The month started with the Annual Rotary- International Women’s Day Breakfast held at the Mornington Racecourse. An early start where over 200 attended to enjoy and appreciate the inspiration of women in our world. Congratulation to all the Rotarians involved from the RC Frankston Nth and the Mornington Peninsula Cluster of clubs.
During the month Adele & I travelled to West, Central, East and South Gippsland to attend several community and club events and to join with many Rotarians. March is a very busy month for Rotary Clubs and clusters with the Holland Festival, Farm World, Maffra Mardi Gras, Annual Golf days, Car Shows, Art Shows to name just a few. During our travels we attended the annual community breakfast hosted by the RC of Mitchell River (Bairnsdale) which is fully supported by all the East Gippsland cluster and raised $9,000 to provide funding to Gippsland Rotary Centenary House in Traralgon.
Disaster Relief and Recovery – Turkey/ Syria & New Zealand plus Vanuatu
Earlier in March we closed the district-wide appeal for fundraising, to respond to the earthquake disasters in Turkey / Syria and the floods to our neighbours in New Zealand. The response to the appeal has been fabulous. We have seen some very generous donations from clubs and individuals within D9820. The Appeal raised $40,670 for Rotary support to Turkey & Syria plus a further $7,500 for our Rotary connections in New Zealand. These funds are now being distributed under the stewardship of Rotarians and Rotary to provide direct benefits to these chosen areas. Thanks again to all, for your generosity and support. This generosity makes us all proud to be Rotarians. In addition, as a result of recommendations from our District Emergency Management Committee, we have also contributed a further $2,000 to the Vanuatu tropical cyclone disaster relief fund.
District 9820 Conference -Cape Schanck.
Wow, what can I say? We are still receiving very positive feedback and compliments from those who attended the district 9820 Conference at the end of Feb23 at RACV Cape Schanck. Quality of speakers, the fabulous venue and staff plus delicious food have been mentioned as highlights. We are keen for this support and enthusiasm to flow on to the next Annual District 9820 conference in Warrnambool in Feb 24. If you are passionate about Rotary the conference in 24, is being created for you.
District 9810 Conference, Canberra.
At the start of March, D9820 Governor Train (G-Train) and our partners plus other Rotarians travelled to Canberra to enjoy our Twin District 9810 conference. This was attended by 350 Rotarians, Partners, and friends. Another terrific event to showcase Rotary at its very best and to inspire us all to continue our Rotary work.
Tony’s Trek
You will see several reports later in this newsletter on various aspects of Tony Pearce’s walking trek, which started in East Melbourne on 10th March and will continue in our district until 10th April. Tony is walking from Dandenong to Mallacoota in our district, then up the great alpine road to Wangaratta then back to Melbourne. He is supported by all the emergency services workers and volunteers (first responders) in Victoria plus great support from Rotary clubs in West, Central & East Gippsland. Tony’s Trek is raising awareness for the Emergency Services Foundation which provides for mental health services, to our emergency services volunteers.
Many clubs / Rotarians in our district have already joined up to welcome Tony at various points as he walks 30-40 kms per day through Gippsland. We joined Tony in Warragul for a RC Warragul BBQ and Trivia night. Adele and I were then able to catch up with Tony and many Rotarians who welcomed him, on his walk to Sale, then Stratford also to Bairnsdale and again at Bruthen. This is a wonderful person who cares deeply for Emergency Services workers. I would like to thank all the Rotarians in our district who have supported Tony along the way. Also, on behalf of Rotary D9820 a big thanks particularly to Rotarians Kerrie Schmidt, Peter Sindrey & Tim Wills for their involvement in preparation and over many days in the past month representing Rotary and our District at various points throughout Gippsland.
Rotary Insurance 2023/24
I have just received a communique from the Zone Insurance and Protection Committee [ZIPC]. The Insurance Program that is in place for our Clubs and Districts remains to be of the broadest possible nature and more than very competitively priced. In particular, and specifically our Liability Policy provides exceptional coverage and currently maintains certain conditions, which is generally not available to other organisations. It is our ZIPC charter to ensure that this situation is maintained. It is more than likely that the per capita insurance levies that are charged out to clubs by Districts will increase up to approx. 15% for the renewal period 30th June 2023 to 30th June 2024 They suggest that clubs and Districts allow for a 15% increase in insurance levies; we believe it is better to advise clubs now rather than give them a shock in August when their invoices arrive.
Holland Festival
You will see a short report and photos later in this newsletter on this very successful event, run at Akoonah Park Berwick by Rotary earlier in March. The festival was collaboratively organised by the Rotary Clubs of Greater Dandenong and Endeavour Hills, Monash, Belgrave and Casey. Around 3500 attended. Congratulations to these clubs and Event manager Paul Rubens.
Farm World
Rotary in Drouin & Warragul and our West Gippsland Cluster of clubs has been very busy with various rosters for Farm World at Lardner Park during March. This is one of the largest community events in Victoria and Rotary has a prominent role. Another short report and photo later in this newsletter.
D9815 Merger and the Zone 8 Regionalisation Pilot
The 60 day nomination period for our next District Governor Nominee Designate (who will be D9815 District Governor 2025/26) closed on 31st March. The selection process will conclude this coming month and a separate announcement will be made.
For those Rotarians interested in the Regional Pilot, the national coordinators will provide another newsletter to all, in the coming month.
Earlyact Club / Interact Club
Adele & I were very pleased to join the Rotary Club of Foster on 27th March, to celebrate the charter of our new Earlyact Club of Foster Primary School. Congratulations to Rotarian Laurie Warfe and his committee, teacher Jane Power and the school staff who made this young club a reality. The Earlyact club has already started a project which will support Wheelchairs for Kids, who will be able to produce and send several special wheelchairs overseas to needing children in developing countries.
It also gives me great pleasure to confirm that Frankston North Rotary, will be sponsoring the new Interact Club of McClelland College, Frankston. Formation meetings have already taken place and preparation is well advanced for this club to be chartered in the coming few months. Congratulations PP Judi McKee and her committee at Frankston North.
Dates for your diary –
Sun 2nd April – D9820 Foundation Grants seminar via Zoom -sessions at 9.00am, 11.00am and 7.00pm
Sat 22nd April 23 9.00am – District Assembly & Avenues of Service for all Rotarians in D9820. Nossal High School, Berwick.
10th – 23rd May (approx.) – D9820 clubs, will be hosting a Rotary Friendship Exchange from District 7120 Washington State USA . Contact Mark Humphries if you would like to be involved mark.humphries@rotary9820.org.au
25th -26th May – Rotary Malaria Congress, Crown Casino, Melbourne.
27th – 31st May23 – Rotary International Convention Melb23- Rod Laver Arena and Melbourne Convention Centre.
Sat 24th June23 – District Changeover Dinner, Bunjil Place, 2 Patrick Northeast Drive, Narre Warren
26th June 23 – Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) camp. Joint event D9820 / D 9810 Venue TBA
19th Aug 23 – Model United Nations Assembly – Nossal High School Berwick.
Please have a fabulous month in April and join me to “Imagine Rotary.” Hope you enjoy the photos this month.
Stay safe and happy -- DG Paul.
Charter night- Earlyact Club of Foster Primary School
RC Lakes Entrance
RC Maffra – Mardi Gras
RC Bairnsdale
T. T. on the road
Tony’s Trek – Warragul
Tony’s Trek at Sale
Jessie the dog taking a photo of Tony’s Trek at Bairnsdale
At the end of February, the Cranbourne Rotary Club held a special night to thank the many sponsors who have supported our club over many years. The dinner was a brilliant success and served its purpose well. The event promoted both the Rotary Club and the many programs and projects that we support. With over 110 guests at the dinner, it was excellent PR for our club and also for the community organisations who presented on the night. These organizations highlighted exactly where all the money has been sent and the worthwhile outcomes to our community. One guest said: “I would like to take the opportunity to congratulate all the people involved in putting on last night’s sponsors dinner, It was an amazing night and everyone not only enjoyed themselves, but also, I am sure learned a lot more about the club and what you do. I had no idea how much of a difference your club has on our community.” A club member noted that by working together with our many strengths, we make a wonderful difference in our community. Well done to the organizers.
The club said thankyou in a small way and looks forward to our continuing relationship with our sponsors and community.
The Rotary Club of Drouin has combined with the Drouin Lions Club to serve toast and a milk drink to interested students at the 'Breakfast Club' at Drouin Secondary College every Tuesday and Thursday morning. "The school is very pleased to be able to provide this service again after a long break, thanks to Drouin Rotary and Drouin Lions members" said Tori McKay, a member of the Education Support Staff at the college and member of the Student Welfare team.
"The college is in discussion with both Rotary and Lions about the opportunities for cooperation in programs across the school to enhance both learning and development opportunities of our students using the skills and knowledge these community members offer" added Tori.
The breakfast club is funded by the 'Food Bank school breakfast programme'.
The Rotary Club of Drouin Hills recently asked the Rotary Club of Drouin to help update the AED machine in the Drouin Anglican Hall, where that club and many other organisations regularly meet. The machine had begun beeping!
Rotary’s Leigh Bates subsequently installed a new battery and new adult pads purchased by his club. “We have potentially vulnerable people attending our meetings and participating in short trips away” said Shirley Haynes, Secretary of the Probus club “and we were concerned that we were not able to protect them with a potentially faulty machine. We are very grateful for the generosity of our local Rotarians”.
Drouin Anglican Church administration officer, Wendy Shiels supported Probus in their thanks to Rotary. “We are planning to buy a new machine, but this now means that the users of our hall are immediately protected” she said. “This gift gives us flexibility in the location of any additional machine”.
Leigh urged Wendy and Shirley to register this machine and all future, additional machines with Ambulance Victoria at https://registermyaed.ambulance.vic.gov.au/ which is advice given to all owners of AEDs. That will mean a call to Triple Zero emergency about a heart attack helps guide callers to their nearest AED while waiting for an ambulance.
PP Sunil Bhatt and Bhavna Bhatt with soon-to-be Warragul member, migrant from 9810, Greg King.
An early morning start with instructions on use of ticket scan device for Warragul’s John Cheeseman, Geoff Chilverand Chris Major
Another highly successful event at Lardner Park, south of Warragul, was a boon for the coffers of the Drouin and Warragul Rotary clubs. 480 exhibitors were visited by 40,000 people who passed through the gates between Friday morning and Sunday evening, and Rotary helped smooth the way for all of them.
Increasingly both clubs have seen the benefit of providing labour at many of the events in the busy schedule at Lardner Park, for which the renumeration is good. And the ‘Farm World’ is a prime example of that involvement.
Both clubs have a very long history of involvement with this event and even though it is now shortened by one day, there is still plenty of opportunity for engagement.
Drouin members began by staffing entry gates during the three days of “bump in” by stallholders and then continued to direct traffic, both vehicles and pedestrians over the next three days while Warragul members took on the task of checking tickets of exhibitors and patrons attending through four main gates. And all this started at 6.30 AM each day and ended around 5.00 PM when “security” took over.
Drouin members also supervised parking of exhibitors, patron management at the evening rodeo, which attracted 5000 people, and driving two “people movers” around the circuit all day, every day of the event.
The Drouin club will claim 330 hours in total while Warragul members contributed 275 hours.
Future events at which Rotarians will assist include ‘Big Blokes Lunch’, Girls Day Out’ and the ‘Lardner Park Garden Show’
L to R: Bill Petschack, Kevin Roberts, Max Scott, Colin Gardner, Bob Vogt, Don Kelly, Peter Konjevic, John Franklin and, photographer David Proposch.
The Civic Park shelter in Drouin has been refurbished with new paint and repaired seats by a group of Drouin Rotarians. The shelter adjacent is a much used refuge for the sun and/or the rain for users of Civic park, particularly those enjoying time at the skate park nearby. It is also the facility used monthly by the Rotary club as its base in management for the ‘Drouin Produce & Craft Market’ and its BBQ service. “The shelter was in need of a facelift” said club Service Projects coordinator Bill Petschack. “Some of the boards in the seat had been damaged or were showing signs of age and the painted surfaces needed work”. Paint was provided by Baw Baw Shire and nine Rotarians sanded, prepped and painted while others repaired the seating. “We even had a couple of people stop and make suggestions of what else we could do around town to deal with some tired facilities” Bill added. “We’ll talk to council officers and see what we can do”.
Club President Geoff Carpenter, Merryn Stevenson, Alan Coe and Denise Lyne
Rotary Club of Bairnsdale Sunrise celebrated its 20 years of service to the community at a lunch at Paynesville Motor Cruiser Club on 5 March. Past and present members and community representatives attended the celebration which doubled as a promotion for the club’s future commitment in support of Warrigunya Transitional Housing Project. Guest speakers Alan Coe and Merryn Stevenson of the Warrigunya Project spoke of the centre’s purpose to provide culturally safe accommodation for Aboriginal men as they focus on their personal goals and create a future life without prison. Sited in Darriman, the project has attained part government funding and is now seeking funding donors for which the Sunrise club will participate. Club President, Geoff Carpenter said, “Our club is ambitious about its service to the community and supporting Warrigunya is one of our major commitments for the next few years.”
For more information visit: rotarysunrise.com and warrigunya.com
From left: Tony Walker (former CEO of Ambulance Victoria – who walked with Tony to Warragul), Ambulance Vic officers Jo Algie, Jaclyn Bray & Dylan Wedlock, Drouin Rotarians Rex Greenland, Jane Playdon, President Roger Playdon, Ian Symons (former CFA), Keith Pretty, Tim Wills and Mike Playdon (from England) and Brian Bower (Warragul CFA)
Front: Luke, Debbie (Board member of Emergency Services Foundation) & Kit Martindale and Tony Pearce
$2,700 was raised through the RC Warragul's BBQ and the RSL/SES Trivia Night. So, on top of RC Drouin's $300, it was a good day for Tony.
Local observers on Sunday afternoon witnessed the encouraging cheers of supporters, as Tony Pearce arrived in Bairnsdale. Tony is Chair of the Emergency Services Foundation and Victoria’s Inspector General for Emergency Management.
Tony is undertaking a huge walk – a ‘Trek’ as it is called – from Melbourne to the remotest areas of East Gippsland affected by the Black Summer Bushfires, then up over Mount Hotham and to Wodonga, finally returning to Melbourne.
This 50-day task will see him ‘Trek’ over 1,440 km to reach his final destination, and his arrival in Bairnsdale saw him complete the first 300 km.
The task is an important one, as it is intended to highlight the support needed to address mental health issues for Emergency Services workers throughout Victoria. These workers participate in activities, paid and unpaid, in the fields of Fire Fighting, SES, Ambulance Services, Policing, Forest Fire Management, Life Saving and Red Cross, to name a few.
Tony is being assisted in his ‘Trek’ by those who will benefit from his determination to raise awareness of the challenges faced by Emergency Workers in their day-to-day tasks. He is passionate, not only to help those suffering from mental traumas arising from their work, but also to prevent future issues arising as a result of their important roles.
In addition, Tony and his team are receiving great support from an enormous number of individuals and organisations. In particular, Rotary Clubs from Melbourne to East Gippsland have banded together to support Tony and encourage him as his ‘Trek’ continues through towns and settlements during his journey.
On Sunday, Tony was escorted on his 32 km walk from Bengworden to Bairnsdale by members of the CFA and Forrest Fire Management. He was greeted on his arrival in Bairnsdale by a contingent of Rotary members from the 3 Clubs in Bairnsdale, and Lakes Entrance.
Rotary’s District Governor, Paul Mee, was also on hand to congratulate Tony on his progress to date and to emphasise that Rotary will continue to support Emergency Services workers in the same way that it did during the Black Summer Fires.
On Monday, Tony continues his ‘Trek’ to Bruthen and beyond.
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
Peter Sindery 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.
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)
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
With the conclusion of the 2022 Council on Resolutions (COR), I am pleased to provide you with the Report of Action. In this report, you will find: • A letter from Council Services • Resolutions that were adopted • Vote tallies for the adopted items
Voting results for all 2022 resolutions can be found on My Rotary.
Please note that the deadline for submitting resolutions to the 2023 COR is 30 June 2023. A link to the submission form, plus helpful resources, can be found on the Councils page of My Rotary.
If you have any questions about the report or the COR, please let me know. Many thanks
Congratulations to Barry Higginswho was the first person to answer last month's question and is, therefore, a Diligent Reader!
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 is the Warrigunya Project?
Your contributions are what makes this newsletter valuable, so keep sending them to me at newsletter@rotary9820.org.au.
