From the District Governor
Posted by DG Bill Degnan
We are now into December and the season of Advent with exciting religious overtones for many as Christmas draws near.  There will be times to meet with family and friends and share love and joy.  But please don’t forget about those who live alone, and those shunned by society.  Make sure you help the needy and the homeless living under bridges or in parks.  It is a great pleasure to see the caravan set up by the East Gippsland cluster of clubs for use by work parties working with drought-stricken farmers and then with other properties devastated by fires.  The caravan has wash basins, showers, and toilets.  The caravan is currently set up outside the Bairnsdale Community Centre for use by homeless people.  A couple of homeless girls said they feel much safer using this facility.
DG visits are now returning to in-person meetings.  I will have completed six more visits by the end of November (three by zoom and three in-person, that will leave 12 more clubs to visit.  We also visited with the Leongatha Club for a celebration and reflections evening with the 14 MUNA delegates from Mary McKillop Catholic Regional College.  It was exciting to hear of their growth and increased awareness of the world we live in.
Rotary Leadership Institute has commenced in Drouin.  Well done to David Hanlon and Tim Wills for persisting and giving the participants the depth of their knowledge of Rotary.
Registrations are open for the RYLA training week at Rawson during 17-22 January 2022.  Please consider sponsoring a young person to attend for an exciting week of personal development and learning experiences.   Even approach a local business to sponsor a young member of their staff to attend as part of their corporate training.
President Elect Briefings (PETS1) have started with the East, Central and West Gippsland clusters meeting with Governor Elect, Paul Mee last weekend.  All the President Elect Briefing sessions are planned to run face to face in clusters.  If you haven’t completed the election, please make a concerted effort to appoint your Club President Elect as soon as possible.   It would be a pity for your Club President Elect to miss this important training opportunity.
The District has several pull-up banners on a variety of programs including all the areas of focus.  Clubs are welcome to borrow them to display at any event you are planning.
With Covid restrictions finally lifting, Judy & I hope to physically see you all soon.  We are both fully vaccinated and have the big green tick on our phones.
DISTRICT CONFERENCE
Registrations for the District Conference to be held in Traralgon on the weekend of 25-27 February 2022 opened in September.  At last count we had 106 delegates registered for this exciting event.  The beautiful new venue is due to be completed by Christmas, with seats and carpets now installed.
A few things to remember:
  1. Accommodation needs to be booked as soon as possible, especially if you intend to stay on the Thursday night.
  2. It is a requirement of Latrobe City that all attendees be double vaccinated.
  3. Don’t forget to book your golf tournament, or winery tour spot when you register.
 

District 9820 Conference 25 - 27th February 2022
Posted by David Button (Conference Registrar)
 
 
District Conference Platinum Sponsor – Latrobe Health Services
Latrobe Health Services is an Australian-owned not-for-profit community-focused private health insurer with more than 81,000 members across Australia.
Founded in 1950, Latrobe Health was established by power industry workers to provide for the health care needs of residents in the Latrobe Valley, Victoria, and at the time focused on providing medical services such as hospitals and ambulances. Much has changed since 1950, with Latrobe Health now providing hospital and extras coverage for members Australia-wide. However, the spirit of Latrobe Health Services founders remains. Latrobe Health Services is still a regionally focused and based private health insurer that exists to benefit and support its members and the communities in which they live.
Latrobe Health Services is a proud supporter of regional communities, most recently donating $25k for the Traralgon storm emergency and $25k for the 2020 bushfires to Gippsland Emergency Relief Fund. In support of its community throughout the COVID pandemic, Latrobe Health Services donated a whopping $1M to bolster much needed family violence, youth and mental health supports throughout Gippsland and regional Victoria.
In 1991 Latrobe Health Services established Maryvale Private Hospital, Gippsland’s only private acute medical and surgical hospital. Since its inception, Maryvale has cared for more than 44,000 patients in the Gippsland region. Today, it’s a key health hub contributing to education and clinical programs such as diabetic care, cancer services, palliative care, breast care and men’s health.
 
 
We have some excellent speakers: 

Luke Richmond – adventurer & motivational speaker
Luke is a professional adventurer and author who lives in Tasmania, Australia. He has climbed the highest mountain on six continents, survived minus 60degree temperatures in Antarctica, been held captive in the jungles of West Papua, and paddled Australia’s longest river. He has witnessed death before his eyes on the highest peaks and healed his mind with a 55day ocean row across the Atlantic, setting a new world record. Luke, with his wife Elise, dragged carts containing all of their food and water across 1800kilometres of the Gobi Desert in Mongolia. Luke has found comfort in suffering while on adventures and his hard-earned lessons are shared in his two bestselling books. ‘We only have one life, and one chance, so get out there and make the most of it.’ – Luke

 
Erin Coldham – Speaker for Star of the South Project
 
Erin Coldham is the Chief Development Officer at the Star of the South project, which seeks to harness Bass Strait winds to power more than a million homes with clean energy, while creating thousands of jobs.
Erin is proud to be part of the team progressing this critical infrastructure project for Australia, bringing her extensive experience working with all levels of government on major, multi-billion-dollar infrastructure projects.
In her role at Star of the South, Erin is currently responsible for all development activities required to bring the project to construction and operation, working with industry, regulators, policy-makers and local communities to bring offshore wind to regional Gippsland and the State of Victoria.
Included in A Word About Wind’s Top 100 Women’s Power List 2021, Erin is a champion for female talent in the energy industry and is driven by the positive opportunities offshore wind represents for Australia.  
 
 
 
 
 
 

News from the South Gippsland Cluster
Posted by AG - Graeme Sprague
 
The Rotary South Gippsland Cluster covers the six clubs across the Shires of South Gippsland and Bass Coast .  Like all clubs we have been significantly impacted by Covid 19, however with Rotary endeavour we have been able to maintain support for our local communities and international.  We have commenced combined cluster initiatives local newspaper advertising, membership welcome bags and an international project.  Some of the activities undertaken in recent times include:
 
Rotary Club of Phillip Island & San Remo is co-ordinating a cluster project with South Gippsland Cluster to supply two villages with SkyHydrant water purifiers. One is in the area of Pangantucan, Bukidnon which is in Mindanao, and the second is for Bangsamoro Peace Project, both in the Philippines. The Mindanao village is situated in the mountains, 10 kms off a road and accessible by motorcycle via a dirt track. The population is 1,358. The village people are spread throughout the hills so the Skyhydrant will be situated in the centre of the village. They have spring water but that is contaminated, which necessitates the villagers having to buy in bottled water for drinking and cooking etc, so the Skyhydrant is very much needed. To pay for water every day is an enormous expense for a poor family. 
 
Rotary Opp Shop is more than a business; it is a community asset. Over and above the value it adds to our projects it supports members in our community that may find themselves in dire need due to circumstances beyond their control. We work with the emergency services on Phillip Island and provide goods to assist desperate members of the community get back on their feet after a traumatic event such as a fire, flood, or other events beyond their control.
 
Rotary Club of Wonthaggi had the absolute pleasure of baking and presenting our exceptional emergency services with a token of our appreciation. It was recognition on behalf of the Bass Coast community for going above and beyond in these tough times to keep our community safe. Thirty-two boxes were presented across Victoria Police, Ambulance Service, CFA, SES and Bass Coast Health.

Rotary Club of Wonthaggi is coordinating a major fundraising effort to secure automatic CPR machines for ambulances across Bass Coast.  Mayor of Bass Coast, Cr. Brett Tessari, undertook a Runathon in the Coles Plaza raising an amazing $45,000 towards the project – enough to purchase two CPR machines.  Rotarians across Bass Coast are now adding to the total to ensure sufficient machines to service the local community.
Rotary Club of Inverloch is conducting a special market place on the 1st Sunday of each month where members and others in the community can bring their unwanted goods and give them a second chance to be useful again. 
Local Parks & Reserves
The Club is heavily involved in enhancing local parks and reserves with a new project undertaking to enhance Thompson Reserve in Inverloch, including a community garden and other facilities.
 
Rotary Club of Inverloch will again be hosting an Australia Day event with live music and festivities to be held in the Glade Inverloch on the 26th January 2022. 
 
Rotary Club of Korumburra took to a working bee over a weekend earlier in the year to clean up the Skip track from the bottom of Coal Creek. Hopefully the community will now enjoy their walk through to Ritchie's Reserve.
Assisting Students with Internet Access
Since March of 2020, Korumburra Rotary has been providing internet dongles and paying the accounts for usage for more than 10 families who needed support to connect to their education.
 
Rotary Club of Leongatha has, for over more than 45 years, hosted Art & Photography Show which has become one of the major events and art shows in Gippsland. Over 500 high quality entries come from all over the region, Victoria and interstate to compete in various award categories including a large youth section, 3D, and All Abilities. This major show attracts many visitors, who come to view the works, all of which are for sale. The venue is the Leongatha Memorial Hall, at the corner of McCartin Street and Michael Place in Leongatha. 2022 show will run from Saturday 15th January to Saturday 5th February  - so come along and support local artists.
Leongatha hosts the Show & Shine car swap meet. It was one of the few car enthusiast events that was able to take place across Victoria during 2021 and will be back bigger and better for 2022.  Leongatha is set in the beautiful and picturesque hills of South Gippsland, making an ideal outing destination for motoring enthusiasts and clubs. In 2011 they added a swap meet to the event and in 2015 we added a Craft & Produce Market, so now there's something for everyone! With great coffee, good food, and children’s activities, everyone will be entertained and have a great day. Judges will have a busy day with some 21 Categories to be judged including best hot rod, best street machine, best veteran, best truck, bike of the show, best custom, best interior, best engine bay, and for the second time the "President's Choice" trophy
Rotary Club of Foster's Time Capsule has been laid to rest for another 50 years in the grounds of the Foster Museum, to be raised in 50 years’ time at Foster’s 200th anniversary. The capsule was interred on April 21st 2012 by Rotary Club of Fosters president Rod Lomax and members and guests. This occasion also marked Rotary Australia and New Zealand 100 year anniversary.
Foster Showgrounds Pavilion.
After an interrupted start due to COVID, the well utilized and popular pavilion next to the playground at the Foster Showgrounds has been completed. A great effort by all and sincere thanks to all who assisted.
 
Read more...
Hastings Westernport welcomes new members 
EACH-ONE  BRING-ONE
President Eric McKenzie from the Rotary Club of Hastings Western Port and his club members are working really well to make RI President Shekhar Mehta’s initiative “Each-One Bring-One”  a success for Rotary and their club. Pictured below is DGE Paul Mee inducting three new members to the club at a club meeting in November. A Big Rotary Welcome to Rotarians Garry Parker, Kerrie Parker & Michael Snelson.
East Gippsland Timber Milling Project
EGRFA has been instrumental, along with the Lions Club, in establishing the East Gippsland Timber Milling Project. The project now boasts two Lucas Mills and a huge array of vehicles and heavy equipment. Both mills have been working for months in Sarsfield to date and this week, one of the mills (and equipment) was relocated over to Wairewa to commence converting felled trees into usable timber for local landholders in that region.
A fantastic initiative, converting fallen trees to valuable timber.
 
Rotary Speaker at a Lions Convention
Posted by Bernie Farquhar, Mitchell River Rotary Club
 
The Lions District V2 conference was recently held in Sale. As one of the guest speakers, I spoke about the East Gippsland milling project.
Lions invited the Freemasons and when the Grand Master arrived it was an incredible welcome with them in Full Regalia, The Grand Master had his own escorts and announcer. The Town Crier, Darren McCubbin was taken aback by the 300 year old tradition of a Grand Masters arrival. The Grand Master Eric, gave a great talk about Freemasons History and modern affairs and offered a  wonderful insight into an organization that now has great Synergy with Lions and Rotary.  The words partnerships, working together, common goals, leading projects were bounced around and became a common theme for the rest of the weekend.
PDG Gordon Mathews, from Merimbula, explained how the Lions and Rotary Clubs of Merimbula and Pambula have been working together through out the fires and the recovery period.  We will be going to a joint meeting of the clubs in the new year to discuss Milling operations with them.
Some great brainstorming took place with a few wines to really get the ideas flowing, we made an impact on Eric with the milling project and I am pretty convinced they may be part of the project down the track.
The Lions District V2 has made the milling project an official District project backed by the Lions Foundation President Tony Benbow.  Tony will be meeting Shekhar Mehta Rotary International  President 2021-2022.
The TV show “The Project” came to East Gippsland to interview us on the milling project, and this will be televised on Monday 6th December.
The Deputy Director of Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning will be arriving soon how the money has been spent and hopefully approve the supply of logs from DELWP coupes to use for fencing.
On Sunday the 5th of December at the Sarsfield Hub/Hall we will be part of the Fire recovery show.
 
Bernie Farquhar, Secretary East Gippsland Timber Milling Project
 
East Gippsland Coffee Distribution
Posted by Peter Sindrey
Nestlé Australia generously donated $5,000 to East Gippsland Rotary Fire Aid, to assist us in our work helping victims of the Black Summer bushfires.
In addition, they have provided us with a pallet of uniquely designed coffee tins, which celebrate the work by communities in helping fellow East Gippslanders following the fires.
These tins each contain one kg of Nestlé instant coffee.
We are now underway to distribute these tins to those special organisations that have helped the community so much.  They include every CFA, SES, Ambulance and Police station, as well as Bush Hospitals and local Community Recovery Committees – and many more that have helped in East Gippsland’s recovery efforts.


Jenny Lloyd from the Mallacoota Community Recover Committee accepts delivery of tins from Peter Sindrey for distribution to volunteer organisations in the township.
 
 
The Peninsula Trail 
Posted by Mornington Peninsula Shire
Peninsula Trail.png
 
Mornington Peninsula Shire Councillors have made a $10 million commitment over the next five years, towards the Peninsula Trail project.

The Peninsula Trail is a walking and cycling network that extends over 100 kms, linking the Peninsula and beyond. It is one of the most scenic shared trails in Victoria with enormous transformational potential for our region.
 
But we’re not there yet! With Council’s significant financial commitment we still need State and Federal Government funding to get shovels into the ground and get this project started.
 
Our recent community consultation gave us a loud and clear message that better walking and cycling facilities are a priority, giving us better active transport options, connecting our townships and supporting our tourism economy.

During COVID, our communities have been walking and cycling more than ever and have really appreciated the mental health and well-being benefits of safe open spaces.

The Peninsula Trail project will mean fantastic recreational opportunities by improving access to our stunning natural and coastal environments , better cross peninsula access and much needed jobs to help our COVID recovery.

In addition to wide-spread community support for this project, we are also working with all eight Rotary Clubs across the Peninsula. We are honoured they have chosen Peninsula Trail to mark the 100th anniversary of Rotary in Australia.
 
Mayor, Despi O’Connor said: “We have shown that Peninsula Trail is one of our highest priorities with a 10M commitment . We now need the State and Federal governments to walk alongside us and fill the missing piece of the funding puzzle, so we can get on with filling the missing pieces in the trail network. This project will kick start our Covid recovery and provide our residents and visitors with new ways to experience the Peninsula. With limited public transport options, Peninsula Trail gives our local community alternative ways to get around and visitors new avenues to explore our beautiful region. People will even be able to cycle from Melbourne all the way to Sorrento which will become one the world’s most scenic cycling routes.”
 
Watch this for further information about the Peninsula Trail https://youtu.be/dm9ktIF-cDA
Zoom meetings from around the world
Click HERE
District Conference 2022
CLICK ON THE PHOTO!
We are open for Business
District Events
December 2021
S M T W T F S
28
29
30
01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
09
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
01
District Information
Contact Us
Enter your email address and the message you want to send.
* fields are required
District Conference
Sponsors

Bulletin Subscribe

Subscribe to our eBulletin and stay up to date on the latest news and events.

Click here to sign up!
 
District Bulletins
D9820 Campaigns
RDU Twitter
Rotary Links
 
Leave no girl behind

In his address to the RI Convention in June 2021, Shekhar Mehta urged Rotary members to put improving girls’ futures at the forefront of their work.

Rotary Projects Around the Globe December 2021

Rotary Projects Around the GlobeDecember

Community Spirit

Community

Women and polio

Women and polioWhy it’s important to consider gender at all levels of eradication

Why vaccinations matter

Why vaccinations matter

Check out Rotary.org’s modern, new look

Check out Rotary.org’s modern, new lookRotary.org, our public-facing website, has a fresh, contemporary look that clearly answers the often-asked question: “What is Rotary?” It’s the first step in a two-part update to our entire website: first Rotary.org, and

RI President Shekhar Mehta urges countries at COP26 to protect mangroves

Rotary International President Shekhar Mehta joined the Rotary delegation to the 26th United Nations climate conference in Glasgow, Scotland, on 10 November to explore ways Rotary can work on environmental challenges.

Rotary Youth Exchange: Your passport to adventure

Youth Exchange students often say their experience abroad was the best time of their lives. Being part of the program can be life-changing for Rotary members as well

Rotary projects around the globe October 2021

Learn how Rotary clubs are taking action in the U.S. and Canada, Brazil, Finland, Korea, and New Zealand.

Young Ugandan Activist Speaks Out About Climate Change in Africa

Young Ugandan Activist Speaks Out About Climate Change in

Rotary Projects Around the Globe November 2021

Rotary Projects Around the GlobeNovember

Global Partnership for Education Teams Up with Rotary to Advocate for Education

Rotary’s relationship with the Global Partnership for Education is already having an impact, as incoming district governors learned at the International Assembly in January.

Rotary’s World Polio Day program looks toward polio eradication’s endgame

The 30-minute program, “Delivering on our Promise of a Polio-Free World,” provided encouraging information about the progress and remaining challenges in the fight to end polio.

The Power of Nutrition partners with Rotary other organizations for new malnutrition program in Ethiopia

The Power of Nutrition partners with Rotary, other organizations for new malnutrition program in EthiopiaLondon, 1 November 2021: The Power of Nutrition

Kiwanis Lions Optimist Rotary join for week of service to Celebrate Community

Kiwanis, Lions, Optimist, Rotary, join for week of service to Celebrate CommunityEVANSTON, ILL.: October 7, 2021 – Celebrate Community, a joint initiative of the four major volunteer service organizations, will launch

The Best Chance to Eradicate Polio is Now

World Health Organization’s polio chief, Aidan O’Leary explains why now is our best chance to eradicate polio.

Join us for Rotary’s World Polio Day Online Global Update

Join us for Rotary’s World Polio Day Online Global Update Rotary International14-October-2019  Mark your calendar to join us on 24 October 2019, for Rotary’s World Polio Day

RI President-elect Jennifer Jones announces Rotary’s $97 million pledge for sustainable projects during Global Citizen Live

The star-studded global event rallied people to take action on some of the world’s most urgent problems.

BTS’ Jimin donates 100 million Korean won to eradicate polio

BTS’ Jimin donates 100 million Korean won to eradicate polioSEOUL, South Korea: Sept. 23, 2021 – Jimin, a member of K-pop boy band BTS, is supporting the eradication of polio, a devastating vaccine-preventable disease

Peace Corps volunteers and Rotary members find meaningful connections

The relationship between Rotary International and the Peace Corps, made official with a 2014 partnership agreement, has its foundation in the organizations’ shared values.

Midsumma Festival 23rd January 2022
 
For the past four years Rotary Clubs in Districts 9790, 9800 and 9810 have promoted Rotary at Melbourne’s annual Midsumma Carnival and marched in the Midsumma Pride March. With Rotary’s recently refreshed and increased commitment to Diversity and Inclusion, and in my capacity as President of the LGBT+ Rotary Fellowship, I extend an invitation and offer of support to continue our presence at these events.
 
Midsumma is Melbourne’s queer arts and cultural festival, bringing together a diverse mix of LGBT+ events, artists, performers, communities and audiences. Midsumma Festival, runs over 22 days in Melbourne's summer (January/February) each year with a range of queer events that include the Midsumma Carnival and Pride March. Rotary’s presence at Carnival gives Rotary a chance to market membership to LGBT+ people and allies by showcasing our events and providing membership information. Marching in Pride, and indeed attendance at the carnival, shows Melbourne that Rotary is a welcoming, diverse and inclusive place, shows our commitment to DEI and indicates to LGBT+ people and allies that Rotary membership is open to them.
 
Alexandra Gardens, 23 January 2022
We will need a roster of Rotarians to staff a stall at the carnival, addressing membership queries and providing information about Rotary.
There is a $641 fee for the stall which split across the 5 districts comes to $128.20 each.
 
Fitzroy Street St Kilda, 6 February 2022
We will welcome any Rotarians who wish to march the opportunity to register and march with us. The two most common reasons that Rotary participates in Pride Marches across the world are to empower their LGBT+ members to show Pride and feel safe within their clubs, and to demonstrate to the general public that Rotary is queer-friendly.
 
Rotary International Convention Melbourne 2023
 
For an update on the planning for the 2023 Melbourne Convention and hear about opportunities for Clubs and Rotarians to be involved in Host Hospitality Events and volunteering for the Convention see the video on the District website using this link.