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.
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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 at the NSW Rotary Inspirational Women's Awards 2019
Sunday, 27 October 2019 at 12 noon
Gadigal Room, City Tattersalls Club, 198 Pitt Street, Sydney
includes 2 course lunch with cash bar
Gadigal Room, City Tattersalls Club, 198 Pitt Street, Sydney
includes 2 course lunch with cash bar
To reserve your seat or table
Book Now!
Amazing guest speakers who will share their journey as you discover more about our 2019 inspirational winners.
The guest speakers include:
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:
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.
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You can now register for this evening as per the link below via the Rotary Club of Sydney website:
https://www.sydneyrotary.com/events/police-awards2.html
The Rotary Leadership Institute course is run over two days, power-packed with information, learning, and skills you can use in your Rotary life straight away. At only $75 including all materials, coffee breaks and lunch, this is great value to Clubs and their members.
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. If you are already an RLI graduate, encourage your fellow Club Members to attend. Register online now at rli.rotarydistrict9685.org.au and supercharge your Rotary.
Dates are;
RLI 53 August 4 and 18 (Sundays)
RLI 54 October 5-6 (Weekend)
RLI 55 November 16-17 (Weekend)
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.
If you're still in doubt, download Rotary's official Voice and Visual Identity Guidelines: https://brandcenter.rotary.org/Asset/DownloadMaster/118
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