As I write my first message we are again in the grips of torrential rain that is causing flooding in our Hawksbury and Nepean areas. Paul Rogers has already dispensed the bulk of the blankets, doonas and Manchester that we had in storage after the last flood event, thinking they may not be needed for some time. I sincerely hope that the impact will not be so severe this time but if it is, I know that our members will rally to provide support.
On a brighter note, I’d like to thank all of you who came to our District Changeover, which proved a very well organised event by our outgoing District Governor Lindsay May and his efficient team. It was a lovely night even though the weather made it treacherous just getting there. Congratulations to the many clubs and individuals who were recognised for their achievements over the last twelve months. Thank you for your contributions to our district.
I’d like to reiterate the comments I made regarding Lindsay’s and Tania’s support, mentoring and guidance throughout my years as DGN and DGE. Rotary International provide superb training but local knowledge is invaluable and Lindsay provided a good insight into the daily goings on within the district. I hope that I can provide the same for DGE Christine Owen and DGN Niranjan Deodhar.
Our new International President Jennifer E. Jones wants us to focus on the care and comfort of our members in order to make their Rotary experience worthwhile and satisfying. Busy, happy members will encourage others to join us. She also wants us to conduct entry interviews to see what potential members want out of their Rotary experience and then try to provide that.
As a starting point I want every club to carry out the RI Member Satisfaction Survey (click HERE to download) to see what our members really think of their clubs. The results will guide you in what you have to do to improve the experience for your members. Those clubs that have already started the survey have discovered some very interesting comments.
I look forward to starting my official club visits. Already I have attended about ten Changeovers and have been thoroughly impressed with what those clubs have achieved. Thank you all for your service.
Thanks for Supporting Our Rotary Foundation in 2021/22!
Despite the continued disruptions of COVID-19, you have continued to show your generosity in giving, as well as your determination to “do good in the world” through The Rotary Foundation.
Donations from individuals and clubs in our District exceeded $US 500,000 this year, in support of our Annual Fund, Polio, Disaster Response, and Global Grant projects!
Thirty-three clubs received and completed District Grants in 2021/22, using $AUD 102,000 provided by our Annual Fund “Seed Bank” that we set aside three years ago. The clubs then added another $AUD 238,000 to these projects, of which 18 were carried out here in Australia, and the remainder were spread amongst 12 countries.
The amazing list of projects is available on the district website. Just click here for more information.
The past year was busy for Rotary Foundation Global Grants, too! The Rotary Foundation approved 18 Global Grants that were sponsored by clubs in our district, involving many other clubs around the world. Using approximately $US 100,000 in “seed money” donated by Rotarians in our district three years ago, these clubs were able to raise over $US 1.1 million in additional funds to carry out these projects! For more information about all our Global Grants, please click here.
Our District Rotary Foundation Committee is ready to help you with your District Grant or Global Grant applications during DG Mina’s year. This year, we have about $AUD 100,000 in “seed money” available for District Grants, and a similar amount available for Global Grants.
We have extended the deadline for District Grant applications to 15 July, so please contact our Grants Chair, Haran Ramachandran (0419 980 529) or me right away if your club needs help in applying for a District Grant.
Every month since I joined Rotary, I’ve looked forward to reading this magazine, especially the opening essay from our Rotary president. I’ll admit that as much as I appreciate a digital copy, I still revel in the tactile sensation of sitting down and leafing through the glossy pages. They are a treasure trove of photos and memorable stories about our great organization — the one we all know and love. I have learned so much over the years about service projects and lives that each of you have transformed.
As a communications professional, I have longed for the day that our stories were a regular part of mainstream media and that our flagship magazine might populate doctor’s offices, coffee shops, or anywhere else people sit, wait, and browse. It’s great that Rotary members are better informed about all we do, and wouldn’t it be that much better if more people knew our stories.
All this was top of mind as I thought about our plans for promoting Rotary worldwide in the upcoming year. Over the next 12 months, we are going to shine a light on projects that put Rotary service on display to the world, and we are going to do it strategically. Nick and I will focus on some of the highest impact, sustainable, and scalable Rotary projects from our areas of focus in what we call the Imagine Impact Tour.
We are inviting top-tier journalists, thought leaders, and influencers to use their channels to help us raise awareness by reaching people who want to serve but have not yet realized they can do it through Rotary.
But there was another important issue to consider — our carbon footprint. I take seriously Rotary’s emerging leadership position on environmental issues. The example set by our members during the pandemic is fundamental to how we carve out our future.
That means we will harness digital technology to tell these stories — we will be tweeting, posting, and “going live” to anyone who will listen. We must consider our environment, and part of that means not always traveling but continuing to connect in meaningful ways as we have for the past two years.
Of course, we are social people, and we still need to be together. We simply need to be more mindful of our decisions and think about how we get together just a little bit differently. For example, if we travel to visit a project, we will plan successive visits in neighboring areas.
So, what are your stories and who can help tell them? I hope you might consider your own Imagine Impact efforts — your story might be something you can promote just as easily on social media or during a Zoom call. Think about ways to showcase notable projects in your clubs and districts.
We all feel the impact that Rotary service and values have on us. Now it’s our opportunity to share that feeling with others.
1.Donations in Kind (DIK)/ Health Education Equipment Repurposing (HEERA)
Donations in Kind (DIK) is a registered name held by the West Footscray facility in Melbourne and as they are not a member of RAWCS and a stand-alone facility, we are breaking the law if we continue using their name.
Because of this a couple of years ago, we started using the name Health Education Equipment Repurposing (HEERA) as this is a bit of a mouth full, at last night's RAWCS Board meeting it was decided to change the name to bring it into the same as some of the other RAWCS programs like RAM to Rotary Australia Repurposing Equipment (RARE)
As of now if anyone is talking about DIK or HEERA they should use the new name Rotary Australia Repurposing Equipment (RARE) and if they have to use the old name PLEASE use the word Previously DIK or HEERA and now known as Rotary Australia Repurposing Equipment (RARE)
PDG David Clark JP
(RARE) National Manager RAWCS
National RYPEN Committee Member
Blackheath Rotary Club Inc.
2. Humans of ShelterBox: Johanna’s Story
by Eleanor Knight 30th June 2022
Introducing ‘Humans of ShelterBox’ — a new spotlight series highlighting some of the incredible individuals who make our disaster relief work possible around the world.
To kick things off, we’re excited to introduce Johanna Johns — one of our long-standing and deeply committed volunteers who lives in Sydney, NSW. This is her story…
3. SPECIAL MESSAGE FOR THOSE AT DISTRICT CHANGEOVER
The team from Lower Blue Mountains did a great job with table decorations at District Changeover but, unfortunately, a couple of people must not have heard the announcement that such decorations were not for ‘taking home’ at the end of the night.
THREE of the attractive large, burning cream coloured candles were missing when packing up was completed.
We understand that some people might not have heard the announcement that the candles were not for souvenirs and will be grateful if such are returned to the District Changeover decorators. Please contact communications@rotarydistrict9685.org.au if you inadvertently took one with you.
4. Cowra Raffle
1st Prize valued at $2,000
A Magnificent Hand Pieced Patch Work Quilt / Wall Hanging "TURTLE " (180cm x 153cm)
Created almost entirely using Indigenous fabric purchased during visits to the Indigenous fabric shops in Alice Springs, Darwin and the Tiwi Islands, Northern Territory, inspiration for “The Turtle” came following a visit to the Turtle Sanctuary at Mon Repos in Queensland.
The quilt is designed using the English Paper Piecing (EPP) technique of ¾ inch hexagons.
The quilt is totally hand pieced and was almost 4 years in the making.
Quilter: Yvonne Lawrie, Cowra. NSW.
Free Delivery of Prize by Australia Post
For purchase of tickets, use the QR code on the image to the left, or click on the image to take youi to the site.
5. Flood Relief Sydney & surrounding regions (RARF)
As you would be aware there are parts of NSW that again are facing hardship because of flood waters. The RAWCS Executive have today responded with a new project to launch a new appeal to support the Rotary Clubs near or within the effected areas, enabling them to respond to those in need because of this most recent disaster.
I provide the following link for your information and support to “get the message out”.
The Naval Historic Society (NHSA) now offers three Navy harbour cruises so you can learn about the Navy bases and activities from 1788 to the present. NHSA is a non-profit organization run by volunteers. A comprehensive commentary is provided supported by information and photos on TVs to bring the commentary to life. A complementary booklet with lots of information and photos is provided as a souvenir.
Each cruise visits several locations seen from the water. At the start of each cruise the strategic importance of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) will be covered as well as an overview of the RAN fleet today.
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
Keeping The Homeless Warm And Dry - Mary Crammond
Exceptional teacher recognised by Rotary
Unsung Community Heroes Recognised By Hills Kellyville Rotary
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