The first thing I would like to do is offer a very big welcome to our new members, recorded as joining our District since the publishing of the last Chain Mail.
When you join Rotary, you join much more than a club, you join a worldwide fellowship of Rotarians, including our very own (and the most beautiful) Australian District 9820 - South East Victoria.
*Note - if there are new members not included here, or errors contained please ask your club secretary to make the appropriate corrections into the District 9820 Database.
This month on 20th October is our massive Rotary Family Fun Day at Gumbuya World. Rotarians, family and friends are all welcome so get the word out and remember to book online through the official portal to get up to 30% special discount. I look forward to seeing everybody there. More information and the booking link are later in this Chain Mail.
Conference planning is proceeding well, so don’t forget to book early to secure your Earlybird discount and block out March 20th to 22nd in your diaries. We have received advice that our Rotary International President’s Personal Representative (RIPPR) is going to be Rotary Foundation Trustee Brenda Cressey and her partner Richard. This is massive to get someone at this level attending our Conference. Brenda completed the 2018-19 year as the Chair of the Rotary Foundation and continues as a Trustee.
Developing and maintaining the good health of our clubs is the most important Rotary Project we all have this year, as we prepare to enter the second 100 years of service in Australia. Making sure we meet the needs of both our current and future members is the challenge before us as we approach generational change in Rotary. By respecting the past, while being willing to embrace the future, is what will allow us to keep our current members interested and engaged, while making ourselves attractive (better yet irresistible) to our future Rotarians.
By actively breaking the chains we can positively influence our own future enjoyment, engagement, retention, recruitment and most importantly service capability. As Rotary International President Mark has stated, "we know the answers, it is time to act." Has your club got a club development plan in place? If not, be sure to attend the Club Development Seminars being planned by David Hanlon and team.
Congratulations to Bairnsdale and Narre Warren who are leading the way this year so far on introducing new members to Rotary. I would also like to thank those clubs who have been cleaning up their member records in the District database. Not only does correct club data let us know our real current active member status, but it ensures that when the semi-annual dues come up the club will be billed correctly.
I urge all clubs to make sure their records are correct as soon as possible, and then keep them that way. The good news is that even though this housekeeping has been going on, we are still showing a positive growth of +5 in the District for the year.
Volunteering in our community is at the highest level ever, yet not in a traditional way. Younger members of our community are very much into cause-based volunteering and service. That’s why I congratulate the Mitchell River and Rosebud-Rye clubs for their participation in the ICE WALKS in September, as your participation shows that as clubs you are current and relevant. Well done. Creating social awareness (while avoiding politics) and advancing causes in this way is certain to grow across Rotary in the coming years.
Congratulations also to eClub of Latitude 38 on their very successful Embrace Aging Seminar conducted in Pakenham during September which I had the pleasure of attending. Cleverly coordinated, Latitude 38 engaged a number of partners to deliver this event using a blueprint that could easily be replicated by many clubs on many socially current subjects.
The training of our leadership team continues with District Governor Elect Mark, and District Governor Nominee Bill both attending training in Christchurch during the week commencing Monday 16 September. I also attended a District Symposium at the same time where with my 2019-20 Governor colleagues we discussed a number of issues, challenges and opportunities. The training and symposium were followed by the ANZ Rotary Conference whose Keynote speaker was RI President Mark Maloney.
Sticking on the theme of training, we have a number of training opportunities coming up that are being offered by District to Club Leaders and members. First up is Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) being offered over October and November in both Bairnsdale (East Gippsland) and Rosebud (Mornington Peninsula). RLI is excellent for both new and experienced members and is usually paid for by your club.
Last year we did a single District Membership Forum at Nossal High School. In our review we felt we didn’t get the reach so this year we are planning 4 separate Club Development Forum events spread throughout the District. Locations and dates to be confirmed, but we are thinking Bairnsdale, Traralgon/Warragul, Mornington, and Leongatha/Wonthaggi. AGs and cross cluster AGs will be asked to schedule the dates with their clusters. Miss your seminar – no problem there will be another within comfortable travelling distance.
*Note - if there are new members not included here, or errors contained, please ask your club secretary to make the appropriate corrections into the District 9820 Database.
Article submitted by President Keith Roberts - Rotary Club of Narre Warren
Tuesday 24th September was a special day for Rotarians in Victoria. Lynne and I (Rotary Club of Narre Warren), made the trip to Ballarat to attend the Presidential Dinner hosted by District 9870 for RI President Mark Daniel Maloney. Berwick, Leongatha and other clubs from our District also attended. President Mark flew in from ‘across the ditch’, as he so eloquently put it, the day before from New Zealand.
President Keith & Lynne with RIP Mark & Gaye
The mob from Berwick (With a Pakenham imposter!)
Approximately 400 Rotarians and friends of Rotary attended the dinner at the Mercure Convention Centre, where President Mark and his wife Gay gave impressive speeches to all.
Gay gave a short insight to the travel undertaken by both in their roles within Rotary. For example, in September alone they had travelled from Alabama to Chicago, from there they had travelled to five countries throughout Eastern Europe to Asia and the Pacific region – and following Ballarat they were heading to Poland before returning to the US by the end of the month. Talk about gathering Frequent Flyer points!!
President Mark initially spoke about the cultural differences they had experienced in their travels and made reference to their experience of the goal umpires of an AFL game – who he thought was trying to guide a plane onto the field with their ‘semaphore flags’.
He then spoke passionately about ‘Rotary Connecting the World’ and inspired all with his speech. Mark then outlined the future Action Plan for Rotary and its’ four goals.
“RI President Mark hobnobbing with our own DGE Mark”
I know both Lynne & I came away determined to do more with our Club and members. President Mark is an inspired speaker and Rotarian that enthuses people to become better Rotarians.
I have a video of his speech if anyone would like me to send it to them to view with their Club members.
Rotary District 9820 has a new partnership with Gumbuya World! They are the generous major sponsor of our District Conference, and we're supporting them in return by holding the Gumbuya World Family Fun Day on 20th October. You'll get a great discount for the day, so book now!
To ensure that information about events and the achievements of clubs in Rotary District 9820 are well publicised, we aim to maximise the coverage obtained through social media, such as Facebook and Twitter.
To succeed in this goal, we request that when you view District 9820 articles on Facebook that you press the "Like" button and the "Share" button .
Article submitted by Gillian Reeve (RC of Bairnsdale)
October 24th has been designated as World Polio Day, at which time all clubs in our District are encouraged to organise an event and/or publicity to celebrate the day and raise awareness of this great Rotary initiative.
I ask that all clubs come on board to raise further funds, over and above your annual commitment to Rotary International.
Below is some information on what this new strategy is and how, together with our partners, Rotary International hopes to eliminate polio from the world by 2023.
It would be appreciated if all funds raised on this day, or any day during that week, be sent to our District Treasurer, label the funds DG Partner Polio Endgame, so that Wendy will be able to quantify the amount.
Below is a link to the official site which has some very helpful ideas, information and templates that can be used:
I have personally participated in three National Immunisation Days in Moradabad, India which was a life-changing event for me. Should any club like a presentation on my experiences, please do not hesitate in contacting me.
Gillian Reeve
0411 432 522
gillianreeve@aussiebroadband.com.au
Gillian is our very own End Polio Champion for District 9820 and she is committed to assisting Wendy Froggatt with her DG Partners project of “Polio Endgame”
Article submitted by President Gael Traa (Rotary Club of Rosebud Rye)
Thirty fantastic, community-minded people braved the chilly wind at short notice to support our Australian Anti Ice Campaign Walk today.
It was one of seven simultaneously held around Australia, with walks occurring at two Clubs in our very own District of 9820, even though they are 300 kms apart.
The walk was followed by an informative talk by Tim Sell, which was listened to attentively by Rotarians from Rosebud-Rye, Mt Martha, Mt Eliza and Frankston, participants from Rye RSL, the Rye Bowls Club and friends.
The interest shown by these groups to join forces and develop a joint project aimed at supporting those with mental illness, bodes well for the local community and increasing awareness nation-wide.
This is Rotary:
People of action, connecting the world and taking one more step toward a better tomorrow.
Article submitted by Viv Armstrong (Rotary Latitude 38)
Living Safely in Cardinia
You could have heard a pin drop at the Embrace Aging Forum held at the Cultural Centre on Tues 10th Sept, when Janet McCahon, Past District Governor and member of the Rotary eclub of Latitude 38, introduced Justin Stanton from Victoria Police.
Justin outlined the many and varied scams focused on fleecing seniors in the community of their hard-earned savings. Some audacious examples caused murmurs of surprise, and yet it is a sad fact that our senior residents are the primary target of deception. Justin shocked the crowd when he discussed the level of fraud perpetrated against seniors, saying this made up a major part of the work done by our Police in Cardinia, and across the country.
The fully booked Forum, showcased 21 exhibitors who busily handed out all manner of information to attendees after they had their interest in services piqued by the engaging speakers. Joining Justin from Victoria Police were representatives from services such as Regional Assessment Agency, Monash Health, Advanced Care Planning and Council of The Ageing.
The Casey/Cardinia chapter of Latitude 38 got the idea rolling with a proposal some months ago, brought in their partners Seniors ROAR, who run safe behaviours training for staff and residents in Aged Care facilities, and were quickly joined by members from the Ageing Alliance.
Annmarie Saffin, Cardinia Council Ageing Coordinator. threw all her support behind the committee, and in so doing reflected the resolve of the Council as a whole, to support and promote the wellbeing of our Senior Community.
Adrian Froggatt, Rotary District Governor commented,“The theme for this year in Rotary is Connecting the World,” he said. “Today I saw a brilliant example of Connecting the Community.”
So how does an eclub run projects in a community when many of their members live across the District? This is a question we often get asked.
The members of the eclub are building their profile in the different communities in which their members reside, by joining together with Community groups to help run projects they have an interest in.
"By using our expertise and contacts we are in a unique position to add value to the work of some very dedicated community entities, and in so doing, add value to the reputation of our club.“ said President Elect Jim Armstrong. “Our club meets on line, meaning our meetings are strictly business, so social exchanges as a large group are seldom. To develop the social aspect for members based in different locations, it becomes imperative for us to interact with other community groups and lend a hand to various Rotary clubs to help with their events. I believe this makes us stronger as Rotarians in that we are reliant on our initiative to become involved within the community. “
For information on our projects, local and overseas, refer to:
Article submitted by Ula Sheather - "Days for Girls" District Champion
The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) declares that we are now witnessing the highest levels of people displacement on record, with a reported 68.5 million forcibly displaced worldwide. Of those, 25.4 million are refugees and 40 million are internally displaced people.
Days for Girls (DfG) has had in outpouring of interest from volunteers looking for ways to help in a coordinated and impactful manner. As a result, the goal was set to reach 33,000 refugee women and girls with DfG menstrual hygiene kits and education. There are four locations in Lebanon, Somalia, South Sudan and Afghanistan. Days for Girls teams and chapters in Gippsland have contributed to reaching this goal.
Lebanese DfG woman, Khayrich, says: “Most refugees can't afford pads because they need to spend what little money they have on food and medicine. They use old white cloths or old t-shirts instead, but the problem is they are too shy to wash these and hang them out to dry. This isn’t safe for their health. DfG kits provide a wonderful alternative to this, as they are multi-coloured, don’t look like pads and they are safe to use. The accompanying Women’s’ Health Education Program is just as important, because many of the targeted women lack the most basic knowledge. It makes them more relaxed and confident and it breaks down stigma and taboos. It has a lasting impact because they can pass the information on to their daughters, who will then pass it down to their own daughters”
DfG volunteers in Bairnsdale are committed to the Refugee Project and have sent over 600 kits. The overwhelming news is that at last count, the pledged number of kits worldwide is now 45.000. Australia is sending 11,000 kits.
Recently World Vision has formed an alliance with DfG and will use their experience, expertise and logistics to help get these kits distributed to the four countries.
The education program for DfG’s is more powerful if it includes the men. Krishna and Meen are friends of Ula Sheather and organise DfG distributions in Nepal.
Article submitted by Roger Thornton - D9820 'Donations in Kind' Chair
Rotarians are much better at doing things than telling people about them. What sort of plaque do you put on a new school, who do you thank and what language should you use?
The Education Department in Timor Leste have made it easy for us and have invited Rotary to use these colours on all of the schools we build and renovate. They want to make it easy for everyone to know of the great support Rotary is providing. We also need to highlight we are not doing this on our own. We have some great external partners on this project and without their help it could not happen.
Belola Early Learning Centre
It started with the first school we helped build, the Belola Early Learning Centre which opened early this year. It combining preschool and grades one and two. It was fully equipped with furniture from 'Donations In Kind'. There was no school in the area and students could only start school when they was strong enough to walk 5km up a steep hill.
The new Railuli Primary School open last month. It replaced a small tin shed with no water or toilets. This is a life changing event for the small community at the end of a dirt track 4km from the Indonesian border.
The original tin shed
The new Railuli Primary School
We have just signed the contact for our next school the new Falowai Primary School, which will replace a condemned building in another remote community. The old school is one of the ones built when the new country was formed; a time when there material supplies were limited and few tradesmen were available.
This RAWCS Project highlights what we can achieve if Clubs work together, with support from the Rotary Foundation, 'Donations In Kind' and great external partners.
This project will also continue to support the Dental Clinic we helped to build, the local hospital and improve water supply and quality.
There is plenty to do and more partners are always welcome.
Article submitted by DIK District 9820 Chairman - Roger Thornton
Hallam Senior College’s Allied Health Training Centre
DIK doesn't only send containers overseas we send them into our local community. A Casey school’s dream of opening a health training hub is one step closer thanks to the generosity of Rotary Club of Berwick & DIK.
A donation from DIK of about $50,000 in medical equipment, including five hospital beds, will go towards Hallam Senior College’s Allied Health Training Centre, which is due to open next year.
Other items included bed side tables, over bed cupboards, day chairs, wheels chairs, transfer boards, body lifters, crutches, physio tables, disposal gloves and more.
Community Services and Allied Health Vocational Education & Training (VET) courses will be delivered at the new training centre, with more than 40 students expected to participate. The school will also transform a classroom into a simulated hospital in a $20-$30 million refurbishment project.
Rotary Club of Berwick members & Roger Thornton 9820 DIK Chair, joined school staff and local politicians to discuss the project on Thursday 22 August.
Hallam Senior College executive principal Greg McMahon said the donation was warmly welcomed, adding that the program would ensure students were job-ready.
“In a first for the College, the growing allied health services sector needs are being addressed, with resources provided through a direct partnership with DIK & the Rotary Club of Berwick,” he said.
President of the Rotary Club of Berwick, Isobel Caulfield, said the donation was a joint effort with Rotary Donations in Kind, who donate essential items to organisations around the world. “That’s what Rotary is good at – it is actually connecting people and joining the dots,” she said.
In another first, the College will team up with the South East Local Learning and Employment Network (SELLEN) to provide a program of study for young parents who would otherwise not finish school.
“It’s a very exciting time for young people who are pregnant and/or parenting to be able to return to their education and bring their baby with them,” SELLEN partnerships facilitator Mary Tresize – Brown said.
In the past four years, since trialling the Young Parents Education Program, more than 60 young parents have completed Year 12 education and are now in employed or undertaking tertiary study.
Article submitted by Heather Browning - Rotary Club of Hastings Western Port
As part of our literacy work at the Rotary Club of Hastings Western Port, each year we provide a free sausage sizzle for all the local preschool and early school students on book day.
The local traders along High Street decorate their shop windows as story book themes and many of them dress up in matching costumes.
The children walk along High Street with their teachers and are read to at various shops and offices. Most of the town becomes involved.
It is a lovely day demonstrating the village raising its children and is eagerly looked forward to each year.
This year we had a significant number of new books that we gave away to each child also. Left over books were then donated to a couple of schools.
As Voices of Frankston approaches its 5th year, birthday celebrations are in the wind. We would like to invite you to come and celebrate with us on October 16th at 10am for morning tea followed by our free Birthday Concert at 10.30am at High St Uniting Church Frankston.
Voices of Frankston is an inclusive community choir. For five years, it has provided a 'voice' and a community for marginalised people in Frankston and the peninsula region.
Supported by Rotary Clubs, businesses, community groups and generous benefactors, Voices of Frankston has changed the lives of dozens of men and women bringing new hope and a new pathway in life.
Over the past years Voices of Frankston Choir has grown from strength to strength. In the beginning we were under the guidance of The School of Hard Knocks and shared many exciting times singing in the Melbourne Town Hall and Deakin Edge Theatre.
From the start of this year we have established ourselves as an independent, incorporated, not for profit charitable organisation, under the leadership of the extremely talented and dedicated Kerry Gerraty. Kerry has the wonderful ability to fill everyone with confidence and bring out the best in us all through the joy of singing. We have a regular core of membership of 35 choristers, a wonderful group of people from the local community who support each other through our music and beyond.
This year we started with a performance as the backing choir for the opening and closing ceremonies for the Rotary 2019 Multi District Conference held at the Melbourne Entertainment and Convention Centre. What a delight that was!
At this stage we are financially secure until the end of 2019. We hope to continue as a strong choir, but in order to do this we need your help. Talk about us and tell anyone you think could help us.
How can you help? 1) As a volunteer to help on Wednesday mornings- to do the meet and greet, or help prepare the lunches. 2) As a chorister - sing with us under the guidance of our musical team of Kerry and pianist Boris 3) As a community group - that we could come and sing and share our music with 4) As a financial supporter - we need to keep raising money to continue.
Thank you for your support Cindy McMahon - Chairperson for Voices of Frankston Choir Email: voicesoffrankstonchoir@gmail.com GoFUndMe: https://www.gofundme/f/4skx2-voices-of-frankston-choir-need-your-help Twitter: twitter.com/@ChoirVof
Article submitted by Viv Armstrong - Australian Rotary Health Champion
Clubs across the District are gearing up for 'Lift The Lid' for mental health events. Bunnings is once again fully supportive of any clubs running barbecues. I urge all clubs to help promote 'Lift the Lid' in the community in a way that is fun for your club.
I was honored to be MC at the Rotary Club of Greater Dandenong's Mental Health Forum, which was a huge success. Keynote speaker Professor Greg De Moore, a Psychiatrist from Sydney, was very generous in donating the entire sales from his books sold on the night to Australian Rotary Health (ARH).
I consider myself privileged to have spent quite some time with the Greater Dandenong members over the past few months. They are a great bunch and I am sure I speak for the members of the club, when I say Leanne Byron was the dedicated driving force behind this event. She rallied the whole club and deserves huge accolades.
The Rotary Club of Traralgon is using all funds raised from their golf day to combat youth suicide in their area. Terry Carmichael, my great friend, held a 'Lift the lid' night for Australian Rotary Health and has been quite instrumental in promoting this work in his club. I thank him and all the Traralgon members for their support.
I have been asked to speak at several clubs in the coming weeks, which is great, as I enjoy hearing any ideas that promote the valuable work ARH does for all Australians.
I am keen to promote any clubs running an event for Australian Rotary Health on our Facebook page, so please send a photo, flyer, or event date and I will send it around.
Article submitted by Rob Cooke - District 9820 Youth Programs Chair
Registrations for the revamped Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) are now open! The new RYLA program means that participants can qualify for a Certificate IV in Business from Swinburne University.
To complete the requirements for the Certificate IV award, the students that your club sponsors will be required to complete the required units, present to your Rotary Club and be involved in some volunteering activities.
This means the new RYLA is a great opportunity for your club to offer valuable professional and personal development to youth in your area, as well as having ongoing interaction with your sponsored students.
RYLA takes place from 9 December to 14 December 2019. If you know someone aged 18-30 that would benefit from RYLA, get them to register here:
For more information, please contact the RYLA Leader Nigel Cousins npwcousins@bigpond.com 0417 331 907, or the Youth Programs Chair Robert Cook robertiancook@live.com 0422 173 360.
Article submitted by Assistant Governor - Sjaak Kusters
103 guests, including Rotarians, partners and Rotaractors attended the District Governor’s (DG's) Cluster Meeting on 29th August at Frankston International Motel & Function Centre. This achieved a District 9820 attendance record.
With the room almost at capacity the atmosphere was pleasantly frantic. The seating plan was arranged to avoid Rotarians sitting with fellow club members. In this way Rotarians from 6 clubs sitting randomly with each other, created a very healthy fellowship with good interaction.
Assistant Governor (AG) Sjaak Kusters was the Chairman and created a meeting format that accommodated all stake holders. He welcomed DG Adrian & Wendy, DGE Mark Humphries & Linda and AG partner Joy Kusters, followed by all Presidents & partners.
Sergeant Barry then performed an amazing floorshow. Dressed as an Indian snake charmer playing a homemade tradition flute he charmed a serpent, in the form of a “broken chain”, from an urn reflecting the “Breaking the Chains” theme of the meeting, before conducting a PowerPoint inspired quiz. His entertaining contribution was accepted with roaring laughter and applause.
DG Adrian was introduced following the presentation of a detailed Bio and he launched into his ‘Breaking the Chains’ message with a couple of film clips from our esteemed World President Mark Maloney.
Adrian spoke of the RYLA partnership with Swinburn Uni, promoted the 2020 conference next March, and the sponsorship deal with Gumbuya World.
Mark & Linda distributed work sheets around the tables to assess our knowledge and ideas of the current position of Rotary in our District.
Finally, Adrian presented the DG’s Partner’s project on Polio Eradication, “The Endgame”, as his wife, Wendy, was still recovering from a recent medical event.
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The first thing I would like to do is offer a very big welcome to our new members, recorded as joining our District since the publishing of the last Chain Mail. 
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and the "Share" button 
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POLIO PLUS SPEAKER
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“In a first for the College, the growing allied health services sector needs are being addressed, with resources provided through a direct partnership with DIK & the Rotary Club of Berwick,” he said.
As part of our literacy work at the Rotary Club of Hastings Western Port, each year we provide a free sausage sizzle for all the local preschool and early school students on book day. 
The children walk along High Street with their teachers and are read to at various shops and offices. Most of the town becomes involved. 
As Voices of Frankston approaches its 5th year, birthday celebrations are in the wind. We would like to invite you to come and celebrate with us on October 16th at 10am for morning tea followed by our free Birthday Concert at 10.30am at High St Uniting Church Frankston..jpg)
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103 guests, including Rotarians, partners and Rotaractors attended the District Governor’s (DG's) Cluster Meeting on 29th August at Frankston International Motel & Function Centre. This achieved a District 9820 attendance record.
