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From the District Governor
Paul & Adele preparing for dinner at Old Parliament House Canberra – Rotary Zone 8 Conference Oct 2022
 
A warm greeting to all Rotarians and Rotaractors in District 9820. Another sensational month in November visiting clubs and attending events. This was punctuated by many hours of admin work at the laptop desk and on Zoom.
 
Victorian Floods, District Wide Appeal— In October we launched an appeal for clubs to support flood affected communities in Northern Victoria. We should be very pleased with our D9820 response to this appeal, particularly after many clubs had contributed recently to various flood appeals for NSW & QLD. Our Vic Flood appeal raised $29,250. Thank you, to the clubs and individuals who contributed. These funds will find their way to RAWCS who are co-ordinating a response to the Victorian Floods relief, through our network of Clubs and Rotarians in the region.
 
Peace Bells / Rotary Park, Botanical Gardens Melbourne. —The 5 Victorian Rotary District are joining together to fund 1 of 4 Peace Bells to be opened on the final day of the Rotary International Convention Melb May 23 by RI President Jennifer Jones. This will be a lasting legacy for Rotary after the RICON23 is completed. Our District 9820 contribution is $6K and we called for the first 12 x clubs in our district to contribute $500 each. Thank you again to the 12 clubs who responded quickly, and they will receive appropriate recognition. Please book your place for the Melb23 RI Convention May23 via the flyer later in this Newsletter. We have 62 registered to attend from our district.
 
Regionalisation Pilot – You are invited to attend a one-hour information session and receive an update on the Zone 8 Regionalisation Pilot. All club members received an email on 22nd November, outlining 3 choices of Zoom updates they can attend. (Sun 27th Nov at 9.00am, Tues 6th Dec at 7.00pm & Thurs 8th Dec at 6.00pm).
 
District 9820 Conference Feb 24th to 26th 2023 Cape Schanck. We have 140 registrations to date and are aiming for 300. We encourage Rotarians who wish to attend this fabulous event, to register now. Online registrations are open via the link below. We have opened the showcase registrations and are looking to have showcase stalls representing most of our Rotary programs and causes. Registrations for the showcase are also available via this link. Please get in early to save your place.    https://rotary9820.org.au/page/district-9820-conference-2023/  
 
D9815 Merger – There is plenty happening behind the scenes on the merger.  Our Joint “Transition Management Team” has representation from D9820 with Tim Moore, Mark Humphries, Linda Humphries, Colin Byron, Gael Traa and myself. We have representation on the merger Focus Teams from David Hanlon (Admin & Gov), John Cartledge and Gordon Morris (Finance), Mark Humphries (Foundation), Grant Godino & Janne Speirs (Membership Growth), David Button (Public Image), Bill Degnan (Service Programs), Rob Cook (Youth Programs) Tim Moore (Training) Colin Byron (Area /Cluster Mgmt). Thank you, to each of these Rotarians who will be working hard until July 24 to follow through on our task to create a dynamic new District 9815.  
 
Induction of New Rotarians – Just a quick reminder to all Presidents and Secretaries. New club members must be recorded on the Rotary data base (club-runner) within a few days of induction. If this is overlooked, it has quite serious implications with Rotary Insurance and communications. Contact your Assistant Governor if you need help.
 
Interplast Dinner- The Mornington Peninsula cluster of 8 clubs have come together to jointly fund an Interplast Medical Team to travel to Tonga in mid-2023, to perform much needed operations and procedures on courageous people who live in a developing country that does not enjoy the medical services we enjoy in Australia. Adele & I joined 120 Rotarians and friends at Toorak College dining room, in November, for the launch of this ambitious project. Well done to passionate Rotarians Carolyn & Chris Such and to AG Peter Rawlings.

RC Wonthaggi Community Support Fundraising Dinner – After a 2 year break due to COVID this RC Wonthaggi annual event took place in November. A giant auction of 84 donated items plus silent auction raised over $10,000. These funds will be directed to several local community relief and wellbeing projects. Adele and I had a most enjoyable night. Hard working PP Ray McCurry was presented with a PHF. Well done to President Nicky Chung and club members including AG Graeme Sprague.
 
Disaster Aid Australia— Attended a terrific evening in November at the DAA premises in Doveton Ave Eumemmerring, were CEO Brian Ashworth and the Team, treated us to a DDA update before the DAA Conference. A reminder to all clubs, this is a great opportunity for clubs to visit our DDA premises for a club vocational visit. The DDA team will provide a meal (very reasonable cost) as well as provide the latest info on DDA and Sky-Hydrant activity. Book your club in for a visit !!.  admin@disasteraidaustralia.org.au
 
District AGM – conducted on Sun 13th Nov22 by Zoom and I must say, went very smoothly despite a number of agenda items. Thank you to the 27 clubs who chose to be represented and to many of our District Leadership Team. Also, thanks to District Sec Gael Traa, District Treasurer Gordon Morriss, PDG Mark Humphries, IPDG Bill Degnan for their preparation and expertise.
 
D9820 Council of Governors lunch—I hosted the quarterly COGs lunch, this time in Pakenham earlier in November. We had a record attendance of PDGs and partners for a most enjoyable afternoon. This is the function where humorous stories of past Rotary activity and service, are happily remembered and enjoyed.
 
District Leadership Team meeting – held on 27th Nov via Zoom. We have a great team of dedicated Rotarians from a variety of clubs who have allocated many hours beyond their Club roles to assist with district admin and Rotary programs. The primary function of all DLT members is to assist clubs. You can contact them through the website or via your Assistant Governor.
 
Dates for your diary –
Sun 4th Dec 5-00pm Zoom (or Sun 11th Dec 5-00pm) - Child Safety Standards training for all Club Presidents & Club Protection Officers.
Sat 18th -19th Feb 23 9.00am – Presidents Elect Training -2 (PETS-2) Century Inn, Traralgon.
Fri 24th Feb to Sun 26th Feb 23 – D9820 Annual District Conference, Cape Schanck, Mornington Peninsula.
Sat 22nd + Sun 23rd April 23 9.00am – PETS -3 and District Assembly. Nossal High School, Berwick.
Sat 29th April – District Foundation Dinner and Event (D9820 +9810)- to support The Rotary foundation. Venue TBA.
25th -26th May – Rotary Malaria Congress, Crown Casino, Melbourne.
27th – 31st May23 – Rotary International Convention Melb23- Rod Laver Arena and Melbourne Convention Centre.
All the very best to all Rotarians and their families for the festive season and an extra thank you to all the District Leadership Team. I hope you join me, for a well-earned break after a busy and most enjoyable Rotary year in 2022. See you all in 2023 for what is shaping up to be a special year for Rotary in our District.  
Some great pictures below featuring Club DG visits and District Events.                               
 
DG Paul.
 
                                                                               Old Parliament house Canberra with AG Helen
RC Sorrento
 
Peninsula Cluster – Interplast Dinner with AG Peter 
Interplast CEO Cameron & PE Carolyn & PP Chris 
 
Welcome home – RC Rosebud Rye
 
RC Drouin 
 
RC Drouin - President Roger & AG Tim
RC Wonthaggi – Fundraiser Dinner for community support                         
PHF Ray & Di, President Nicky, PDG Mark, DGE Linda, AG Graeme
 
RC Frankston North and Hybrid Zoomers
RC Mornington 
President Brian with Foundation End Polio certificate 
 
 
 
 
      
 
                                                                                                   
South Gippsland news
The Rotary South Gippsland Cluster covers the six clubs across the Shires of South Gippsland and Bass Coast.  Club Presidents meet as a Cluster every three months and share project information, along with a new focus on seeking local initiatives to address Homelessness, Mental Health and Family Violence, together with support for flood victims.   Some of the activities undertaken in recent times include:
 
Rotary Club of Phillip Island & San Remo with assistance from Wonthaggi Rotary, undertook two days of work resulting in the removal of a large playground from Wonthaggi.  Two trailer loads of playground equipment are now destined for a new life under the Rotary Overseas Repurposed Playground program.  Big thanks to Rotarian Wayne Jenkins from RORPs, his coordination skills ensured everything ran smoothly, with the work completed on schedule (thanks also to Stevie from PI&SR for her endeavours to complete the project).

 
The Rotary Opp Shop at Cowes 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.  Volunteers were thanked with a well-deserved lunch during November – their work is very much appreciated.
 
Rotary Club of Wonthaggi: After a two year break, the Rotary Club of Wonthaggi heralded the return of their annual Dinner Auction.  The night saw 90 local community members attend a delicious three course meal at the Wonthaggi Golf Club, while generously bidding on items donated by local businesses.  Significant funds were raised to help the club support local community initiatives – big thanks to all involved.
 
The Primary School Public Speaking event saw seven local Primary Schools enter their school champions on this special night at the Wonthaggi Arts Centre.  Each student chose a topic of interest and spoke before a large audience of family, friends and the community.  The public speaking skills of the students were high level and amazing for their age – well done to all presenters.
 
 
Rotary Club of Inverloch: Wine tasting and a Chinese meal were the basis of a fundraising event undertaken by the Rotary Club of Inverloch, with funds raised in support of their local community.  It was a very enjoyable day, with a group from Wonthaggi Rotary also supporting the event.  We all now have a greater appreciation of Zilzie wines.
 
Inverloch Rotary has formed a partnership with their local Mitre 10 store. Their skills on the BBQ are helping satisfy Inverloch’s desire for a sausage in bread on a Saturday morning.
 
Local Parks & Reserves: The Club is heavily involved in enhancing local parks and reserves, including enhancing Thompson Reserve in Inverloch with a planned community garden and other facilities.
 
Rotary Club of Korumburra is very active within its community, supporting many events and community activities through the use of its well-resourced catering van (hot chips are always a favourite with the crowds).  Catering at the ‘Hills R Alive’ New Year’s Eve music festival is a major fundraiser for the club and gives the Rotary brand great exposure.
 
Korumburra Rotary club has organised many special guest speaker nights attracting large audiences at its regular Austral Hotel venue in Korumburra.  The club is also planning a Comedy night for the community, with well known comedian Ben Lomas as the main act – keep an eye on their website for details.

Rotary Club of Leongatha 2023 Art & Photography Show will be held over three weeks from Saturday 14th January to Saturday 4th February at the Leongatha Memorial Hall located at the corner of McCartin Street and Michael Place, Leongatha, Victoria,3953.The show will be open to the public from 10:00am to 4:00pm Monday to Sunday. The official opening and announcement of the 2023 awards and prizes will take place on Friday 13th January at 8:00pm. Art Show judge, Janice Orchard (L) with artist Fiona Bilbrough (R) and her 2022 'Best in Show' work, 'Grandma's Treasure'. 
 
The Rotary Club of Leongatha Show N Shine event is back for 2023 and bigger and better than ever. It will be held on Sunday 19th March from 7.30am to 1.30pm. In 2011 we 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. Our 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. Each category winner receives a trophy. This is a fun day with lucky draws for quality prizes each hour.
 
 
 
The Leongatha Rotary Club has opened a new fund raising enterprise based in the Old Fire Station at 2 Anderson Street, Leongatha. They welcome donations of furniture items, large and small. All donations are accepted only by mutual agreement. Contact our Furniture Donations Coordinator, Shirley to discuss the items you have to donate.
 
Rotary Club of Foster, in partnership with other local groups, conducts one of the most successful open markets across the South Gippsland Cluster and wider area.  As with most locations, the wet weather has seen markets cancelled, however the enthusiasm remains, and they will come back bigger and better. 
 
Foster Showgrounds Pavilion. Despite an interrupted start due to COVID, the well utilized and popular pavilion next to the playground at the Foster Showgrounds was completed and now offers a great place for the community to enjoy whilst families utilise the nearby playground.
 
The Foster community has supported the Rotary Club over many years through their firewood raffle and Rotarians selling raffle tickets next to the firewood trailer is a familiar sight in Foster.
 
 
 
 
Youth Exchange 
Youth Exchange Program- District 9820
Recently we asked all members and clubs for their thoughts regarding the resumption of Youth Exchange for our district. Thank you to everyone who completed the online questionnaire.
There are a reasonable number of clubs that are interested in resuming Youth Exchange and several have also indicated they cannot support the program. We think there is enough support across the district to begin planning for a return to Youth Exchange. Our next step is to recruit committee members.
As you know we and District 9810 will be merging in the relatively near future; and some Youth Programs (MUNA, RYLA) are already working together. We are liaising with District 9810 YEP and anticipate the formation of a joint Youth Exchange committee.
So, if you want to be a part of the new Youth Exchange committee, please feel free to contact Barry Rogers – barry.rogers@rotary9820.org.au
For those clubs and individuals who showed an interest in hosting or sponsoring Youth Exchange students - we will come back to these once a committee is set up. Thanks again for your support.

 
Disaster Aid Annual Conference
After a three year break due to COVID restrictions DAA was finally able to hold their annual Conference on Saturday November 12thThe Conference started with a get together at the DAA offices in Eumemmerring on Friday night for the DAA team and special supporters.
This year we were lucky enough to have 9820’s District Governor Paul Mee and his wife Adele join us for a tour of the office where they got to see a working SkyHydrant and our Rotary International Conference display. It was a wonderful night of good food and fellowship.
Then on to the main event; Saturday’s conference.  This year’s theme was COVID and beyond and the day was broken into reviewing DAA activities during COVID and looking forward to new projects in the Philippines, Bhutan and Timor Leste. The attendees heard two inspiring presentations from organisations working in Timor Leste who will become DAA partners in delivering Safe Water for Every Child. Yooralla ministries has been working in Timor Leste for over 15 years in community development projects including building health centres and birthing clinics.  This potential partnership is very exciting and DAA Board agreed to provide 2 installations as part of a pilot program during this Rotary year with the aim of starting a project similar to Bhutan and the Philippines in 2023-2024.
Steve Hain from WH consulting, a not-for-profit WASH organisation, attended our last conference and they have assisted DAA with translations of our videos into Tetum, (Timor) and Tagalog (Philippines) languages.  The board agreed to support 1 installation this Rotary year with WH consulting, again as a pilot for a project to commence in 2023-2024. 
The feedback during the day from the attendees was very positive with everyone feeling inspired and two new partnerships for DAA it was extremely successful. The dinner was lots of fun with Brian giving an entertaining talk about his road to becoming the “accidental” CEO of DAA.  There was a lot of laughs, good food and fellowship with a raffle to end the night. Overall while attendee numbers were down for this conference compared to previous years it was certainly one of our most successful as DAA is now on the path to projects in Timor Leste with trusted partners who share our vision.
Days for Girls 
The Days for Girls Australian Conference has been held in Brisbane in November.
It is official now that Days for Girls has reached 27.7 million girls acroos the globe and the numbers are increasing rapidly. I attended the conference where 14 women and men were brought to Australia from Oceania, including Timor Leste, Solomon Islands, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Fiji and the Marshall Islands. The leaders in these countries are making a huge difference to the culture surrounding menstruation, health and hygiene by educating women, girls and men. The taboos regarding menstruation in these countries are complex. Some of these leaders were Rotarians who are passionate about investing in girls’ education so that their communities will be transformed. We learnt about young girls in Fiji who begin menstruating at the age of eleven or twelve and are then told that they are women now and are able to get married.
 
In September, through their partnership with World Vision Canada, DfG Australia sent around 18,000 kits to Burundi via Canada. This is because World Vision Australia ceased their Gifts in Kind program. Kits were collected in main cities and transported to Canada to be distributed by World Vision in the refugee camps. Education is the key and special staff were assigned to training and distribution.  DfG organised the way of working with the distributions and are assured that boys and men will be included in the program.
 
I am hoping to hear of any Rotarians in our district who are involved in a DfG program either sewing kits or organising distributions. It would be great to let other Rotarians know how we are all helping with this program. I would like to hear of sewing kits, fund raising and distributions if any of you are involved. Two DfG groups in Bairnsdale contributed 830 kits to the Burundi distribution – that amounted to 31 large boxes. The value of these kits was $20,450. We all rely on the kindness of individuals and groups to purchase the materials and tools for this work. I will be requesting a small donation from each club in our district 9820 to enable us to keep sewing and giving our kits to those women and girls most in need. All countries, as well as Australia, benefit greatly from DfG.
 
Finally, I would like to tell you that my friend from the Rotary Club of Lautoka, after the cyclone in Fiji, insisted on including a DfG kit in each Shelter Box which was used for those affected by the cyclone. Wouldn’t it be great if Rotarians could make this a common inclusion in every Shelter Box delivered to broken communities across the world? Remember that the kits are washable, sustainable and reusable for 3 years. Environmentally that is a huge plus for our planet.
 
Ula Sheather
Days for Girls Representative District 9820
Mob: 0409568649
Email: uksheather@gmail.com
 
Rotarian Malika and Melissa from Fiji at the DfG Australia Conference in Brisbane.
 
 
Update on the Dreketi School Project 
In July 2021, RC Taveuni Island in Fiji were approached by the community in Dreketi for assistance in building a new school to replace the one destroyed in a landslide in 2017.  After helping with plans and permissions, Helene & Peter Browne, formerly of RC Chelsea, set about raising the $150,000 required.  Now, just 12 months later, they have achieved that goal, thanks in a substantial part to 12 clubs in District 9820 including a District Grant from Rotary Foundation.  In all, over 20 clubs in Victoria, NSW, NZ and Germany have provided funds.  Peter Browne is now in the position to start ordering materials from Suva, a three-day boat trip away.  The Fijian Education Minister has given approval to the build and the site. Everything's ready to go BUT the Fijian Government has just called an election in mid-December and of course it's moving into cyclone season.  Peter & Helene have locked up their house in Fiji and headed to Melbourne to wait out any possible cyclones.  Once they return in February, materials can start arriving and the build can commence.  With luck the school will be ready in July 2023 - watch this space!
Rotary Friendship exchange
 
Rotary Friendship Exchange 2023
 
International Convention is just around the corner. As a lead-up, we are hosting a Rotary Friendship Exchange with District 7120, upper New York State. They would like to spend some time in our District meeting with people, clubs and be involved with a community project along the way.
 
How does it work?
They will arrive in our District about two weeks before Convention and spend about four nights in each location. We will host them in our homes, show them around our District, and some of the great sites, take them to the occasional meeting, do a community project, and then move them to the next part of the District. Rotary Friendship Exchange works both ways, and after we host District 7120, they will invite us to their District in return. (some images below from District 7120)
 
We are looking at starting them in East Gippsland, they hosted Linda and I as part of the International Assembly Governors hosting program. East Gippsland was in the clutches of the fires. I am often asked how things are progressing and they would like to see the impact first hand and doing a project in the community. Move to Central and South Gippsland, again see the sites, be involved with a project at Centenary house. Last stop, Peninsula, Frankston, Melbourne South East, has plenty to do, golf, wineries, scenery, a project on the Bay Trail, and a farewell dinner, everyone welcome.
 
What are we looking for: 
  • People to host. There will be 6 – 8 couples coming. Therefore 6 – 8 people in each area, about 4 nights.
  • Ability to drive people to sites and activities.
  • Clusters to help organize the community project
  • Assist with transportation from Melbourne to East Gippsland
Pearl Finlay-James in East Gippsland, Janne Speirs in Central/South Gippsland and Linda Morris on the Peninsula will coordinate hosting and activities in their areas. District 7120 has been doing friendship exchanges for a long time. Check out Friendship Exchange History | District 7120 (rotary7120.org) to learn more.
 
Please let me know how you can be involved with this great opportunity.
         
Mark & Linda
End Polio - movie event 1-7 December
 
Announcing the 2022
 
 
For many years, the Polio Movie Event has been a very popular way for clubs to raise funds for Rotary’s number one priority, Ending Polio.  It’s also an opportunity for Rotary members and people in our communities to have some fun together.
 
This year’s movie is The Lost King, the story of the rediscovery, by an amateur historian, of the five centuries old remains of Richard III… in a Leicester carpark.  Critics describe it as “an incredible and inspiring true story about perseverance and not taking no for an answer”.
 
The movie will be released to the Australia and New Zealand public on Boxing Day, but the great news is that a pre-release of the movie is available for Rotary clubs during the week of Thursday 1st to Wednesday 7th December.
 
To arrange an event, talk to the group booking person at your cinema and make sure they plan to offer this movie to the public once it’s released.  The cinema can then make all the arrangements to source the movie from the distributor, Transmission Films — clubs don’t need to get involved in that.  The amount paid to the cinema is usually about $10 per seat (that’s up to the cinema) and a typical ticket price might be $20 — and that’s up to you.  Please see the Movie Conditions below.
 
To assist you in promoting the event, we’ve created a PowerPoint template that your club can use to create your own marketing materials: https://www.dropbox.com/s/kaznazvsoslfdxn/TLK_Promo_ClubTemplate.pptx?dl=0
 
Simply insert your club name and event details.  You may then want to:
  1. save it as a PDF and arrange for your local printer to produce posters and handouts
  2. save it as a graphics file and post it to your social media, website, newsletter, etc.
 
Let’s make this year’s Polio Movie Event a blockbuster — and End Polio Now!
 
Movie Conditions:
  1. All Rotary screenings must take place between 1st and 7th December.
  2. You’ll need to book your screening directly with your cinema.
  3. Your cinema must seek approval from the movie distributor, Transmission Films, and tickets are not to be sold prior to approval.
  4. Tickets can only be sold between Tuesday 1st November and Monday 21st November — this is to ensure that the distributor has sufficient time to ship the film to your cinema.
  5. If a session sells out, another can be added.
  6. Only cinemas that have accounts with Transmission Films can participate.
  7. The movie is distributed in Digital Cinema Package (DCP) format and this format can only be played at cinemas.
  8. In order to participate, your cinema must have booked the film for a season of public screenings.
 
Mornington Art Show 22 January 2023
District Conference 24-26 February 2023
 
RAM Congress 25-26 May 2023
 
Before the Covid-19 pandemic a child died of Malaria every 2 minutes. Now it is EVERY MINUTE. There has never been more urgency to Finish the Fight and eliminate Malaria in the Western Pacific Rim. PDG Dai Mason (D9600), PDG Bruce Anderson (D9780) and PDG Tony Spring (D9820) are organising a Two Day Congress on Finish-The-Fight Against Malaria. This is the two days immediately prior to the RI Melbourne Convention next year.
 
Those invited to speak include: 
  • Sir Peter Cosgrove (Past Governor General of Australia)
  • Lady Roslyn Morauta (Vice-Chair of the Global Fund)
  • Professor Michael Good (Institute for Glycomics – Griffith University - Gold Coast Campus)
  • Philip Welkhoff (Director of Malaria - Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation)
  • Adriana Lanting (Chair of Malaria Partners International)
Registration for the congress can be accessed at https://www.ramcongressmelbourne2023.org/

 
Rotary International Convention prices increase by US$100 on 16 December 
Do you want to save US$100?
The Melbourne Rotary International Convention prices increase by US$100 on 16 December 2022.
The Convention runs from 27th to 31st May 2023 but NOW is the time to register for the Convention and save money. This is a once in 30-year opportunity to attend an International Convention in your back yard without the significant expense of flying to another country. Come and hear great international speakers, see what Rotarians do world-wide in the House of Friendship, enjoy meeting people from all corners of the world and see and do things you would not normally do in Melbourne.
 
If you have enjoyed Rotary International Conventions previously, then you know how fantastic they are, and Melbourne will be fantastic! It will never be more affordable! 
  • Book now to get the best registration rate and importantly to secure your place at Signature and Hospitality events, which have capacity limits to ensure a comfortable and rewarding experience.
  • Imagine the opportunity to meet and mix with 25,000 people of action from around the globe.
  • Imagine the possibilities flowing from inspirational speakers, break-outs with Rotary leaders and from opportunities at the House of Friendship
  • Imagine the opportunity to attend and/or volunteer to be an Ambassador for Australasia and the Pacific Islands.
Volunteers are still required to assist in the running of the Convention. 
  •  A vital part of the Convention is to have an engaged and friendly volunteer workforce. We as Rotarians volunteer our time, energy and skills all the time. It is part of our DNA and makes us who we are - we are a people organisation.
  • It is an opportunity to witness Rotary at an International level and by volunteering, to be part of its success.
  • It is an opportunity to volunteer and be an Ambassador for Rotary and our country.
  • Giving up four hours for a single shift is not a big ask - the more volunteers we have, the greater the load is shared.
This Convention is an opportunity to see what Rotarians around the world do, speak to people from different countries about common projects or new projects, and hear world class speakers from within Rotary and from leaders in their fields outside Rotary.
Register now for the best prices. Don’t leave it to the last minute as the registration fees increase significantly as the Convention gets closer. 
I look forward to seeing you at the Melbourne Convention in May 2023
 
Tony Spring
Rotary International Convention Melbourne 27-31 May 2023
 
 
 
 
This is a once in 30-year event that should not be missed. If you haven’t been to a Rotary International Convention, then this is your opportunity to hear and see from Rotarians from all corners of the world. If you have enjoyed Rotary International Conventions previously, then you know how fantastic they are and Melbourne will be fantastic! It is here on your doorstep with no international travel expenses. It will never be more affordable! 
  • Book now to get the best registration rate and importantly to secure your place at Signature and Hospitality events, which have capacity limits to ensure a comfortable and rewarding experience.
  • Imagine the opportunity to meet and mix with 25,000 people of action from around the globe.
  • Imagine the possibilities flowing from inspirational speakers, break-outs with Rotary leaders and from opportunities at the House of Friendship
  • Imagine the opportunity to attend and/or volunteer to be an Ambassador for Australasia and the Pacific Islands.
Volunteers are still required to assist in the running of the Convention. 
  •  A vital part of the Convention is to have an engaged and friendly volunteer workforce. We as Rotarians volunteer our time, energy and skills all the time. It is part of our DNA and makes us who we are - we are a people organisation.
  • It is an opportunity to witness Rotary at an International level and by volunteering, to be part of its success.
  • It is an opportunity to volunteer and be an Ambassador for Rotary and our country.
  • Giving up four hours for a single shift is not a big ask - the more volunteers we have, the greater the load is shared.
This Convention is an opportunity to see what Rotarians around the world do, speak to people from different countries about common projects or new projects, and hear world class speakers from within Rotary and from leaders in their fields outside Rotary.
 
Register now for the best prices. Don’t leave it to the last minute as the registration fees increase significantly as the Convention gets closer.
 
I look forward to seeing you at the Melbourne Convention in May 2023
 
Tony Spring
 

Editors Note

Congratulations to Judy Degnan who was the first person to answer last month's question!
 
I am offering a "Diligent Reader Award" to the first person who emails me with the answer to the question below. Your prize will be your name in the next month's newsletter as a Diligent Reader! 
 
This month's question is: What was the name of the 2022 "Best in show" work?   
 
Your contributions are what makes this newsletter valuable, so keep sending them to me at newsletter@rotary9820.org.au.