To date, Tania and I have e-visited 20 clubs and we’re delighted with your positivity and amazed by your achievements across our District.
Yes, it’s a challenge to engage online, but important that we try to assist all to meet this way. Once members learn how easy Zoom meetings can be, the surprise bonus is that every attendee can contribute to the conversation because we have equal presence on screen.
Yes, lockdown is inhibiting our fundraising, the ability to hold events and recruit new members. Innovative clubs are actively pursuing online events; pet show, trivia competitions and online Fun Runs. The limitation is your imagination and the buzzword is pivot.
Clubs utilising Facebook have seen renewed interest from prospective members, improved active member’s attendance for online club meetings, social activities and overcome the limitations of face-to-face engagement.
Rotary Leadership Institute course #64 was held last weekend with 15 keen Rotarians, including 2 from D9670. I attended their graduation ceremony on Sunday, and it was easy to tell that all had thoroughly engaged with the learning experience. Thank you to RLI Convener, DGN Christine Owen and her team of experienced instructors for preparing a new group of skilled future Rotary leaders.
STV Windeward BoundR100 Adventure Training Voyage via Sydney has been postponed.
Rotary Australia World Community Service (RAWCS) - I attended the Eastern Region (NSW) AGM, Sunday, 15 August. Most on the call were from D9685 which represents our tremendous involvement with 80 humanitarian projects underway across the globe. D9685 RAWCS Chair, Jan Pryor produces an extensive summary of D9685 projects: http://rawcs.org.au/project-search/
Rotary Emergency Service Awards (RESCA) presented a professional webinar Saturday, August 14 chaired by PDG Sue Hayward 9675. Details of awards to volunteers and employed professionals engaged in seven NSW emergency services organisations at https://nsw.rescawards.org.au/
RESCA 2022 nominations open 30 March 2022 - I encourage all clubs to conduct a local RESCA event, collaborate in club groups to identify potential finalist candidates. Rotarians are also involved in volunteer rescue organisations and their members are great prospects for Rotary, a boost to my Membership Goal of 2022 by 2022. There are 168 emergency and rescue bases in D9685.
Police Officer of the Year awards 2021 - nominations close Friday, 27 Aug 2021. For more information click HERE.
We look forward to joining your club’s meetings and activities on screen. Try to stay positive, stay safe, find new ways to adapt and reach out if you need me or any of the Team.
As we focus on membership in Rotary this month, I ask you to help make history this year. For more than 20 years, our membership has stood at 1.2 million. Rotary is a vibrant organization with a 116-year history, members in more than 220 countries and geographic areas, and a rich legacy of work in polio eradication and other humanitarian programs. Rotary has changed so much in our own lives and the lives of others. As we Serve to Change Lives, don’t you think Rotary could...
Ivar Karklins GoFundMe: Motorcyclist loses leg, critical injuries after Annangrove Rd, Annangrove crash
A small-business owner and Rotarian from the Rotary Club of Kenthurst has tragically lost his leg in a horror motorcycle accident in Sydney’s northwest, with his friends rallying behind the community champion in his time of need.
Ivar Karklins, 55, of Kenthurst. Picture: Supplied
VOLUNTEER EMERGENCY REQUEST - CHOOSE AN ACTIVITY BELOW TO HELP OUR RESPONSE IN HAITI
Earthquake, Les Cayes, Haiti - 15 Aug 2021 (CREDIT: Joseph Odelyn/AP/Shutterstock)
ShelterBox is deploying an operations team to the region to support those affected in Haiti. We're asking all our volunteers to please choose one or more of the following activities TODAY to help our response...
Kaye Carter, President of the Pennant Hills Rotary Club, proudly displaying her Rotary branded face mask. These are for sale from the Pennant Hills Rotary Club and are $20 each.
You can email Kaye at: kayecarter2021@gmail.com to place an order.
2. RDU Monthly Theme - August - Together, We Inspire (World Humanitarian Day,Thursday, 19th August, 2021)
On World Humanitarian Day, we honour the work of humanitarians who overcome huge challenges to save and improve the lives of millions of people. These real-life heroes are doing inspiring things to help women, men and children whose lives are upended by crises. They support individuals and communities in the fight against poverty, injustice and hopelessness, while safeguarding fundamental human rights of populations displaced by war and conflict. Creating inspiring stories and inspiring others to create their own – that’s what People of Action do.
3. Learning and Development - Learning and Development Chair PDG Kalma McLellan
Fabulous news – the D9685 L&D site has been updated with all 2021-22 training events. District Assembly, District Team and President’s content is now available to all concerned. Please make the most of this great resource. Click HERE.
Lockdown is perfect opportunity to capitalise on RILearning Centre – what have you achieved as a club team member? What are the other options available to you? Have you explored the Toastmasters options? Have you ticked your favourite portfolio options? Great to retain your sanity during this time! Click HERE.
Rotary Leadership Institute: RLI #65 and RLI #66 are now available for registrations on District web page. This is a broad program for new and not so new Rotarians and a chance to meet members from other clubs to exchange ideas. Have you been? Would you like to attend? To log in to ClubRunner and register for RLI click here: RLI Registration
4. A Great Meeting Resource and Project Idea for Within Australia and in Countries in Our Oceania Region and Beyond.
Here is an interesting project that meets all Rotary criteria in that it Changes Lives, saves the environment, and well worth a look. The presentation discussed is an interactive video (go to Learn More).
7. The WorldSkills Australia National Championships 2021 are still going ahead!
The WorldSkills National Competition's format has been adapted to ensure the hotly anticipated event goes ahead, with the championships originally set to bring apprentices, trainees and students from every state to WA from the 26th – 28th of August. Competitors from states like New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland will now be able to participate from their home state, competing in a series of exciting challenges for a chance to win gold, silver or bronze and become Australia’s national champion in their chosen skill.
8. Rotary's Seventh Area of Focus - Sustaining the Environment
District 9685 Environment News - World Cleanup Day 18th September 2021
Do you know what one of the most pervasive forms of plastic pollution is? Cigarette Butts. It is estimated that 4.5 trillion are littered globally every year! Most cigarette filters contain... LEARN MORE
Melanie Lewis
Environment Chair
9. SPAM Emails
Great care needs to be taken and highly recommend the installation of antivirus software.
A small annual investment could pay big dividends in increased security of computers and emails.
10. Rotary Down Under is Moving
RDU Supplies will be unable to send orders from C.O.B. Friday 13th August until Monday 23rd August.
During this time orders can still be placed online @ www.rdusupplies.com.au and will be sent out from Monday 23rd August.
We thank you for your understanding and patience during this time.
Windsor Rotary has put forward two nominations in the 2021 Rotary Inspirational Women’s Awards. Deborah Gersbach has been nominated in the Urban over 30 category and Tilly Harry in the Urban 18 to 30 age category. Deborah is a strong advocate for the improvement of facilities and opportunities for the disabled and disadvantaged members of our community and Tilly, a proud indigenous young lady, is heavily involved through the UWS in the development of improved education opportunities for disadvantaged, and especially indigenous, youth. The club has now submitted nominations for the past three years with the intent of recognising the contributions made for the betterment of our community by the efforts of many dedicated women.
Club members have been pleased to hear that Deborah has been selected as a finalist for this year’s awards. Winners will be announced by State Governor, The Hon Margaret Beasley AC QC at a special ceremony to be held on 19th September.
12. Rotary NSW Emergency Services Community Awards - RESCA
A local winner was Alex Fenwick, a resident of Ryde nominated by Marine Rescue.
13. Rotary Zone 8 Virtual Conference
To celebrate our Centenary, this year’s Zone 8 Conference is all about sharing the wonderful impact of Rotary. It will take place on 11th & 12th September. READ MORE
14.THE CROSS-COUNTRY CHALLENGE IS BACK SUPPORTING MENTAL HEALTH!
Get in early and register for the Rotary Club of Castle Hill's CROSS-COUNTRY CHALLENGE, the Hills' largest and favourite fun run, returning in 2021 for another action-packed year! In 2019 before COVID, the run attracted 350 entrants and raised over $20,000 for mental health charities in the Hills District. After going virtual in 2020, the annual fun run will take place on Sunday 10th October, 2021 at Bella Vista Farm and is expected to attract a record attendance of over ... READ MORE
Radio is a powerful way to spread your Club stories. If your Club has a project, local or overseas, which would interest the wider general public, discuss it with Rotary Matters presenter Ian Stuart who will be glad to help spread the word. Ian.stuart@optusnet.com.au 0416 138 860
It’s been widely reported that lockdowns and isolation have brought more people to gardening than ever before, because whether you’re a long standing or new “COVID” gardener, the joy of gardening has helped many get through these challenging times. That means that there’s never been a better time to showcase the finest gardens of the Hills District & surrounds.
The Sydney Hills Garden Competition is on again this spring. Intricately linked to the Hills Shire, the first garden competition ran in 1959 as the forerunner of the Orange Blossom Festival. The Garden Competition closes for entries on 17th September for Judging 20th-24th September. This is a call out to all gardeners …. register your gardens and get ready for the judging late September.
to let us know of any bereavements you would like published.
You may also inform your Assistant Governor, the District Secretary, or the Governor. Remember to also update your club's member database on the District website.
THE ROTARY LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE COURSE 65
8th to 10th October, 2021
Face to Face
There is still time to register for this Learning Opportunity. Past RLI coursesconcluded with great success and rave reviews. Don't miss out .
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5. Rotary Improving Hearing and Dental services in Samoa - Rotary Club of Carlingford
10. Rotary Down Under is Moving
