Coronavirus update
We are still working through the challenges this virus is giving us and we are almost there. Clubs are beginning to plan for the next phase, whatever that may look like. When looking forward and planning please be mindful of the following:
- It is imperative that you observe the government’s rules that apply.
- Members may still feel uncomfortable meeting face to face. Respect these feelings and find ways to ensure they are included. Continuing to use technology is one option.
- Ensure you follow conditions of entry to venues.
- Remember to use good hygiene practices at all times.
We will adapt to the “new normal” as we continue to be People of Action.
Club Visits
These are happening, I am really pleased to see and hear the great things you are doing for your communities.
I have noticed that clubs all have their own ways of engaging on Zoom. This is fantastic and whilst we all appear as a square on the screen, each club has developed its own online personality which is awesome. We have really enjoyed joining each club as we engage during our visits. On our District website there is a link to a list of 45 Australian clubs who are meeting online. Why not have a look and visit another club? It’s interesting and you can learn and enjoy fellowship across the World. You can add your meeting to this list and you might have a visitor.
I have noticed that clubs all have their own ways of engaging on Zoom. This is fantastic and whilst we all appear as a square on the screen, each club has developed its own online personality which is awesome. We have really enjoyed joining each club as we engage during our visits. On our District website there is a link to a list of 45 Australian clubs who are meeting online. Why not have a look and visit another club? It’s interesting and you can learn and enjoy fellowship across the World. You can add your meeting to this list and you might have a visitor.
I still have many clubs to formally visit. If you wish to invite Linda and I to your online meeting, please let me know and we can arrange a date. For those clubs looking forward to a face to face visit, consider arranging a tentative date. We all know time will be precious once clubs can engage with their community again.
Once we are free to meet and clubs are out there doing things, please allow us to roll up our sleeves and join you and be a part of a project or activity. Put us to work.
Lakes Entrance
Linda and I were thrilled to be part of a wonderful celebration and our first club face-to face night the other week. It was great to see people socially distancing and mingling, the buzz of people talking, the clattering of knives and forks on crockery and the chink of glasses. The evening was mild and we kicked off with drinks outside in the winery gardens followed by dinner with guests seated. The staff ensured that the members were accommodated within the COVID 19 guidelines.
It was a pleasure to present Rotarian Mike Anketell with a 50 years of service certificate and a personal letter from International President Holger. Many Rotarians spoke about Mike’s fifty-year commitment to Rotary including PDG Noel Wheeldon. Mike was supported by his wife and many of his grandchildren. Adding to the celebrations I had the pleasure of inducting Carolyn and Ken Aston as new members into the Rotary family.
It was a fantastic night, lots of laughing, good chatter, great food. I look forward to more events when we can meet like this again.
Foundation Month
November is Rotary Foundation Month
Did you know that Rotary Foundation recently added the Environment as the 7th area of focus?
Environment joins 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. All of these service activities are supported by global grants.
District 9820 has an Environment chair, Robin Stewart, Rotary Club of Frankston. He can be contacted at enviroment@rotary9820.org.au.
Have you read what Charity Navigator says about our Foundation? < Click here >
Charity Navigator is an organisation that evaluates charities around the globe. They evaluate how organisations are managed, how transparent they are, how donations are managed how much impact the charity generates.
The Rotary Foundation consistently rates 4 out of 4 stars.
Here is a statement from the navigator site:
LEADER STATUS
This organization has earned Global Giving Leader Status by demonstrating active engagement and/or effectiveness over the past year.
Mark Anderson, International Fund Development, Rotary Parramatta, recently wrote "Nothing ever comes cheap and everything The Foundation does costs money. When the money runs out so does our ability to make a difference. Clubs can take the bull by the horns and agreed to pay their TRF commitment now rather than wait until the traditional ‘rush’ period of June. We will get our money working sooner rather than later and that will help enormously. If all clubs in Australia could do this then The Foundation would be in a much stronger position".
Why should you donate to the Rotary Foundation?
When you give to The Rotary Foundation, you are directly supporting Rotary's work. Your gift makes our service projects — projects that eradicate polio, promote peace, and develop communities — happen.
The Rotary Foundation is your own charity and I’m asking you to be part of it.
Polio
World Polio day events in Victoria have taken on a different perspective this year as many of us are finding it difficult to raise funds for our core projects. How are you raising funds? Some activities include auction nights, progressive dinners, talent shows plus more. Since times are tough and we (Rotary) did make a promise to eradicate Polio, have you considered making a personal donation this year to the End Polio Now campaign? Just because we are closed that does not mean that the Polio fight is on hold.
Unfortunately, due to the corona virus pandemic, there have been an increase in Polio cases. To date there are 79 in Pakistan and 53 in Afghanistan.
Have you read the story about Dr Farima in Afghanistan and her struggles fighting gender barriers and her work for WHO? Read her story here:
I ask everyone to make a personal donation the Polio fund. As we are unable to attend the movie night like we normally do, why not donate that money directly to the fund?
Polio Update from Rotary International
Ade Adepitan Rotary Polio Ambassador & Paralympian < Click here >
World Polio Day 2020 Global update. Every year on 24 October, World Polio Day presents a global opportunity to rally around the fight to eradicate the disease forever. This year's theme is “A win against polio is a win for global health.”
Baton
Celebrating 100 years of Rotary in Australia. Many of the plans of the R100 committee are still in place but not able to move forward but things are still slowly moving along and clubs around Australia are planning and doing many activities. What’s your R100 project? I have been excited by several projects that are happening around our District. Don’t forget, ask to borrow the District baton for a project or activity, this is a great way of involving the community in your projects.
Rotary’s got Talent
Your chance to shine, A fun night with a mystery judge. What hidden talent do you have? Can you spin plates on your nose? Does your left leg play jingle bells? Well here is your chance to show the District what you can do. An individual show or a group show (with appropriate corona virus conditions), what can you do?
All acts will be time limited to 3 minutes with 10 acts for the night. Get in early and show us your hidden talent. I know we will be swamped with acts, so we may just have to have a second show. Sunday 8th November. See District website and Facebook for entry forms and details.
Newsletter articles
What is your club doing? Why is your club the best club in District 9820? Send an article and some pictures in to newsletter@rotary9820.org.au and tell us why your club is so awesome! We are doing great things, our District newsletter is distributed to about 2500 people, across Australia, in fact across the world! Why not tell everyone how good you are?
It only needs to be a few words and some great action photos, I want to show off our District, what better way than showing off what our clubs are doing.
Right at the beginning I said I did not want to make the newsletter about what the Governor is doing or has done, rather it is about you, it is about showing our communities that Rotary is there, Rotary cares and Rotary changes People Lives.
Rotarians are People of Action
Everyone - let’s start planning for the next phase, things are looking brighter, we will start to get back to doing what we do best, helping people. Remember obeying the rules that apply and ensure everyone is safe and comfortable. Let us move forward being positive and careful.
Remember, we have been here doing good in Australia for 100 years, we will be here for the next 100 years.
Bush fire relief
