill at ‘Catalysts for Peace’, an inspiring evening of creative discussion, Thursday 5 March from 6 to 9 pm. Tickets $30/$20 concession includes refreshments and singer/songwriter Miriam Lieberman’s new album. Dynamic presenters, a bounty of women’s resources and Fair Trade items for sale!
The event will also feature portraits from the Positively Remarkable People: Ending Violence against Women Exhibit, a project led by Diane Macdonald.
For many Rotary clubs, service begins at home. Each year clubs take on numerous initiatives and conduct various projects to help address a significant need or problem in their community. Some of these outstanding projects are honored through the Significant Achievement Award.
Significant Achievement Award nominations are now being accepted from district governors for the 2014-15 award. If your club conducted an impactful community service project during the 2014-15 Rotary year, contact DG Ian Scott to be considered for this award. District governors may select one outstanding project from their district and submit their nominations to riawards@rotary.org by 15 March.
Eligibility requirements and procedures can be found on the nomination form.
On Friday 30 January the Kenthurst club hosted a joint club meeting with The Rotary Club of Glenhaven.
To highlight the event, Kenthurst organised this as a "Robbie Burns Night" celebrating the 256th anniversary of the birth of the Scottish Poet, Robert Burns, born on 25 January 1759.
Just short of 100 Rotarians and guests, were joined by DG Ian Scott and his wife Jennifer, in celebration of this event.
Join the fun at Glenbook Cinema for a real taste of India
Colours, Costumes, Aromas, Music and Food …
Lower Blue Mountains Rotary has joined Rotary International and 20th Century Fox for a special END POLIO NOW screening of The Second Best Marigold Hotel – sequel to the outstanding movie hit of several years ago.
While the movie (rated PG) commences in Cinemas around Australia on February 26, Glenbrook Cinema has allocated two screenings on Sunday, March 8, to support the END POLIO NOW campaign and Kangra Girls Hostel in Kangra, North India.
Lower Blue Mountains has a first class ‘fun’ evening planned – with free finger food and beverages for all theatre patrons before the two sessions!
From housebound amputee to Nepal’s national newsreader, Kamala Shrestha thanks Castle Hill Rotarians for changing her life
Watching Nepalese news anchor Kamala Shrestha at work, there’s little inkling of the road she has travelled to win her prime TV role.
A triple amputee, Kamala was horribly injured as a 12-year-old when a kite she was flying blew into high voltage power lines in Kathmandu.
She suffered an 11,000 watt electric shock and was in a coma with horrific burns for three months.
A resulting infection meant that both her arms were amputated, the left below the elbow and the right above the elbow. Her right leg was also removed above the knee ....
In 2001, Kamala’s story reached Castle Hill Rotarian, Ron Marcus who has been leading teams of volunteers to Nepal since 1990.
“I came back and asked our then President Mike Hallen if we could help and he said let’s bring her over.” ...
The Hills Rotaract club is organising an event called "Get Your RotarACT Together" which is a talent show, raising money for Australian Rotary Health and End Polio Now - two excellent causes
The event will take place on the 28th of February at Castle Hill High School Hall. This is the first time The Hills Rotaract Club will host an event as large as this and we're hoping to get a lot of support from all over District 9685!
Please download the attached flyer which has more information about the night and spread the word of this exciting event.
Register Now! World Water Summit 7 - WASH in Schools
You're invited to World Water Summit 7 with special guest Raya from the Sesame Street family!
Sesame Street's Raya has spent the past year helping to educate children in Bangladesh, India and Nigeria about sanitation and the importance of hygiene to good health. Raya, and some of the world's top water, sanitation and hygiene education experts, will be speaking at World Water Summit 7. With a special focus on WASH in Schools, the Summit will help you organize, manage, evaluate, and fund WASH projects.
You and your guests are invited to register today for the June 4, 2015 Summit (the day before the International Convention) at the Renaissance Hotel in Sao Paulo. See you in Brazil!
The Rotary Club of The Entrance together with the Rotary Club of Wyong Tuggerah have undertaken to provide funding for the provision of a Smart Pup to a young boy and single mum living at The Entrance on the Central Coast NSW.
The young boy’s name is Kyle Prior. The Smart Pups are task-specific assistance dogs trained to improve the quality of life for children with autism and seizure related syndromes. As well as unconditional love, the dogs provide increased independence for the children and much needed help to their families.
This movie night on 26 February is one of the fundraising events.
Coordinator sought to fill a container for the Congo
SOS for the DRC – your chance to get container kudos!
Seeking a coordinator to put together and lead a team of volunteers in filling a 40 ft container destined for the Democratic Republic of Congo DRC). Ideally this coordinator will have a Rotary club’s support behind him/her, who can champion the submission of a new RAWCS project (“MHCD Container Project”), and facilitate the logistics of donations in kind deliveries as well as the packing of this container, which will be based at the Rotary DIK Warehouse in Minchinbury.
This urgent need is from Dr Luc Mulimbalimba Masururu, founder of Mission in Healthcare and Development (www.mhcdafrica.org). Many of you will have the opportunity to meet “Dr Luc” if you plan to attend the RAWCS eastern region meeting 14 February, and the District 9685 conference on 20-22 March. He’s a courageous medical doctor aiming to help people in a country known best as the ‘rape capital of the world’. The DRC is also at the bottom of the UN’s Human Development Index.
This country needs a break!!
If you can assist with the container project, please contact Lucy Hobgood-Brown on lucy@claypartners.com or 0417 272 101
MUNA (Model United Nations Assembly) 2015 is a weekend experience to educate high school students in Years 10-12 about the United Nations and its commitment to peace and issues facing different countries around the world.
This year MUNA will be held on the weekend of 16 - 17 May 2015 at Baulkham Hills High School.
Team registrations will open on Monday 9 February, so please get in touch with your local high schools to invite them to participate in MUNA 2015.
If you have any questions about MUNA, please contact the MUNA Chairperson - Phil Wishart phil.wishart@gmail.com or 0400 303 764.
Active RetireesTM magazine is available online. All links in the magazine are active in the digital version, making it easier for you to follow up any information in the articles or email someone if you have any queries.
In the latest issue, we introduce to you Tony Martin, the Probus Cover Star of the Year. Ever since he was a young boy, Tony has had a great passion for motorcycles and travel. During his life, he has seen 68 different countries and while he may be retired, life has not slowed down at all for Tony. At 64, he alked the Inca Trail with his wife Lorel for the first time and over the last few years, he has ridden his motorcycle around India and Iceland.
Please click HERE to read the latest edition of Rotary on the Move newsletter.
"Joining Rotary as a 32-year-old young professional was a life-changing event. I knew I wanted to develop my leadership skills and was looking for ways to meet influential members of my community. Once I was exposed to Rotary, I realized that the best way to develop relationships with successful people was to work alongside them in the service of others."
Promoting membership with new ideas, even some that challenge tradition
Strengthening Rotary's membership is not just important ... it's critical
For membership to grow, leaders must be willing, for example, to ease stringent club meeting protocols and make other efforts to accommodate a younger, digitally oriented demographic.
Seventy percent of Rotary members are 50 years or older, while half of the world's population is under 30, according to Rotary leaders. The contrast shouldn't be something to fear, but rather something to embrace, said Michael McQueen of our Crows Nest club. To engage this young demographic, McQueen says that staying relevant is crucial. He shared three key ways that enduring organizations can do that: recalibrate, re-engineer, and reposition.
Despite global success for Rotary’s brand, still work to do in the community
On a global scale Rotary's brand is strong ... Rotary is trusted to create positive change around the world.
But Rotary's image needs strengthening in local communities ... We are the greatest story never told, ... Quite simply, strengthening our brand is essential to Rotary's future.
For so long we did our good work quietly and not for recognition ... While this was noble, it made it difficult for people to understand the good work of Rotarians and why we exist.
When we tell our story, like-minded people want to join us.
Hopefully soon, no one will need to ask the question, who, what, or why Rotary?
At the opening session of the International Assembly recently held in San Diego, RI President-Elect K.R. Ravindran called out to Rotarians in the world to `Be a Gift to the World'. A very thoughtful and motivating theme for the new Rotary year, and this would encourage each one of us to continue `Doing Good in the World'.
On 23 February, we celebrate another milestone - Rotary's 110th Anniversary. Yet another occasion to commit ourselves to Service Above Self, and look at extending Rotary ideals to fellow citizens.
How do you plan to celebrate Rotary's 110th Anniversary?
Registration is open for the next series of Rotary Leadership Institute courses.
Course 25 is on Sundays 21 June, 5 July & 19 July
Course 26 is on Saturdays 4 July, 1 August & 8 August
The three part program starts at 8:30 for 9:00 am and finishes around 3:30 in the afternoon. Morning tea and lunch are provided.
The course is held at the District 9685 office in Thornleigh. Certificates will be presented when the full course has been completed.
You will be delighted to note that COTA has recently agreed to bear the full cost of $100 per attendee at the Rotary Leadership Institute as part of its training budget until further notice
If you are an incoming or current President, Club Officer, or Assistant Governor, or if you simply want to learn more about Rotary, join this course - in the first instance by emailing Barry Philps on rli@rotarydistrict9685.org.au
Thomas Wulfing arrived in 1992 from Hamm in Germany, and was a great Rotary Youth Exchange student. He was also one of the few Rotary Youth Exchange students who came here at 16, went back to Germany and did not repeat a year at school.
He sat all exams at Brisbane Water Secondary College and passed. Back home his school accepted his results for that year away.
He was a Role Model Student, joining in all activities. It shows that younger students can focus while away on Rotary Youth Exchange and pick up where they left off on their return home...
SÃO PAULO IS SO CAPTIVATING you may dance the night away
Your Rotary carnival night celebration will have you on your feet. From samba's first pulsing beats, you'll sway in time as Brazilians do—even if you can't dance a step. Pick up a few pointers then prepare for your own night on the town.
Rotary Convention—Cultures in Concert. Register today and be moved.
Rotary Clubs of the Hawkesbury zone are supporting the Peppercorn Services Inc. Community Transport Program and all proceeds will go to support this service.
Come along for a family picnic and enjoy the entertainment.
President-elect urges Rotary members to 'Be a Gift to the World'
Rotary International President-elect K.R. “Ravi” Ravindran asked Rotary members to use their talents, expertise, and leadership to transform the lives of others when he announced his theme for the 2015-16 year, Be a Gift to the World, during the International Assembly in San Diego, California, USA.
The Rotary Club of Pennant Hills proudly supports the Genetic Research Unit of Western Sydney at The Children’s Hospital Westmead,which is presently engaged in research into Phenylketonuria (PKU) and other genetic disorders. PKU is a rare, inherited (genetic) metabolic disorder. All babies born in Australia undergo a compulsory blood screening after birth. This is done by way of a heel prick at 4 days of age.
On Sunday March 1 2015, hundreds of cyclists will ride along the scenic roads of Sydney’s Hills District as part of the Tour de Hills™ Bicycle Classic while raising important funds for the fight against Motor Neurone Disease.
The Tour de Hills™ has become something of a local institution, with the Rotary Club of Castle Hill having run the event each year for the past 20 years. This year’s major sponsors are the Australian Hotel and Brewery and the Hills News/Rouse Hill–Stanhope Garden News.
Opera in the Arboretum is an open air festival of top Australian opera singers, held amongst the special ambience of the Crommelin Native Arboretum in Pearl Beach. Rotary Oceania Medical Aid for Children (ROMAC) is one of the major beneficiaries The event is an initiative of the Rotary Club of Woy Woy and provides a premier cultural experience on the Central Coast showcasing the talents of some of Australia's most respected opera performers.
Wine Country Motor Inn offers 4* accommodation, has 50 rooms and is located in the Cessnock CBD 5-10 mins from Crowne Plaza.
Usually $175 - $195 per night on weekends, hotel Manager Graham Farish is offering a special Conference rate to Rotarians of $130 per room per night, minimum 2 nights for two ( Double or Twin share).
Rotarians need simply to call Wine Country Motor Inn on 49 932 999 and ask for the Rotarian rate - this offer will be snapped up, so get in early.
Channel Seven is searching for an Everyday Hero for the next season of it’s renovation show, “House Rules”.
They are looking for a deserving family (good Samaritans, Aussie battlers, community volunteers) with a house that needs a good renovation which the family can’t afford.
Australian Rotary Health has booked red carpet computer screens for the premiere of their new Australian Rotary Health Movie. The plot explores four inspiring people, supported by Australian Rotary Health, who are now changing their communities in various amazing ways…
Charity Screening of “Balibo” to raise funds for Oecussi water project
Epping Rotary is working with rotarian Judy Charnaud, E Club of Greater Sydney, to provide clean water to the families of Puno, a village in Oecusse, East Timor.
To raise funds for the project the Club has secured approval to show Robert Connolly’s award winning movie “Balibo” on 28 February.
“Balibo” is about the deaths of 6 Australian journalist arising from Indonesia’s invasion of East Timor in 1975, but it also sets the scene for nearly 25 years of suffering for the people of East Timor.
Rotarians and their friends can purchase tickets from the Rotary Club of Epping.
Rotary's 2013-14 Annual Report is now available online. See how Rotary members across the globe tackled some of the world's toughest challenges last year. Learn about our generous donors and dedicated partners, who strengthen our impact. And explore our financial reports to see why Rotary is an organization you can support with confidence.
As part of the ANZAC Centenary commemoration events being planned for 2015 Concord Repatriation General Hospital would like to create a respectful, elegant garden space in the grounds at the entrance to the hospital. This would make a huge impact on the wellbeing of people visiting their loved ones at “The Repat”. Waiting time is always tense and intolerable at times and somewhere pleasant will make such a difference.
At present there is a flagpole, a rose garden bed with a couple of plants and four very old seats.
The Rotary Club of Sydney Inner West is working with Concord Repat. General Hospital. So far they have three seats donated by different Rotary clubs but need the fourth seat and money to buy plants and plaques.
linking Eastern Region Clubs in Districts; 9650, 9670, 9675, 9685, 9700, 9710
will be held in Tamworth
Saturday 14 & Sunday 15 February
You are welcome to join us for the next RAWCS Eastern region meeting to be held in Tamworth hosted by District 9650. If you have an interest in International service you should put these dates on your calendar.
As we commence the second half of this Rotary year it is perhaps timely to reflect on those who have not been as fortunate.
From my rough analysis there are about 200 International Projects of all sizes and varieties happening in clubs in our District 9685. And then another 80 odd RAWCS (Rotary Australia World Community Service) projects.
There are many things we can do – and – guess what – it’s NOT ALL about money!! We all have the capacity to contribute!
We owe it to ourselves, our benefactors, our fellow members to use our time, energy and resources where they can have the most impact.
As you move into the second half of your Rotary year, ask yourself whether your club vision has the power to harness the energy and passions of your club members:
Will it motivate you to join (or remain a part of) this organization and continue to motivate you once you are there?
Does it provide an anchor point for the kinds of changes needed to keep your club vital and strong?
Does it describe a future that is more attractive than the present?
Does it challenge you?
Can you use it to develop a strategic action plan that you and fellow club members can act on?
Can it serve as a framework to keep decision making on track?
A genuine Tug O War competition, the 11th Australian Gnome Convention, Fairies in the Garden, first class musical entertainment, an amazing variety of delicious foods, and exciting new entertainment activities means that Glenbrook Park is the place to be for Blue Mountains and Penrith residents on Australia Day, 2015.
The ever popular Australian Gnome Convention (now in its 11th year) will again offer unique entertainment for holiday school students with another ‘Golden Gnome Search’ in Glenbrook Village shops – and a special competition for the real life ‘Best Dressed Gnome’ in attendance.
The Fellowship for Cruising Rotarians has just been approved by RI and is Facebook-based. However, Rotarians who are not into Facebook can also join and receive emails from time to time.
The Fellowship will be working to get cruise lines to formalise Rotary meetings on board, as well as provide Rotarians with a forum to share information and establish contact with other cruising Rotarians.
Lindsay May is back on Love & War for his 42nd Hobart (more correctly the 2014 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race) and his sixth on Love & War. Love & War first went to Hobart in 1973, won on handicap in 1974 & 1978 and then he was fortunate enough to skipper her in 2006 to her third win equalling that of Freya in the mid 60's.
So the 26th will be rough outside with a strong Southerly going SE forecast for the start 20-30 knots but the models differ as to the actual time that front will arrive - before or after the start.
Then for the bigger (faster) boats they might get across Bass Strait but there will be a lighter breeze off the Tasmanian coast but they make their own apparent wind if they are just moving so although they won't be doing 30 knots they will be doing 14 but that's not good for their handicap.
The latest forecast might just see Love & War come back into calculations. As always, forecasts are early days and they have vacillated this past week but as we get closer they are firming up.
On handicap, consider Onesails, Indian, Ichi Ban but again faster boats that might struggle into Hobart a bit late on the 27th into the 28th with the smaller boats coming home fast on the 29th.
Follow Lindsay via the tracker at rolexsydneyhobart.com. The Tracker will commence after the start of the race - then select Love & War. The website is updated regularly so you can follow Lindsay's progress.
And, of course, Tuesday 13 January 2015 will be the best talk of the year at Lane Cove Rotary when Lindsay will regale us with his latest adventure. ALL WELCOME but please let the club know for catering purposes if you will be attending. Dinner cost $25 at 6.15 for 6.45pm at the Lane Cove Country Club.
Please spare a thought for many Australians who will not be able to enjoy their Christmas. The drought has affected all of our rural areas and the consequences for farmers and their families has been devastating. Their livestock is suffering from lack of feed and the lives of their families have been ruined by the terrible drought. For too many it has all become too hard and suicide has been the answer to the problems.
Please read the attachments and ask your club, your friends, your family to donate to this appeal to show the farmers that we care and we want to help them.
Christmas is a time of giving, so let's get together to help these great Aussies.
Australian Rotary Health inducts a new Board of Directors
Australian Rotary Health (ARH) inducted a new Board of Directors at their Annual General Meeting in October. They also recognized the service of hard working individuals who served before them.
New Directors to join the ARH Board are PDG’s Graeme Davies (D9685), Colin Thorniley (D9455), Barbara Wheatcroft (D9500), Phil Armstrong (D9710) and Kevin Shadbolt (D9830).
Congratulations also went to PDG Jeff Crofts (D9550), elected ARH Chairman and PDG Russ O'Malley (D9600), Vice Chairman with remaining board members PDG’s Laurie Barber (D9650), Greg Ross (D9800) and Peter Williams (D9675).
Lower Blue Brings Christmas Joy to Senior Citizens
Some 120 senior citizens had an early taste of Christmas joy at Lower Blue Mountains Rotary’s ‘Young at Heart’ Christmas Party for seniors last weekend.
A cavalcade of member’s vehicles transports the special guests to and from the Emu Plains Sports and Recreation Club, where they are treated to a delicious three course Christmas dinner – sponsored by the Sports Club in partnership with Rotary.
Statement by Rotary International on the deadly school attack in Pakistan
Rotary International condemns the horrific attack that killed more than 130 schoolchildren and wounded over 100 of their classmates in Peshawar, Pakistan. We believe that children everywhere have the basic right to receive an education in an environment unthreatened by violence or fear.
Rotary extends our heartfelt sympathy to all of the families in Pakistan, including those of seven Rotary members, who have lost children as a result of this unfathomable tragedy. We stand with them in mourning their loss.
Thursday, June 4, 2015 - Immediately before the Rotary International Convention
Each year Wasrag sponsors a one-day Summit, held immediately before the Rotary International Convention, that focuses on important aspects of WASH. The 2015 Summit theme is WASH in Schools, and will be held in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
There will be approximately 20 women’s organisations displaying info about their services pre-program, including Women in Rotary and the Rotary Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies at UQ. Lucky draw prize proceeds will also go to Rotary projects.
We look forward to hearing from Ms Tang Ying, China’s deputy consul general, who will speak briefly about China-Australia ties and introduce the Beijing+20 Platform for Action.
2015 marks the 20th anniversary of the UN 4th World Women’s Conference, when thousands of delegates produced the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, the most progressive blueprint ever for advancing women’s rights. As a defining framework for change, the Platform for Action made comprehensive commitments under 12 critical areas of concern. Even 20 years later, it remains a powerful source of guidance and inspiration. - See more here
Norwest Sunrise President Dennis was thrilled to induct two new members into the club at last Thursday’s breakfast meeting.
Norma Needham and Ruth Magodo were warmly welcomed by all. Over the past few months both Ruth and Norma have been actively involved in fundraising initiatives.
The club is looking forward to working with them in the months ahead.
There was no reason whatever for the selection of Chicago as the field of endeavor except its reputation for social unrest; rather a flimsy reason for the selection of a city in which to live. Yes, there must have been some romance left. Paul obtained a license to practice law and rented desk and room in an office; soon he rented a small suite of offices in an obscure building, sub-letting the other offices, at a figure which made his own office practically free. He uniformly over-estimated his prospective income and under-estimated his prospective outgo. He was frequently surprised at times to learn on how small an income a man could live and retain his standing as a lawyer in a great city. But he was one of many.
Would you like to be here on a Rotary Friendship Exchange?
Well we can’t make it for Christmas but you could be there next summer (June 2015) and hosted by friendly Rotarians and their families from USA and Canada and in return we will host them in our district during the Australian summer as part of the exchange.
During a special Rotary Meeting on Wednesday 26 November, the Rotary Club of Umina Beach celebrated the pioneering spirit of Rod Radford, a great Club member.
In 1965 Rod owned a Pharmacy at Ettalong and a home, opposite, at Wagstaff. Separating these two there was a strip of water, with Pharmacy customers on both sides. He could row across in 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the weather, or he could drive the 28 mile round trip through Gosford and Woy Woy. In those days there was no Rip Bridge.
After a supreme effort cutting through red tape, he took delivery of the first German built “Amphicar” sold in Australia. He used the car and its replacement, for about 10 years ..... Being a Rotarian at the time, he would also use the car to attend meetings, fund raisers and social functions run by the Rotary Club. The car had navigation lights for night “driving”.
Applications are invited for Rotary Peace Fellowships
Are you looking to, or know someone who wishes to make a significant impact on the world by promoting tolerance and cooperation? Rotary selects some of the world’s most dedicated and brightest professionals to receive fully funded fellowships to study at our Rotary Peace Centers. In just over a decade, the Rotary Peace Centers have trained more than 900 fellows for careers in peace building. Many of them go on to serve as leaders in national governments, NGOs, the military, law enforcement, and international organizations like the United Nations and World Bank.
At a special event on November 11, Willoughby Mayor Gail Giles-Gidney unveiled two new memorial plaques on the War Memorial Clock tower in Northbridge. The plaques bear the names of the three Northbridge servicemen who died in World War I and those of the 36 Northbridge servicemen who died in World War II.
The Mayor addressed an audience of about 50 people who included relatives of those who had fallen.
“I would like to thank the Rotary Club of Northbridge for this fitting tribute,” the Mayor said. ...
Lincolne went to the beach two years ago but didn’t come back sunburnt. He came home 12 months later in a wheelchair. What would you do if this was your brother, son, nephew or friend? Lincolne hit a sandbank and his life changed in that split second. Lincolne is courageous and a fighter, and we want to help him and his family as best we can. Today our crowdfunding campaign to get Lincolne a car is live, and only runs for 21 days – enough time to get him something that will give him more freedom, independence and social interaction.
We have 79 clubs in this District, and if every club member pledged one dollar ... we are on our way ... thanks for your support.
If you were near Sydney Harbour at about 1:20pm last Saturday, you may have seen a crazy 747 flying VERY low over the bridge. I was one of 371 people on board and it was at the end of a flight with an unusual flight path and cargo.
Most of the other passengers were disabled or disadvantaged kids and their carers. 'The Jumbo Joy Flight' is an event that the Rotary Club of Turramurra and Qantas Pathfinders have been running for the past 41 years (!!)
Please click HERE to read the latest edition of Rotary on the Move newsletter.
"Our National Rotary Membership Success Conference will be held on 5-6 September 2015 at the Hellenic Club, Woden – Canberra. Registrations will be available on the Australian Rotary website from mid-February 2015.
"This membership conference will give attendees an opportunity to hear about the success stories of clubs from across Australia and how they have increased their membership. Along with those stories they will hear how some clubs became more flexible and innovative and increased their membership. How your club can become more diverse and be more representative of your local community."
Ryde Rotary has launched it's very own satellite E-Club. A Satellite E-Club is an ideal way for people with busy lives and families to participate fully in the Rotary movement, without necessarily committing to attending weekly meetings in person. E-Clubs are Rotary clubs that meet electronically. They follow the same policies as all Rotary clubs that are part of Rotary International. The key difference is that an E-Club conducts its weekly meetings via the club’s website and/or via teleconference, rather than requiring physical attendance at an appointed day and time.
The Rotary Club of Norwest Sunrise is all set for its annual tree sales. The club have secured a spot at Bunnings in Castle Hill and will be selling freshly cut trees from a family farm at Box Hill. The trees will be sold over three weekends coming up to Christmas – look out for the orange high vis vests with the Rotary wheel on!
Join what is now becoming a tradition of attending the local performance of Handel’s Messiah and supporting local talent and local needs.
December 11 (8pm) this year will mark the 6th annual performance of Handel’s Messiah at Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral, Waitara, featuring the Hornsby Ecumenical Choir and young up and coming soloists.
Why celebrate toilets? UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in his Message for the World Toilet Day: "We have a moral imperative to end open defecation and a duty to ensure women and girls are not at risk of assault and rape, simply because they lack a sanitation facility." It is hard to imagine that 2.5 billion people do not have access to proper sanitation. And the impact of that lack of access is severe: disease, pollution, vulnerability to assault, girls missing school time... the list goes on. Sanitation may not be sexy, but it matters! Read more...
Plan now to participate in part 3 of the five-part webinar series Membership Matters! — Simple Steps to Innovate Your Club. This webinar, presented in English, will focus on the steps clubs can take to stay relevant and appeal to new and prospective members. Space is limited to 500 attendees, so use this link to register today:
If you missed part 2 of the series, Perception vs. Reality: Club Evaluation and Visioning, you can see the recording. And you can view other past webinars on Rotary’s website.
New course
The following new course is available in the Learning Center at Rotary.org:
Developing and promoting your service project — You will learn how to use Rotary’s online tools to support your service projects: Rotary Ideas to seek resources for developing projects, and Rotary Showcase to share your success stories. You will find this course, available in English and Spanish, in the Learning Center under Service Projects.
Why giving to The Rotary Foundation is the smart thing to do
Economist Quentin Wodon is a member of the Rotary Club of Washington, D.C. As co-chair of his club’s Rotary Foundation committee, he spends a lot of November encouraging club members to give. So he’s come up with some solid reasons why supporting the Foundation is not only the smart thing to do, but the right thing for Rotarians to do. For Foundation Month:
The road between Cairns and Melbourne doesn’t have all that many mountains. Even so, when Turramurra Rotarian Rob Byrne finished his bicycle ride along that route he thought there must be easier ways of raising funds for End Polio Now!
So he built a new business called ‘Taskbook' and made EPN a key beneficiary. Here’s how it works.
Taskbook connects ‘Bookers’ (people who need a task done) to ‘Taskers’ (people who can perform the task). Sometimes the tasks are volunteer activities such as helping out at a Rotary event. Other times they’re paid tasks such as doing your lawn, your filing or your new brochure. For paid tasks, Taskbook receives a service fee.
Usually, Taskbook then pays back 20% of this service fee in the form of referral fees to whoever introduced the Tasker and Booker to Taskbook. But what if there is no referrer? In this situation the default recipient of the fee is EPN. Also, referrers can elect to have their fees paid to a charity and the default charity is EPN.
As Taskbook grows, so does funding for EPN. All without a sausage sizzle or sergeant session in sight. And without a hill or headwind to stress about!
Clubs can support Taskbook by having their own (free) Taskbook site, potentially linking it to the sites of other groups in their community. Visit www.taskbook.com.au/rotary for details.
Don’t panic or worry – the answer is right here! This is a wonderful present for your family and friends if you really want to give them a gift to remember and show them how much you care. On Friday 17 April 2015 Aida will be performed in Sydney Harbour. This spectacular show will have the Opera House and the harbour as its backdrop and music and lights will fill the air. Why are we promoting this? Because a minimum of 15 per cent of all ticket sales will be donated to ROMAC, to support them in their life saving and life changing work with children from less fortunate countries than ours.
All details on the attached flyer – limited seating so best get in now!
Qualifications in Agronomy? - Here is an opportunity
Food Plant Solutions is looking for people with qualifications in Agricultural Science, Agronomy or related disciplines, who can join our team of Technical Support Specialists (TSS). Working in a volunteer capacity, at your own pace, with on-going support from the Food Plant Solutions Team, you can help us to support initiatives in developing countries.
The Rotary E-Club of Greater Sydney Christmas party will be held at the stunning Eastern Suburbs coastal venue, the Clovelly Bowling Club on Sunday 7 December 2014 from 3-6 pm.
This will be a casual, social afternoon for fellowship.
Polio infrastructure helps combat Ebola in Nigeria
Rotary’s investments in polio eradication infrastructure in Nigeria has helped the government stop the Ebola outbreak there. The polio surveillance network, which is used to monitor incidence of polio, is now also being used to identify and track suspected Ebola cases. To learn how you can support the fight against Ebola:
The Rotary Club of Norwest Sunrise will be hosting a breakfast fundraiser to celebrate International Women’s Day on 5 March 2015. The very first celebration for women was held in 1909, in the USA, and was called National Women’s Day.
Next March we will focus on the huge outcomes that women achieve when they volunteer their time and energy in fields such as education, international aid and local community groups. We will have two eminent lady speakers and our attendees (we stress both men and women) will be a mixture of local businesses and students from nearby schools. The morning will be informative and uplifting and perhaps serve as a reminder of the difference each one of us can make for the greater good.
Pencil Thursday 5 March (7am-9am) in your diary now – more details to come as they become available.
A recent breakfast meeting of Norwest Rotary Club was full of energy and lively conversation – we were a large group as we had invited family members and other guests to a special presentation.
However, at the end of the meeting most of sat quiet and subdued, trying to take in what we had just seen and heard. Linda Brown, a Funeral Director from T J Andrews Funeral Service in Hornsby was our guest speaker and relayed the story of the return of Australia’s Unknown Soldier, whose body is now entombed in the Hall of Memory in the Australian War Memorial, Canberra.
Days for Girls has helped tens of thousands of poor young girls get an education and live in dignity. We are right in there, in a direct practical way, helping girls
The Days for Girls project is all about giving poor girls an equal chance with boys in education ...
Read more to find out how you or your club can help.
What should you do with that wealth of knowledge you have in building, accounting, health services or other area of expertise?
How about joining the Rotary Foundation Cadre of Technical Advisers (the cadre).
Representing all Rotary districts and a wide spectrum of professional expertise, the cadre is a diverse group of volunteer Rotarians who monitor and evaluate Foundation grant projects all over the world by conducting paper reviews and traveling to project sites to evaluate technical feasibility and compliance with The Rotary Foundation's missions and objectives.
The purpose of this walk is to celebrate ‘wellness’; to raise funds for the Sunflower Foundation, the umbrella organization for mental health; and through it, to assist with vital programs supporting mental health improvement.
The good news is I’m not looking for your money (!)
Instead, I’m offering you a chance to do something constructive while also having fun.
Publish a photo depicting your club in action, provide a news article, share a Guest Speaker's details, or update your club history. All of these tools are available to enhance your and others' Rotary experience. Follow the links below for more information.
If you’re good at making connections within your community and would like to build a new business, you may want to take a look at Rob Byrne’s new venture, Taskbook.
Many readers already know Rob — he’s our District Polio Chair and RC Turramurra's President Elect. One of his objectives with Taskbook is to raise funds for End Polio Now. Another is to transform the way in which local charities and community groups find volunteers. However it is also a commercial business.
Rob is looking for a small number of 'Network Builders’ — people who introduce charities, community groups and others to Taskbook. To find out more, visit taskbook.com.au/rotary.
This Christmas, families around the world will find themselves homeless and in desperate need of help. Whether they have lost their homes to a natural disaster or have been forced to leave their homes because of conflict, like the millions fleeing the violence in Syria, their needs are quite simple: Shelter, Warmth & Dignity.
If you are stuck for gift ideas or are tired of exchanging presents destined for .... read more here
Please click HERE to read the latest edition of Rotary on the Move newsletter.
"Our membership growth efforts are the responsibility of each and every one of us. For the club to continue its work, replenishment and rejuvenation of our membership numbers is vital. It was vitally important to keep asking and for every member to join in the conversation." - Rotary Club of Seymour
Richmond supports the next generation of philanthropists and entrepreneurs
Over the past twelve months Richmond Rotary Community Markets have been host to numerous school and community groups, helping students to execute micro-enterprises, raise funds for their schools, promote and raise funds for their community groups and support charities.
At our last market in September Grose View Public School held a stall selling tickets for their monster raffle to raise funds for their school. Fundraising with the community is an excellent way to promote the school and bring awareness to the local community.
Grose View Public School also had students who built their own micro-enterprises ...
Hand-held solar-charged lights are bringing new light to remote villages in Fiji which have little or no electricity. David Robertson, a Northbridge Rotary Club member and Castlecrag resident with a history of helping villagers in remote parts of Fiji, recognised that these inexpensive lights would change the lives of many people.
David’s main target audience was village children. “Many school children travel hours each day to and from school, often in the dark”, David said. ”The lights are used by children in their classrooms and to do their homework at night in huts with no electricity”.
Youth to the forefront on Penrith Graffiti removal
Providing a wonderful example to Penrith’s adult community, some twenty members of 323 Squadron Australian Air Force Cadets rolled their sleeves up and took down a major Graffiti vandalism site in Emu Plains on Graffiti Removal Day.
October 26 was the third official Graffiti Removal Day organised and delivered by Rotary Down Under in partnership with the NSW State Government and more than 50 Local Government Councils.
Repeated calls for community volunteers to assist with graffiti removal on the day produced an almost nil result. Thankfully, 323 Squadron Air Force Cadets under the leadership of Commanding Officer Doug DeCean heard the call and provided the necessary ‘muscle’ for the cleanup job at a major site in Forbes Street, Emu Plains.
The Rotary Club of Dee Why Warringah sponsored and participated in a BushLink project, cleaning up the Tango Street entrance to Stony Range Reserve in Dee Why on Saturday 25 October.
BushLink provides employment for young adults who have Downes Syndrome.
The members of our Club who got together with the folk from BushLink and cleaned up what had become a local eye sore, all said they had an enjoyable day, got to know a few more people, and made a great improvement to the area of ground we worked on.
The Rotary Club of St Ives will be holding the St Ives Food and Wine Festival on Sunday 1 March 2015. This will be the Club's major fund raising event for the 2014/2015 Rotary year and we would appreciate the support of all Rotarians.
The event will have 60 food, wine and life style stalls on the St Ives Village Green. The event is supported by Ku-ring-gai Council and is expected to attract at least 10,000 visitors.
Your club news is important. Your club members, other Rotarians in District &, of course, members of the public are interested in it. As DG Ian says in this week's eNews:
"Telling Club stories does two things we need. Firstly, they showcase our causes and our success; and secondly, they celebrate and thank our Rotarians. Think about your weekly bulletin and how popular the photos of members in action are. The website is where members of other Clubs and the the public can look in and see who we are and what we are doing.
"I would like to see stories that pull the heartstrings, that show off our successes and that show Rotarians in action. If you write it like a press release, preferably in word and with photos separate, it can go up on the website to really showcase our Clubs and Rotarians. Send stories in to the Editorial team (editorial@rotarydistrict9685.org.au) who can also put a shorter version on Facebook, which is where I suspect they will have the most impact on the public".
In addition to DG Ian's suggestion, District has a Club News & Events blog which provides an avenue for Rotary, Rotaract, & Interact clubs to contribute articles and news of interest to Rotarians in our District. That provides an alternate way to get the news to us - see the instructions here.
Whichever way Club News stories are submitted, they will be published on the District website, in eNews, on the blog, & on Facebook where appropriate.
A reminder to Club Secretaries that all member changes are to be made on the District Website (ClubRunner) by 12 December and 12 June to ensure that synchronisation with the RI database takes place in due time. Later data changes run the risk of missing the RI deadlines.
Rotary Clubs provide the heart and soul – and inspiration - of every District Conference and the March 20-22, 2015, staging will be no exception with the majority of space within the House of Friendship/Rotary Expo allocated to a District 9685 Showcase of Rotary project excellence!
District Governor Ian Scott has called on EVERY Rotary Club to ensure the SHOWCASE of special projects will provide lasting inspiration for all Conference attendees – and especially those new club members sampling their first ‘taste’ of District Rotary service.
World Polio Day: Health officials laud polio eradication achievements, point to disease’s endgame
Time magazine science and technology editor Jeffery Kluger (left) talks with James Alexander, senior medical epidemiologist for the CDC as part of World Polio Day Friday night.
Photo Credit: Alyce Henson
After a year of shrinking polio cases worldwide, the crippling disease is now on the cusp of being eradicated, said top health officials at Rotary's second annual World Polio Day event on 24 October.
At a special Livestream program -- World Polio Day: Make History Today -- Rotary leaders joined global health experts and celebrity singers to hail the progress of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. After nearly 30 years, the GPEI, which includes Rotary, the World Health Organization, UNICEF, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, is on the brink of ending polio by 2018, making it the second infectious disease to be eradicated.
"A world without polio is within our grasp more than at any point in the past ... read more at rotary.org
Are you looking to re-invigorate your membership recruitment and need some fresh ideas? This Top 10 list of Publications for Membership Development will assist.
RI President Gary C.K. Huang has made a few changes to the “Light Up the Family of Rotary” section of the citation to make these goals more attainable for clubs. The specific changes are as follows:
For the “Best Class” Club President’s Challenge, points will be earned if either the club president or club president-elect registers to attend the São Paulo convention.
Points can be earned if the club sponsors a new Rotaract club or Interact club or if it continues to sponsor one of these groups.
Points can also be earned if the club sponsors a new Rotary Community Corps or if it continues to sponsor an RCC.
Clubs only need to score a minimum of 30 points in this section of the citation, instead of 40 as originally written.
The updated 2014-15 Presidential Citation form is available on the RI website, here.
As a reminder, club presidents should submit their clubs’ completed forms to their district governors no later than 31 March 2015. Please do not send your forms to RI, as they will not be processed.
Members of the Rotary Club of Winston Hills celebrated the induction of new member Tan Trang at the Winston Hotel last Monday night. President John van den Burg said he was delighted to have Tan‘s wife Olitia and their young daughters Rhiannon and Renita involved in this special occasion. Also present to help celebrate Tan’s induction were members of the Club and their partners as well as visiting Rotarians including Past District Governor Graeme Davies.
In response to his induction Tan spoke of Rotary being ...
Do you know that a member's date of birth or even their year of birth is missing in our database for over 50% of Rotarians in this district?
If you are one of those or you are not sure, please login and check your Member Profile so that district and RI can accurately measure age trends. The information may even be helpful to your club.
Rotary celebrates World Polio Day on 24 October with a Livestream event featuring expert speakers and celebrity performers.
Hosted by Time magazine science and technology editor Jeffrey Kluger, the Chicago event also includes a global status update on the fight to end polio and the challenges that remain, as well as information about joining Rotary's historic campaign.
The next quarterly RAWCS weekend will not only be fun, but will give you the opportunity to talk with like minded Rotarians about your project/s while learning from their experiences.
It is being held at Wentworth Falls on 8-9 November - click here to download the details.
Did you know that you only have 5 seconds to capture the attention of your website visitor, before they leave? What's worse is that once they leave your website, the chances of re-engaging are very low.
There's a lot you can do to ............. Read more
Publish a photo depicting your club in action, share a Guest Speaker's details, or update your club history. All of these tools are available to enhance your Rotary experience. Follow the links below for more information.
Registration is open for the next Rotary Leadership Institute course.
Course 22 is on Saturdays 11 April, 18 April, & 2 May
Course 23 is on Sundays 10 May, 24 May, & 7 June
Details of these courses are available on the district website so click here to view.
If you are a current/incoming President or Club Officer or Assistant Governor, or if you simply want to learn more about Rotary, join one of these courses - in the first instance by emailng PDG David Rands on rli@rotarydistrict9685.org.au
Inspired by the June 2014 World Water Summit in Sydney, Australia, Rotary and Wasrag are teaming up on a free, three part webinar series to assist with your water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) Rotary projects. Moderated by Rotarian Bob Wubbena, immediate past Vice Chair of Wasrag, this series will feature ideas and best practices from WASH experts and experienced Rotary members to help you undertake sustainable WASH initiatives.
Google for Nonprofits offers charitable organisations in Australia free access to Google tools like Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Ad Grants and more. These tools can help you reach new donors and volunteers, work more efficiently, and tell your non-profit’s story.
Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits can now apply to join the program, which provides access to a suite of free products and tools, including:
Google Apps provides a range of enterprise tools -- from email to Google Docs -- that reduce technology costs and encourage collaboration.
Ad Grants provides a $10,000 grant for nonprofits to raise awareness and target new audiences online.
If you attended the seminar hosted by District's International Service Chair, Theo Glockeman, you will want to download this material as a refresher. If you did not attend, you will find the material invaluable.
The downloads are available on the International Service Page of the District website (see the foot of the left column).
Larry Kesslin is a Rotarian from San Diego, CA. He is an entrepreneur who has published a few business books and is currently working on a new book about finding meaning beyond success. He & his wife, along with two teenage children, will be visiting Australia for six weeks starting in February 2015. They plan to be in the Sydney area during the second week of February. Larry would like to attend meetings, and possibly speak, at a few clubs.
His details are in our Speaker bank so go here for more information. While there, you may also find some other possible speakers for your club.
We all know the therapeutic benefits of exercise. It clears the mind and helps us live longer. But what if you were waiting for a life-saving organ transplant? Or perhaps your child had recently received one? Getting motivated to exercise and improve your health is just that much harder. As the CEO of Transplant Australia over the past seven years I have seen many families face extraordinary challenges. I have often wondered what personally I can do, even in a small way, to help these families?
A new and exciting advance in youth road safety education
A road safety awareness program must evolve to keep up with changes in the road safety landscape. Feedback from our many stakeholders and input from our Advisory Council has provided us with clear guidance to develop a new RYDA that retains the best of the current program but
incorporates new elements that will provide students with:
• More interactive sessions with more student input and discussion.
• A sharper focus on the leading road safety issues for young people (speeding, distraction, fatigue, drink/drug driving and seat belts).
• More time on the role of passengers in creating a............download the newsletter here
São Paulo will be the home of the 2015 Rotary International Convention and local Rotary members are already hard at work making sure your stay is as enjoyable as possible. This bustling metropolis is the perfect venue for our biggest event of the year because like the city itself, the São Paulo convention brings together people from around the world who are eager to celebrate and share their diverse backgrounds.
As you probably know, my Rotary Club (Lower Blue Mountains, NSW) has developed a very successful media awareness program based on the annual Australian Gnome Convention as part of the Glenbrook Australia Day Celebrations each year.
Well, a funny thing happened between drinks one year and a prominent Aussie boutique movie maker in one Murray Fahey decided to make a 'tongue in cheek' movie to capture the fun and spirit of the Gnome Convention and the innovative qualities of a well organised Rotary club.
Almost three years in the making, Gnomebrook - this very unique story one of Rotary's most successful media promotions - will premiere in Glenbrook, NSW, on November 6.
Glenbrook is of course the 'home' of The Australian Gnome Convention - the smart/crazy project of Lower Blue Mountains Rotary which draws crowds of eight to ten thousand people to Australia Day celebrations on Glenbrook Park each year.
It’s no surprise that simplicity sells. Too many options can overload short-term memory, inhibiting the ability to process information, creating cognitive overload. In addition, excessive options can spark feelings of remorseafter transactions as customers continue to wonder if they had made the right choice.
But creating “decision simplicity” presents only part of the brand simplicity picture. Sephora, Carrefour, and Amazon are examples of successful simple brands, despite providing a vast range of options to their customers.
Simplicity should be built into the very core of the brand, beginning with the product or service itself and extending through the interactions at each touch point and in all brand communications.
While celebrating a 50th club anniversary may not be as special as it once was, the Rotary Club of Castle Hill is still pretty excited about it and wants to make the biggest splash possible, and party long and hard. The celebration dinner will be held at the Madison Reception Centre, Dural, on Wednesday 18th March 2015 which is exactly 50 years to the day that the club was chartered. Recognising the value former members have delivered to our club in its formative years, we want to hear from as many as possible to ensure that their efforts are well and truly recognised. Former members of the club who would like to attend the celebration dinner are invited to inform Bruce Allen and advise current address and phone contact details. Email bjallen@bigpond.net.au or phone 0412 965 845. For those travelling a distance and staying the night, a complimentary breakfast will be laid on at the home of Club President Mike Blair the following morning.
Cervical cancer should be an almost entirely preventable disease
It’s one of the few cancers which has an established screening program and the only cancer which currently has a vaccine; and yet over 280,000 women each year die from cervical cancer. The Australian Cervical Cancer Foundation created the Community Awareness Program to raise awareness about the preventability of cervical cancer, and the importance the vaccine and regular screening plays in the fight against it. Through passionate and dedicated volunteer speakers, the Community Awareness Program is a 15-30 minute presentation about cervical cancer, HPV and the steps you can take to prevent it. The presentation also covers the important life-saving work ACCF undertakes in developing countries delivering the vaccine and screening to girls & women who need it most. To book in an ACCF Community Awareness speaker, download a booking form here: https://accf.org.au/about-us/awareness or contact NSW Coordinator Cassandra Deon on 0423 529795 or email her at nswvolunteers@accf.org.au.
This speaker idea is one of the many possibilities listed in our Speaker Bank as a tool for clubs to use. Visit the Speaker Bank now
You may not be fully aware of Food Plant Solutions Rotarian Action Group and our work in providing self-sustaining solutions to malnutrition and food security to those most in need in the developing world. We take this opportunity to explain how you can provide major support to our work with very little effort.
Food Plant Solutions (formerly operating as the LearnwGrow project) is simply about solutions based on the diversity of the world’s food plants that offer a sustainable, self-reliant approach to malnutrition. These can deliver the benefits of healthy diets, resilient food systems, lower food prices and greater availability of food, particularly to those most in need.
With the new Rotary Year now well underway it is time to once again get behind the Traditional Foundation Fruit Cakes and Puddings Program.
Last year was another strong year of sales for those Clubs able to fully support the program through promotions to members, their communities and local businesses. Almost $25,000.00 raised for the work of the Rotary Foundation and the programs of Australian Rotary Clubs. Thank you for all those who have supported the program so far.
Your support is again invited to assist in the promotion of the Foundation's Traditional Fruit Cake Program We have received further District support for this Rotary year.
We also have artwork prepared for Banner designs should you wish to purchase at a subsidized cost promotional Banners promoting the public or Club sales opportunities are available to Clubs and these along with the 2014-2015 Promotional materials will be sent to you on request. Read more .....
With crews of 24 youth and 12 Navy staff, the ship will sail the Roaring Forties, across the Atlantic Ocean, through the Mediterranean Sea and the English Channel, and into the North Sea, returning via the Cape of Good Hope and the Indian Ocean.
Over 200 youth, including Young Endeavour Alumni, will have the opportunity to join one of nine crews as Young Endeavour circumnavigates the world for the first time in over 20 years. read more ......
Rotary Australia World Community Service Ltd has a registered project in Bo, Sierra Leone (No. 46/2007-07 sponsored by the Rotary Club of Turramurra) whose aim is to build and extend the Bo Children’s Hospital and to provide hygiene and basic health care and education. The hospital now has a need of the highest order to provide an isolation ward. A quarantine ward has been on the project list for some time but now it is not an overstatement to say it is a matter of life and death. They need to raise $40,000
As we are all aware the Ebola virus is highly contagious between humans and has no known cure. The latest information available from Sierra Leone Government Ministry of Health (as at August 29th, 2014) is that the country has recorded 1033 cases with 383 deaths (including 140 health workers), and additional suspected cases. Download the press release
"No child anywhere in the world should have to suffer from this completely preventable disease. It only costs US60 cents to protect a child against polio for life. We need your voice to cross the finish line in the fight to end polio."
This issue of RGHF's Our Foundation Newsletter adds to the voice of Rotarians worldwide to continue the fight against polio. October 24 is World Polio Day, and every Rotarian has an opportunity to be a part of this occasion.
Let us all plan to celebrate World Polio Day in whichever way we can - join Rotary's live-streamed global status update, create or join a local event, or simply share our voice via social media.
It's less than a month to Hat Day on Friday October 10th, 2014 and organisers Australian Rotary Health couldn't be more excited! Since they launched a new website in July they have been inundated with registrations. Thank you to the large number of Rotary Clubs who have signed up across the country to host a Hat Day event.
Hat Day has received a range of media attention after welcoming Australian actor Elle Dawe back as a Hat Day ambassador for 2014, along with Australian actor Pauly Fenech as a supporter. The new Hat Day TV ad is also showing across the country on the Seven, TEN, NBN and networks.
Hat Day on Sunrise
Hat Day Researcher A/Prof Felice Jacka was interviewed on Weekend Sunrise wearing a hat. A/Prof Jacka's research, originally funded by Australian Rotary Health, has uncovered breakthrough links between diet and mood. read more .........
Umoja Orphanage Kenya (Rotary Australia World Community Service) RAWCS project 51/2011-12) is an Australian non-profit organisation raising funds to build a self-sustainable children’s village in Ukunda, Kenya for orphaned and vulnerable children. Volunteering in Kenya is a life-changing experience that allows you to contribute to a project that is helping children and communities to break the cycle of poverty.
We require 9 Rotarians or non-Rotarians with experience in building, farming or irrigation. Volunteers can be men or women, but must be physically fit and able to work in the heat. Please note: your passport must be valid for an additional 6 months from your date of departure and compulsory vaccinations apply.
Bom dia! You’re invited to the 2015 Rotary International Convention in São Paulo, Brazil.
If you haven’t already heard, the convention dates have changed. The fun now begins one day earlier on Saturday, 6 June and continues through Tuesday, 9 June 2015. Plan now to enjoy the Rotary Carnival at Anhembi Parque following the opening plenary on Saturday.
São Paulo offers all the excitement and activities of a world-class city, along with diverse neighborhoods filled with ethnic restaurants, art galleries, and trendy bars – the perfect backdrop for connecting with Rotary members from around the world.
For those wanting to learn more about the Brazilian culture, music, and cuisine, the Host Committee has planned exciting events including the Rotary Carnival, concerts featuring renowned Brazilian performers, and bookings for fine restaurants every night of the convention.
Still not convinced?
Watch this video and read more about the RI Convention in Brazil.
Register now to receive the lowest rates available. And book your convention hotel room through Rotary’s housing agent to take advantage of competitive nightly rates.
Warm, engaging, playful – these are the words used to describe the people you’ll meet in Brazil.
Don’t miss this opportunity to discover Brazil through Rotary.
Each year in every District around 30 young talented potential leaders attend a Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA) seminar. The attendees gain many leadership skills, confidence and an awareness of Rotary programs.
Many graduates also express an interest in furthering their involvement with their sponsoring Rotary Club. In South Australia some clubs have “adopted” RYLARIANs and subsidised their Rotary dues when they join their club.
This initiative has proved to be most successful with the graduates rapidly undertaking leadership roles within their clubs and more particularly the role of President.
In 2013-14 Steve Hayter (RYLA 2007) became President of the RC of Kent Town.
We can use social media to show that not only are we making a positive difference in the world, but we are having fun doing it. This makes the idea of Rotary more relatable, especially to new generations, who may feel disconnected with some of the formalities of Rotary but are avid users of social media.
Posting inspiring messages, funny pictures, or fun facts gives Rotary members a chance to feel involved. But content needs to be sticky. Sticky content is content that people are actually interested in, want to share, and want to interact with. That’s critical to maximizing the impact of the message. And it must come from a personal and honest place.
This year’s event will be held on Friday 7th November at Shangri La Hotel, Sydney. We expect about 500 guests to attend and hope your club will have some representatives there to support a local officer should there be a finalist from your area. You will find booking link below.
Police Officers who win a local Rotary award in 2014 are automatically eligible for the State Award. All nominations (including local Rotary winners) then go to a judging panel made up of long serving Rotarians from a cross section of the Districts from which the finalists for the evening will be chosen. Each category will have three finalists and you will be notified of who the finalists are four weeks before the event.
If I could ask the following of you it will go a long way to once again making this a highlight on the NSW Police calendar.
For almost 50 years there was a garden competition in The Hills area of north west Sydney.
Now after a gap of a few years, The Rotary Club of The Hills-Kellyville has taken on the challenge of re-establishing this valuable community activity. The event has been incorporated as part of Hills Shire, Orange Blossom Festival.
Judging will take place on 15th, 16th, & 17th September 2014.
The Presentation of Awards will take place at Harvey Lowe Pavilion on 26th September, 2014.
Two webinars are being held on August 26 and 27th. Both will be the same presentation, giving people a choice of time to attend.
The webinars will discuss how Clubs can and need to be Flexible and Innovative. Jessie Harman and Noel Trevaskis will lead the Webinars and will be sharing how some Clubs have gone about being flexible and innovative in their approach to membership, club meetings, diversity etc. The webinars should appeal to all Rotarians.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. Please register before the date of the webinar. Save the confirmation you receive for the webinar and when the due date and time of the webinar click on the confirmation and it should take you straight into the webinar. You need to allow around five minutes for this to happen so that you will be online when the webinar starts.
Interplast is a wonderful project supported by Rotarians to send teams of reconstructive plastic surgeons to the Asia/Pacific region. District 9685 has a strong association with Interplast. With PDG Graeme’s support last year District 9685 commenced a project to fund an Interplast team. We have 2 years to complete the funding which enables us to go through to the end of DG Ian’s Rotary year. So far we have donated $38,000, so we are in sight of our $50,000 target.
In particular a big thank you to the following clubs for their donations -
On Monday 11th of August The Rotary Club of The Hills-Kellyville celebrated the culmination of a very successful Writing Competition with the presentation of awards, in the Function Room of The Castle Hill Tavern. This year’s Writing Competition was extremely well supported by our local schools, with eight schools submitting three finalists each, to our competition.
The topic for this year’s narrative was “I looked out of the window and couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw…..” a subject that inspired many different themes and divergent, writing styles. Judging of the 23 Finalists’ submissions was conducted by Past President Gordon and Mrs. Robyn Scoble. Judging was again an extremely difficult task as the standard was consistently very high and a variety of creative writing styles was used by the finalists.
Interested in International Projects - then don't miss this opportunity
If you or any Rotarians in your club have any interest in INTERNATIONAL then I would like to invite you to attend an International Projects Seminar on Sunday 21st September between 8am-12 midday ~ 2nd Floor Conference facilities at the Sydney Adventist Hospital, Wahroonga.
On 28th June 2014 the Rotary Club of Vinegar Hill received its charter from outgoing DG Graeme Davies at the District Changeover Dinner. This is the newest club to be chartered in District 9865 in NSW, and is the first Coffee Club to be started in Australia. It has 23 members and is already growing.
This club meets mainly on Sunday afternoons at Rouse Hill Shopping Centre, at The Griddle Restaurant, where we share coffee and fellowship. The meetings are conducted as business meetings of approximately 45 minutes and the majority of club business outside the meeting is conducted through the website forum, social media and email.
This is a different way of doing Rotary that reflects our changing world. It is a family friendly, inclusive, low cost and flexible Rotary club.
The club will be celebrating its Charter on Saturday 16th August 2014 at 6 for 6.30pm at Box Hill Community Hall, Nelson Rd, Box Hill. It will consist of a 3 course Indian Dinner for $35 p.h. and is BYO.
On Tuesday, 29th July, Ugandan doctors Drs. Pasquine and Adebiyi Ogunsanya attracted over 200 people at a meeting hosted by the Rotary Club of Woy Woy.
Drs. Pasquine and Adebiyi had just attended the International AIDS Conference in Melbourne. They spoke about their work with Alive Medical Services (AMS) organisation in Uganda.
AMS provides free medical care to one of Uganda’s most populated, impoverished communities and transforms the lives of over 11,000 people living with HIV/AIDS.
Dear Fellow Rotarians in Australia and New Zealand,
I believe many of you will be visiting Turkey for the centennial memorial day of the Dardanelle war.
We as Turkish Rotarians, would like to organize a fellowship event with you during your visit to Gallipoli. For organizing this event, we need to know when you will be arriving Gallipoli, and how long will you stay there.
Discover the history of one of the most significant military campaigns ever fought in the defence of Australia and its Territories?
Join a group of fifty Rotarians (two teams) and conquer one of the world’s most demanding and interesting treks and experience the culture of the people in this unique and fascinating land?
Then join this most exciting initiative:
From the 22nd April-2nd May 2015 (inclusive of international travel) two teams of Rotarians and friends will be making this extra-ordinary journey to both honour all soldiers and raise funds in support of the Rotary Peace Centres.
Today, 42 million people are displaced by armed conflict or persecution. Through Rotary’s partnerships with several leading universities, Rotary Peace Fellows develop the skills to strengthen peace efforts, train local leaders to prevent and mediate conflict, and support long-term peace building initiatives in areas affected by conflict. Rotary provides up to 100 peace fellowships per year at the Peace Centres
This is an important international program and worthy of significant fund raising efforts by Rotarians.
The calendar year 2015 will be a huge year in Australia, New Zealand, France and Turkey and no doubt many other countries. From the conflict in Europe during the First World War, the spirit of ANZAC emerged with its human qualities of courage, mateship, perseverance and sacrifice. These wonderful attributes continue to have meaning and relevance today in the development of our national identity and the continuing close relationship we enjoy with the New Zealand people.
Please click HERE to receive the July edition of Rotary on the Move newsletter.
One of the noticeable trends of the past is that in the period following an International Convention there has been a significant rise in membership inquiries in the host country. Now is an ideal to follow up potential members and ask!
RI President Gary Huang suggests that we should start by asking members of our own family and their circle of friends and acquaintances to take up the challenge of Service Above Self.
Experience the glitz and glamour of the 1920s with Roaring Twenties on The Concourse, a free outdoor program celebrating the incredible jazz music and breath-taking silent films of the early 20th Century.
Held on Sundays throughout the month of August, the program will kick off with live jazz at 12.30pm, followed by a screening of a classic silent film on the Urban Screen at 3pm. For further information visit: www.theconcourse.com.au/event/roaring-twenties-concourse
Once again the Rotary Club of Pittwater is presenting The Northern Beaches Spring Concert, on Wednesday 17 September and featuring our own Northern Beaches Orchestra. This year we are delighted to have as our special guest the acclaimed Australian vocalist Peter Cousens who is also a Northern Beaches boy.
Would you attend a seminar on International Service?
How can The Rotary Foundation and RAWCS work together?
What is RAWCS?
Volunteering
Ideas for projects
These are just a few of the subject areas that could be explored in this proposed seminar on an Avenue of Service where we can easily get lost.
So District's International Service Chair, Theo Glockemann wants to hold a seminar that you will attend and which will be meaningful to you. So please assist by participating in this survey.
Sydney Olympic Park has posted an outstanding two-minute video promoting SOP as a convention and conference venue. This video focuses on the recent Rotary Convention.
District Foundation Chair, Tony Castley was pleased to announce that D9685 has won the Australia Cup for the first time ever!
For the 2013-14 year, donations to The Rotary Foundation's Annual Fund totalled $409,314 – a 39% increase and the highest of all districts in Australia and New Zealand. It represented just under $194 a head, again the highest in Australia and New Zealand.
In all, donations from D9685 to The Rotary Foundation were $653,214 - the highest ever in all Zone 7 and 8 (Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia and Philippines).
Congratulations! And congratulations to Erina Rotary which topped our club list followed by Turramurra & the E-Club of Greater Sydney.
After careful consideration, Rotary International President Gary Huang and the RI Board have decided to change the dates of the 2015 Rotary Convention in São Paulo to Saturday, 6 June, through Tuesday, 9 June – starting and ending one day earlier than previously scheduled.
The dates were changed because the original opening day (Sunday, 7 June) coincided with one of the city’s most popular parades. The new start date will dramatically reduce traffic congestion and make it easier for Rotary members to attend the opening plenary sessions. It will also make it convenient to attend our very own Rotary Carnival, a Host Organization Committee event, on Saturday evening.
Check riconvention.org regularly for dates, deadlines, and registration and housing details. Find information about Host Organization Committee events at www.rotary2015saopaulo.org.br
District Governor Ian Scott & Jennifer invite you to Conference 2015 in the Hunter Valley from 20 to 22 March. In their welcome, they and their Conference Team say they aim to inspire, entertain and refresh your Rotary spirit with a program of great speakers and enjoyable entertainment. You will hear of the amazing projects and activities in our District and beyond, celebrate successes, and learn from others – it might even be your story we are telling!
Overlay that with delicious food, wine and the company of good friends and family, and we will have a weekend not to be missed.
Please be sure to book your preferred accommodation fairly soon, as the Hunter Valley is a busy place in March; there is a range to suit all budgets, so do check the listings on this site.
Take some time out and join DG Ian & Jennifer to Light Up Rotary at Conference 2015.
It's a new Rotary year and we wanted to take this opportunity to congratulate everyone in their brand new roles. Whether you've been elected to become the club President, Secretary, Treasurer, Webmaster, PR Chair, Membership Chair, or are just a regular member, we want to do everything in our control to enable your success this year as well as ensure your satisfaction with us, so that you can focus on helping 'light up Rotary'.
"At the recent RI Convention there was a booth taken up by the Rotarian Action Group for Population Growth and Sustainable Development (RFPD). I spent some time with these people as it is a subject dear to my heart and I am very keen to establish an interest in this area in our district.
The big news in China is that by decision of the Board of Rotary International, new Rotary clubs in China may now be launched!
This is indeed big news and something that has been lobbied for many years. It is now 13 years since two clubs were authorised as provisional clubs, after both had operated for several years as unofficial fellowship groups.
It is fully eight years since both clubs were chartered but we were previously restricted from opening any new clubs (other than satellites – permitted under the pilot that Shanghai is participating in and now under the new standard club constitution). Now, however the roadblock is removed and we may launch new clubs, following a standard Rotary process with just a couple of additions.
Introducing the Club Visioning Program to District 9685
Here is an opportunity to bring together as many of a Rotary Club members as possible to share their ideas, aspirations and dreams for the Club’s future.
Supporting “Service Above Self”, the Club Visioning process helps to transform the collective energy and talents into synergies that enable the Club to then move with intention in the same direction.
Club Vision Facilitation helps a Rotary Club design its own vision, and to set out the steps necessary to achieve that vision. That is, it is a vision designed and agreed by the Club members. The process will help to improve communication and to ensure continuity & consistency in its leadership & programming so as to set the stage for future progress.
Please contact the District 9685 Vision Facilitation Chair - David Mylan (Terrigal) on 0411 878 854 or email clubvisioning@rotarydistrict9685.org.au for further information.
Gary C.K. Huang, a member of the Rotary Club of Taipei, Taiwan, is asking Rotary members to Light Up Rotary in 2014-15. In a profile for the July issue of The Rotarian magazine, Huang shows us the meaning behind the family of Rotary.
Past District Governor Larry Jacka is seriously ill and has been hospitalised. Our thoughts are with Miriam and the family. Please respect Miriam's privacy at this time.
A number of changes have been made to the criteria for District Awards, the most important one being a reduction to 25 for the 'large club' definition.
The 30 April closing date may be a long way off, but start to plan now by reviewing the details available if you click here.
A review of the criteria for the various District Awards has resulted in a number of changes, including:
The definition of a large club has been reduced to 25 or more members at 1 July
District Governor’s Meritorious Service award added, as has the District Governor’s Service to Rotary Award
Eligibility for the Bulletin Awards has been changed to those clubs submitting bulletins or bulletin links to club.bulletins@rotarydistrict9685.org.au progressively during the period 1 July to 31 March. The previous award for 'best produced' bulletin has been discontinued
The criteria for the Norm Roach Website Memorial Award now references the branding aspects of RI's recommendations for club websites - go to the Brand Centre for more information
The 30 April closing date may be a long way off, but start to plan now.
More than 320 Rotarians from our District (and beyond) attended the 2014 District Changeover held at Castle Hill RSL Club last Saturday to mark the end of DG Graeme Davies' 2013-14 year and to welcome our 2014-15 Governor, Ian Scott AM.
DG Graeme reported that "during the first year of operation District 9685 has demonstrated unity of purpose. Clubs have engaged Rotary and changed lives through outstanding local and international service. There is abundant enthusiasm to promote Rotary and 'do…good' in the world. The District Team has been dedicated to supporting and strengthening clubs".
DG Graeme recognised six past governors with a Service to Rotary award. Erina Rotary was presented with the District Governor's Shield. The District Governor's Trophy for Small Clubs was presented to Kellyville Rotary.
A new Sunday afternoon Rotary coffee club was chartered at the Changeover. The Rotary Club of Vinegar Hill was admitted to Rotary International on 23 June with a charter membership of 22. This newest club reflects our changing world. It is a family friendly, inclusive, low cost and flexible Rotary Club. It is the first Sunday afternoon coffee club in Australia.
Did you know that the Rotary club of Wahroonga, currently our largest club, was the first Breakfast Club in Australia?
The coming Rotary year to focus on enhancing membership and public awareness
Through Rotary Days, RI President-elect Gary C.K. Huang is challenging Rotarians to let our light shine by strengthening our network, fellowship, and service impact. Host one of these informal public events in your community in 2014-15 to introduce your friends, family, and neighbors to Rotary.
Rotary Fellowships can enrich our Rotary experience beyond our clubs and districts by connecting us with fellow members who share our recreational and professional interests. Many of these groups exemplify Service Above Self by undertaking service projects as members enjoy the company of friends from around the world. Visit our Rotary Service Connections blog in celebration of June, Rotary Fellowships Month, and learn how several fellowships combine fun and friendship with service activities.
Did you know that clubs and districts can partner with Rotary Fellowships to enhance their Rotary events? Read more.
It's 26 years since the 79th RI Convention in Philadelphia, PA USA (May 1988) when then RI President Charles C. Keller announced that Rotarians raised $247 Million dollars for their rallying and initial PolioPlus fund raiser. The goal was $120 million. Keller's theme that year was "Rotarians -- United in Service- Dedicated to Peace".
At the June 2012 convention in Bangkok President Sukuji Tanaka gave us a similar rallying cry (Peace Through Service) and Rotarians today are still diligently and steadfastly working towards eradicating polio.
With Rotary's dedicated involvement the world is very close to eradicating Polio.
Thousands of Rotarians are/were involved in leadership roles in the Polio Eradication Campaign, but just one Rotarian, Dr. Robert S. Scott, has consistently commanded leadership positions over the past 27 years.
In this issue (#148) we review the Polio story while honoring its steadfast leader and supporter, Dr. Robert S. Scott.
In all of his leadership roles, Bob's voice was the one that was constant and consistent.
Be sure to read pp 24 to 27 where Bob shares his thoughts as he retires from his leadership roles and leaves his office.
Enjoy this wonderful story and pass this issue #148 forward.
Roseville Chase's Annual Fun Run is on again on the Sunday 27 July 2014, starting and finishing at Castle Cove Park, Holly St Castle Cove.
This is a Community event and families as well as serious competitive runners are welcome. The Fun Run is two weeks prior to the City to Surf so participants may use this event as a lead up for the City to Surf event. The Roseville Chase Rotary Fun Run is through the bush lined streets of Castle Cove with great views of Middle Harbour.
RI President Gary C.K. Huang (a member of RGHF) encourages us to bring light where there is darkness; inspires us to lighten up Rotary's image; and wants Rotary to be fun by building genuine bonds of friendship, retain members and help recruit new ones. Light Up Rotary!
While the eradication of polio remains our first foundation goal, the second goal is to continue supporting TRF through our contributions. At the start of this Rotary year, let us all set a personal goal be a TRF donor for this year.
The last news item is the 2016 Council on Legislation. I thank PDG David Cook for drawing my attention the following link. As David put it the what, why and how can be obtained through My Rotaryat this link.
The District Delegate to the 2016 Council on Legislation is PDG John Dodd and the Alternate Delegate is PDG Marilyn Mercer. Proposed legislation needs to be submitted to RI by 31 December 2014 but you will be hearing more about that from DG Ian.
It has indeed been an honour and an absolute privilege to have been Governor of District 9685 in its initial year, 2013-14. Thank you all for your support, friendship and making Lyn and I very welcome.
Thank you for your support of Lyn’s Hearing Health Project. In addition to support of D9685 Clubs and Rotarians, the project enjoys continuing support of a wide range of professional and community organisations. To date over $20,000 has been donated to a PhD Funding Partners Scholarship through Australian Rotary Health.
2013-14 was the year that the new funding Rotary Foundation model was introduced. We thank TRF D9685 Chairman, PDG Tony Castley and his Committee on an amazingly successful year. The Foundation now operates under a new business model that will allow Rotarians to undertake projects never dreamt possible previously.
It was the first year of a Regional Membership Plan and saw all Districts across Australia adopting a coordinated PR campaign, Conversations into Action that gave us the line “[Rotarians] - - - leave their egos at the door - - -“
It was the year of the RI Sydney Convention. The Host Organising Committee (HOC) has received many well deserved accolades. An email arrived this week from Brian Heaton, RI Head Sergeant at Arms, congratulating PDG Marilyn Mercer and Dudley and all volunteers. We are very proud of what you have achieved. The must read email [click here] drew the following response from HOC Vice Chairman, PDG Bob Aitken, “Wow! Marilyn that is outstanding praise from a person who really ‘knows his onions’.”
Finally this year we have had many visits from the RI President. Ron and Jetta are delightful people. Our hardworking District Photographer has captured so many photographs showing President Ron totally engaged in conversation with a Rotarian in our District. He and Jetta truly lived, “Engage Rotary, Change Lives”.
The next DG eNews you receive will be from DG Ian. Lyn and I wish Ian and Jennifer a fantastic year. I know much will be achieved by Clubs in District 9685 under Ian’s leadership as we come together to
A final thought! There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it. (Edith Wharton).
The opportunity to submit your club photos is being continued in 2014-15. This will create another superb album on district's Flickr page and provide a resource for future publications.
Several Rotary clubs in District 9685 (Sydney Region), District 9455 (West Australia) and District 3360 (Thailand and Laos) have partnered with the NGO named MiVAC (Mines Victims and Clearance) to undertake humanitarian work in Xiengkhouang Province of Lao Peoples Democratic Republic. The scope of work includes the construction of water supply and sewerage facilities for poverty-stricken communities in the province. The first stage of this project is being funded by Rotary clubs and augmented with a Rotary International Global Grant, GG1412794.
The current in-country manager of MiVAC is due to complete his tour of duty by the last week of September 2014, and we are seeking a replacement for this voluntary position.
We have received word of the death of Khunying Charoye Rattakul, wife of past RI President Bhichai Rattakul (2002-03). She passed away on Sunday, 15 June 2014. All Rotary Clubs in Thailand will host the funeral on Sunday, 22 June 2014.
Condolences to the family can be sent by mail to this address: Bhichai Rattakul, 231 Moo Ban Panya, Patanakarn 30 Road, Suan Luang, Bangkok 10250, Thailand or by email to: bhichairattakul@hotmail.com
Memorial donations may be made in Charoye’s honor to The Rotary Foundation Peace Program.
The new funding model for The Rotary Foundation was developed because our ability to continue “doing good in the world” depends heavily on the Foundation having long-term financial stability.
In the interests of improved communication and understanding of the changes, here are 10 important things to know about the new model, which becomes effective on 1 July 2015.
Peter Pearce and David Rivett of Gosford North Rotary are walking from John o' Groats to Lands End in United Kingdom to raise funds for Wheelchairs & Desks for Madagascar.
Congratulations to Professor PP Martin Silink AO (Rotary Club of Lane Cove) and PP Malcolm Nicholson OAM (ex-Katoomba) for receiving these prestigious awards announced in the 2014 Queen’s Birthday Honours List.
Meet our future DG
A number of Rotarians have asked that a story about DGND Bruce Lakin be included in this column to enable Rotarians to become acquainted with Bruce and Bette. Bruce (Rotary Club of Pittwater) will be our Governor in 2016-17. Please click here to meet Bruce and Bette
Our Convention Experience
And what an experience!
The Convention is over but the excitement, the buzz, the pride that we were part of it will remain for many years when we recall those first days of June 2014.
We have experienced first-hand the internationality, the power, the magic, the scope, the purpose and above all the friendliness and inclusiveness of Rotary. How can we not be proud to be a Rotarian? How can we not be eager to share the joy of being a Rotarian by inviting others to join us in Changing Lives?
Congratulations to Professor PP Martin Silink AO (Rotary Club of Lane Cove) and PP Malcolm Nicholson OAM (ex-Katoombas Birthday Honours List.
Meet our future DG
A number of Rotarians have asked that a story about DGND Bruce Lakin be included in this column to enable Rotarians to become acquainted with Bruce and Bette. Bruce (Rotary Club of Pittwater) will be our Governor in 2016-17. Please click here to meet Bruce and Bette
Our Convention Experience
And what an experience!
The Convention is over but the excitement, the buzz, the pride that we were part of it will remain for many years when we recall those first days of June 2014. We have experienced first-hand the internationality, the power, the magic, the scope, the purpose and above all the friendliness and inclusiveness of Rotary. How can we not be proud to be a Rotarian? How can we not be eager to share the joy of being a Rotarian by inviting others to join us in Changing Lives?
And that is the challenge. How do we capitalise on the Convention Experience to increase membership? I am sure that the answer is within each club especially if it had a critical mass of members engaged in the Convention. But it will only be found if members take time NOW to consider the challenge and plan to act. I am also sure that the answer is not promoting or reliving the Convention as such but leveraging our heightened enthusiasm and Rotary commitment resulting from the Convention experience.
There was much hype before and during the Convention that it was the best ever. What is certain is the Host Organising Committee (HOC) initiatives made the Sydney Convention stand out from the rest.
All D9685 Rotarians extend a huge vote of thanks to Chairman Barry Thompson and all members of the committee for their tireless work and outstanding achievement.
Harold Sharp rewrote the Convention textbook on sponsorship without which much of what did occur simply would not have been possible. As a result Harold and Angelo Raveane put together the most comprehensive Billabong House of Friendship ever. We are all aware of the lasting impact of Humanity in Motion 3 spearheaded by Tony Castley. What an amazing BBQ! We thank DGE Ian Scott and the eighteen D9685records took the End Polio Now message around the globe. It happened because of the brilliance of Ellissa Nolan and Bob Aitkenwork by Barry PhilpsThewere great innovations and greatly appreciated. The HOC website and Convention Mobile App were managed by Lindsay May. Monica Saville amongst other things helped Convention goers with passports and Greg Muldoon coordinated an array of events including a performance at the Opera House.
The Host Organising Committee also included a number of D9675 Rotarians with other specific responsibilities. Those who headed sub Committees obviously were supported by many other Rotarians who played vital roles.
To all involved A GREAT BIG THANK YOU.
Our Stories, Our Purpose
We all have our own Convention stories. It is my intent in the coming weeks to capture those stories as a record of the Sydney Convention. As a starting point why not draft some ideas of a unique experience or something that captured your imagination.
s story captures the excitement of the occasion and pride in being a Rotarian. Lorraine is from Norwest Sunrise (Bella Vista). Click here to read the club’s bulletin – Lorraine’s story is on page 2.
Congratulations to Professor PP Martin Silink AO (Rotary Club of Lane Cove) and PP Malcolm Nicholson OAM (ex-Katoomba) for receiving these prestigious awards announced in the 2014 Queen’s Birthday Honours List.
Meet our future DG
A number of Rotarians have asked that a story about DGND Bruce Lakin be included in this column to enable Rotarians to become acquainted with Bruce and Bette. Bruce (Rotary Club of Pittwater) will be our Governor in 2016-17. Please click here to meet Bruce and Bette
Our Convention Experience
And what an experience!
The Convention is over but the excitement, the buzz, the pride that we were part of it will remain for many years when we recall those first days of June 2014. We have experienced first-hand the internationality, the power, the magic, the scope, the purpose and above all the friendliness and inclusiveness of Rotary. How can we not be proud to be a Rotarian? How can we not be eager to share the joy of being a Rotarian by inviting others to join us in Changing Lives?
And that is the challenge. How do we capitalise on the Convention Experience to increase membership? I am sure that the answer is within each club especially if it had a critical mass of members engaged in the Convention. But it will only be found if members take time NOW to consider the challenge and plan to act. I am also sure that the answer is not promoting or reliving the Convention as such but leveraging our heightened enthusiasm and Rotary commitment resulting from the Convention experience.
There was much hype before and during the Convention that it was the best ever. What is certain is the Host Organising Committee (HOC) initiatives made the Sydney Convention stand out from the rest.
All D9685 Rotarians extend a huge vote of thanks to Chairman Barry Thompson and all members of the committee for their tireless work and outstanding achievement.
Harold Sharp rewrote the Convention textbook on sponsorship without which much of what did occur simply would not have been possible. As a result Harold and Angelo Raveane put together the most comprehensive Billabong House of Friendship ever. We are all aware of the lasting impact of Humanity in Motion 3 spearheaded by Tony Castley. What an amazing BBQ! We thank DGE Ian Scott and the eighteen D9685 Clubs that made it possible. The Bridge Climb “world” records took the End Polio Now message around the globe. It happened because of the brilliance of Ellissa Nolan and Bob Aitken. Marilyn Mercer, Dudley Mercer with ground-work by Barry Philps pulled together an amazing army of extremely well trained volunteers (including flag bearers) who gained everyone’s admiration. Indeed the Senior RI Sergeant said, “We have never had this type of co-operation with local volunteers – ever!!” The Paul Reid “Homestay” and Dick White “Host Hospitality Night” were great innovations and greatly appreciated. The HOC website and Convention Mobile App were managed by Lindsay May. Monica Saville amongst other things helped Convention goers with passports and Greg Muldoon coordinated an array of events including a performance at the Opera House.
The Host Organising Committee also included a number of D9675 Rotarians with other specific responsibilities. Those who headed sub Committees obviously were supported by many other Rotarians who played vital roles.
To all involved A GREAT BIG THANK YOU.
Our Stories, Our Purpose
We all have our own Convention stories. It is my intent in the coming weeks to capture those stories as a record of the Sydney Convention. As a starting point why not draft some ideas of a unique experience or something that captured your imagination.
By way of example, Lorraine Clifford’s story captures the excitement of the occasion and pride in being a Rotarian. Lorraine is from Norwest Sunrise (Bella Vista). Click here to read the club’s bulletin – Lorraine’s story is on page 2.
I thank Roger Digby (Pittwater) for his willingness to share a non-Convention story about a special Rotary day he experienced recently. Rotary’s purpose is evident throughout the story. It highlights how we all share in other’s achievements simply because we are Rotarians. Click to read Roger’s story
The May Global Outlook, “A Rotarian’s Guide to Getting and Keeping Members,” offered lots of great information for strengthening our clubs. It also got people talking, which is always a good thing. In particular, people had questions about our membership pilot programs.
Click here for answers to some frequently asked questions
Roger Digby (Pittwater) shares a non-Convention story about a special Rotary day he experienced recently. Rotary’s purpose is evident throughout the story. It highlights how we all share in other’s achievements simply because we are Rotarians.
"On the eve of the Rotary International Conference I would like to share with you some events yesterday which reminded me why I am proud to put time and effort into Rotary.
In the afternoon I went along to the Open day at the new Rehabilitation unit at Mona Vale Hospital. It is brilliant, an attractive building and beautifully fitted out with all the latest facilities and technology to help patients recovery after treatment. Our main efforts at the hospital have been in ...
As Rotary members from around the world filed into Allphones Arena for the opening ceremony of the 2014 International Convention in Sydney, they were greeted by news that the Australian government will commit $100 million over five years to help eradicate polio.
Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott and New South Wales Premier Mike Baird were on hand to address the convention and assure Rotary members of Australia's commitment to their cause. Abbott has been at the center of attacks in recent days for his proposed federal budget, but he walked out to a standing ovation. "I don't normally get such an enthusiastic welcome," he quipped after the audience returned to their seats. "I just hope there are plenty of Australians out there."
The RI Sydney Convention – It’s not too late to register!
Well this will be the last time you see this headline.
Whilst it still not too late to register the only way you can now do so is in person at the Registration desk at Olympic Park. Remember to take photo ID with you.
A Club President said to me during the week she couldn’t understand why so many of the Rotarians in her Club were not bothering with the Convention. I cannot understand it either. Just remember the Convention will be long gone this time next week so it really is the last opportunity.
If you know a new or prospective Rotarian, they will be able to receive a FREE pass to the Billabong (House of Friendship) on Saturday 31 May 2014, complete a copy of the Prospective Member Registration Form. Club Presidents have the application. They will be attending as Special Guests of the RI President Ron D. Burton.
Just take the completed form, with photo ID to the Registration Desk in Hall 5 on Saturday to receive the pass to the Billabong House of Friendship.
My last comment on the Convention is to thank all those District 9685 Rotarians who are members of the Host Organising Committee or who have assisted the work of the Committee. Likewise all the Rotarians who will be volunteers in various role over the next week as well as those who will be running booths, presenting in workshops and as keynote speakers. And I especially thank those who have registered to attend.
We are in for a treat.
Finally congratulations PP Bill Forsyth who has been appointed an official photographer of the Convention.
Until next time, Engage Rotary Change Lives
Graeme Davies
Governor RI District 9685, 2013-14
Please read the full version of our District Governor's lead article, by clicking here
More than 18,000 Rotary members from over 150 countries will be in Sydney, Australia, 1-4 June for the 2014 Rotary International Convention. The convention is bringing together some of the world's leading experts on water, polio, and social media. Follow all of the action by signing into My Rotary, and through the following:
The Rotary Club of Kincumber held a very successful inaugural walk along the beautiful Kincumber Broadwater through four of the historic and famous shipbuilding centres of Kincumber, Yattalunga, Saratoga and Davistown. There were people of all ages participating, at their own pace and ability, in a combined activity. With proximity to green open space and wide expanse water to view, it was proven to be a positive attraction, not only for the local residents, but people from many areas of the Central Coast and as far away as Sydney.
Prepare to be entertained, inspired, and energized by the lineup of activities in store for you at the Sydney Convention. Here’s a highlight of events. Click here for a complete list of events
The largest annual festival of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, Vivid Sydney lights up the city in an amazing spectacle with state-of-the-art illuminations, world-renowned performers, and a venue like no other.
Celebrate Rotaract with members around the world who share your passion for creating positive change. Join friends, share ideas, and make connections for future exchanges.
Join RI President Ron Burton and Rotary members from around the world as we raise money for polio eradication while attempting to break a world record for largest group of climbers on the Sydney Harbour Bridge at one time.
Connect with old and new friends at the Rotary Alumni Celebration, then get together with young leaders from around the world and share ideas for making a difference at the New Generations Celebration: Connect for Good.
Join us for a 3K (1.8 miles) walk to raise awareness for Rotary and polio eradication, at Sydney Olympic Park.
Saturday, 31 May
Opening Plenary
Human Nature will bring their Motown sound to the opening plenary of the convention, which will also feature the Rotary Parade of Flags and welcoming remarks.
Australian Rotary clubs are famous for their traditional Aussie barbecues. To kick off the convention, the Great Aussie BBQ will be held at Cathy Freeman Park, in Sydney Olympic Park, close to the main plenary hall, Allphones Arena.
Sunday, 1 June
Plenary Session 2
World-renowned expert on leadership Tommy Spaulding will present Changing the World One Relationship at a Time. Other speakers include former Australian cricket star Brett Lee, Diabetes expert Martin Silink, and World Toilet Organization founder Jack Sim.
Sydney Symphony Orchestra performs at the famous Sydney Opera House.
Monday, 2 June
Plenary Session 3
Paralympian, award-winning television broadcaster, motivational speaker, and polio survivor Ade Adepitan will share his story. Other speakers include Maya Ajmera, recipient of the 2013-14 Global Alumni Service to Humanity Award, and Dr. Bruce Aylward of the World Health Organization.
Meet local Rotary club members as they host visitors in their homes, at clubs, or at local restaurants.
Tuesday, 3 June
Plenary Session 4
Speaker include Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar Kelsi Cox and New Generation Chair Ronald Kawaddwa from District 9211 (Uganda).
Wednesday, 4 June
Closing Plenary Session
The convention comes to a close with an acceptance speech from the president-nominee and the president-elect sharing his vision for the coming year. Closing entertainment.
The RI Sydney Convention – It’s not too late to register!
If you haven’t done so can I urge you to register for the Convention? It is not too late but it soon will be. This really is a unique opportunity.
None of us will be able to attend an RI Convention in Sydney again our lifetime.
PDG Marilyn Mercer ran a training session for Convention Volunteers at Sydney Olympic Park the weekend before last. What struck me was the number of D9685 Officials and Volunteers.
Yet only 20% of Rotarians in the District have registered. Why? Well let’s hope that will change dramatically in the next two weeks.
For up to date details about the Convention please check out the latest edition of Corroboree.
Until next time, Engage Rotary Change Lives
Graeme Davies
Governor RI District 9685, 2013-14
Please read the full version of our District Governor's lead article, by clicking here
If you haven’t done so can I urge you to register for the Convention? It is not too late but it soon will be. This really is a unique opportunity.
None of us will be able to attend an RI Convention in Sydney again our lifetime.
PDG Marilyn Mercer ran a training session for Convention Volunteers at Sydney Olympic Park the weekend before last. What struck me was the number of D9685 Officials and Volunteers.
Yet only 20% of Rotarians in the District have registered. Why? Well let’s hope that will change dramatically in the next two weeks.
For up to date details about the Convention please check out the latest edition of Corroboree.
From Corroboree VI or the latest edition of Rotary Down Under you can download a Convention App that allows you have the latest information throughout the Convention.
Congratulations to PDG Tony Castley and his editorial team for the magnificent publication “Rotary says G’day”. Everyone attending will receive a copy in their Convention satchel.
Did you know each club has just received applications for two FREE passes to the Billabong (House of Friendship) on Saturday 31 May 2014? But you must ACT NOW. The offer expires on Friday 16 May. See your Club President or Secretary for details. Applications need to be sent directly to Chairman PRIT Barry Thompson.
Members and their Clubs
I have been asked why I have urged Rotarians to focus on the member rather than membership. The answer is simple. If Rotarians feel valued and a sense of belonging they will be less inclined to leave this great organisation. It is a simple retention strategy.
Across the District as at Tuesday 13 May 2014 we had a membership of 2144 – an increase of 4 since 1 July 2013. But we have inducted many more than 4 Rotarians this year.
So the simple equation is if a focus on members meant that we did not have one Rotarian resign in the remainder of the year and at the same time each club inducted one new member, we would be in a healthy position going into DGE Ian’s year. It is not impossible if there is the will to do so.
Our Stories Our Purpose
The new grants model of the Rotary Foundation introduced this year has given focus to our purpose, produced great stories and embodies Engage Rotary Change Lives. We have never had so many clubs directly participating in Foundation grants and projects.
To continue our work across the world and especially in the eradication of Polio, we need to focus over the next month on honouring our Club goals and increase personal giving by each Rotarian making a donation of any amount they can afford. Remember our District giving is returned and enables us to multiple future grants.
District Changeover is 28 June 2014 at Castle Hill RSL Club. Registrations are now open.
RAWCS is an attractive structure and support network to anyone wishing to participate in Rotary International humanitarian works.
RAWCS Eastern Region (ER) has a practice of rotating its 1/4erly RAWCS meetings through the 6 ER Districts. Our District will host the meeting in November in Leura. It would be wonderful to make this a big, exciting meeting showcasing all the wonderful humanitarian work our District does.
May is Community Service Month. It is also known as Australian Rotary Health Month. And during May our RI Sydney Convention promotion adopts the theme, “It’s not too late”
Our Stories our Purpose
In the last edition of DG eNews I listed some ideas for Clubs to consider when thinking about the beneficiaries of our Charity Accounts. There were two that had the name of a Rotarian but not the program. The first was Philip Smith who does an outstanding job as the District ROMAC Chairman. So if you wish to donate to ROMAC please contact Philip Romac@rotarydistrict9685.org.au. To donate to Interplast contact David and Joan Hart Interplast@rotarydistrict9685.org.au. Remember the goal is to fund an Interplast team next year.
We often talk about the Family of Rotary. It is quite an extended family and has many stories. Many a time we wonder what happened to that young student at MUNA or we hosted as a youth exchange student. I am pleased to share Andrew’s story with you. Like so many touched by Rotary he is most appreciative and shares Rotary values with all of us. We need to make a greater effort to keep in touch. He wrote the following to me this week. Surely Andrew’s story is an example of Engage Rotary, Change Lives
Until next time, Engage Rotary Change Lives
Graeme Davies
Governor RI District 9685, 2013-14
Please read the full version of our District Governor's lead article, by clicking here
May is Community Service Month. It is also known as Australian Rotary Health Month. And during May our RI Sydney Convention promotion adopts the theme, “It’s not too late”
Our Stories our Purpose
In the last edition of DG eNews I listed some ideas for Clubs to consider when thinking about the beneficiaries of our Charity Accounts. There were two that had the name of a Rotarian but not the program. The first was Philip Smith who does an outstanding job as the District ROMAC Chairman. So if you wish to donate to ROMAC please contact Philip Romac@rotarydistrict9685.org.au. To donate to Interplast contact David and Joan Hart Interplast@rotarydistrict9685.org.au. Remember the goal is to fund an Interplast team next year.
We often talk about the Family of Rotary. It is quite an extended family and has many stories. Many a time we wonder what happened to that young student at MUNA or we hosted as a youth exchange student. I am pleased to share Andrew’s story with you. Like so many touched by Rotary he is most appreciative and shares Rotary values with all of us. We need to make a greater effort to keep in touch. He wrote the following to me this week. Surely Andrew’s story is an example of Engage Rotary, Change Lives
Subject: RYPEN Youth Camp
Hi Graeme,
My name is Andrew Long and I was one of the red team leaders at the recent RYPEN Rotaract youth camp in Collaroy. I really enjoyed the opportunity to lead at the camp. It was personally rewarding to see how much the kids took out of the experience. I would be thrilled at the chance to become involved in Rotaract projects in the future.
Since the camp I have sought further involvement in Rotaract and have now joined Rotaract Lower North Shore under the club president Danielle Fogarty. I am really enjoying my involvement in Rotaract so far and look forward to RYPEN camp next year.
Yours faithfully
Andrew
The RI Sydney Convention – It’s not too late to register!
I received a letter from Lindsay May which in typical Lindsay fashion was passionate, inspiring and comprehensive in promoting our Convention. I would like to share it with everyone. Please take the time to read it especially if you have not yet registered for the convention. Read it now
There is always so much to do at an RI Convention. You do need to plan to follow particular interests. I thought the recent Vocational Service Newsletter gave an interesting “theme” approach. It includes a link to World Water Summit VI which - if you have even the remotest interest in WASH projects - you should not miss.
Did you know many District 9685 Clubs and Rotarians have booths in the Billabong (House of Friendship). That is very exciting and we should all make a point of visiting our Rotary friends during the Convention.
We have Rotarians such as Martin Silink (Lane Cove) who has been invited to present a keynote address and Bhuvan Unhelkar (St Ives) representing the Hindu faith at the Interfaith Service.
We also have a club, the Rotary Club of Chatswood Sunrise who not only have the Gro Trees booth in the Billabong but have been invited to make a presentation on the project at a special Breakout Session.
Congratulations to all involved. What a District!
Members and their Clubs
Please check out the May edition of Rotary on the Move. It is always full of great ideas on how to attract members and look after our existing members. Download it
Congratulations to PDG John Wakefield and PDG David Cook who had the honour of being selected as the Rotary International President’s Personal Representative attending District Conferences in Australia and New Zealand.
Remember District Changeover is 28 June 2014 at Castle Hill RSL
From providing clean water to planting trees, Rotary supports the environment. On Earth Day 22 April, leaders around the globe mobilized people to create a sustainable, healthy environment by greening communities.
An array of vocational service activities are planned for the 2014 Rotary International Convention. If you are joining us in Sydney, plan to participate in vocational service breakout sessions and visit the House of Friendship to network with others who share your expertise and interests. You’ll have a chance to learn from program experts, explore service opportunities, build new friendships, and connect with prospective project partners.
Following from last year’s success, Lower North Shore Rotaract is proud to announce that we will be holding the event again. Come along and be blown away by the talents of our Rotaract community. It will be a night filled with laughter, skill, amusement and of course talent!
We would love for you to participate either as a performer or as part of the audience.
Date: Saturday 17th May 2014
Time: 7pm for a 7:30 start
Location: Chatswood High School hall
Price: $20 ($15 for performers - see below for information about registering your act)
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”..
Our stories, our purpose
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.
The RI Sydney Convention
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.
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.
Members and their Clubs
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.
Celebrating Easter
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.
The President of The Rotary Club of Coonamble (Dennis Glover) is seeking urgent assistance in raising funds for the purchase of fodder to deliver to desperate graziers in the Coonamble and Collarenebri areas.
Plan to participate in service-oriented breakout sessions and visit the Billabong House of Friendship to network with others who share your interests. You’ll have a chance to learn from program experts, explore service opportunities, build new friendships, and connect with prospective project partners.
Click here to read more about the preconvention World Water Summit, the Service Breakout Sessions, and the Billabong.
Like a relaxing Sunday afternoon with friends? Like Jazz? Combine the two and come to Jazz at the Pines in Dural, where you can listen to great Jazz under the huge old pine trees at Roughley House, and enjoy the superb views of the Blue Mountains.. Bring your picnic lunch and drinks, or enjoy fabulous home-made afternoon teas from the volunteers in the Visitors Centre. As a bonus you can take a tour of historic Roughley House (built 1856) during breaks in the music. If you book early you can secure a table and chairs or you can also bring your own folding chairs or a blanket to relax on the ground.
When: The next two events are from 12:30 to 4:00 PM on:
Sunday 20 April (Easter Sunday) Zenith Jazz Quintet
Sunday 18 May Bridge City Jazz
Where: Dural Visitors Centre and Roughley House, 656a Old Northern Road, Dural, just up from the Dural Country Club.
Attending the 2014 Convention in Sydney? Hear the basics about the program and venues and learn how to use the mobile app. Join us on 30 April for a convention orientation webinar!
Rotary International is pleased to present this orientation webinar for people attending the Sydney Convention this June.
This webinar will help prepare you to make the most of your convention experience. You'll learn:
Highlights of the convention plenary and breakout programs
How to use Rotary’s convention mobile app
Suggestions for setting personal goals
Resources to help you before and during the convention
Oh, and for the other 20,000 attendees from outside Sydney:
Tips for finding your way around Sydney and the venues at Sydney Olympic Park
This webinar will start at 10:00am AEST on Wednesday, 30 April.
Turia Pitt was badly burned during the 2011 Kimberley Ultra-marathon. Burns to 65% of her body, multiple finger amputations, over twenty operations… the list goes on!
Interplast is a charity that provides free reconstructive to people living in developing nations. So they could perform surgery on people with cleft palate, women who are victims of an acid attack or even other burn survivors.
Following a recent trip to Laos, she believes in Interplast even more now that she has seen the tangible impact that this organisation has.
We invite you to view the latest Newsletter from Road Safety Education Limited. In this edition, Director of Education, David Murray talks about the new Australian health and physical education curriculum. Also we discuss the review of the RYDA Program, NZTA's new Drive Social Campaign, changes to New Zealand's drink driving laws and some of the new active safety systems recently announced by Toyota. We feature the current 'hot' topic of mindful driving as well as an article on how to maximise a power-nap to help combat driver fatigue.
Rotary is receiving significant international media coverage this week for its role in the historic polio-free certification of the World Health Organization’s South-East Asia region.
Rotary also received extensive media coverage throughout 2013, with more than 626 news organizations in 35 countries featuring our humanitarian efforts. Of those ...
Tommy Spaulding, a world-renowned speaker who focuses on leadership, is on the program of inspiring speakers at the Rotary International Convention in Sydney, 1-4 June. President of the Spaulding Companies Corporation, he has spoken to hundreds of organizations around the globe and is author of the book It's Not Just Who You Know.
Other confirmed speakers include Ade Adepitan, a television broadcaster and polio survivor; Dr. Bruce Aylwardgeneral for Polio, Emergencies, and Country Collaboration at the World Health Organization; and Gemma Sisia, founder of the School of St. Jude in Tanzania.
You will recall that in the last DG eNews I explained for the remainder of the current Rotary year the DG eNews will be shorter and more direct. Each issue will focus on the same three topics.
Purpose
To attract potential members the purpose of Rotary needs to be clearly evident in what we say and do. How can this be done? Simply by turning conversations into actions!
An example is the Rotary Club of Katoomba’s “Celebrate North Katoomba” project. At this upcoming celebration community event the club will launch a “Pop-up Playground”. This is a most innovative community project that began with an idea based on an identified need. Rotarians turned their conversation into action. The outcome is Rotarians contributing to the social fabric of their community.
A characteristic of Rotary everywhere is the role it plays as a catalyst to achieve goals that change lives and communities. That is a key feature of Rotary’s Global Polio Eradication project.
Congratulations Rotary. The WHO South East Asia Region has been certified polio free. Read about it here
Finally, thank you Gosford North Rotarians. Recent comments by John Singleton on 2GB and reported in the Telegraph damaged the Rotary brand. They demonstrated a total lack of understanding of Rotary’s purpose.
Although the Telegraph didn’t publish the DG’s letter to the editor, Manly Rotarians swamped the 2GB switch board.
Gosford North went one step further. They invited John Singleton to their club. Read Assistant Governor, Ray Southeren’s report here.
The RI Sydney International Convention
The Sydney Convention remains great value at the full registration rate. Our promotional theme for April is, “Participate in an amazing event as your city comes alive at the Convention”.
Check out the latest bumper edition Corroboree. It is packed with information including the full entertainment program for the Billabong House of Friendship, transport details and how to order your Sydney Convention Commemorative Medal. Read it now
Corroboree reflects the great work our local Host Organising Committee is doing on our behalf. We thank them.
There are so many ways you can be involved in the Convention. The response to Host a Dinner and Homestay programs has been fantastic but more offers are needed. Details are in the latest Corroboree.
DGE Ian is the man behind the Convention’s “Great Aussie BBQ”. You don’t even need to be registered to help Ian achieve this highlight activity. District 9685 needs to show solidarity on making this a success. Please respond to Ian’s recent email seeking assistance.
Members and their clubs
At our District Conference we asked t Rotarians to shift from a focus on membership to a focus on members.
All members need to be involved in their club’s activities.
This is certainly the case for Rotarians from Ku-ring-gai, Turramurra and St Ives who once a year organise the Bobbin Head Classic Cycle Event. Over 1500 cyclists participate!
A District meeting of all clubs (including Castle Hill and Richmond) involved in cycle events will be held in the near future to coordinate the promotion of these increasingly popular community events.
It is also the case for Rotarians from Woy Woy who present Opera in the Arboretum.
These signature events certainly showcase Rotary.
Rotarians involved feel the deep joy of belonging and helping others as they engage Rotary, change lives.
The Rotary Club of Gosford North invited Mr. John Singleton along to their meeting as a guest speaker. Mr Singleton said he was keen to accept the invitation to explain a comment he made a few week ago on the radio station 2GB.
John took some time to explain that his statement was completely out of character for him and that he wanted to give an unequivocal apology to Rotary for his comment. His remark was made on the spur of the moment and goes against everything he believes about the contribution volunteers make to our community.
He said he had always supported and admired the work all volunteer groups make, especially the firefighters, lifeguards and the members of all the service clubs. In making this statement he
felt he had let them down and asked the members to accept his apology on behalf of all of these groups.
John also spent some time talking about his passion for the Central Coast and the number of times the Coast had missed out on things it deserved. He also gave the members a few tips on horse breeding, mainly don’t do it, and the joy of owning a radio station.
Assistant Governor, Bhuvan Unhelkargot the opportunity to be a Guest speaker at one of the clubs from his hometown. It turned out that President Chandresh (RC Baroda Jawaharnagar) turned out to be a uni chum.
At the start of the meeting, Bhuvan conveyed greetings from St Ives and DG Graeme, exchanged banners but even more importantly gave away a Roo (he has been carrying a few stuffed Kangaroos and Koalas with G'Day badges pinned on them) to their club. Looks like President Chandresh and his good wife might be one more addition to our guest list from India for the convention!
The Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) on 27 March congratulated the countries in the South-East Asia Region of the World Health Organization (WHO) on being certified polio-free, a historic milestone in the worldwide effort to end polio. The 11 countries in the region are home to 1.8 billion people and represent the fourth of six WHO regions of the globe to become polio-free. Read more.
In a special ceremony at Parliament House on Friday 21 March, the NSW State Parliament presented the Rotary Club of Pittwater with a Certificate of Commendation. The award recognisess fundraising efforts on behalf of Mona Vale Hospital, specifically the Northern Beaches Spring Concert 2013.
Register by 31 March for the 2014 Rotary International Convention in Sydney for your last chance to save on registration fees. After 31 March, the basic fee of $360 increases to $410, and you'll only be able to register online or on-site.
From 1 to 4 June, you'll have the chance to hear from our lineup of inspiring speakers, including: Ade Adepitan, British TV presenter and polio survivor; Dr. Bruce Aylward, assistant director-general for Polio, Emergencies, and Country Collaboration at the World Health Organization; Gemma Sisia, founder of the School of St. Jude in Tanzania; and Tommy Spaulding, world-renowned expert on leadership.
Want to create positive change while at the convention? You can donate a new children's book at the Labyrinth for Literacy project in the Billabong House of Friendship or pack meals for hungry families in need at the Stop Hunger Now booth. You can head outside to take part in the End Polio Now – Make History Today 3K Walk or join RI President Ron Burton on the Sydney Harbour Bridge as we raise money for polio eradication and attempt to break two world records.
Register today and don't miss out on this special opportunity to experience Rotary on an international level – and save a little money, too.
This year, Wasrag World Water Summit is focusing on the benefits of effective collaboration. In Rotary, we know working together is better. Effective WASH programs start with the community in need, and include input from government, local implementers, and technical experts, to name a few. How best to bring the right people to the table? What makes a great program team? What are NGO implementers looking for from Rotary Clubs?
Following Typhoon Haiyan in November 2013, DG Graeme Davies established a committee to focus on short and long term relief projects in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan. This committee is now up and running.
At a recent Rotary meeting at Rotary Club Roseville Chase, the guest speaker Consul General of the Philippines, Mrs Anne Jalando-on Louis gave an update on the relief effort to date and stated that it was also the expectation of the Philippines Government that long term projects would be required at least until 2017 in order to best help the people most effected by the Typhoon.
The catch phrase is BUILD BACK BETTER
With almost 90 Rotary Clubs in District 9685 we ask that when looking at your 2013-14 club donations that you consider a donation, no matter how small (or large). It will not take us very long to achieve our Annual Target for the Financial year 2013-14 of $50,000 to $70,000. These funds will be distributed to the projects being considered and listed in this donation ideas paper.
Registration is open for the next Rotary Leadership Institute course. The dates for the three parts are Saturday 16 August, 30 August and Saturday 2o September.
The three part program starts at 8:30 for 9:00am and finishes around 3:30 in the afternoon. Morning tea and lunch are provided.
The course is held at the District 9685 office in Thornleigh. Certificates will be presented when the full course has been completed.
The full cost of the course is $110 but this is currently being subsidised by district. So get in fast while this subsidy is still available as the three part course will only cost you or your club $55 at the moment.
If you are an incoming Club Officer or if you simply want to learn more about Rotary, join this course by emailng rli@rotarydistrict9685.org.au
Course 18 will follow for interested Rotarians who cannot be placed in Course 17 or for whom the dates are unsuitable.
We are about to enter the final quarter of the 2013-14 Rotary year and it is time for a DG eNews policy change. It is based on the adage “less is more”.
I have discussed this change with both the DG eNews readers and they agree! Michael McQueen delivered a harsh reality to delegates at the 2011 Rotary International Conference: You must change or you will not survive. We need to do more than survive, we need to thrive.
Why? Past Rotary International Director John Carrick said, “Of one fact there is no doubt. We will never run out of customers.” Simply the world needs Rotary so we need to thrive
For the remainder of the year the DG eNews will be shorter and more direct. But each issue will focus on the same three topics.
The RI Sydney International Convention
The RI Sydney Convention is included because for District 9685 Rotarians it will be the most affordable Convention ever. We have a once in a life time opportunity to experience the power, diversity and internationality of Rotary right here in Sydney. And the good news is your President has Registration forms. You don’t even have to go online BUT ONLY if you register before 31 March 2014. Even better you save US$50.
Already registered? Then please help a Rotarian friend register at riconvention.org
Members and their clubs
At our District Conference we asked t Rotarians to shift from a focus on membership to a focus on members. I recently ran a report on the Rotary Club of Anywhere Inc. It described the welcome a visiting Rotarian received. She was completely ignored.
So let us start by being the change we want to see. The change can be so easy. Imagine if every Rotarian engaged with a Club visitor (including Guest Speakers) not by talking about membership but reaching out, sharing a drink, showing genuine interest and listening to the visitor. It can be that easy to make a significant shift in developing an inclusive culture. And if people feel included they are likely to be attracted to find out more.
Purpose
To attract potential members the purpose of Rotary needs to be clearly evident in what we say and do. A visitor talking to Sue O’Neil and Graham Taylor over dinner would learn that two million babies born every year in the developing world die on the first day of their lives. The visitor would discover the impact the “Rotary Network in Motion” program is having in changing lives of these babies and mothers. Read more about these inspirational Rotarians and their project here
We are about to enter the final quarter of the 2013-14 Rotary year and it is time for a DG eNews policy change. It is based on the adage “less is more”.
I have discussed this change with both the DG eNews readers and they agree! Michael McQueen delivered a harsh reality to delegates at the 2011 Rotary International Conference: You must change or you will not survive. We need to do more than survive, we need to thrive.
Why? Past Rotary International Director John Carrick said, “Of one fact there is no doubt. We will never run out of customers.” Simply the world needs Rotary so we need to thrive
For the remainder of the year the DG eNews will be shorter and more direct. But each issue will focus on the same three topics.....
So far the Recreational Vehicle Fellowship of Rotarians (RVFR) has about 80 couples accommodated at Lane Cove National Park for the Rotary International Convention.
There still are some sites and cabins available so if you have interest please go to the RVFR website for more information and booking details.
Rotary International is pleased to present this five-part webinar series to support the Rotary family in producing sustainable service projects.
The series will highlight different strategies, best practices, and Rotary resources available to help clubs and districts undertake successful, sustainable service initiatives, using real-life examples from Rotarians.
In this webinar (part 4 in the series):
Learn best practices for implementing your project and leading volunteers
Understand how to define and coordinate roles and responsibilities within your project team
Learn how to manage your service project budget
Space is limited to 500 attendees, so register today!
Registration details are here. Note that the timing for the second Englkish webinar is 10am Wednesday 26 March AEDST
All club Directors and Chairs are asked to register for the District Assembly now.
District Assembly is being held at Abbotsleigh School
1666 Pacific Highway (Cnr Ada Avenue), Wahroonga 2076
8.30am Saturday 12 April 2014
The purpose of the District Assembly is to prepare incoming club leaders for their year in office and to build their leadership team. It also gives the incoming District Governor, and the incoming Assistant Governors and District Team the opportunity to motivate club leadership teams and build their working relationship.
It is essential that each club send the relevant Director or Avenue of Service Chair to the Assembly for the entire day. Please encourage your fellow Rotarians to register and attend. If they have done it before, there is always something new to learn and experience to share. If that is not possible, please ensure that someone attends each session whether or not there is a specific person with that responsibility in your club - they can take the knowledge back with them.
We report back to you - on your views from the workshops and surveys conducted recently. Hear more about what we've been doing .
Engage with us to bring our conversations into action.
In the 35 years since women have been eligible for Rotary membership, in Australia there are 7,049 female members out of a total 31,041. The perception still exists across the world that women are not allowed or welcome in Rotary. We all know that Rotary needs to grow and it needs to be relevant. Did you see Michael McQueen's presentation at the Conference?
Let's work together on recruiting and retaining women - not only in our district, but nationally and across borders!
Listen to the findings so far, join the Q&A and help us put "Gender on the Agenda". Let's use effective strategies to reach out into our communities and ensure men and women can work together for good in the world, for Rotary's future.
The last of our Conference webinar series reported back on our views from the workshops and surveys conducted recently.
Engage with us to bring our conversations into action.
In the 35 years since women have been eligible for Rotary membership, in Australia there are 7,049 female members out of a total 31,041. The perception still exists across the world that women are not allowed or welcome in Rotary. We all know that Rotary needs to grow and it needs to be relevant. Did you see Michael McQueen's presentation at the Conference?
Let's work together on recruiting and retaining women - not only in our district, but nationally and across borders!
Listen to the findings so far, join the Q&A and help us put "Gender on the Agenda". Let's use effective strategies to reach out into our communities and ensure men and women can work together for good in the world, for Rotary's future.
In 1896, Paul Harris went to Chicago to practice law. One evening, in the early 1900's, Paul went with a professional friend to his suburban home. After dinner, as they strolled through the neighbourhood, Paul's friend introduced him to tradesmen in their stores. This reminded Paul of his grandparent's home in New England. "Why not have a fellowship composed of businessmen from different occupations, without restrictions of politics or religion?" he thought.
This re-enactment by members of the Willoughby Theatre Company was staged at the Rotary District 9685 Conference on 23 February 2014 - 109 years after Rotary became a reality.
Registration is open for the next Rotary Leadership Institute course. The dates for the three parts are Saturday 12 July, 26 July and Saturday 2 August.
The three part program starts at 8:30 for 9:00am and finishes around 3:30 in the afternoon. Morning tea and lunch are provided.
The course is held at the District 9685 office in Thornleigh. Certificates will be presented when the full course has been completed.
The full cost of the course is $110 but this is currently being subsidised by district. So get in fast while this subsidy is still available as the three part course will only cost you or your club $55 at the moment.
If you are an incoming Club Officer or if you simply want to learn more about Rotary, join this course by emailng rli@rotarydistrict9685.org.au
Course 17 will follow for interested Rotarians who cannot be placed in Course 16 or for whom the dates are unsuitable.
Well our One Day Conference was well received and we are now in the middle of the Webinar Series which is part of the online component of the Conference.
Let me begin by thanking all those who attended. Your involvement and enthusiasm on the day set the positive tone which characterised the Conference. Many of the presenters were Rotarians who gave willingly of their time. The standard of presentations was exceptional. Thank you. We were fortunate to have wonderful sponsors and I will continue to draw reference to them in coming weeks. Of course The Concourse was a first class venue. The staff was very professional and an absolute delight. The quality of the entertainment was a special feature. All performers donated their time and talent. Many thanks.
A special thank you also goes to our Rotary International President’s Personal Representative, PDG Trish Boyle from the Rotary Club of Invercargill North, NZ. Trish’s encouragement and insightful comments were appreciated by all.
On behalf of all District 9685 Rotarians, I give a huge thank you to the Rotary Clubs of Chatswood, Chatswood Sunrise, Chatswood International, Roseville Chase and Lane Cove whose members were terrific attending to the Rotary Showcase in Chatswood Mall, then fronting up to set up the Showcase at the Conference, attend to Registration and act as marshals.
Finely we were blessed to have the best Conference Committee ever. Thank you Noel, Les, John M, Tom, Bobby and John S. Outstanding! I need to also recognise Rod a non-Rotarian who volunteered two straight days with Bobby on making the live streaming a reality.
Thank you everyone. A great effort by all!
The webinars are being shown live at 7.30PM each night to allow clubs to include participating during the meeting.
The good news is Clubs and Rotarians can access the Conference proceedings at any time. Not only through recorded ‘Highlight Packages’ but through USTREAM which provides a recording of the whole conference and is very easy to navigate. In addition, each of the online Webinars can be accessed at any time. Go to live.rotarydistrict9685.org.au for all the details, including tonight’s webinar.
It is the One Day Conference that lasts forever.
I sincerely hope Clubs and Rotarians plan to access these features in the coming weeks. Putting together a District Conference is a huge undertaking. We were delighted to have 650 registered for the Conference. But as far as I know there was not a club that made a transferred meeting to encourage and facilitate attendance at Conference. Further 650 represents less than 20% of actual Rotarians in the District when adjusted for wives, partners and non-Rotarian guests. That percentage simply does not justify the effort.
That is why it is important that all Rotarians benefit from the Conference proceedings by accessing the program on-line.
A Happy Post Conference Governor Graeme
Convention News
In the effort of saving cost and staying green to our environment, club’s Credential Certificate(s) for the Sydney, Australia Convention will be sent to clubs via email by 14 March 2014. When this email is received, please kindly print out the Credential Certificate(s) and give it/them to your delegate(s) to bring along to the Convention.
Duplicate Credential Certificates will not be issued. If a Club does not receive or cannot print out the Certificate(s) they should issue a letter to their delegate(s) attending the Convention using club’s letterhead (if available), indicating the name of the delegate(s) and also the club’s number of memberships as of 31 December 2013. This letter, signed by club President and Secretary, will be accepted in lieu of the Certificate(s) on site at the Voting Delegate Booth.
To help ensure that email from Rotary is not rejected or filtered as spam, please encourage club officers to add rotary_international_sar@microdg.com as approved.
Convention Affiliated Events
As we move closer to the Convention we will increasingly receive information about events affiliated with the Convention. These events are open to local as well as Rotarians from overseas. This link is for some special tours being offered by Rotary E Club One, Rotary Club of Sydney CBD and some Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Wahroonga.
Community PHF Awards
Thanks to PDG John Dodd, a number of Clubs took advantage of an offer to present a PHF to a worthy non-Rotarian in the community. The Rotary Club of Frenchs Forest and Pittwater recently made joint presentations at a special meeting. Click to see the media release and photographs
Water and Sanitation Projects
Many Clubs undertake very valuable projects I water and sanitation. The Water and Sanitation Rotary Action Group provides valuable information and support for anyone undertaking such projects. Link to website
A new Australian Rotary Health project
Australian Rotary Health is leading Australia in the prevention of mental disorders. Click here to read about new research funding, national community health forums and the launch of an electronic newsletter.
Volunteers please to assist with a worthy project
The Bobbin Head Classic is a mammoth community and fundraising event. It highlights what Rotary can do. Money is being raised to assist Lifeline (Harbour to Hawkesbury), KYDS, Bo Children's Hospital and Eagles Raps. Lifeline is the major recipient of the funds raised with half of all the proceeds going to this very worthy organisation. This is a combined Rotary Club event.
Volunteers are needed on the day to assist with the organisation on the day, mainly to sit beside the route, assisting cyclists with directions when necessary. There are other jobs, but this is the main one. The event starts and ends at Karuah Oval, Eastern - Road, Turramurra.
If you are able to assist or would like more information please email dstewart48@bigpond.com.
Well our One Day Conference was well received and we are now in the middle of the Webinar Series which is part of the online component of the Conference.
Let me begin by thanking all those who attended. Your involvement and enthusiasm on the day set the positive tone which characterised the Conference. Many of the presenters were Rotarians who gave willingly of their time. The standard of presentations was exceptional. Thank you. We were fortunate to have wonderful sponsors and I will continue to draw reference to them in coming weeks. Of course The Concourse was a first class venue. The staff was very professional and an absolute delight. The quality of the entertainment was a special feature. All performers donated their time and talent. Many thanks.
A special thank you also goes to our Rotary International President’s Personal Representative, PDG Trish Boyle from the Rotary Club of Invercargill North, NZ. Trish’s encouragement and insightful comments were appreciated by all.
On behalf of all District 9685 Rotarians, I give a huge thank you to the Rotary Clubs of Chatswood, Chatswood Sunrise, Chatswood International, Roseville Chase and Lane Cove whose members were terrific attending to the Rotary Showcase in Chatswood Mall, then fronting up to set up the Showcase at the Conference, attend to Registration and act as marshals.
Finely we were blessed to have the best Conference Committee ever. Thank you Noel, Les, John M, Tom, Bobby and John S. Outstanding! I need to also recognise Rod a non-Rotarian who volunteered two straight days with Bobby on making the live streaming a reality.
Thank you everyone. A great effort by all!
The webinars are being shown live at 7.30PM each night to allow clubs to include participating during the meeting.
The good news is Clubs and Rotarians can access the Conference proceedings at any time. Not only through recorded ‘Highlight Packages’ but through USTREAM which provides a recording of the whole conference and is very easy to navigate. In addition, each of the online Webinars can be accessed at any time. Go to live.rotarydistrict9685.org.au for all the details, including tonight’s webinar.
It is the One Day Conference that lasts forever.
I sincerely hope Clubs and Rotarians plan to access these features in the coming weeks. Putting together a District Conference is a huge undertaking. We were delighted to have 650 registered for the Conference. But as far as I know there was not a club that made a transferred meeting to encourage and facilitate attendance at Conference. Further 650 represents less than 20% of actual Rotarians in the District when adjusted for wives, partners and non-Rotarian guests. That percentage simply does not justify the effort.
That is why it is important that all Rotarians benefit from the Conference proceedings by accessing the program on-line.
Having joined this charity as Chief Executive in early 2013, I have not stopped being amazed at the high quality and hard work everyone at ShelterBox does, including affiliates and volunteers, day in and day out, with limited resources. Our response to Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines is a prime example and has been our most testing disaster to date.
I’ve just returned from the Asian country as I wanted to see for myself how our aid has been helping the devastated communities. What an eye-opener it was. In just over 100 days we've helped shelter nearly 6,000 families.
The Rotary Club of the Hills-Kellyville is holding its second annual fundraiser “Eat A Meal – Save A Child’s Life” on 3 May 2014 to assist ROMAC to bring children to Australia and New Zealand who have been waiting for a long time for lifesaving and dignity restoring surgeries.
Have you considered hosting a Rotary Youth Exchange student from another district (possibly another state) during the Rotary International Convention in Sydney 1-4 June.
We are expecting a large number of youth exchange students from around the country to attend and many will require housing.
Rotary Leads Australia in Mental Health Prevention
Mental disorders have become the main source of disability burden in Australia. In response, funding from the Australian Government has supported an increase in treatment services. However, as the percentage of people seeking treatment has risen from 37% to 46%, the prevalence of mental disorders in Australia appears to be unchanged. So the question remains: how do we reduce the impact of mental health on the Australian community?
Royce Abbey, former RI President and war hero, dies at 91
A.H. Royce Abbey, a former RI president and World War II hero who championed the inclusion of women members in Rotary clubs, died on 20 February. He was 91.
In addition to his term as RI president in 1988-89, he served as RI vice president and director, Foundation trustee chair, committee member and chair, International Assembly moderator, and district governor. Abbey, who joined Rotary in 1954, was a member of the Rotary Club of Essendon, Victoria, Australia.
“I will always remember Royce for his enthusiasm, his relentless energy, and ‘can do’ attitude,” says Clem Renouf, a fellow Australian Rotary member, who served as RI president in 1978-79. “He always said, ‘Rotary takes ordinary men and gives them extraordinary opportunities to do more with their lives than they had ever dreamed possible.’”
During his term as RI president, one of the most dramatic changes ...
NOW AVAILABLE : Australian Rules Football (AFL) Match tickets
Australian Rules Football (AFL) Match – Sydney Swans vs Geelong Cats Thursday 29 May 2014
The Sydney Swans will host Rotarians at the first game of the AFL Indigenous Round at the historic SCG, against Geelong Cats. It should be a fantastic game and is expected to be a sell-out. The Sydney Swans have souvenirs for Rotarians attending the game and images of Rotary will appear on the screens during the game breaks.
Details: Thursday May 29 2014
Round 11 – Indigenous Round Sydney Swans v Geelong Cats
Sydney Cricket Ground, Driver Avenue, Moore Park, Sydney
First bounce: 7.10pm | Gates open 5:30pm
Official match day presentation commences: 6.30pm
Ticket offers:
All tickets include GST. Please note, there may be an additional transaction fee that applies to each booking.
There are a range of exclusive ticket offers for Rotarians & Rotary International convention delegates from fine dining to sitting in the grandstand, eating hot meat pies among the thousands of passionate Swans supporters.
Brand Design Competition -The North Ryde Fun Run Event
Do you know a student of graphic design, web design or marketing who could design a visual identity for a new Rotary fund raising event? They could be recognised publicly as the winning designer, add to their portfolio, become our event's Marketing Manager, plus win a shopping voucher for $250.
Please encourage them to enter the Brand Design Competition to create a logo, colour palette and type face for the North Ryde Fun Run. The Brand Design competition is open from 29 February to 29 March and the entry criteria and more information is available at www.northrydefunrun.com.au. The proceeds from the North Ryde Fun Run will go to Australian Rotary Health for research into youth mental health, and other worthy projects.
The Host Organising Committee are pleased to offer a range of special events designed to help you get a feel for how Aussies enjoy themselves, from the quirky Gnome Convention to meeting and spending time with Australian Rotarians and their families.
Don't forget the Sydney Convention Down Under Breakfast - book now here
Included below are three Convention affiliated events which we are pleased to offer to our members.
The first two outstanding functions are of course Sydney based and will offer local members to meet visiting Rotarians from around the world. They are highly recommended.
Buy your CD, get a Book, or simply make a Donation
Did you miss out on getting Kamahl's Heart & Soul CD at the District Conference? Or perhaps you didn't see Don Stein's A Fire in the Belly?
Maybe you simply want to make a donation after hearing the fantasic story that this District has played in the End Polio campaign.
This is your opportunity to contribute to the End Polio campaign - part or all of the proceeds from these three opportunities will be donated to End Polio Now.
In Australia we take great pride in the accomplishments of our outstanding citizens, most of whom become household names. But sometimes, someone remarkable slips through the cracks. Such a person is Don Stein. This humble, down-to-earth, ‘ordinary’ man embodies all the characteristics of the quiet achiever.
Born in the middle of the Great Depression and raised on a poultry farm in the quaint bushland suburb of N.S.W, Don credits his parents for giving him the mantra of success – honesty, integrity, respect and trust ...
Typical of the man he was, Don started all over again and acknowledges that it was in large part thanks to the loyalty of friends and colleagues that Don Stein Plant Hire became the triumph that it was ...
His is an incredible story ... Don simply had the ‘fire in the belly’ to make a difference. A truly inspirational life.
Here are a couple of ways you can experience, arguably, the best District Conference ever.
The Rotary Showcase on the Urban Screen
The urban screen at The Concourse showcased Rotary during the Conference. It was one of three opportunities for Rotary organisations to showcase their projects in conjunction with the District Conference.
There were almost 130 viewers in 11 countries who watched on-line on the day!
Stay Tuned
Some video highlights and Conference presentations will be posted shortly at live.rotarydistrict9685.org.au. Also, there is a series of webinars next week. Get the webinar details here.
Nomination of District Governor, District 9685, 2016-17 - changed dates
A reminder that nominations are now open for the post of District 9685 Governor for the Rotary year 2016-2017.
Interested Rotarians must have been in Rotary for five or more years, and must have completed at least one full year as a club president.
Nominations must be supported by the Rotarian’s club, but in the first instance interested Rotarians should advise PDG David Rands or District Governor Graeme of their interest and further information will then be provided.
Applications for the post of Governor 2016-17 will close on 31 March (previously 8 April), and the candidate interviews will be held at the District office, Suite 3, 7 Sefton Road Thornleigh on Sunday 13 April (previously 4 May).
Being a district governor is one of the most challenging and rewarding roles a Rotarian can have, and we have many very able and qualified leaders in our district capable of taking the position.
For further information, please contact PDG David Rands, Chairman, Nominating Committee, District 9685 Governor, 2016-17 on 9498 5692, 0408 255 015, or by email dbrands@bigpond.com
For the first time in the history of our District (and its predecessors), the District Conference was beamed live direct from the Concert Hall at The Concourse on 23 February!
This initiative by DG Graeme stemmed from a desire to have an on-line component in conjunction with the District Conference and to supplement the content at the Conference itself. So Conference delegates, those from our District who did not attend, other Rotarians throughout Australia and the rest of the world, and the public generally had and will have a chance to tune-in.
Thank you to all who watched and posted on Facebook or tweeted about the live broadcast.
Some video highlights will be posted shortly at live.rotarydistrict9685.org.au and there is a series of webinars next week.
Continue to use the hashtag as the packages become available and the webinars go to air. The hashtag is #d9685con
Lyn and I look forward to meeting many of you at the “Come Alive in District 9685” Conference which is now just a few days away. Those unable to attend please take the opportunity to be part of the online component over the next couple of weeks. Other initiatives associated with the Conference will be announced on Sunday at the Conference. Check Conference Website for details
This is a whole new approach and we will be interested in your feedback.
District 9675 Shift Conference Saturday 1 March 2014
Rotarians may wish to register for this innovative Conference. It will of interest to all those wanting to engage with Sydney’s business community. You may well have associates who will be interested in this Conference. Please consider the request from DG Garry Browne below.
Please share around this Rotary-branded SHIFT2014 promotional PDF flyer - click here to download.
If you plan to attend but haven't booked yet, it would be great if you could do so ASAP. For a quick and easy link to book online via the District 9675 Website just click here.
Report on District Governor’s Visit to Rotary Club of Anywhere Inc.
The DG was invited to the club meeting through a phone call from the Club Secretary. As it was a Partners’ Night the time was a half hour later than the normal meeting time. The club has had a membership of around 27 for many years. It has two women members.
The DG and DG Partner arrived a half hour before the commencement of the meeting to allow time to chat with Rotarians and partners. As they entered the room, two Rotarians approach the DG and asked if they could have a word about an important matter before others took his time and moved him to a corner of the room. It seemed most Rotarians had arrived at the normal meeting time and were in groups engaged in conversation. Others had gathered at the bar waiting to place an order. The women members had not yet arrived.
The DG glanced across at his wife who was standing near the entrance of the room. No one had approached her. She smiled across to the DG and indicated she would get some drinks. She took her place in the bar queue and smiled to the Rotarian in front of her who turned and looked the other way. Three Rotarians joined the queue behind her. She greeted the person immediately behind who responded with a nod and resumed listening to the story being told by one of his group. She stood without further conversation until she reached the bar.
This report will be continued in the next DG eNews.
Drought Appeal
Please let me know of any D9685 Club that has a Drought Relief Appeal or Project underway. A Club that has a connection with a rural club may well have provided assistance.
While we check out what is happening in D9685, the Rotary Club of Sydney in association with Macquarie Broadcasting has a large appeal underway. Clubs may elect to support this already established appeal
A request from the DG
Rotarians are requested to cc appropriate Avenue of Service Chairman emails relating to projects being undertaken by their club. The same request is made to District Committees to also cc Avenue of Service Chairman as appropriate about their projects. This will ensure the Chairman can keep up to date with what is happening in the District.
Special Guest Gemma Sisia
Gemma (Founder of The School of St Jude) is guest speaker at the Rotary Club of Turramurra on 4 March. Details here
Australia Day Honours
This will be the last call for details of Rotarians who received Honours or Local Government Awards.
The Rotary Club of Gosford North will hold a special celebration on 24 February 2014. One of the projects is “Save Our Kids from Suicide”. The club has donated $33,000 over the past two years to Lifeline to present a new “Safe Talk” program to schools. It is believed this program saved 12 lives in its first year. Details
Disaster Aid Australia
The latest Newsletter has information about Rebuilding Communities in Philippines.
Photographic Competition
The Corlu 100th Year Rotary Club is sponsoring a photography competition. Details here
Good Newsagency
This initiative of Rotary District D2080 has lots of stories related to UN Millennium Goal Read it
International Fellowship of Motorcycling Rotarians
Being a member of a Rotary Fellowship is an excellent way to build international understanding and goodwill. Read the latest Newsletter from this fellowship and go to the IFMR Australia website
ShelterBox Australia
The most recent Newsletter includes information about the Syrian Refugee Appeal.
Lyn and I look forward to meeting many of you at the “Come Alive in District 9685” Conference which is now just a few days away. Those unable to attend please take the opportunity to be part of the online component over the next couple of weeks. Other initiatives associated with the Conference will be announced on Sunday at the Conference. Check Conference Website for details
This is a whole new approach and we will be interested in your feedback.
District 9675 Shift Conference Saturday 1 March 2014
Rotarians may wish to register for this innovative Conference. It will of interest to all those wanting to engage with Sydney’s business community. You may well have associates who will be interested in this Conference. Please consider the request from DG Garry Browne below.
Please share around this Rotary-branded SHIFT2014 promotional PDF flyer - click here to download.
If you plan to attend but haven't booked yet, it would be great if you could do so ASAP. For a quick and easy link to book online via the District 9675 Website just click here.
Use our new Brand Center to help strengthen Rotary's image in your community
Read about the launch of Rotary’s Brand Center -- your gateway to creating professional-looking communications and visuals with our refreshed look and feel. You can create your own club or district logo and find customizable templates for brochures, newsletters, PowerPoint presentations, fliers, and more. Best of all, the center is easy to use! To get started, just sign in to My Rotary and click on Brand Center, found under the Manage tab on the navigation bar. Guides are available in the help section.
The Brand Center is part of the Strengthening Rotary initiative, which helps us tell Rotary’s story in a clear and compelling way. For more information about the initiative, register for the Strengthen Rotary course in the Learning Center. The course includes a Strengthen Your Club video and a “What Is Rotary?” worksheet.
Update #27 from Phil Koperberg
Blue Mountains Bushfire Recovery Coordinator
12 February 2014
Dear resident,
My tenure as Recovery Coordinator under the NSW Government comes to and end this Friday, February 14.
Much to my delight, Blue Mountains Council has taken the initiative and requested I stay on to assist Council in the longer term recovery effort.
I have accepted the part-time position and it brings me great relief to know I have the opportunity to remain part of the recovery and future planing for the wider Blue Mountains.
The position starts week commencing February 17. While I await confirmation of further details, I can be reached on my mobile number
0415 221 604.
Given that the average age of Timorese is only eighteen, that half the children under five are malnourished, that a third of the population perished over the last two decades and that many of the young people have never had mentors, leadership was seen as being absolutely critical to the emerging independent Timor Leste.
Since 2002 our Rotary District has been bringing young Timorese to Sydney to participate in RYLA - (Rotary Youth Leadership Award) – a weeklong intensive leadership camp for up to 100 young people 18 –26 years of age. Each visitor was funded by Rotary club donations.
Roseville Chase's meeting last Tuesday heard from Hon Anne Jalando-on Louis, Consul General Philippines.
One of the comments made was that the embassy would like details of Rotary projects being undertaken in the Philippines. If you have a project there and the Embassy does not know about it, please make it known.
Gosford City recognised some of its finest citizens at the annual Gosford City Australia Day Community Awards.
On Australia Day, three NSW Central Coast Rotarians, Peter Pearce, Laurie Maher and Charles Brock were named as winners in the Gosford City Australia Day Community Awards.
Dr. Bruce Aylward is Assistant director-general for Polio, Emergencies, and Country Collaboration at the World Health Organization. He will be speaking at Plenary Session 3. Read more about Bruce Aylward
If you're looking for project ideas, strategies for strengthening your membership, or advice about fundraising, writing grant proposals, or talking to the media, breakout sessions offer an excellent opportunity to learn from fellow Rotary members while sharing your own experiences. Sessions are held Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.
As the train came closer to Sydney my phone rang and Francois had caught an earlier train due to a few timing issues with his friends. I booked into the hotel and rang Francois from reception we met 10 minutes later. We went for a walk along Pitt Street and found a quiet restaurant and ordered some food this was nearly 9.00 pm, we had a good talk about the chapters and how they are run.
It is with deep sadness that I inform you of the passing of PDG Warwick Tester from District 9675. Warwick was DG in 2003-04 and would be well known to a number of Rotarians in our District. Warwick was a member of the Rotary Club of Holroyd. He was the D9690 Conference Chairman 2009, Secretary Zone 8 Institute Newcastle 2009, Zone 8 New Generations Advisory Committee member and Delegate, Council on Legislation 2013.
………………
February is World Understanding Month
It is also our District Conference month but more about that later.
The Fourth Object of Rotary is the advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional persons united in the ideal of service.
Fellowship and fun were clearly evident when the Rotary Club of Central Blue Mountains and others came almost to the sea to celebrate both the fourth anniversary of the Rotary Club of Chatswood International and the Chinese New Year in the Year of the Horse. The evening featured Chinese dance, music and of course cuisine. It involved the Rotarians who sponsored and supported the visit last September of a group young people affected by the 2011 Japanese tsunami. See the photos here
This week a Youth Lead Development Forum is being held sponsored by Rotary District 9685 and Macquarie University. The forum brings together six young Timorese leaders who are involved in RYLA Timor Leste or the Dili Rotaract Club with students from Macquarie University. The students will examine a range of human rights and community development issues. The Forum is an outcome of the work undertaken over several years by Theo and Georgia Glockemann and Rotarians from across District 9685 through a Rotary Australia World Community Service (RAWCS) project.
They are two very different projects but both excellent examples how Rotary can achieve the advancement of international peace, goodwill and understanding.
Across the District there is so much happening at the moment so please check out the items of interest in the links below. Be sure to include the District Conference and the Convention Update.
The Conference features a number of Break-out groups. Please check these on the Conference website. I urge clubs to arrange for representatives to attend each. This will enable sharing of reports at club meetings following the Conference. Reports on the outcomes of each session will be available as part of our On-line Conference – watch this page.
It is also recommended that where possible the club meeting in the fortnight following the Conference includes linking to the online component of the Conference. This is the link.
You need to contact the organisers NOW so they can complete arrangements. Please be aware the organisers are local Rotarians.
Also Convention related is a request from Interplast for mannequins to be used in their stand. Can you help? Read more
District Governor 2016-17
Nominations are invited for this exciting, challenging but extremely rewarding opportunity. Please contact PDG David Rands, Chairman, Nominating Committee, District 9685 Governor, 2016-17 for further details and/or review the announcement on our website.
ROMAC
ROMAC is one of the great Rotary projects which will be featured at the District Conference. Applications are currently being called for an important position in ROMAC – read more here.
Expressions of interest and all enquiries should be directed to PDG Brendan Porter.
Thank you to D9685 ROMAC Chairman Philip Smith and all those who are making Anna’s story possible. Read more here
Congratulations to all those Rotarians who received Australia Day Honours. Please email details of awards received by Rotarians so a complete list can be compiled. The list should include Rotarians who received local Council awards. The list to date is on this page.
RYPEN
We congratulate and thank Sue Owen (Wahroonga), her committee and the volunteer leaders who conducted an outstanding RYPEN for 80 students at the Collaroy Centre last weekend. View the photographs here.
Membership
We need to focus clearly on membership growth for the remainder of the year. Please click here to view the February 2014 edition of ‘Rotary on the Move’ Newsletter.
End Polio Now is a cause that has inspired many clubs and Rotarians to undertake some great projects (including a few crazy ones). District Polio Chair, Rob Byrne is keen to gather more information about some of the efforts that your club and its members have made — whether they were this year or back to the beginnings of the polio programs in the late 70s / early 80s.
Now that we’re getting so close to finishing this very long process of eradicating polio, Rob would like to recognise a few of these efforts during the polio session that he’ll be running at the District Conference. The trouble is the need is urgent given that the Conference is just around the corner!!
If your club or one or more of your members (or friends of the club) have undertaken an interesting polio project, please let Rob know ASAP. Nothing fancy required. Photos would add a great deal of visual interest.
It is with deep sadness that I inform you of the passing of PDG Warwick Tester from District 9675. Warwick was DG in 2003-04 and would be well known to a number of Rotarians in our District. Warwick was a member of the Rotary Club of Holroyd. He was the D9690 Conference Chairman 2009, Secretary Zone 8 Institute Newcastle 2009, Zone 8 New Generations Advisory Committee member and Delegate, Council on Legislation 2013.
………………
February is World Understanding Month. It is also our District Conference month but more about that later.
The Fourth Object of Rotary is the advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional persons united in the ideal of service.
Fellowship and fun were clearly evident when the Rotary Club of Central Blue Mountains and others came almost to the sea to celebrate both the fourth anniversary of the Rotary Club of Chatswood International and the Chinese New Year in the Year of the Horse. The evening featured Chinese dance, music and of course cuisine. It involved the Rotarians who sponsored and supported the visit last September of a group young people affected by the 2011 Japanese tsunami. See the photos here
This week a Youth Lead Development Forum is being held sponsored by Rotary District 9685 and Macquarie University. The forum brings together six young Timorese leaders who are involved in RYLA Timor Leste or the Dili Rotaract Club with students from Macquarie University. The students will examine a range of human rights and community development issues. The Forum is an outcome of the work undertaken over several years by Theo and Georgia Glockemann and Rotarians from across District 9685 through a Rotary Australia World Community Service (RAWCS) project.
They are two very different projects but both excellent examples how Rotary can achieve the advancement of international peace, goodwill and understanding.
Across the District there is so much happening at the moment so please check out the items of interest in the links below. Be sure to include the District Conference and the Convention Update.
Until next time, Engage Rotary Change Lives
Graeme Davies
Governor RI District 9685, 2013-14
Please read the full version of our District Governor's lead article, by clicking here
Our Annual Golf Day is shaping up to be a great day ~ an afternoon of Golf and Dinner with an Auction, Guest Speaker and Raffle!
Proceeds of our Golf Day will go towards the work of International Care Ministries (ICM) working with slum communities in the Philippines and our Local Project - Building a New Playground in Babbage Rd, Roseville Chase. Two great projects that we are delighted to support and we'd love you to join us too!
The Rotary Club of Gosford North is holding the G.N.R Benefactors & Beneficiaries Night. You are invited to the event which will include young adults talk about their recent leadership, enrcihment and eductation program.
Interplast has expressed their sincere thanks to those clubs in District 9685 that have generously donated to cover the cost of the Interplast stand in The Billabong (House of Friendship) at the Rotary International Convention in June. The full cost of the stand has been covered and those clubs will be acknowledged on the stand and in the Interplast Annual Report for 2014.
The Interplast office is interested in having one or two mannequins dressed in Interplast scrubs as part of its display. If you can help by donating the use of a mannequin or two from 9am Friday 30 May to 8pm Wednesday 4 June, please contact Glenda Sherwin-Lane, Rotarian Coordinator at the Interplast Office on 03 9249 1231.
When visiting The Billabong, please visit the Interplast stand and make yourself known to those manning the display.
Due to an overwhelming response from Rotarians who are coming to the RI Convention and would like to have dinner with Rotarians from Sydney and surrounding areas, we are asking for a large number of offers to host these visitors on Tuesday night 3rd June.
At the moment some 900 requests (plus a waiting list) have been received, so we are looking for Rotarians or Rotary clubs to help with this great friendship opportunity.
This is a chance to bring the Convention down to a personal level and to give these visitors a taste of the Australian way of life. To disappoint any of these people, who have shown a desire to relate to Australian Rotarians, is something that I hope we can avoid.
Whether it is for 2 or 4 or 6 or 20 - every offer, big or small will help us meet this target.
How do you register your offer to host a dinner? Just click on this link and follow the prompts, or go to the Rotary 2014 website and click on “The Convention” and then click on “Host a Dinner”.
With about 4½ months to go, over 400 people have registered to volunteer for the Convention. So we are well under way to achieving our goal of 700. If you have not filled in a form please go to www.rotary2014.com.au
This is our best ever opportunity to experience the “internationality” of Rotary. One does not need to Register for the convention to volunteer. Nor do they need to be a Rotarian. Please pass the invitation to family and friends. The spin off from this experience could result in new members for your club.
Rotary International Host Organising Committee Volunteers
Submissions invited for 2016 Council on Legislation
As we are now in the third quarter of Rotary’s 2013-14 year, there is less than twelve months to submit proposed legislation for the 2016 Council on Legislation. Legislation from clubs and districts for the 2016 Council must be received by Rotary International on or before 31 December 2014. All proposed legislation should be submitted through the 2016 Council Legislation online form found here.
Nomination of District Governor, District 9685, 2016-17
I am pleased to announce, on behalf of DG Graeme Davies, that nominations are now open for the post of District 9685 Governor for the Rotary year 2016-2017.
Interested Rotarians must have been in Rotary for 5 or more years, and must have completed at least one full year as a club president.
Nominations must be supported by the Rotarian’s club, but in the first instance interested Rotarians should advise me or District Governor Graeme of their interest and further information will then be provided.
Applications for the post of Governor 2016-17 will close on 8 April, and the candidate interviews will be held at the District office, Suite 3, 7 Sefton Road Thornleigh on Sunday 4 May.
Being a district governor is one of the most challenging and rewarding roles a Rotarian can have, and we have many very able and qualified leaders in our district capable of taking the position.
I look forward to hearing expressions of interest over the next few weeks.
PDG David Rands
Chairman, Nominating Committee, District 9685 Governor, 2016-17
Last Sunday little 6 year old Anna and her mother Marie arrived from Port Vila, Vanuatu. Rotarian Liane from the RC of Nth Ryde and myself met them at the airport and took them to volunteer Host Parents, Jenny and Neville from the RC of Glenhaven.
My thanks to the RC of Northbridge for Sponsorship of Anna during her stay.
After much assessment at The Children's Hospital, Westmead by Dr John Harvey and his team, Anna will be admitted on Thursday for the first operation in an effort to straighten her legs. Then 7-10 days in hospital followed by many days of physio, then back to hospital for another operation, then … the story goes on until the doctors are happy with Anna's progress.
I have commenced a roster/schedule of volunteers to visit Anna and Marie in hospital. A visit will entail 30 minutes to an hour, just being there with them, attempting to speak to Marie (and she understands much more than we thought!) and assessing whether all parties, Anna, Marie, the nurses, the doctors etc, want for anything, and then reporting back to me.
If you can spare the time to visit, please email me your contact details and specify a morning, lunch or evening you could get there - email me at romac@rotarydistrict9685.org.au
Why I am appealing to you? Because it is estimated that Anna's treatment will take approximately 3 months. Therefore I seek your help! And I am still seeking alternate Host Parents and transport volunteers! So please give this consideration!
Regards
Philip Smith
District 9685 ROMAC Chairman
Mobile 0419 20 30 20
ROMAC needs help from every Rotarian during 25th year
For the first time Rotary Oceania Medical Aid for Children is launching a special appeal to help generate funds quickly to take advantage of great offers from Australian and New Zealand Hospitals to help save more children's lives. ROMAC Chairman, PDG Brendan Porter writes a letter to all Rotarians seeking your invaluable support in the coming months. Read the Letter
The Paul Harris Society was originally created in 1999 by Past District Governor Wayne Cusick from District 5340. PDG Cusick realized that giving US$1,000 annually to the Foundation was not possible for every Rotarian, but many could be encouraged to contribute at this level or above. PDG Wayne introduced the Paul Harris Society program to encourage and recognise these individuals. This idea gained momentum and quickly spread to other districts throughout the world. While this recognition was originally designed as a district administered program, the Trustees adopted the Paul Harris Society as an official recognition program of The Rotary Foundation effective 1 July 2013.
Please note until further notice, the meeting venue for the Rotary Club of Katoomba is now the Rosewood Cottage, Alpine Motor Inn, Great Western Highway, Katoomba.
It’s now easier than ever to strengthen Rotary’s image in your community with the materials and resources available in the Rotary Brand Center. Launched earlier this month, the Brand Center offers a simple and intuitive way to customize your club logo, create a marketing brochure, or give your newsletter a fresh look. Read more.
Let your voice be heard Rotary & Sustainability
Bring healing through ROMAC
How your club can change lives with RAWCS
Engaging Women in Rotary - top tips
How to attract tomorrow's Rotarians & Leaders
Concise A-Z of The Rotary Foundation
Take a Stand - Stop Bullying
Thanks everyone for your support of the District 9685 Interplast Quilt raffle. We raised over $9,000 and together with other donations we have $15,000 towards our target of $50,000. So a great start but a long way to go.
The raffle was drawn by DG Graeme Davies at Upper Blue’s Christmas Party overlooking the Three Sisters and the Megalong Valley on 18 December 2013. Our very happy winner was Christine Mitchell whose husband is a member of Windsor Club.
Congratulations Christine! Her first comment was “That is wonderful I have never won anything before”.
A Reminder. Looking for a new project for your club – support Interplast. We can provide all the promotional material and guest speakers for a major fundraising event.
Does your club have difficulty getting engaged with vocational service? The November edition of The Rotarian magazine features a primer that includes information on the role of ethics in vocational service. “I believe that Rotary’s reputation for integrity and high ethical standards is one of its strongest assets for attracting young people,” says Paul Netzel, past chair of the Vocational Service Committee. Here are a few ways to take action:
Dedicate time at club meetings to discussing The Four-Way Test and the Rotary Code of Conduct. Be sure to talk to new members about the importance of these documents as guiding principles.
Organize a workshop on ethics in the workplace and invite local business leaders. To help participants build practical skills, consider including an open discussion on ethical dilemmas.
Give awards to businesses or professionals who demonstrate high ethical standards in their treatment of employees, customers, and the community at large.
Sponsor an essay or speech contest for young people. Hold local or regional competitions for students to address the theme “What The Four-Way Test Means to Me.”
Ideas.rotary.org
Search Rotary's online database of club and district service projects in need of assistance.
Communities in Action (605A)
Find step-by-step instructions for developing, implementing, and evaluating a service project.
Vocational Service Update provides information and resources to help Rotarians practice vocational service in their professional lives and through club activities. If you have questions, comments, or vocational service project stories to recommend for inclusion in a future edition, contact us at rotary.service@rotary.org
Roger Norman, Rotary Club of Turramurra, received the Ku-ring-gai Council’s ‘Outstanding Service to the Ku-ring-gai Community’ Award, for his excellent work and leadership in graffiti removal.
The Rotary Club of Turramurra aims to eliminate existing graffiti in the local community and keep it graffiti free by [GrafitiTlr-300] Providing a programme aimed at private, business, public facilities and public infrastructure sites.
Our DG eNews must begin with extending condolences to Beth Reilly and her family on the sad news of the passing of her husband Pat, the long standing Mayor of Willoughby. He was a most enthusiastic Rotarian and exceedingly generous in his support of our upcoming District Conference. Pat is sadly missed. You will find tributes to Pat through our District 9685 website.
Celebrating Australia Day
I trust everyone is looking forward to celebrating Australia Day. I wish you all a wonderful day with family, friends or within your wider community. Hopefully you will be able to have a chat about how fortunate we are to live in this fabulous country. We should never take it for granted however. The best way we can ensure the privileges we have as Australians is to be actively involved in our communities. And the easiest way is to be a Rotarian or become a Rotarian.
So why not make an investment in our nation and on Australia Day share the joy of helping others by talking to a person about Rotary – Join the Conversation? It would also be the time to shut the back gate but you can read about that below.
At the annual Rotary Club of Pennant Hills Australia Day Award presented at the Club meeting on 20 January the point was made that Australia is the only country in the world that all citizens can aspire to become the nation’s Prime Minister. In the USA for example the President must have been born in the USA.
Lyn and my plans for Australia Day include the Aussie Breakfast (Winston Hills) and the Gnome Convention (Lower Blue). In fact we are taking the entire Kincumber High School Gnome Collection to the Convention – but that is another story.
Of course in wishing everyone Happy Australia Day, we need to add Happy Chinese New Year – the Year of the Horse. How many clubs besides Chatswood International have plans to celebrate the New Year?
District Conference
There are very few days left before Registrations close. We seem to be continually expanding the “one-day” conference. The cost of registration remains the same but it looks like the on-line component will now extend over two weeks, rather one week. Register here
The best RYLA ever!
That is what the District Chairman, Arthur Godfrey (Waitara) predicted at the Opening Ceremony. Congratulations to his team, Director Erin McCuskey and the Facilitation Team and everyone who contributed to the success. RYLA 2014 also included young leaders from Timor Leste and PNG. We now look forward to the summer RYPEN on the first weekend in February. Photographs
Did you remember to shut the back gate?
Throughout the District we are doing a good job of inducting new members. Clearly though we have left the back gate wide open because net membership growth is languishing.
What difference good membership retention would make!
During the DG Official Visits, a task allocated to clubs was to conduct a Club Development Forum to examine what each club had to do to make the club more accommodating and appealing to prospective members. At the Official Visit the target was younger members but the same principles apply.
Did your club conduct the discussion? It is not late to do it.
The first task is adopting good prospective member processes from the outset:
ensure the person will make a suitable Rotarian,
ensure sufficient coffee is consumed before induction to align expectation and reality,
overall listen to fully understand the family and work demands, the experience, skills and interests of the new member, and
importantly we need to work with her/him to help realise his/her humanitarian dreams.
If the member can Engage Rotary, Change Lives the back gate at least will be extremely difficult to open.
Our next DG eNews will be World Understanding Month
As always take a few minutes to check Current Helpful Links and References
Our DG eNews must begin with extending condolences to Beth Reilly and her family on the sad news of the passing of her husband Pat, the long standing Mayor of Willoughby. He was a most enthusiastic Rotarian and exceedingly generous in his support of our upcoming District Conference. Pat is sadly missed. You will find tributes to Pat through our District 9685 website.
I trust everyone is looking forward to celebrating Australia Day. I wish you all a wonderful day with family, friends or within your wider community. Hopefully you will be able to have a chat about how fortunate we are to live in this fabulous country. We should never take it for granted however. The best way we can ensure the privileges we have as Australians is to be actively involved in our communities. And the easiest way is to be a Rotarian or become a Rotarian.
So why not make an investment in our nation and on Australia Day share the joy of helping others by talking to a person about Rotary – Join the Conversation? It would also be the time to shut the back gate but you can read about that below.
At the annual Rotary Club of Pennant Hills Australia Day Award presented at the Club meeting on 20 January the point was made that Australia is the only country in the world that all citizens can aspire to become the nation’s Prime Minister. In the USA for example the President must have been born in the USA.
Lyn and my plans for Australia Day include the Aussie Breakfast (Winston Hills) and the Gnome Convention (Lower Blue). In fact we are taking the entire Kincumber High School Gnome Collection to the Convention – but that is another story.
Of course in wishing everyone Happy Australia Day, we need to add Happy Chinese New Year – the Year of the Horse. How many clubs besides Chatswood International have plans to celebrate the New Year?
Until next time, Engage Rotary Change Lives
Graeme Davies
Governor RI District 9685, 2013-14
Please read the full version of our District Governor's lead article, by clicking here
Mayor of Willoughby City Council, Pat was one of the longest serving mayors in Australia having served as mayor for 17 years, and on council for 27 years.
He was a Paul Harris Fellow and a most enthusiastic Rotarian over a long period of time. A Past President of the Artarmon club, Pat joined the Rotary Club of Roseville Chase in its first year (1990-91) later becoming an Honorary Member upon his election to Council. He was also an Honorary member of the Chatswood, and Northbridge clubs.
He was the driving force behind The Concourse, the venue for our 2014 District Conference.
His funeral will be on Tuesday 28 January at 10am followed at 2pm by a Memorial Concert at The Concourse.
It is issued by The Rotary Foundation Cadre of Technical Advisers is a volunteer group of Rotarians of Rotarians with a wide spectrum of professional expertise. Cadre members provide technical expertise and help ensure proper stewardship through the review, monitoring, and evaluation of The Rotary Foundation grant projects around the world.
The first Richmond Carols were held in the Richmond Park grandstand on Thursday 11 December, 1980. A consortium of Lions, Apex, Rotary and others put it together.
In 1985, the Carols were transferred to a Sunday evening and Richmond Rotary took over the running - and provided Santa Claus: Garney Shepherd for the first four years; John Killen for the last 30 years; and Dave Calphy in 2013.
This year will be the 34th Carols involving the club.
Rotary will celebrate its 109th birthday on 23 February. The day also marks the anniversary of the first mass polio vaccinations, which started in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA, in 1954 and expanded across the United States.
Celebrate the occasion at our District Conference - plan to attend and take action now - register on the Conference Website.
Landmarks illuminated to celebrate three years of India polio-free
To celebrate India’s milestone achievement of three years without polio, Rotary clubs illuminated landmarks and iconic structures throughout the country with polio-free messages. See the gallery here.
News coverage of the milestone largely mentioned Rotary’s role, including:
This is likely the “best” high-school youth event of the year. School teams (of three) debating serious environmental issues, from the perspective of their allocated country, in UN style with our own Secretary-General in David Ellyard.
Incoming district governors enthusiastically greeted the theme for 2014-15, Light Up Rotary, during the first plenary of the International Assembly, Rotary’s annual training event for future leaders. RI President-elect Gary C.K. Huang explained he was inspired by the teachings of Chinese philosopher Confucious who said: “It is better to light a single candle, than to sit and curse the darkness.”
He said we want a Rotary that creates a huge positive impact in this world. Great things do not happen by themselves - it comes through hard work, strong clubs, members who love Rotary. Spouses should join Rotary, make it for all the family. (He found that wives had more friends than men!). Assume leadership for building new clubs; take the lead in donating to our Foundation.
How you light up Rotary is up to you; you know your strengths and your community needs. But no one should be left to sit in the darkness.
Three Hills schools, The Hills Council and a Hills police officer have been recognised by Road Safety Education for their commitment to reducing youth road trauma.
During the Excellence in Road Safety Education awards lunch on December 4, Hills police school liaison officer Senior Constable Jason Roughley, Galston High and Northholm Grammar schools and Marian College were praised for their work with RYDA, a Rotary-supported road safety education program for young people.
Kerry Chikarovski, who chairs Road Safety Education, thanked the "strong community partnerships" behind the program. "The thousands of Rotarians involved in delivering RYDA are fundamental to its success," she said.
Rotary International President Ron Burton, on our behalf, has invited the world to Sydney and what better way to welcome them than to have them stay with us in our own homes.
What a fantastic opportunity for you to meet Rotarians from another country or perhaps other areas of Australia and make lifelong friends and share your Australian family experience with them.
If you have a spare room or two around the period of the Convention 1 – 4 June 2014 and wish to share in this great experience then this is your once in a lifetime opportunity.
You do not have to be registered for the Convention to take part in the Home Stay program, all you have to be is prepared to open your home to our visitors.
There are just under one hundred Convention-goers who are looking for Home Stay accommodation BUT there is presently nowhere for them to stay.
DG Graeme has just received the following plea for assistance in housing these and other applicants under teh Home Stay program.
"Hi DGs Garry & Graeme,
Hope you both had an enjoyable Christmas and best wishes for the remaining six months of your term as Governor.
As you know I am looking after the Home Stay program for Sydney 2014 and I am in desperate need of your help.
To date we have 96 people registered from various countries seeking home stay and as of today we have no local Rotarians registered to host them.
Just this week I received an email from a Rotarian from Sri Lanka who is seeking accommodation for himself his wife and two children. He asked for me to confirm his place for home stay as he had an appointment for 7 January to apply for his visa to Australia and required written confirmation of accommodation amongst other things. I had to inform him that I could not guarantee a home stay place at this time.
I am well aware that both of you have many demands on your time and requests to contact your members, however as a Sydney Rotary Family we have offered home stay as part of the Convention and I do not want to let these people down.
I understand that you both have an email register of all members in your Districts and I will be very grateful if you could send out a plea for them to volunteer their homes for home stay. The largest group seeking accommodation is six but the majorities are couples. Remembering that hosts do not have to be registered to attend the Convention*".
* To avoid any possible confusion: you do not have to be registered for the Convention to take part in the Home Stay program, all you have to be is prepared to open your home to our visitors. If you plan to attend the Convention yourself, you need to register in the normal way.
I trust you have enjoyed a good break over Christmas and the New Year and are refreshed and ready to Engage Rotary with all the opportunities that will be available in 2014.
Having said that I am reminded of the wise Rotarian who put everything into perspective by saying, “Family and friends first, work second, then Rotary”.
One of the unique opportunities is attending the Sydney RI Convention. Remember the Early Bird rate has been extended to 15 January 2014. Register hereGet help here
I urge you to consider engaging further and extending your International Convention experience by opting for one of the following:
1. Connecting with a visiting Rotarian by offering Homestay. Learn more
2. Participate in Host Hospitality Night (3 June 2014).Learn more
Everyone can expect to hear a whole lot more in the coming weeks about our exciting District 9685 Conference on 23 February 2014. If you haven’t yet registered, please do not delay. Register here
Given there is so much happening this DG eNews is a “choose you own eNews” format. Just click on those items of interest to you. Be sure to note the last two items though.
105th Rotary International President
If you haven’t heard, the 2015-16 Rotary International President will be KR “Ravi” Ravindran from Sri Lanka. Click here for details
First Club Meeting of the New Year and 1000 Photographs
All clubs have a special night of fellowship to mark the first meeting back after the Christmas break. My own club traditionally has a prawn night. I attended a very special first night (in a number of ways) with the Rotary Club of Lower Blue Mountains last Sunday 4 January, 2014. It was special because it was a relaxed, fun night of family fellowship. It was special because the club donated $1500 to The Rotary Foundation for Polio (which with Bill Gates help immediately becomes $4500). It was an extra special night however because it was a Premier screening of Saving Mr Banks. Not only that but we all got to meet one of the stars of the movie, Annie-Rose Buckley (PDG Bob and Ann Aitken’s grand-daughter). Check out the cheque presentation by President Peter. Annie-Rose is holding the cheque. Click here
Now that you have seen the photograph, why not send in a photograph of your first meeting for 2014 to the 1000 Photograph collection. Imagine 78 first meetings for2014! Don’t stop there. Send in two photographs this month. Details here
January is Rotary Awareness Month
One of the best ways to increase Rotary awareness is to enrol in a Rotary Leadership Institute course. The cost is heavily subsidised by District and Clubs can elect to make up the shortfall. Click here for more details
New Members
Many clubs are reporting they have potential members about to be inducted. Gladesville inducted three just before Christmas and Pennant Hills will induct four in a couple of weeks. Congratulations.
Please be prompt in entering the details on the District website so they can automatically be added to the RI Membership data. Also please send me the contact details so I can send a personal letter of welcome.
Rotary Disaster Response
Blue Mountains Recovery is now progressing well beyond the emergency phase.
Please support the Recovery by planning a day trip or a short break in the Blue Mountains in the very near future. Your visit will help boost the local economy which has been severely hit.
The UN has just launched its biggest ever appeal, to help victims of the war in Syria, they are appealing for $6.5 billion (that is not a typo). The scale of this disaster is almost unimaginable and our fundraising focus is now firmly back on the Syria Refugee Appeal. Hopefully our new appeal page will be active on the website, ready to fully re-launch the appeal in the New Year.
Rotary in China
Although there is some way to go before Rotary Clubs operate across mainland China, the expat. Clubs are very active. Check details here
Rotary Fellowships and Action Groups
There are many such interest groups across the Rotary World. You will be able to visit many of them at the RI Sydney Convention. One of the newest that will be of particular interest to many Rotarians is a Literacy Rotary Action Group (RAG). Go to www.litrag.org to find information about the purposes and mission of Lit RAG. Interplast Stand at the Convention Thank you to those clubs that made the
Interplast stand at the International Convention
Australian Rotary Health The latest edition of Message Stick as well as the latest edition of Rural Yarn have short reports from some of the ARH Indigenous and Rural students.
Finally a couple of things for action in the near future
Now is the time to pull together your Club’s application for a Presidential Citation. There is no reason that all District 9685 Clubs should not qualify for a Citation this year. Check out the requirement here
Please plan to allocate some funds towards Lyn’s Australian Rotary Health PhD Scholarship in Hearing Health. Click here for the latest on her project.
There are many opportunities to Engage Rotary Change Lives in 2014.
I trust you have enjoyed a good break over Christmas and the New Year and are refreshed and ready to Engage Rotary with all the opportunities that will be available in 2014.
Having said that I am reminded of the wise Rotarian who put everything into perspective by saying, “Family and friends first, work second, then Rotary”.
One of the unique opportunities is attending the Sydney RI Convention. Remember the Early Bird rate has been extended to 15 January 2014. Register hereGet help here
I urge you to consider engaging further and extending your International Convention experience by opting for one of the following:
1. Connecting with a visiting Rotarian by offering Homestay. Learn more
2. Participate in Host Hospitality Night (3 June 2014). Learn more
Everyone can expect to hear a whole lot more in the coming weeks about our exciting District 9685 Conference on 23 February 2014. If you haven’t yet registered, please do not delay. Register here
Given there is so much happening this DG eNews is a “choose you own eNews” format. Just click on those items of interest to you. Be sure to note the last two items though.
Until next time, Engage Rotary Change Lives
Graeme Davies
Governor RI District 9685, 2013-14
Please read the full version of our District Governor's lead article, by clicking here
DG Graeme's partner Lyn has challenged clubs to make a difference in people’s lives because:
Hearing is a major factor our lives and enables easy communication with each other
Effective support services are critical for all communities around the world to enable people to function well, for their general well being and inclusion
Hearing ability is affected by our general health and our toxic noisy environment
In this half term report, Lyn updates us on progress and plans for the months ahead - including the District Conference and a new initiative in the Chinese community.
The Sydney Rotary International Convention offers you the perfect opportunity to connect with leaders from around the world and celebrate your shared passion for taking action in communities at home and abroad.
We regret to advise you of the passing of PP Graeme Boler, who has been a part of the RAWCS Eastern Region management Committee for some years. Many may know him from his organisation of the “Goodwill Furniture Program”.
The story behind Rotary’s determination to end a cruel disease
IT WAS APRIL , and Clem Renouf, then RI president, was leafing through Reader’s Digest on a flight from the Philippines. In the pages of the magazine, he read that smallpox had been eradicated for
a little more than the cost of the two Australian naval vessels he’d seen the day before. He’d just ...
An article in the January edition of The Rotarian by PP Nancy Shepherdson starts:
"Late last June, something happened that surprised me. I found that my year as President ... was almost over - and I felt I was just getting started. ... it seems to happen to everyone: One day you're President, leading, putting out fires, and motivating members. The next day, no matter how many triumphs you have had, no matter how much money you have raised, you are done...
"The Rotary Manual of Procedure says that the immediate past president is a member of the club's board, but doesn't specify any other policies or programs... sound advice: "Get out of the way so that you are not tempted to swoop in and try to save the day if things aren't being done the way you would have done them." ... Our new president is doing fine, but I've found myself biting my tongue at times. ... I needed a diversion."
How does your club keep its past presidents involved?Let us know here.
RI President Ron D. Burton has announced he is extending the early registration deadline. Rotarians now have until 15 January to complete discounted early registration for the 2014 Rotary International Convention in Sydney, saving $100 off the onsite registration fee. The 15 January deadline will remain firm, so act soon to take advantage of the discount.
If you wanted to register but had difficulty, this is your second chance. If you did not try, register now.
Innovative Breakouts Rotary & Sustainability
Bring healing tjhrough ROMAC
Engaging Women in Rotary
How to attract tomorrow's Rotarians
Concise A-Z of The Rotary Foundation
Take a Stand - Stop Bullying
The International Assembly, 12-18 January, is more than just a training meeting for the incoming class of district governors - including our very own Ian Scott. It’s an opportunity for them to gain inspiration, exchange ideas, and discover new perspectives as they prepare for their term.
Get a look at what trainers and participants experience at the annual event.
Lifecycle of a Service Project (Part 3): Acquiring Resources
Rotary International is presenting the third webinar in this five-part series about designing and implementing sustainable service projects.
The series highlights strategies, best practices, and the Rotary resources available to help clubs and districts undertake successful, sustainable service initiatives, using real-life examples from Rotarians.
In part 3, you will:
Learn how to find partners -- other clubs and organizations -- with which to collaborate in order to increase the impact of your project
Find out how to secure funding, volunteers, and needed resources for your service project
Become familiar with Rotary resources that can help make your service project a success
Space is limited to 500 attendees, so register today!
How quickly time has gone since the launch of District 9685 in July!
It doesn’t seem possible that this is the last DG eNews before Christmas. So in the spirit of Christmas giving, this eNews has some Christmas gift ideas. It also has a report on the first six months of District 9685 as well as a summary of projects and tasks for the next six months. And of course there is no escape from reminders about the District Conference and 2014 Sydney Convention.
Until next time, Engage Rotary Change Lives
Graeme Davies
Governor RI District 9685, 2013-14
Please read the full version of our District Governor's lead article, by clicking here
How quickly time has gone since the launch of District 9685 in July!
It doesn’t seem possible that this is the last DG eNews before Christmas. So in the spirit of Christmas giving, this eNews has some Christmas gift ideas. It also has a report on the first six months of District 9685 as well as a summary of projects and tasks for the next six months. And of course there is no escape from reminders about the District Conference and 2014 Sydney Convention.
District Conference
“Early Bird” registration has closed on our District Conference but the cost to attend remains very good value, so if you missed please make sure you register soon so you can participate in what is shaping as one of its kind. If you are a new Rotarian may I extend to you a special invitation at a fixed rate of $70. That remains although “Early Bird” has ended. Also I urge everyone to invite a non-Rotarian at the same rate as your guest. A great way to promote Rotary and encourage a prospective member! Register for the Conference
Act now to qualify for the “Early Bird” rate for the RI 2014 Sydney Convention
You will need to act now to qualify for the “Early Bird” rate for the RI 2014 Sydney Convention as there are only a few days left. Please seek help from Paul Erickson (Springwood), your Club Secretary, Assistant Governor or the Parramatta Office if you experience difficulties with registration. Register for the Convention
PP Don Stein AM
Today we honour a special Rotarian, PP Don Stein AM (Winston Hills). The best way to learn about this remarkable but most humble and sincere man is to read his book, Fire in the Belly. In fact Don will give it to you free upon request. All he asks is you make a donation to the Salvation Army or Polio Eradication. Don’s book makes an inspiring Christmas gift. About the book and Don Stein
Or why not give someone a CD from a great Rotary supporter, Kamahl and raise funds for End Polio Now at the same time? Get it now
The Ultimate Gift
Currently the ultimate gift a Rotarian can give is a Polio Free World. PP Bruce Nicholls of the Rotary Club of Norwest Sunrise (Bella Vista) certainly had a Polio Free World on his mind when he participated in the El Tour de Tucson – Ride to End Polio cycle event on 23 November.
Bruce reported, “It was a particularly hard ride due to the weather which was heavy rain nearly all day (about 5 hours, and light to medium for a several more with the sun coming out about an hour before we finished. This was the first time in 31 years that the ride was run in the rain, the temp ranged from about 3 – 6 degrees C, and a number of riders suffered from hypothermia and others just pulled out before the end. On a sad note, one male rider from Tucson was killed by a vehicle towards the end of the route.”
You may be aware of this special fundraiser because one of the riders was RI General Secretary, John Hewko. Overall, an amount of over $750,000 was raised by the riders but - due to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation match - that amount is now over $2.4 million.
Bruce raised over $2,000 which is fantastic with half coming from his old District 9550 and a quarter from his Club. District 9685, we must get behind Bruce on this effort. There is still time to register pledges for the ride while the Gates Foundation match is still available.
Bruce would love our District to raise sufficient funds that John Hewko at the 2014 Sydney International Convention recognised our District in something he is so passionate about. Click here to see how to contribute – don’t forget to mention Bruce.
We have achieved much in the past six months, but there is much more to do and lot’s to look forward to as well as fun ahead. I presented a short report to a meeting of Past District Governors last Saturday which I am pleased to share with all Rotarians.
Lyn and I thank everyone for the amazing support we have enjoyed and wish you all a Joyous Christmas and Peace in the New Year.
For the past five years, Rotary members around Tucson, Arizona, USA, have bicycled as many as 111 miles in a day to raise money for polio eradication. This year’s team of 70 cyclists and their supporters raised $730,000 in the Ride to End Polio, which, after matched two-to-one by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, will make $2.1 million available for polio eradication.
“With every penny going to end polio, we’ve immunized an awful lot of kids against this horrible disease,” says Gary Hirsch, a member of the Rotary Club of Tucson and a ride organizer.
Bruce Nicholls from the Norwest Sunrise Club was one of the entrants in the El Tour de Tucson Ride to End Polio. Riding a bicycle over 180km through the desert in the rain with temperatures ranging from 3 to 6 degrees celsius is a serious challenge, even for a Hills boy!
However Bruce raised about $2,000 for End Polio Now and says it’s not too late for Rotarians and Rotary Clubs to recognise his effort and sponsor the ride. See how to contribute He may not catch up to RI General Secretary, John Hewko, who raised over $550,000 in the same ride, but Bruce is keen to take advantage of the Gates Challenge which sees each dollar contributed by Rotary tripled.
The Rotary Club of Pittwater presented its tenth annual Christmas Carols in the Park at Mona Vale NSW on Saturday 7 December. A record number of local families who spread out their picnics on the grass on a mild summer's evening was entertained by a rocking band from Pittwater Uniting Church, as well as a stellar roster of talented local singers, including Samantha Shaw, a veteran of the London musical stage. All three levels of government were ably represented, with seasonal messages delivered by Pittwater Deputy Mayor Kylie Ferguson, State MP Rob Stokes and federal MP for Mackellar, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Bronwyn Bishop.
But the real highlight of the evening for the hundreds of children present was the arrival by fire engine of Santa Claus himself. The red-suited old gentleman sang with the band and shouted out his North Pole greetings to everyone in Pittwater.
Pittwater Rotary president Roger Digby thanked the many local businesses and community groups that contributed to the evening's success, including the Elanora Girl Guides Choir who opened the program. "This was our best Carols ever," he said, "and it is only possible thanks to the generosity and kindness of the people of Pittwater."
Despite the record level of pre-registrations, there is room for many more in the magnificent Concert Hall venue at The Concourse. Why not make the effort to register on the Conference website, and encourage your fellow members to join you?
The Conference program is coming together well as you will see from the website at conference.rotarydistrict9685.org.au. We look forward to an exciting day, packed full of information, entertainment and inspiration. Remember, the Showcase in the Mall will be on the Saturday, the Conference Showcase will be part of Sunday's proceedings as will the breakout sessions, and the on-line conference will be held during the week following the Conference.
DG Graeme has encouraged us to invite guests so they can experience the wonderful world of Rotary at our Conference. Guests may be registered at the special rate of $70 - the same as 'New Rotarians' - right through to the start of the Conference. Why not ask someone else to come with you?
Is there a new Rotarian in your club? Remember to invite them as well! Do you know a Rotaractor? Encourage them to register as well as make it easy for them if you can. The Conference will hold special attraction for Rotaractors.
A little over two months to go, but there is no time to waste
Rotarian’s often complain that Rotary’s role in the eradication of Polio is often ignored and receives no mention in the media. In this post at LinkedIn, the author shares how Rotary is attempting to correct that lack of press.
By Antoinette Tuscano, Senior Supervisor, RI Editorial Services
I always like seeing Rotary mentions as well in the media, but it’s helpful when awareness about polio is raised at all. Many people, at least in my age group and younger in the U.S., think polio is already gone.
Rotary’s PR Department is hard at work getting as many mentions worldwide as possible. When you see any of these mentions in the media, feel free to share them in social media so your friends from around the world can see them too. Here are a few recent Rotary mentions:
Aussie Icon shares his Heart and Soul with Rotary and the world
Kamahl Joins Fight Against Polio
One of Australia's most loved and enduring vocal artists, Kamahl, is the latest music icon to join Rotary International's fight against polio.
For many decades, Kamahl has prospered among Australia's leading musical talen and has supported many Rotary projects. In a generous gesture, he is making his Heart and Soul album available for sale to Rotarians at $19.99, including GST, packaging and post.
Each album will carry the now famous END POLIO NOW! sticker and is the perfect gift or prize for end of year Rotary competitions.
There is a guaranteed $5 donation to PolioPlus from every album sold.
... Bacolod South intends to adopt a village in these three areas and help rehabilitate the damaged-house victims. Thus, we are soliciting for construction materials (such as lumber, nails, galvanized iron sheets, etc) and temporary shelter (especially tarpaulins). We are targeting 100-300 houses for rehabilitation, not much really, considering that over 20,000 houses (mostly of light materials) were damaged.
The November eNewsletter from ShelterBox Australia talks about the ShelterBox response to Typhoon Haiyon: ShelterBox Australia set a fundraising target of $500,000. In an amazing outpouring of public generosity, in just 3 weeks we broke through this target. With the help of Rotary, individuals, and charitable foundations we have raised over $510,000 .... and the fund is still growing! Obviously, the need is huge and the more donations we receive, the more families we'll able to help. We have since raised the bar to $750,000.
This is the third vNews from District Governor Graeme Davies.
It features an update on the 2014 District Conference to be held at The Concourse, Chatswood on 23 February 2014. Go to conference2014.rotarydistrict9685.org.au for more information.
View the third vNews from District Governor Graeme Davies.
It features an update on the 2014 District Conference to be held at The Concourse, Chatswood on 23 February 2014. Go to conference2014.rotarydistrict9685.org.au for more information.
VALE Louise Reeves. We were extremely saddened to learn of the accidental drowning of Louise, daughter of PP Stuart Reeves of Rotary Club of Manly. Our thoughts and prayers are with Stuart and his family at this time of sorrow.
This is an exceedingly busy time of the Rotary year with just having completed the 2013 Canberra Institute, a number of club visits to special events, responding to disaster relief needs both locally and overseas, another successful Rotary Foundation Dinner and a host of other activities including completion of another Rotary Leadership Institute course and the final briefing for our outbound Rotary Youth Exchange students.
With all that is happening, Rotarians if they have not already done so, need to register for the District 9685 Conference before 30 November to take advantage of the Early Bird rate. Click here to register before 1 December
On top of that there are now less than 20 days remaining to register for the International Convention at the Early Bird rate (15 December 2013). It simply makes a whole lot of sense to save a $100 on the full rate. Register at riconvention.org
I also highly recommend that all District 9685 Clubs are represented at the Australian Rotary Health (ARH) Christmas Dinner (Epping Club Thursday 5 December 2013). The guest speaker is Steven Bradbury “Last Man Standing” with quality entertainment. It is always a highlight of the Rotary calendar and a great way to learn about ARH as a number of the sponsored researchers are interviewed about their work. Click to download the flyer
The Rotary International Zone 8 (Australia) 2013 Canberra Institute 19-24 November 2013
The Institute is an annual event that provides an opportunity for Past District Governors to gather to conference and meet with senior Rotary International officers. Pre-Institute training events are held for District Governor Nominees and District Governor-elects. It includes a District Governor Symposium and a Future Leader Seminar. The Annual General Meetings of Rotary Down Under, RAWCS, Australian Rotary Health, ROMAC and Shelter Box are held in conjunction with the Institute.
Congratulations to the District 9685 Future Leaders who attended; Ivan Fedor, Liz North, Richard Sharpe and Bruce Lakin.
The Rotary Foundation Dinner
This combined District event not only recognised individual and corporate contributions to The Rotary Foundation, it allowed those attending to meet Rotary International President-elect Gary Huang. Congratulations to all who received recognition on the night and a special thank you to the organisers, especially DGE Ian Scott who did the heavy lifting in organising this event. View the photos
BollyHills 2013
Are you interested in raising $13,000 and turning it into $120,000 through the magic of The Rotary Foundation? That is exactly what PP Haran Ramachandran with fellow Rotarians from The Hills Kellyville, Glenhaven, Castle Hill, Norwest Sunrise (Bella Vista) and Rouse Hill, their communities and funding partners the Australian Medical Aid Foundation did at BollyHills 2013.
The project is to provide much needed equipment for the Eye Unit at the Jaffna Teaching Hospital in Sri Lanka. We can all learn a lot from this project and it was most fitting that Harran and Ahsha were each recognised with a Paul Harris Fellowship. See the photos here
World Polio Day
Held each year in October this day allows Rotarians to reaffirm their commitment to a polio free world. You are invited to click here to read a letter from RI General Secretary John Hewko and watch a video update on the progress being made.
Please start thinking about creative ways Rotary clubs can build off of our success this year and make World Polio Day 2014 an even more effective platform to carry the End Polio Now message.
Disaster Relief
I thank each Rotarian for the work being undertaken in support of those caught up in the current disaster areas throughout the world. As I have mentioned before Rotary’s role is in the long term, community building recovery efforts.
We continue to receive donations in support of the Blue Mountains Fires Recovery Project. A simple and very practical way to support this recovery is to visit the Blue Mountains over the forthcoming holiday period. The local economy especially in tourism has been severely hit.
The extent of the loss in the Philippines and suffering in Syria is difficult to comprehend. Suffice to say Rotary will be active in both countries for the next decade or more as a result of Typhoon Haiyan and the civil war. Our own Peter Pearce has kindly provided an update on the deployment of Shelter Boxes which you may read by clicking here.
VALE Louise Reeves. We were extremely saddened to learn of the accidental drowning of Louise, daughter of PP Stuart Reeves of Rotary Club of Manly. Our thoughts and prayers are with Stuart and his family at this time of sorrow.
This is an exceedingly busy time of the Rotary year with just having completed the 2013 Canberra Institute, a number of club visits to special events, responding to disaster relief needs both locally and overseas, another successful Rotary Foundation Dinner and a host of other activities including completion of another Rotary Leadership Institute course and the final briefing for our outbound Rotary Youth Exchange students.
With all that is happening, Rotarians if they have not already done so, need to register for the District 9685 Conference before 30 November to take advantage of the Early Bird rate. Click here to register before 1 December
On top of that there are now less than 20 days remaining to register for the International Convention at the Early Bird rate (15 December 2013). It simply makes a whole lot of sense to save a $100 on the full rate. Register at riconvention.org
I also highly recommend that all District 9685 Clubs are represented at the Australian Rotary Health (ARH) Christmas Dinner (Epping Club Thursday 5 December 2013). The guest speaker is Steven Bradbury “Last Man Standing” with quality entertainment. It is always a highlight of the Rotary calendar and a great way to learn about ARH as a number of the sponsored researchers are interviewed about their work. Click to download the flyer
Continue to Engage Rotary Change Lives
Graeme Davies
Governor RI District 9685, 2013-14
Please read the full version of our District Governor's lead article, by clicking here
Did you have your photo taken at the Foundation Dinner with RIPE Gary Huang against the 'green screen'? View the photos here and then email us with the photo ID you would like.
View the other photos from the Foundation Dinner here.
A Rotarian's Story - the late John Carrick - Rotary's "go to" man
We often admire other Rotarians and inspired by them. Past Rotary International Director John Carrick OAM was such a person. One of the eulogies at John's Memorial Service was delivered by his good friend PDG Bob Burnett. You have to wonder how one person can achieve so much because Rotary was but one part of John's life.
Click here to learn some more about this fine Rotarian
Australian Rotary Clubs have shown their support for a mentally healthy Australia by partnering with Hat Day in October to raise funds for mental health research. Hat Day is an initiative of Australian Rotary Health where 100 per cent of proceeds will be used to fund research aimed at finding preventions, treatments and cures for mental illnesses. Funds are still being collected and final involvement being counted, but here are some of the top fundraising Hat Day events so far:
More than 300 disadvantaged and disabled kids (and their carers) were given the opportunity to experience the sensation of flying when the Qantas Jumbo Joy Flight took off last Saturday for its 40th anniversary flight.
Organised by the Rotary Club of Turramurra in association with the Qantas Pathfinders Auxiliary, the one hour joy flight on a Qantas Boeing 747 provided these children with a once in a lifetime experience. The children were nominated by schools, charities and other community groups supporting disadvantaged or disabled children.
The flight traditionally makes its way up the coast to Newcastle, down to Wollongong, and then sweeps across Sydney Harbour at a low altitude, before landing back at Sydney Airport.
Major sponsors of the flight include Qantas (who provide the aircraft and the on-ground support), Shell Australia (who provide the fuel) and Sydney Airport. Qantas staff (cabin crew, technical crew and ground staff), Turramurra Rotarians and Pathfinders’ supporters volunteer their time to make the day happen.
Additionally, through supporting donations and sponsorships from the general public and commercial enterprises, monies raised are provided to charitable organizations caring for disadvantaged children. The major beneficiary is the Royal NSW Institute for Deaf and Blind Children (RIDBC) at North Rocks.
Noel Zammit, President of Turramurra Rotary Club, said: “the Qantas Jumbo Joy Flight is an amazing experience. To see the smiles on the kids faces when they get off the plane – it is just fantastic.”
Jack Sim, founder of the World Toilet Organization, has used humor to draw attention to sanitation issues. The United Nations this year voted to make World Toilet Day, 19 November, an official UN observance. Sim's organization recently inducted Ron Denham, chair emeritus of the Water and Sanitation Rotarian Action Group, into its hall of fame in recognition of Rotary's work in the field.
Rotaractors from across Australia are taking part in Movember
This year, Rotaractors from across Australia are taking part in Movember, to show their support and to raise vital funds for men's health. The money raised through Movember goes towards a range of services including support programs and research for prostate cancer, testicular cancer and men's mental health.
Our District Rotaract Representative, Brett Sham, is taking part and had this to say about his involvement:
"Having a moustache is only a small sacrifice that I (and possibly those people that have to look at me) have to make for a month, compared to those living with cancer or a mental health condition."
If you would like to support DRR Brett, or the rest of the Rotaract Australia team, please visit his "Mo Space" (website) by accessing the link below to donate and check out the photos his moustache.
If you’ve visited the Rotary website lately, you’ve seen examples of our bold new visual identity in action. Many Rotarians are eager to implement the new visual guidelines in their clubs and districts, and naturally, some have questions about how to get started. Read more and see examples of how Rotarians are using the new look to strengthen Rotary’s image in their communities.
Rotary Public Image Coordinators Philip Archer & Howard Tong and Ellissa Nolan Marketing & Digital Media Manager from Rotary Down Under will be conducting this webinar. This webinar will help clubs to both improve and increase their awareness and image in the community. A clubs public image can influence people to join Rotary - find out how with this webinar
This week Rotarians across the District are in mourning following the passing of PDG John Carrick PRID, OAM. At the time of writing funeral details are yet to be announced. John was a wonderful person and an exceptional Rotarian and will be sadly missed by all. A tribute to John will be included in a future DG eNews.
Rotary is an amazing organisation. Its reach and diversity never fails to amaze me. The current DG eNews reflects but a small part of that diversity and reach.
There is always need for a helping hand. We are now dealing with two disasters; the Blue Mountain Fires and the catastrophic Philippine situation. Rotary’s response to both will help recovery and rebuilding long after other agencies have departed.
Of course there is always plenty to celebrate. Two clubs had special celebrations this fortnight and the NSW Rotary Clubs’ Police Officer of the Year Awards was indeed a gala event.
There are always leadership and training opportunities. We have announced a series of seminars, have ongoing Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) courses and next week prior to the 2013 Institute in Canberra, DGE Ian and DGN Gina will join me in mandatory training courses for our roles. There is also a special Forum for Future Leaders. Our District Conference on 23 February 2014 and the International Convention 1-4 June 2014 are opportunities to learn and discover more about Rotary.
Rotary is always developing and doing things better. At the District Presidents’ Meeting on 1 November, some of the material in the upcoming PR Campaign was displayed.
In short there is always a lot happening in our clubs, the District and across the world, providing plenty of ways to Engage Rotary, Change Lives.
Bushfire Update
At last! Good falls of rain mean that the emergency now moves into a full recovery phase. Rotary’s involvement in the Bushfire Recovery Committee its work particularly through volunteers working in the Recovery Centre is appreciated. Fundraising is still needed and will be into the future. Keep updated on our Bushfire relief page. Congratulations to all those involved. Your achievements are inspiring.
I have asked PDG Harold Sharp to work with the Blue Mountain clubs to develop guidelines and criteria for the allocation of funds. This is not only important for our accountability but also to ensure consistency across the various accounts in which funds have been deposited.
Philippines
Details of D9685 response to the devastation in what is essentially RI District 3860 is being developed by Maurie Schokman (Northlake Toukley) District International Director, Michael MacQuillan (Chatswood) and President Teresita Hall (Penrith). In the first instance clubs can donate to ShelterBox Australia (project partner of RI) Disaster-Aid Australia, or directly to District 3860.
There will be a follow-up at the District Conference.
Details of a District Welcome to Rotary will be announced shortly.
Planning has commenced on a Symposium for the Younger Rotarian.
The Rotary Clubs of NSW 2013 NSW Police Officer of the Year Awards
This was a gala event held on Friday 8 November to a packed audience at Dockside Level 2, Cockle Bay. The size of the function is indicative of the importance of these awards. As many of the officers in attendance were police recognised by clubs in LAC Officer Awards I hope the state event will be more fully supported by D9685 Rotarians. I believe we should regard all recipients of these awards as members of the Family of Rotary and keep contact with them. Check out the category winners. See the group winners here on YouTube.
Let’s Celebrate
That is exactly what the Rotary Club of Winston Hills (Silver Anniversary) and Rotary Club of Kenthurst (Ruby Anniversary) did last weekend. Unfortunately due to a Family Wedding I was unable to attend either celebration and as was represented by DGE Ian (Winston Hills) and IPDG John (Kenthurst). John took delight in emphasising I missed the best night of my year. Congratulations to both clubs.
Current Helpful Links and References Page
As always please check this page for upcoming events and information. This week there is a link to the Special Olympic 2013 Asia Pacific Games. I look forward to meeting up with you at the Opening Ceremony on Sunday 1 December 2013.
It is not too late to Register for the Foundation Dinner. Register now following this link and of course time waits for no one to take advantage of the Early Bird rates for both the District Conference (30 November - register now) and the International Convention (15 December- register for the convention now). Why shouldn’t the saving be in your pocket?
This week Rotarians across the District are in mourning following the passing of PDG John Carrick PRID, OAM. At the time of writing funeral details are yet to be announced. John was a wonderful person and an exceptional Rotarian and will be sadly missed by all. A tribute to John will be included in a future DG eNews.
Rotary is an amazing organisation. Its reach and diversity never fails to amaze me. The current DG eNews reflects but a small part of that diversity and reach.
There is always need for a helping hand. We are now dealing with two disasters; the Blue Mountain Fires and the catastrophic Philippine situation. Rotary’s response to both will help recovery and rebuilding long after other agencies have departed.
Of course there is always plenty to celebrate. Two clubs had special celebrations this fortnight and the NSW Rotary Clubs’ Police Officer of the Year Awards was indeed a gala event.
There are always leadership and training opportunities. We have announced a series of seminars, have ongoing Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) courses and next week prior to the 2013 Institute in Canberra, DGE Ian and DGN Gina will join me in mandatory training courses for our roles. There is also a special Forum for Future Leaders. Our District Conference on 23 February 2014 and the International Convention 1-4 June 2014 are opportunities to learn and discover more about Rotary.
Rotary is always developing and doing things better. At the District Presidents’ Meeting on 1 November, some of the material in the upcoming PR Campaign was displayed.
In short there is always a lot happening in our clubs, the District and across the world, providing plenty of ways to Engage Rotary, Change Lives.
Until next time, Engage Rotary Change Lives
Graeme Davies
Governor RI District 9685, 2013-14
Please read the full version of our District Governor's lead article, by clicking here
Go to the district Facebook page and let us know. Oh yes, and you can like us as well - we only have 319 and want more of our District Rotarians to like us please
Photos, videos, words describing your club's activities and partnerships with other Rotary clubs and organisations
Images of your club banner if it has changed in the last six years
A video collage of district clubs activities will be showcased during the conference to allow all Rotarians and the public to appreciate our many and varied achievements.
Rotarians across the upper Blue Mountains cannot be described as being members of “just another Rotary club”. Together, the clubs comprise a dynamic group of proud, conscientious men and women who support a wide range of non-profi t community initiatives.
Community service is all in a day’s work
As major players on the fundraising scene, Rotarians from Blackheath, Katoomba Upper Blue Mountains Sunrise and Central Blue work tirelessly for the benefit of the local community and the world at large. They are dedicated people.
National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) is urgently looking for three sets of Aunts and Uncles (two for Perth and one for Canberra) and two sets of Mum and Dad (one each for Perth and Canberra).
Our NYSF District Chair, Sarah Whereat says "It’s a wonderful experience to be able to see what the NYSF students are able to see and do when they do the program. It’s not hard work as the Rotarians are backup to the staff (previous students) who run the program. I went as a Rotary Aunt last year and am going again this year".
Any interested people could email Sarah at nysf@rotarydistrict9685.org.au or telephone 0402 304 486 for more information.
So much can happen between the fortnightly DG eNews. Whilst most of this eNews is taken up with a short report on the fires, the normal activity of the District continues. Lyn and I have attended inspirational events and club meetings some of which are mentioned in this eNews. It also contains regular features about Convention and Conference, a Point to Ponder, District People and the Current Helpful Links and References page. The very exciting news just received is our success in gaining two Rotary Peace Scholarships I will give more information at the District Presidents’ Meeting on 1 November
The Fires
Thursday 17 October 2013 is now part of history, the day over 200 homes, including those of Rotarians were destroyed in the Springwood/Winmalee and Mount Victoria fires. As Rotarians we often respond to a disaster somewhere else in the world. With the Lithgow, Mount Victoria and Springwood fires however we were faced with a disaster in our own District.
I am pleased to report that the fires which had the potential to be catastrophic are now contained and we are beginning the long task of recovery and rebuilding. Rotary will be there for as long as it takes.
Many Rotarians from across the District have volunteered to assist and are engaged in fundraising. Rotarians across the Blue Mountains are at the forefront of the Recovery effort.
Indeed the generosity and efforts of Rotarians and communities across District 9685 has been amazing. We are receiving donations and expressions of support from all Australian states and other countries.
With so many involved I am therefore reluctant to single out any individual but I do need to recognise one Rotarian in particular. Through his energy, clear thinking and involvement the leadership of the President of the Rotary Club of Springwood, Laurie Waterson has been exceptional.
So “Thank You” all. Rest assured all those offers of help will be taken up over time.
There is a very simple way all Rotarians and friends can make a meaningful contribution to the Recovery at this time. That is by helping stimulate the local economy by visiting the scenic Blue Mountains. Rotarians are encouraged to visit the Mountains during November to February
Within the next couple of days, the webpage will include links to sites to help families, groups of Rotarians or Clubs plan such visits. Be sure to include some time at and support for one of the local club activities during your visit. These will be summarised on the webpage. The Blackheath Rhododendron Festival is 1-3 November and the Rotary Club of Lower Blue Mountains has its Glenbrook Growers and Gourmet Food Market at Glenbrook Infants School on Saturday 2 November.
A Point to Ponder
from this week’s Rotary Club of Blackheath Bulletin:
Let me embrace thee, sour adversity, for wise men say it is the wisest course
William Shakespeare
Call to Action – ONLY 45 DAYS LEFT
Time is running out to register for the RI Sydney Convention by 15 December 2013. Register at www.riconvention.org
As we all know Rotary Peace Scholarships are most prestigious and extremely competitive. In 2012-13, District 9680 received a record number of applications for these awards. This in itself was a wonderful outcome in the year when the RI President’s theme was “Peace through Service”. PDG John Dodd has announced that two of the applicants have been successful in being offered scholarships. Mezghan Temory who lives in Afghanistan was recommended by PDG Jennifer Scott. The Chairman of the D9680 Peace Fellowship Committee, Martin Silink described her as an applicant with “ … exceptional experience and qualification”.
The other successful applicant is Police Commander Rob Critchlow, Chatswood LAC. Rob will take up his scholarship in June 2014 at Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok. Congratualtions to all concerned.
Great ideas
Last week Lyn and I had the pleasure of attending a meeting of the Rotary Club of Belrose. The occasion was a special award presented to a long serving teacher from the local secondary school, Davidson High School. What was unique was the meeting was run by the students from Davidson High School. The student president was extremely skilled, the Fines Session was light years ahead of most clubs I attend and the Avenue of Service Reports were detailed but succinct.
The “Rotary Club President for a Night” concept could be taken up by all clubs in D9685 and in so doing build relationship between Clubs and their school communities. Well done President Alf and Belrose!
Talking about Rotary Clubs and Schools, the Rotary Club of Eastwood conducted their inaugural Primary School Leaders Presentation on World Polio Day. This brought together the future candidates for RYLA, Rotaract, MUNA and NYSF as well as their teachers, parents and families. It is a good way to connect with the local politicians as well. A nice touch was the students also received a sports bag courtesy of the night’s sponsor, New Balance. To top it off, the night made both the local papers as you can see here. Well done President Sophie and Eastwood!
Farewell Bruce Dunlop
It was with great sadness that members of the Rotary Club of Kincumber learned of the passing of PP Bruce on 24 October 2013
Bruce was a member of the Rotary Club of Padstow, followed by Terrigal before becoming the Charter President of Kincumber some 30 years ago. He was a wise but modest, unassuming man who was greatly loved and respected by all who knew him. He was the pillar upon which the Rotary Club of Kincumber was built. His contribution to Rotary, PROBUS, the Brisbane Water Historical Society, and to genealogical research will not be forgotten. Our sympathy to his family and Rotary friends.
Rotarian Recognition
It is not every day that Rotarians are recognised in Parliament. RC Manly co-Presidents Veronica Hopley and Lynn Moore recently received such special mention. View the commendation
Finally
Please make a habit of regularly checking the Current Helpful Links and References page; you may also access it by going to the page under 'District' in the Main Menu of the District website.
So much can happen between the fortnightly DG eNews. Whilst most of this eNews is taken up with a short report on the fires, the normal activity of the District continues. Lyn and I have attended inspirational events and club meetings some of which are mentioned in this eNews. It also contains regular features about Convention and Conference, a Point to Ponder, District People and the Current Helpful Links and References page. The very exciting news just received is our success in gaining two Rotary Peace Scholarships I will give more information at the District Presidents’ Meeting on 1 November.
Until next time, Engage Rotary Change Lives
Graeme Davies
Governor RI District 9685, 2013-14
Please read the full version of our District Governor's lead article, by clicking here
THE Rotary Club of Eastwood held its inaugural primary schools leadership awards at the Eastwood Rugby Club recently.
Two Year 6 students each from six local schools were acknowledged for their leadership skills with awards presented by Ryde state Liberal MP Victor Dominello.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR SYDNEY CONVENTION 1-4 JUNE 2014
AIRPORT - 23 MAY TO 7JUNE
HOTELS - 29MAY TO 1 JUNE
OLYMPIC PARK ( Convention site) - 29 MAY TO 4JUNE
Contact Barry Philps at bphilps@bigpond.net.au or Marilyn Mercer at mmm@myisp.net.au for application forms or go to the website at rotary2014.com.au and look for volunteers under the tab “THE CONVENTION” to download the application form.
Rotary helped put polio eradication on center stage on the day best known for rallying support to finish the job – World Polio Day, 24 October.
A special Livestream presentation – World Polio Day: Making History – showcased the progress of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. Co-hosted by Rotary and the Northwestern University Center for Global Health, the 60-minute program took place before a live audience at the John Hughes Auditorium on Northwestern’s Chicago campus and streamed online to viewers worldwide.
RI President Ron Burton kicked off the event by noting that Rotary began immunizing millions of children against polio in the 1970s, first in the Philippines and then in other high-risk countries.
“Polio rates in those countries plummeted,” Burton said. “As a result ...
Today is World Polio Day. A day when the world can celebrate the fact that we are very close to removing this disease from our planet. But at the same time we recommit to complete the job. Rotary is recognised as a significant partner in the effort to eliminate polio - together with Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the World Health Organisation, UNICEF and the US Centres for Disease control and Prevention. Activities are planned across the globe with public building's showing light illuminations in India, Purple Pinky Day in New Zealand, Purple Clothes Days across England, the launch of further immunisation in Kenya and the Horn of Africa, bicycle challenges in Nigeria (that country's first ever bike-a-thon), plus many more activities.
From small acts to large events - they are all planned to raise public awareness in the fight to End Polio.
From the Lower Blue Mountain's President in the club bulletin SPOKE 20 October
A number of people we know, either through Rotary or from elsewhere, have either lost their homes or had close shaves during the devastating fires that have hit the area.
Barry and Pauline Fraser had a lucky escape from their home in Yellow Rock and were fortunate that their home received minor damage, while other homes in the immediate neighbourhood were destroyed. Glenn Anslow reports the fire went right over the top of his home but fortunately did little damage. Two Rotarians from Springwood club and a past member of that club, unfortunately were among the hundreds who lost their homes.
The danger is not over and we all need to be extremely careful and have our bush fire safety plan in place.
As has been reported widely, the community has been quick to respond with material and other support for the fire victims.
This was borne out at today’s market. Although crowds were down and a number of stalls were missing, the market was a success and the bucket drop donation showed how generous people can be. Stall holders also contributed part of their takings and we decided to donate the takings from the Chocolate Wheel to the bush fire appeal, as well. Although the final tally has yet to be counted, a quick check before lunch, plus other donations that came later, indicate that we raised well in excess of $2000 at the market. I expect to be able to report the final amount at this week’s meeting.
Other benefits are in the early planning stages and will be communicated to everyone, as more detail comes to hand.
This afternoon, I also attended a meeting with DG Graeme Davies and representatives of most of the Blue Mountains and Nepean Zone clubs to begin planning Rotary’s response to this disaster. We are being advised that cash is the best form of donation at the moment, as this can be turned effectively into many types of support, as needs are identified. Many other groups are collecting food and clothing and we don’t want to duplicate what others are doing. Rotary is not really an initial response organisation, being more of a medium to long term player. Our plan at the moment is to bank whatever donations we receive and then transfer the funds, most likely through Springwood Rotary, when they set up their governance team that will identify needs and oversee the distribution of the money.
DG Graeme is also setting up a Rotary Benevolent Fund to handle donations from other regions. He also plans to have Rotary on the NSW Disaster Relief Committee that has been set up under Phil Koperberg’s leadership, so that Rotary can identify and focus on community needs. More details on these initiatives will follow.
Rotarians present at the meeting who have knowledge and experience of building and Council procedures, indicate that rebuilding in the affected areas will take at least 1-2 years, so we are looking at long term issues, not only building infrastructure but housing displaced people and grief and trauma management, so the task will be complex and may even involve organisations such as Australian Rotary Health.
As you can imagine, no-one has all the answers yet but as more information comes to hand, I will ensure everyone is informed.
Rotary’s new visual identity has everyone talking. Some Rotarians like it and are already using it, as you can see in the examples above. Others aren’t so sure. Even RI President Ron Burton admits to being skeptical during the early stages of the Strengthening Rotary initiative. But after asking many tough questions, he’s become a believer.
“At the end of the day, we’re going to be way ahead on our public image and what people think and know about Rotary,” says Burton.
There is some good advice and examples on rotary.org at this link
There are now only 60 days until 15 December deadline. If we have total registrations to the RI Sydney 2014 Convention equivalent to 50% of Rotarians in the District, we will receive a return on the seeding funds we have provided in recent years. Click here to register
At the same time, click here to register for our District Conference 23 February 2014. Early bird $85 rate ends 30 November 2013.
There is a lot happening in the world of Rotary. This eNews reports on RI President Ron Burton and Jetta’s visit last week, the 30th Anniversary of Interplast, the Australian Children’s Music Foundation (ACMF), Hat Day and the ARH Race Day and ShelterBox Syrian Appeal.
In addition, there are announcements and reminders about upcoming events, particularly the District Presidents’ Meeting on November 1 and the launch of a special eNews feature recognising Rotarians and Rotary Projects. As a result this edition of DG eNews is a little longer than normal.
Firstly a point to ponder!
The First Object of Rotary is “The development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service”. We regularly use terms such as acquaintance, Rotary friends, fellowship and the family of Rotary.
But, what do those words really mean to us?
I recently asked President Tess Hall (Penrith) to give me family contact details of a Rotarian who had passed away. The Rotarian’s wife died a few years ago and he lived in a retirement home. He was survived by a son and a daughter and their families but no one in the Club had contact details.
Tess made a very apt comment, “Makes me think, we got so used to just exchanging pleasantries at meetings but never got beyond that friendship/acquaintanceship.”
Most clubs would be in a similar situation. Yes we need to observe privacy but we also need to listen to and connect with each other. How else do we develop a sense of belonging? This would be a terrific discussion topic for a future Club Development Forum.
Meeting with RI President Ron and Jetta Burton at ALLPHONES Arena
Club Presidents and the District 9685 Team were able to meet with Ron and Jetta last week at a special function to promote the 2014 Sydney RI Convention. Ron and Jetta had a busy few days with the Official Media Launch of the Convention with Premier Barry O’Farrell (RC Wahroonga), attending a Host Organising Committee (HOC) meeting and lots of other functions.
A unique feature of the Convention will be the Billabong (House of Friendship) Open Day. This will be an ideal opportunity to introduce Rotary to a non-Rotarian friend, family member or work colleague. Check out the website for the latest details about the convention and about the Host Organising Committee events.
Next District Presidents’ Meeting Friday 1 November 2013
The Next District Presidents’ Meeting Friday 1 November 2013 will also include the AGM for District 9680 District Administration Committee (DAC) and a Special Meeting of D9685 Committee of the Association (COTA). There will also be a substantive segment on the national Conversations into Actions PR campaign. It is important that all Clubs are represented at this meeting. If you have not already RSVP’d to District Secretary Gina, please do so by email now.
Interplast turned 30 this year
Interplast turned 30 this year and celebrated with a Cocktail Party especially for the volunteer surgeons and medical staff. DGE Ian Scott, David and Joan Hart and Lyn and I represented D9685. Clubs are asked to kindly support funding an Interplast Stand at the International Convention. We are a third of the way to achieving our target. Click to see the details of this request
Launch of a new DG eNews Feature
While we embrace the core value of diversity our common link is that we are simply Rotarians who engage in Rotary projects to change lives and make the world a better place. At the District Changeover I invited all Rotarians to help write the story of District 9685. It is a story of outstanding people and inspirational projects.
You are invited to submit a story of a Rotarian you admire or a project that excites you and you believe others should know about. Please send stories by email to DG Graeme gradav@ozemail.com.au. Articles should be limited to one page and may include a photograph.
Our first story comes to us from the Rotary Club of Penrith. In this month’s Rotary Down Under (page 4), RI President Ron Burton’s article makes the valid observation “In short, the idea of vocational service is that our jobs, in themselves, are a way of serving society” .
Ben Feszczuk’s story is of a vocation dedicated to serving society and is a timely reminder of the upcoming NSW Police Awards. Click here to see Ben’s story
District Symposia
At the DG Official Club Visits I emphasised the importance of the District and Club culture. Features of our preferred culture included listening to each other and supporting others achieve their humanitarian goals. As part of the development of this culture it is planned to conduct a symposium for a number of targeted groups and topics including “Information Technology and Communication”, “Welcome to New Rotarians” and “Younger Rotarians”.
Lucy Hobgood-Brown (Hunters Hill) is coordinating the first in the series which consists of two workshops to be held at different venues on 19 November 2013: one will focus on women making a difference through volunteer service work and the other will focus on Women in Rotary. Click here for the details on the Workshop 1 : Click here for the details on the Workshop 2
World Polio Day October 24
What has your Club planned for the day? In many ways until polio is eradicated; everyday should be World Polio Day. I have a supply of End Polio Now pins for only $1.50 a pin if clubs need them. Why not include a pin as part of the guest speaker “thank you” package. Part of the exercise is to maintain as high a degree of community awareness as possible.
Another suggestion is to make a donation in the name of your parents or your children or grandchildren. That will mean they will have a personal link with this most historic event, the global eradication of polio. Lyn and I will mark World Polio Day by making a donation for our grandchildren, Kobi and Isla. Click here to make a donation
The Rotary Foundation Dinner
The Rotary Foundation Dinner on November 18 is rapidly approaching. I know DGE Ian wants all Presidents-elect to take the opportunity to meet RI President-elect Gary C K Huang at the dinner. Remember that table bookings are available – details here – so register now
Australian Rotary Health
Australian Rotary Health (ARH) has been extremely active this month with Hat Day and the Hawkesbury Race Day. When it comes to ARH we are indeed fortunate to have Terry Davies (Penrith Valley) on the District team.
Have you thought of organising Zone tables at the ARH Christmas Dinner Thursday 5th December 2013 at the Epping Club? Download the flyer here
Current Helpful Links and References
Be sure to check out this DG eNews link for further information including the ShelterBox Syrian Refuge Appeal, the work of the Australian Children’s Music Foundation, and details about Graffiti Removal Day. Click here to view the current reminders or go to the page under 'District' in the Main Menu of the District website.
There are now only 60 days until 15 December deadline. If we have total registrations to the RI Sydney 2014 Convention equivalent to 50% of Rotarians in the District, we will receive a return on the seeding funds we have provided in recent years. Click here to register
At the same time, click here to register for our District Conference 23 February 2014. Early bird $85 rate ends 30 November 2013.
There is a lot happening in the world of Rotary. This eNews reports on RI President Ron Burton and Jetta’s visit last week, the 30th Anniversary of Interplast, the Australian Children’s Music Foundation (ACMF), Hat Day and the ARH Race Day and ShelterBox Syrian Appeal.
In addition, there are announcements and reminders about upcoming events, particularly the District Presidents’ Meeting on November 1 and the launch of a special eNews feature recognising Rotarians and Rotary Projects. As a result this edition of DG eNews is a little longer than normal.
Firstly a point to ponder!
The First Object of Rotary is “The development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service”. We regularly use terms such as acquaintance, Rotary friends, fellowship and the family of Rotary.
But, what do those words really mean to us?
Until the next eNews, Engage Rotary Change Lives
Graeme
Governor RI District 9685, 2013-14
Please read the full version of our District Governor's lead article, by clicking here
The Rotary E-Club of Greater Sydney is excited to announce a movie fundraiser to support it's current major project: Kisaru Entito Project - KINI Kenya!
Note this is a change from the previously indicated showing of Diana.
Image: (Left to Right) NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell, Jetta Burton, Rotary International President Ron Burton | Photographer: Mark Wallace
NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell said Rotary clubs and volunteers around the world provide outstanding service to the community and Sydney is proud to host the 2014 Rotary International Convention.
Rotary International President Ron Burton said "It is the perfect venue for our convention as we celebrate and share the many ways our members have found to use the resources of Rotary to improve the lives of families worldwide."
On World Polio Day, 24 October, watch a special Livestream presentation by Rotary and the Northwestern University Center for Global Health on the progress of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI). The 90-minute event, World Polio Day: Making History, will be held before a live audience at 9:30 am Sydney time at the John Hughes Auditorium on Northwestern’s Chicago campus.
The presentation will bring together a panel of experts including Dr. Bruce Aylward, assistant director-general for Polio, Emergencies and Country Collaboration at the World Health Organization; Dennis Ogbe, polio survivor, Paralympian, and ambassador for the United Nations Foundation’s Shot@Life campaign to promote child immunization; and Dr. Robert Murphy, professor of medicine-infectious diseases at Northwestern’s Feinberg School of Medicine. The program will be archived for later viewing.
For more on this and other polio eradication activities, visit endpolionow.org.
Two webinars on the subject "Increasing Diversity +Connecting Rotarians to Rotary beyond the Club" will be held on the 22 October at 8.00am AEST and the second one on the 25 October at 8.00am AEST. The second webinar will be a repeat of the first webinar. Rotary Coordinator Jessie Harman will be the leader of these two webinars.
If you have already registered for the webinar there is no need to re-register.
To register for the webinar on Tuesday 22 October at 8.00am AEST please click on the link below:
Further, Rotary provides opportunities to enhance your vocational skills. Network with leaders in your profession by joining (or starting) a Rotary Fellowship or participating in an online discussion group.
Throughout October, Rotarians will be sharing their vocational service experiences on Rotary Voices. Check back periodically for new stories. And read on for ideas for club and district vocational service projects.
Life is marked by milestones. So is the role of District Governor. One such milestone is completion of the Official visits to clubs. I am pleased to announce that was achieved last week.
The reason for making the visits on a Zone basis was two-fold. The first was to present a unified message to Rotarians across the District in a timely fashion. There is so much happening this year that it would be quite meaningless to give the same address six months hence. Most of it would already be history.
The second was to build on the growing acceptance for clubs to work together on projects. In some cases the imperative is a means for smaller clubs to operate. Whatever the motivation, Rotarians can achieve more significant outcomes when they work together. This was something that PP Peter Smith (Wahroonga) was a strong advocate of five years ago.
Each zone meeting provided examples of significant cooperation between clubs. It was fitting that at one of our last Official Visits to the Upper North Shore clubs we learned of an initiative of the Rotary Club of Hornsby to invite Rotary Clubs around the world to take up the collection of foreign coins and redistribute them to worthy Rotary projects across all 530 Districts. Surely that is Community Service on a Global scale.
PP David and Rotarian Joan Hart (RC Upper Blue Mountains Sunrise) attended each of the one gatherings to promote Interplast (David is Chairman of the District 9685 Interplast Committee) and conduct a raffle for a magnificent quilt designed by Joan. The proceeds went to funding an Interplast Team. David and Joan wish to thank everyone for supporting this project. We have raised $6,300 for the quilt raffle so far and in total we have reached $12,000. We are well on our way to $50,000. Thank you David and Joan!
I need to also thank our District Photographer Bill Forsyth who attended all Official Visits. Please view the photos at this link and email Bill to request any of the photographs he has taken at these meetings.
At each Zone Meeting I presented Rotarians with tasks to complete individually or with their club. Even if you were not at the DG visit you are asked to review the tasks – see them here.
Having completed this phase of club visits I will now focus on having conversations with Club Boards. Amongst other things these meetings will explore aspects of leadership in Clubs as Rotary moves towards the third decade of the 21st Century.
A Gala Night to remember showing Rotary at its very best
Having completed the Club Official Visits there is now space to accept more invitations to Club meetings and special functions. This is exactly what we did last Friday when we attended the Rotary Club of Macquarie Park’s Hope Africa Project Gala Dinner. The dinner guest list alone was breathtaking. AG Joy Pogson, Lyn and I for example enjoyed the company of the delightful Kathy Freeman. It is a project conducted in close partnership with the Indigo Foundation and plans to build a youth centre in the town of Otjiwarongo in Namibia, South-West Africa. It is a place where people live in extreme poverty.
I congratulate President Michael and all Macquarie Park Rotarians for this truly inspirational project. Click here to see the photos
Vale Max Lumley and Warren Pinfold
Both Rotarians passed away last week. Both Rotarians were long serving members of the Rotary Club of Penrith and will be sadly missed. Our condolences go not only to each family but also to President Tess and the members of the Rotary Club of Penrith.
To all clubs and Rotarians who participated in DG Graeme’s zone official visits, a very big thank you from Interplast for the support you have given to the district Interplast Quilt raffle. So far we have raised $6,300 from the Quilt raffle. And with other donations (including $2,000 from the Pink Umbrella Foundation – thank you Sue O’Neill) we have $12,000 towards our target of $50,000 to, as a District, fund an Interplast team of plastic surgeons, anaesthetists and nurses to the Asia Pacific region. The raffle will be drawn on 18 December 2013. If clubs want more raffle books please contact us.
We will be speaking at six club meetings between now and Christmas and one so far for 2014. We are very happy to speak at your club – just contact us to arrange a suitable time.
We are also pleased to welcome Valda Bray to the Interplast district committee. Valda recently went as a Rotary observer with an Interplast team to the Solomon Islands. When we speak at club meetings Valda will add her insights as a team member about the work done by Interplast.
Life is marked by milestones. So is the role of District Governor. One such milestone is completion of the Official visits to clubs. I am pleased to announce that was achieved last week.
The reason for making the visits on a Zone basis was two-fold. The first was to present a unified message to Rotarians across the District in a timely fashion. There is so much happening this year that it would be quite meaningless to give the same address six months hence. Most of it would already be history.
The second was to build on the growing acceptance for clubs to work together on projects ....
Until next time, Engage Rotary Change Lives
Graeme Davies
Governor RI District 9685, 2013-14
Please read the full version of our District Governor's lead article, by clicking here
It will soon be the start of a new calendar year and along with that will come training for President Elects and their incoming boards. The program of the Rotary Leadership Institute both supplements and compliments the district training program and builds up some new networks and knowledge. There is still time to avail yourself and your board members of this training.
We have been able to squeeze in a further course this year which will be run on 9 and 30 November and 14 December. If you would like to join this course on these days please let Michael Schwarcz (mschwarcz@gmail.com) or Barry Philps (bphilps@bigpond.net.au) know as soon as possible.
The district is still subsidising this course, so the cost to the club of this three part course is only $55.
What is Rotary? Have you ever struggled with an answer to that question? You’re not alone. How do you describe an organization that is so many things to so many different people? It turns out that we had the answer all along.
In research conducted over the past two years, we heard the same message from our members: Rotary brings together friends, family, and community leaders to create positive, lasting change in our communities and around the world.
To help carry that message into the 21st century, a fresh, modern look and inspiring and inviting voice was created. You can see these changes in Rotary’s redesigned website and publications like Connect for Good and Rotary Leader. It includes a new signature (logo) and specific fonts and colors for digital and print media. Our voice is more action-oriented focusing on the why rather than the how: Join for our community. Stay for the world.
The next step is incorporating our new visual identity into our club and district communications ...
Australian Ambassador Hugh Borrowman and Rotary International Extension Representative for Vietnam Mr Danny Low presented 166 wheelchairs for children to the Red Cross Societies and funds for children of Ha Nam, Nam Dinh, Nghe An and Lao Cai provinces and Hanoi City today. The event is part of the Australian Government’s celebrations to mark the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Australia and Vietnam.
The wheelchairs, valued at around AUD 21,580 were donated by Wheelchairs for Kids, a project of ...
Science is so important for our nation’s future. That is why as a society we value science and scientists highly, as we also do music and the arts, the family and volunteer service in the community.
Précis of the opening remarks of an address by Her Excellency Professor Marie R Bashir AC CVO to National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) students at Government House on 9 September 2013
September is Youth Month. Thank you to all Rotarians involved in Youth Service led by our District Youth Service Director Jade Catherall.
The above NYSF Government House reception highlighted the importance Rotary places on all Youth programs and the growing trend to engage youth more directly in the conduct of these programs.
On the subject of Youth, what did you think of the Youth Yarns feature in the current issue of Rotary Down Under (RDU)? The subtitle was “Celebrating Achievements of Young Members in Rotary’s Youth Month of September”. The cover had the imposing image of the President of the E Club of Greater Sydney.
Have you submitted your article for the next Humanity in Motion? It will be a collector’s publication. Take advantage of the opportunity to publicise your Club’s signature project.
Deadline for copy will be in October 2013 so action is required NOW.
The new RI Website
When you visit the new rotary.org for the first time, you’ll be seeing the public-facing version of the site. To enjoy the full functionality the site has to offer for members, you’ll need to create a profile in My Rotary. Visit www.rotary.org/myrotary to get started.
Turning conversations into actions
Our national PR and Memberships campaigns are aligned. Advertisements such as the “I believe in dreaming big. That’s why I joined Rotary” (p12 September RDU) will be run in coming weeks.
Rotarians are critical to the success of the campaigns. It will rely on conversations and actions by each Rotarian. Assistant Governors are distributing copies (three per Rotarian) of a poster/pamphlet to help with your conversations on membership.
As a further resource, please save the excellent tear out supplement in the current edition of RDU (pp. 27-34) Get more out of membership. Connect for Good
A Matter of Good Governance - completing reports and meeting deadlines!
All Rotary clubs are reminded that the July 2013 membership portion of the Semiannual Report (SAR) is due no later than 30 September. Rotary International bases Rotary club membership starting figures on July SAR data, so it’s essential that RI receives membership details by the end of September. Read this email BUT Club Secretaries should note that ALL membership changes must be made on the District website; from there, the information will be transmitted to RI.
I have been informed that close on 80% of clubs are yet to enter The Rotary Foundation goals for the current year. It is simple to enter the details on the new RI website.
Don’t delay – ask your Assistant Governor, the District Club Service Administration Director and your Club’s Rotary Foundation Mentor. They are there to help.
Current Helpful Links and References
This will become a regular feature of the DG eNews. It is included as a support to Clubs and Rotarians. It may also serve as a reminder of things to do. There is rather a lot listed simply because there is a lot happening.
Science is so important for our nation’s future. That is why as a society we value science and scientists highly, as we also do music and the arts, the family and volunteer service in the community.
Précis of the opening remarks of an address by Her Excellency Professor Marie R Bashir AC CVO to National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) students at Government House on 9 September 2013)
September is Youth Month. Thank you to all Rotarians involved in Youth Service led by our District Youth Service Director Jade Catherall.
The above NYSF Government House reception highlighted the importance Rotary places on all Youth programs and the growing trend to engage youth more directly in the conduct of these programs.
NYSF is an excellent example of a great Rotary partnership project where youth are directly involved in the design and development of the program. NYSF is an intensive two week residential course conducted in January each Rotary plays a vital role in the selection of students, student and parent briefing forums and overall support of the students. The students on the other hand through the NYSF Alumni provide the staff, conduct outstanding leadership programs, influence the curriculum of the program and participate in ongoing NYSF functions throughout Australia.
One of a number of functions Lyn and I have attended celebrating Youth during September Youth Month including a Rotary Youth Exchange BBQ, the Science and Engineering Super Challenge, and a fantastic program called Recognition of Youth Awards. In addition we have read reports on RYPEN and RYLA in Timor Leste and a myriad of Club initiatives such as The Hills Kellyville Student Writing Competition.
Younger Members
On the subject of Youth, what did you think of the Youth Yarns feature in the current issue of Rotary Down Under? The subtitle was “Celebrating Achievements of Young Members in Rotary’s Youth Month of September”. The cover had the imposing image of the President of the E Club of Greater Sydney.
How do we attract younger people to join Rotary?
As I have previously mentioned we already have young Rotarians in leadership positions in Clubs and District Committees. Evan Burrell is but one example.
We need to remember the first President of the first Rotary Club was 35 at the time he held that office.
In recent decades however Rotarians have aged. can’t change the way we look but we can change what we think, do and say. We can do away with Rotary’s version of the chorus in a Greek tragedy which chants, “You can’t do that, it is not the Rotary way” or “We did that 15 years ago and it didn’t work”.
Membership growth especially of younger Rotarians is a goal of all clubs in District 9685.
As Lyn and I have been making the Official Club Visits I have set tasks for Rotarians following the meetings. One task originally presented at the first District Presidents’ Meeting is to conduct a club discussion to explore changes and develop a plan to make the Club more attractive to and accommodating of younger Rotarians.
We are seeking to establish a District and Club culture that is inclusive, a culture of listening to each other, of helping others achieve their humanitarian dreams, and one that promotes change and innovation as a normal part of development.
Humanity in Motion #3
How are you progressing with your Club’s article for the next Humanity in Motion. It will be a collector’s publication so take advantage of the opportunity to publicise your Club’s signature project.
Deadline for copy will be in October 2013 so action is required NOW.
The new RI Website
When you visit the new rotary.org for the first time, you’ll be seeing the public-facing version of the site. To enjoy the full functionality the site has to offer for members, you’ll need to create a profile in My Rotary. Visit www.rotary.org/myrotary to get started.
Turning conversations into actions
Our national PR and Memberships campaigns are being implemented. Advertisements such as the “I believe in dreaming big. That’s why I joined Rotary” (p12 September RDU) will be run in coming weeks.
The two campaigns are aligned nationally but will rely on conversations and actions by each Rotarian. To assist Rotarians will shortly receive three copies of a poster/pamphlet to facilitate the membership conversation. These will be available through Assistant Governors as from next week.
As a further resource, please save the excellent tear out supplement in the current edition of RDU (pp. 27-34)Get more out of membership. Connect for Good
A Matter of Good Governance - completing reports and meeting deadlines!
All Rotary clubs are reminded that the July 2013 membership portion of the Semiannual Report (SAR) is due no later than 30 September. Rotary International bases Rotary club membership starting figures on July SAR data, so it’s essential that RI receives membership details by the end of September. Read this email BUT Club Secretaries should note that ALL membership changes must be made on the District website; from there, the information will be transmitted to RI.
I have been informed that close on 80% of clubs are yet to enter The Rotary Foundation goals for the current year. It is simple to enter the details on the new RI website - see his guide.
If you are experiencing difficulties please contact your Assistant Governor who may refer you to the District Club Service Administration Director or Rotary Foundation Mentor.
Current Helpful Links and References
This will become a regular feature of the DG eNews. It is included as a support to Clubs and Rotarians. It may also serve as a reminder of things to do. There is rather a lot listed simply because there is a lot happening.
RYPEN has just been held in East Timor - where it is known under its localised name of RYP ENcouragement with the pomegranite as the symbol for its logo as it is better knoiw than the traditional apple.
Gordon Lau and Katie Dean are two Crossland Rotaractors who have been volunteering at our RYPEN in our District for many years. They joined the team that went to Timor (as part of Woodside's sponsorship) to help "make it happen". They did a fabulous job!
RYPEN was attended by more than sixty young Timorese boys and girls selected from schools around Dili.
In these brief videos, you will get an overview of the redesigned website, including the section for the general public and our enhanced member area, My Rotary.
In these brief videos, you will get an overview of the redesigned website, including the section for the general public and our enhanced member area, My Rotary.
In these brief videos, you will get an overview of the redesigned website, including the section for the general public and our enhanced member area, My Rotary.
The Rotary E-Club of Greater Sydney is excited to announce a movie fundraiser to support it's current major project: Kisaru Entito Project - KINI Kenya!
The gift of literacy lays a foundation for success: it opens doors, provides greater opportunities, and helps people advance out of poverty.
Literacy creates positive cycles of education, health, and peace.
8 September was International Literacy Day, and now is the perfect time to use our talents and resources to help increase literacy skills around the world.
Community Services ($5000 prize) : Social innovation and innovation in the organisation of community-based and public services is increasingly important to our quality of life. Examples include novel programs for community development, innovation in the delivery of public services, and social entrepreneurship in the not-for-profit arena.
Friday October 11 is Hat Day, a national fundraising day to raise awareness and funds for mental health research in Australia. The concept is easy: wear a hat and donate to research which aims to find preventions, treatments and cures for anxiety, depression, Alzheimer’s, schizophrenia and other mental illnesses.
It’s time to get nominations together for The Service Awards for a Polio-Free World. Any Rotarian can nominate any other Rotarian and you can submit as many nominations as you like.
This award recognises those who have performed outstandingly in support of polio eradication.
Nominations are due by 18 October to give DG Graeme some time to process.
Community Services ($5000 prize) : Social innovation and innovation in the organisation of community-based and public services is increasingly important to our quality of life. Examples include novel programs for community development, innovation in the delivery of public services, and social entrepreneurship in the not-for-profit arena.
Well here we are in September already, the new RI Website www.rotary.org has been launched, Fathers’ Day has been and we have already completed over 50% of our Official Visits. A feature of these visits is the opportunity for each Club President to give a brief glimpse of his or her club. Each day Lyn and I never fail to learn and be more amazed by Rotary and the diversity of projects being undertaken by Clubs throughout the District. Rotarians are certainly special people.
Perhaps last Sunday some fathers received Hugh Mackay’s new book, The Good Life: What makes a life worth living? I thought his following statement had application to Rotary; “No one can promise you that a life lived for others will bring you a deep sense of satisfaction, but it’s certain that nothing else will.”
Some requests and recommendations:
Foundation Goals: I am informed that only 17% of Clubs have entered the goals for 2013-14. It really is very simply to do so online. The Club President, Secretary or TRF Chairman is requested to enter the club’s 2013-14 Foundation Goals. All Rotarians are requested to be aware of their Club’s goals. Remember to allocate an amount for Polio eradication. Click here for instructions
Register for the Lifecycle of a Service Project (Part 1): Overview and Introduction webinar.
Rotary International is pleased to present this five-part webinar series to support the Rotary family in producing sustainable service projects.
The series will highlight different strategies, best practices, and Rotary resources available to help clubs and districts undertake successful, sustainable service initiatives.
Rotary’s new website is actually two sites: one for the family of Rotary, and another for people interested in finding out more about Rotary. When you create an account and log on as a member, you’ll gain access to a host of new Rotary tools.
Every year, 6.9 million children die before reaching their fifth birthday. Almost two-thirds of them – 4.4 million – die of infectious diseases, nearly all of which could have been prevented.
What would happen if 1.2 million Rotarians continued their service efforts in water, sanitation, health, hunger, and literacy, but with children in mind?
A reminder that the Interplast Quilt Raffle is taking place in the first half of the Rotary year and is just part of our fundraising efforts for Interplast.
Your club can also hold an event with Interplast as the recipient of your efforts. Joan & David Hart (Upper Blue) can also visit as Guest Speakers, or as part of an International themed meeting to speak at your club.
The Baggy Green”, the pride, passion and history of Australia’s sporting icon is the topic of one of the latest listings on the District Speaker Bank. There are almost 60 speakers listed.
If so, please register early and pay US$100 less than the on-site registration fee.
Rotary’s annual convention is a wonderful way to experience the true internationality of Rotary, as you connect with leaders, exchange ideas, and get inspired to take action to benefit communities worldwide.
If we have 50% of our membership register before 15 December, our district will gain a financial return - in response to funding support over the past few years.
The 50% is based on our total District membership but includes partners, work colleagues and others.
2014 Rotary International Convention in Sydney, Australia, 1-4 June
HOPE Africa ambassador Ian Thorpe OAM and other celebrities would like to invite Rotarians to a star-studded Gala Dinner, taking place on 27 September at the historic Curzon Hall.
A Macquarie Park Rotary project, HOPE Africa aims to raise much needed funds to build a youth centre for vulnerable and underprivileged children in poverty-stricken Otjiwarongo, Namibia.
Tickets start from $200, but especially for Rotarians and friends of Rotary, we are offering an early bird discount at $180 until 7 September.
James (Jim) Edward Greening OAM is a member of the Rotary Club of Upper Blue Mountains Sunrise and prior to that a member of Burwood Rotary.
The 2012 club changeover was an opportunity to celebrate Jim Greening’s 40 years’ service as a Rotarian and 60 years as a member of a service club and other voluntary organisations. Then club President, John Curry and Past District Governor, Marilyn Mercer presented Jim with a double sapphire to add to his PHF recognition.
A project brought to fruition by Maria Chan, President of the Rotary Club of Chatswood International to bring eight children from one of the Regions most severely affected by the Japanese tsunami.
What a wonderful international youth project - involving a number of clubs from the Mountains to the Sea.
A project brought to fruition by Maria Chan, President of the Rotary Club of Chatswood International to bring eight children from one of the Regions most severely affected by the Japanese tsunami.
What a wonderful international youth project - involving a number of clubs from the Mountains to the Sea.
Special thanks to the Chatswood International, Central Blue, Kenthurst, Eastwood and other Rotary clubs as well as individual donors who helped bring the project to fruition and/or were instrumental in activities on the ground in and around Sydney.
Please note the new website works best on the following browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer 9 and 10, and Safari 5 or higher. If you encounter compatibility view errors when using IE9 or 10, please follow the instructions on the screen. Earlier versions are likely to frustrate the user.
Macquarie Park advises that Tara.Ed is working with a number of clubs in India and that the Pune Katraj club has organized a global essay competition, ROGEC. The motivation behind ROGEC is to Engage Rotarians and allow them a platform to express themselves on global issues concerning Rotary. The theme for the year is World Understanding and Peace.
In an attempt to maintain effective communication I must resist the temptation to write about everything that is happening for the Davies. Given the busy lives Rotarians lead, the DG's eNews needs to be relatively brief and highly focussed on essential information. At the same time it needs to be thought-provoking, at times challenging and hopefully stimulate conversations that will translate into actions that take our wonderful organisation forward.
I am indebted to PDG Paul Henningham (Rotary Club of Lower Blue Mountains) who, in an email, referred to a “balance of information, instruction and inspiration”. I will endeavour to provide this balance in the DG's eNews.
During our Club visits I have been asked what impact of the re-emergence of new polio cases in the Horn of Africa will have on meeting the 2018 eradication goal.
Good progress continues to be made in endemic countries with 71 new cases reported this year compared with 217 in the same period last year. The standout country is Afghanistan with only four new cases this year.
However there have been 110 new cases in the Horn of Africa however compared with 6 only in 2012. One hundred of the cases have been in Somalia.
The good news is that in Somalia and Kenya no new WPV1 cases were report in the past week. The following comment from the Washington Post is also encouraging:
“Until polio transmission is interrupted in the endemic countries, outbreaks such as the one in Somalia are to be expected,” explains Dr Hamid Jafari, Director of Polio Research and Operations at the World Health Organization. “So long as the budget for the new Polio Eradication and Endgame Strategic Plan is fully funded, we’re well-equipped to pursue endemic and outbreak priorities simultaneously.”
I strongly recommend that Clubs (or better still, Zones) invite our District Polio Eradication Sub Committee Chairman, Rob Byrne (Rotary Club of Turramurra) to address a meeting. Rob provides a most insightful analysis of the Endgame Strategic Plan. His contact details are PolioPlus@rotarydistrict9685.org.au or 0403 238 852.
Polio eradication surely is the epitome of Engage Rotary, Change Lives.
At a recent Blue Mountains mayoral reception, Her Excellency Dulcie Soares, Vice Minister for Primary and Basic Education in Timor-Leste, presented the Rotary Club of Upper Blue Mountains Sunrise President Helen Audsley with a certificate of appreciation for the club’s donation of education material to help support Kirsty Sword's Rural schools Program. The photo shows President Helen with the Vice Minister and deputy Mayor Mark Greenhill - see it on the District Flickr album
Fiji has the largest population in the Pacific, other than Papua New Guinea, spread across more than 300 islands. The demand for plastic and reconstructive services in Fiji is high. There are significant numbers of untreated cleft lip and cleft palate cases and a high incidence of burn scars and contractures. Hand injuries are also common.
A 'Big Thank You' to Riverside Zone for your support ... the Interplast Quilt Raffle raised over $500 on the night towards our District goal of $50,000.
The Local Ryde/Hunters Hill permaculture group will be at this North Ryde event on 7 September to advise on designing sustainable edible gardens and answer questions related to growing healthy organic vegetables.
Register early for the 2014 Rotary International Convention in Sydney, Australia, 1-4 June, and pay US$100 less than the on-site registration fee.
Rotary’s annual convention is a wonderful way to experience the true internationality of Rotary, as you connect with leaders, exchange ideas, and get inspired to take action to benefit communities worldwide. By planning ahead and reserving your room now, you’ll increase your chances of staying at your first-choice hotel.
Remember: If we have 50% of our District register before 15 December, D9685 will gain a financial return in response to funding support from our District over the past few years. The 50% is based on our total District membership but does not require 50% of Rotarians. To be eligible for reimbursement the registration can include partners, work colleagues and others.
Welcome to the third 2013-14 District Governor eNews.
During July, Club Presidents and I visited the Mayor of most LGAs in District 9685. The response has been beyond expectation. In most cases we met with not only the Mayor but also other Councillors, the General Manager and other Council Officers.
Councils clearly value the work of Rotary in their local area.
The purpose of the visits was to either strengthen existing relationships or create relationships between an individual Rotary Club and its local Council where the relationship didn’t previously exist. The reality is we have much in common. We are both engaged in community building and youth projects. By aligning projects where appropriate with Council priorities we can achieve more for the communities we serve. In all cases we developed supportive lines of communication and some Councils are keen to have regular meetings with Rotary. It was pleasing to note clubs willing to work together on projects.
Please continue reading, by clicking on 'Read more...' below right.
During July, Club Presidents and I visited the Mayor of most LGAs in District 9685. The response has been beyond expectation. In most cases we met with not only the Mayor but also other Councillors, the General Manager and other Council Officers.
Councils clearly value the work of Rotary in their local area.
The purpose of the visits was to either strengthen existing relationships or create relationships between an individual Rotary Club and its local Council where the relationship didn’t previously exist. The reality is we have much in common. We are both engaged in community building and youth projects. By aligning projects where appropriate with Council priorities we can achieve more for the communities we serve. In all cases we developed supportive lines of communication and some Councils are keen to have regular meetings with Rotary. It was pleasing to note clubs willing to work together on projects.
K.R. “Ravi” Ravindran, a member of the Rotary Club of Colombo, Western Province, Sri Lanka, has been selected by the Nominating Committee for President of RI in 2015-16.
Ravindran will become the president-nominee on 1 October if there are no challenging candidates.
The application form has sections which require either typing, tick a box or the use of a drop down menu. When you click on a line on the application form it will show you what information is required. If there is a drop down menu this will be shown as a down arrow on the right hand side. You must select from this drop down menu if this occurs.
In the section requesting information on your availability, please tick every venue, date and time at which you will be available to assist us.
Please ensure you select a vest size as this will guide us on the size mix required when we order the volunteer vests. These vest will be worn over your clothes and will identify you as a Rotary volunteer. They will have ties so there will be some flexibility in size.
If you have been a volunteer for any organisation or event recently, please complete this section, a drop down menu allows you to select the duration.
You may not need to complete every line of this application, but please ensure you supply us with your contact details; your availability – venue, date and time; additional languages and if you are prepared to be a coordinator of other volunteers.
When you have completed the form, please save a copy, then email this copy to the address at the bottom of the form, viz: sydneyconvention2014@akrisgroup.com
Receipt of your application will be acknowledged.
You will be contacted with additional information about your role and the availability of online venue specific training. Should your circumstances change and you are no longer able to volunteer or your time and venue availability changes, please let us know.
Thank you for your willingness to be a volunteer and we hope you will have a wonderful experience helping others at the Sydney Convention 2014.
To showcase the variety of projects that clubs are involved in across Rotary District 9685, each Rotary club and each Rotaract club is invited to submit one photo a month during 2013-14.
From the many photos taken by clubs each month, each clubs is asked to select one that shows the club in Rotary/Rotaract action. The photo should capture the fun and vibrancy of the club and its members. It needs to have some Rotary/Rotaract identification.
The end result will be over 1000 photos capturing the spirit of Rotary District 9685.
To showcase the variety of projects that clubs are involved in across Rotary District 9685, each Rotary club and each Rotaract club is invited to submit one photo a month during 2013-14.
From the many photos taken by clubs each month, each club is asked to select one that shows the club in Rotary/Rotaract action. The photo should capture the fun and vibrancy of the club and its members. It needs to have some Rotary/Rotaract identification.
The end result will be over 1000 photos capturing the spirit of Rotary District 9685.
The ShelterBox Board is seeking more Australian ShelterBox Response Team members.
A selection weekend is being held in early March 2014 (date and venue to be confirmed). Interviews will be held in advance of that weekend, and prospective candidates will be able to prove their commitment by getting involved in fundraising in the intervening period.
If you know of any suitable candidates please get them to contact Mike Greenslade or direct them to the ShelterBox Academy SRT page. There they will find more information about what it means to be an SRT member and an application form.
This is a huge opportunity for Rotarians to take a lead in promoting the Family of Rotary during our Membership Month. It's Rotary Membership and Extension Month and a great opportunity to tell all your friends about your Rotary experience. Adopting a profile pic like this one is great way to start the conversation.
Keep your club active and thriving. Check out the Membership and Extension Month activities we’ve planned to help you get your club involved and share your passion for Rotary.
Prince George Alexander Louis is about to be the first Royal personage to receive a RoTree. Along with his numbered RoTree certificate is an invitation to visit Teralba, near Lake Macquarie, where his tree will be waiting for him to hug it. Assuming Kensington Palace replies on his behalf, the Club will then request that young George become the Club's Royal Patron. Chatswood Sunrise is the boutique Club of District 9685 - never say "small!" With a bit of luck we may soon be "By Appointment."
On 19 August, rotary.org launches with a new look and feel, better navigation, and enhanced functions.
One of the services to districts and clubs that will really see improvements will be the activities that forward contact and background information about prospective members to district leaders.
In a high-speed environment where individuals want to connect to and get involved with Rotary clubs as fast as possible, we can now provide you their information immediately for your evaluation.
Enhanced functions in the new Rotary website: Joining Rotary
Four peace fellows discussed challenges to promoting peace during an informal roundtable session at the Rotary International Convention in Lisbon in June.
The Club News & Events website provides an avenue for Rotary & Rotaract clubs to contribute articles and news of interest to Rotarians in our District.
The 2013-14 District Directory is available on-line. It is an extract from the printed directory, excluding personal contact information for club officers.
The club directory with personal contact information for club officers is also available to logged-in users of the District website.
We are all invited to give a gift that will go beyond our lifetime: a donation to The Rotary Foundation’s endowment, the Permanent Fund. This fund enables individuals to combine their gifts into a significant force to address the world’s greatest needs for generations to come.
The initial target of US$200 million for the Permanent Fund was met in 2005, six years ahead of schedule. The next target is $1 billion by 2025.
In a Rotary year, about $8 million from the Permanent Fund is made available to support Foundation programs.
This is the growing corpus of funds that allows or Foundation to continue carrying out its role as one of the world's greatest and most cost-effective charities.
PDG David Rands has the task again this year of inviting ...
Women in Rotary was created by The Rotary Club of Alert Park in order to initiate and support a dynamic Rotary culture where men and women work together to expand and build on existing strengths with the benefits of diversity to improve the lives of individuals and communities in a way consistent with the RI Strategic Plan.
Welcome to the second edition of the Governor’s E-News.
The new Rotary year is well underway across the District from the mountains to the sea. Club plans are being finalised and implemented. As District 9685 we have had the first District Presidents’ Meeting, the first Committee of the Association Meeting, the first District Team Meeting and this weekend, the first PDG Meeting. Lyn and I have been continually on the move since the beginning of July and appreciate the warm welcome we have experienced wherever we visit. There is a sense of excitement and anticipation.
There is a voice that echoes in all clubs across the District that says we need to have more young members.
We know the very first Rotary club president was 35. We know that the IPP of the Rotary Club of Crawley WA was 21. We know that in 2012-13 and again in 2013-14 we have had club presidents in our District under 30.
So younger members not only exist but have positions of leadership.
*Do all members of your club hear well? *Do the people in your local community or your international community projects hear well? *Does it matter? *Why bother about it?
What power do Rotarians have to make a difference?
As a DG Partner and a Rotarian I want to use my vocation/business/profession to support Rotarians and help to make a difference in District 9685 and Rotary International.
Through the existing Rotary structure I encourage every Rotarian, Club and the wider community to participate in Hearing Health at all levels and through all Avenues of Service.
I encourage all clubs to make a difference in people’s lives because our:
•Hearing is a major factor in making us human and able to communicate with each other
•Hearing and effective support services arecritical for all communities around the world to enable people to function well and for their general well being and inclusion
• Our Hearing is affected by our own general health and our toxic noisy environment
NEWS UPDATE: A new Hearing Rotary Action Group has just been established on www.rotary.org/actiongroups Read all about it and/or join this group.
See the project booth, House of Friendship, Lisbon.
HOPE Africa, a Macquarie Park Rotary project, aims to raise much needed funds to build a not-for-profit youth centre in poverty stricken Otjiwarongo, Namibia - where the main inhabitants have little to no opportunity to support basic needs such as food, shelter, health and education.
The youth centre will be a place where vulnerable and underprivileged children can have a safe place to learn whilst also having access to health and recreational facilities for them and their families. The recreational facilities will get youth off the streets.
For three years, 100 districts have been testing Future Vision, a pilot of The Rotary Foundation’s new grant system, which was designed to increase Rotary’s effectiveness during the next century of service.
As the new Rotary year dawns, the future has begun. All districts begin using the simplified grant structure 1 July. Districts have already been completing the qualification process and qualifying their clubs. A number of clubs and districts have begun preparing and submitting grant applications.
With his congenial manner and his inclination to keep things simple, Ron Burton has a natural ability to put people at ease. But don’t let the easygoing demeanor of Rotary International’s new president lull you into thinking that he doesn’t get serious when it’s time for business.
“If you ask my opinion, you’re going to get it,” Burton says, his neighborly look morphing into a solemn gaze. “When I feel strongly about something, I will argue like crazy for my position. Read more
So, why am I in the ad? As a doctor I often witness devastating injuries and tragedy. In 2010, after a spate of terrible crashes in which several children died in my operating theatre despite our best efforts, and others experienced severe head injuries resulting in lifelong disability, I wanted to do something to reduce the carnage on our roads. I approached the NSW Government and asked how I could help.
This (unofficial) video brought to you by the Rotary E-Club of Greater Sydney to promote and share Sydney with the Rotarians of the world. Use it to invite your friends to the 2014 Sydney Rotary International Convention 1-4 June 2014 - view it now
This (unofficial) video brought to you by the Rotary E-Club of Greater Sydney to promote and share Sydney with the Rotarians of the world. Use it to invite your friends to the 2014 Sydney Rotary International Convention 1-4 June 2014
Pink Umbrella Foundation - a Private Ancillary Fund is offering $6,000 in 6 separate grants to be given out at the 1/4erly RAWCS meeting to be held August 24th – 25th at Gloucester NSW.
The grants can only be received by RAWCS registered International Projects in Eastern Region. The announcement of and presentation to the winners will be at the General Meeting held on Sunday 25th August where the applicants or their nominees must be in attendance. The grant will be deposited directly into the Rotary Overseas Aid Fund into the project account of the grant recipient.
Find out how to earn this year's Presidential Citation - one way the RI president recognizes Rotary clubs for accomplishments that help them become stronger, deliver more effective service, and enhance their public image.
Dear Rotary Friends and Friends of Rotary, welcome to this edition of our District’s E-News.
I am pleased to present this first District Governor’s E-News for 2013-14 and the first for District 9685. It will probably take two or three editions to settle into a format that is best suited to the needs of our Rotarian readers. I intend the DG E-News to be focused and relatively brief (this edition will be a little longer) whilst providing useful information and comment. I am also looking at a Video Newsletter but more about that shortly.
This is an opportunity to contribute to a project to bring self sustainability to a poor village in Cambodia. A four year project has just been successfully completed in the village of Cham Resh, 75km from the famous Angkor Wat temples. A neighbouring village, Chub Smak, just 4 km from Cham Resh, has seen the outcomes of the four year intervention and has requested help for their village.
Tony James from Pittwater Rotary, NSW and Dr King Gan from Glen Waverley Rotary, Victoria, would like to invite other clubs in their districts to support them to repeat the successful project – to be named Chub Smak a Rotary Future Vision Project.
In 2013/14, District 9685 aims to raise $50,000 to send an Interplast team of plastic surgeons and support staff to the Asia-Pacific region to operate on disadvantaged people withcleft palette, burns, and other foot and hand injuries. They also perform an important training role for local doctors and surgeons. Thanks to donations from the Rotary clubs of Blackheath and Greater Lithgow we already have nearly $2,000 towards our target.
A special fundraiser this year is raffling a queen size bed quilt designed and pieced by Rotarian Joan Hart( Rotary club of Upper Blue Mountains Sunrise) and quilted by Sue Bell (Rotary club of Lower Blue Mountains) – see photo. The quilt has been professionally valued by the NSW Quilters Guild at $1,800. This fundraiser was officially launched by President Helen Audsley at the Rotary club of Upper Blue Mountains changeover on Sunday 30 June 2013. At DG Graham Davies invitation we will be attending all of his official zone visits and look forward to your support for this fundraising initiative.