Recently, I spent time in the Nakivale refugee settlement in Uganda. As the "settlement" in its name suggests, the people living there are free to move around and integrate as best they can — one thing that makes the place unique. had a chance to play soccer with boys and girls from about a dozen nations and talk with women who had fled areas of conflict. It was a tapestry of human experience shared through both laughter and tears. As I walked across a school campus at the settlement with a teacher, she shared with me the dire statistics on girls' education. Most don't get through grade school. Many are sold into child marriage to pay for food for their families. As I looked around at these young girls, I was gutted.
Our work with empowering girls and women is much more than creating equity — sometimes, it's about health or education. Other times it's about providing safety. Regardless of the path, it's always about basic human rights. We can do more to empower girls and women, and we can expand how we share the progress Rotary members and our partners have made toward this goal.
There is no shortage of inspiring examples of our work, from interest-free microcredit loans for women in Nigeria, to projects in India that provide girls menstrual hygiene products. Hundreds of projects are taking place across all Rotary areas of focus and are making a meaningful and often lifesaving difference.
Together, we can address the needs and inequities that girls throughout the world face daily. But we must also monitor the impact of these projects and create awareness of Rotary resources and subject matter experts, including Rotary Action Groups, The Rotary Foundation Cadre of Technical Advisers, Rotary Peace Fellows, and others. t is especially important that we tell the stories of our initiatives that have a positive impact on the lives of women and girls. This last point is near and dear to my heart. This means sharing our stories on social media, through local news outlets, in this magazine, and wherever we can inspire others. As you do so, it's important to provide information that helps our Rotary family connect with others who are implementing activities in their regions, as well as across the world. Let's share our successes and learn from one another — then proudly tell our stories to a larger audience.
These are exciting times in Rotary, and the world is taking notice. As we work to empower women and girls to step into their full potential, we create new pathways for membership growth and greater collaboration with partners to create positive, lasting change. Thank you for your continued action in this vital effort.
Powerful earthquakes have ravaged southern Turkey and northern Syria, killing more than 3,500 people, and flattening buildings. Homes have been destroyed or left unsafe and people will have little choice but to sleep in the open in fear of more aftershocks.
We’re preparing to send an emergency response team to Turkey in the coming days to find out what support is needed and if we’re well placed to help. A decision on sending the assessment team will be taken later today.
We’re speaking with our existing partners who we work with in Syria and Rotary contacts in Turkey to find out exactly what is needed and how we might get aid to where it is needed most if we respond.
The first earthquake hit during the night under the cover of darkness and most people would have been at home asleep. Another struck minutes later, with a third striking the same region hours later as the rescue effort was well under way.
Powerful aftershocks and poor winter weather are hampering rescue efforts. Temperatures can drop below freezing at this time of year in the affected areas and this will put lives at risk. There was snowfall and heavy rain in the region before the earthquakes struck and this is likely to increase the humanitarian need in the region.
To make matters worse, the region where the earthquakes struck is home to significant numbers of Syrian refugees and internally displaced people. They have already faced so much – many having to flee their homes because of conflict.
ShelterBox has experience responding to earthquakes in Turkey before, most notably the 2011 Van earthquake. We also have an ongoing programme of work supporting people displaced by conflict in Syria, including the region affected by the earthquakes.
Please donate today to help ShelterBox provide lifesaving aid for families affected by disaster around the world. Donate today to change lives
Rotary Leadership Institute Course 73, 24-26 February.
President Elect Learn ing and Development Day, 4th March
District Assembly, 15th April (arrangements TBC)
2.Western Sydney Model United Nations Assembly (WS MUNA 2023)
This year’s Western Sydney (ie. west of Parramatta) Model United Nations Assembly (WS MUNA 2023) is well underway. The event will be held on June 3 & 4 at the Nepean CAPA High School. An expression of interest (EOI) for students and teachers has been circulated to teachers at schools which previously participated. It would great if Clubs in Western Sydney could help to enlist teams from other schools that have not participated to date. To this end, we attach student & teacher flyers, and the 2023 Manual. We would be most grateful if you could pass these documents on to contact teacher(s) at these schools, and let us know that you have done this. We would also like to extend an invitation for you or another member of your club to join the organising team. 33 teams participated last year. The 1st & 2nd placed team attended the National MUNA in Canberra. We hope that you will be able to help sponsor team(s) from your local schools. We anticipate the cost will be $200 per team.
To view each of the following documents, please click on the names below:
3. D9685 District Governor 2025-2026 Applications - REMINDER
OFFICIAL APPLICATIONS OPENED on January Tuesday 31st 2023
All Rotarians who have served a full term as a Club President are encouraged to apply for this exciting role. To assist in any decision, an Information Pack is available, and you are invited to attend an Interest and Information Meeting to be held at Rotary Down Under, 25/1 Maitland Place on Sunday 19th February 2023 from 10am.
If you wish to receive an information pack or just want to know more about the role, and also to register for the Information Meeting on the 19th Feb. PLEASE contact PDG Dave Clark
Formal Applications to be sent to the Chair PDG David Clark and must be received by Friday 31st March 2023.
Interviews will be held on Sunday 23rd April 2023.
For further details, please contact: Chair of the Nominating Committee, PDG David Clark, 0414 364 812 davd.clark.1606@gmail.com(Please note there is no (i) in davd in the email address)
4. Latest District 9685 Breakout Conference News
Regrettably we have been advised that Mr Stan Grant is unable to attend the Cowra Breakout Conference. However, we are pleased to announce we now have an excellent Dinner Speaker in Detective Chief Inspector (Retired) Russell Oxford whose career encompassed extensive experience in the investigation of major crime. Russell has had a strong commitment to the education and training of Police and Detectives and is particularly interested in the scientific and technological developments which have enhanced modern policing. Also adding to our Saturday lineup, we are delighted to announce Mr Graham Creed, Meteorologist and the face of ABC Weather for 14 years. Graham has now turned his attention and skills to farming and flowers. On Sunday at the Japanese Garden we will be serenaded by Mr Mark Brooker, accompanied by Ms Wendy Brooks.
5. Information About District Conference 17th to 19th March2023
If you would like to do one of the 2 wine tours (Friday 17th, and Sunday 19th, please book with Antonio's wines by clicking HERE. Quote that you are attending the Rotary Conference to get the special price of $10 per person for the tour and tasting.
Antonio's Wines Tours
Friday pm and Sunday pm
Normally $25 pp.
Rotary Price $10 (no redemption from cellar door purchases)
Maximum 25 people per tour
1 hour duration with expert guide and sampling of at least 4 wines
Conference 2023 Bus From Motels to Venue - for the Saturday Sessions and the Saturday Conference Dinner
Buses have been organised from Motels to the Conference venue. You will need to book and pay for the $10 return tickets. The two links are below - one for the Saturday sessions, one for the Conference Dinner.
2 buses have been organised for the Conference Dinner so that attendees can be transported from Motels in Cowra beyond walking distance from the venue, and return at the end of the Conference Dinner. The cost is $10 per person RETURN
Pick Up time between 4.30 to 5.00 pm for 5.30 pm arrival
Return times from 9.30 pm (early bus) and 11.00 pm (late bus)
To book the buses for the Saturday sessions - Click HERE
To book the buses for the Conference Dinner - Click HERE
5. The Rotary Foundation
If you are an incoming President or Foundation Director for 2023-2024, learn about the work of The Rotary Foundation including grants, programs, and giving opportunities in The Rotary Foundation Basics course.
To provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill,
and peace through its fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders.
ROTARY FOUNDATION DAY 23rd MARCH, 2023
6. Brand Centre
Visit the Brand Centre to create club promotions that are distinctly Rotary. Get started today
7.Rotarians and Friends of Rotary in District 9705 and Beyond - "THANK YOU"
Thank you for your call to action in the immediate flood response in Eugowra. It has been a huge effort from Rotary over the last 12 weeks as a small part of the community's recovery. A personal thanks for your time and filling my persistent roster whether it was a single day to a week, a month or camping on site! Thanks to those who coordinated collection of food donations, ute loads transferring donations, driving huge distances with donations, cooking meals and treats at home, purchasing groceries, food prep on site, daily coordinator roles and of course the super sorting sessions!!
I extend to you the appreciation expressed by Sean Haynes and his crew, the showground residents we have got to know well, the locals and the leaders of the many organisations involved in the recovery. Last week a few of us began disassembling the shelving and Peter Thompson/ Parkes RC finished the clean up of the pavilion site with all the donations packed away safely in sheds and containers. Please also acknowledge the local businesses listed below who generously supplied meal and food donations including deliveries. We can show our support to them by purchasing their products in the future or simply saying thanks if you have the opportunity.
It was lovely to see support from the community and return of rotarians at the launch of the " Heartache and Hope' video produced by Parkes RC which is now live to watch: https://youtu.be/w5IxNfXFqYE
Please share it - Eugowra and shire still need our help.
8. Rotary Acronyms and Abbreviations
We can all get thrown a little when faced with a barage of acronyms which happens in any organisation, and it does so in Rotary. The following may help some of your newer members with some of the issues they face when they join such a dynamic organisation as ours. Please click HERE for a copy of Rotary acronyms and abbreviations.
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
While the early bird price has ended there is a still a good promotional offer that is US $100 less than full price and with the better exchange rate available at the moment still represents excellent value.
There is much to do in Melbourne in addition to the convention. You will see updates in RDU magazine for supporting events like the ‘Night at the Museum’ and the ‘Melbourne Cup day’. Keep reading.
And there are plenty of opportunities to volunteer also. Visit the host organising committee website https://rotarymelbourne2023.org/ for more details on volunteering and the Convention.
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 MONTHLY THEME FOR FEBRUARY IS PEACE AND CONFLICT PRVENTION/ RESOLUTION MONTH
THE ROTARY LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE COURSE 73
24th to 26th FEBRUARY 2023
by Zoom
The next opportunity is RLI 73 which will be held on-line.
The 2022 version of the Manual of Procedures has been released. Click on the image below to view/download a copy of this very informative and valuable document (login to My Rotary may be required).
KENNARDS STORAGE
Contact Details
6-8 Phyllis Avenue
Thornleigh NSW 2120
Phone +61 2 9481 9400
Email thornleigh@kss.com.au
Website www.kss.com.au
CLICK ON THE IMAGE BELOW TO FIND OUT ABOUT GETTING A BANNER TO PROMOTE ROTARY
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7. 
"The Club Buzz" is where you will find some exciting and relevant programs or events happening in our Clubs and in District 9685. 
The Club Hiking Stick Challenge - Raising funds for Australian Rotary Health
