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From the District Governor
Hello everyone.  My planned DG visits to clubs have gotten off to a rocky start with the reinstatement of Covid-19 restrictions.  In the first week of August, I managed to attend five visits in the Nepean Cluster (1 x zoom & 4 x face to face), although I had to rush home to Traralgon after my Frankston Club visit when the stay home restrictions were introduced.  In the second week all visits were cancelled, and during the last two weeks I have attended six clubs x zoom.  This first week of September, I will be having a rest after an operation in hospital to fix a hernia issue.  I was hoping to have the visits complete by the end of October, but they will stretch out into early December now.
 
During the second week of August, Linda Humphries organised an excellent Membership Interactive Conversation by zoom.  We had a great roll-up with plenty of frank and constructive discussion.  Linda will be arranging further conversations (some virtual and others live when Covid restrictions permit).  Well done, Linda.
 
MUNA has been underway during August.  This year has been quite novel with the student delegations being asked to present their response to the United Nations proposal by video.  The students still need to undertake research of the country they are representing’s stance on this proposal.  The videos will be judged, and a winning delegation selected.  Fifty-eight students registered and are representing 29 countries.  This is a record number of registrations for MUNA in our District.  Credit goes to Di Harrison and her MUNA planning committee for pulling this all together.
 
Registrations for the District Conference to be held in Traralgon on the weekend of 25-27 February 2022 opened last week.  It is pleasing to see members have already started to visit the website and commit to this exciting event.
 
Registrations are also 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.  This is a joint collaborative effort by both District 9820 & District 9810.
 
Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) has had to be delayed.  The first training session will now be Saturday 4 September, and the next will be Saturday 2 October.  The last session will be toward the end of October.  The course is being run at the Drouin Senior Citizens Club.  If you would like to participate, please contact David Hanlon on 0414 996 798.  The cost for the three sessions is $50.
Other dates to enter in your diary are:
  • 11-12 September – Zone 8 Virtual Conference with a fantastic line up of speakers.
  • 16 October – ARH Virtual Presentation – First Aid in Mental Health by Prof Tony Jorm
  • 13 November – ARH 40th Anniversary Dinner at Mornington Golf Club
  • 14 November – District AGM & Foundation Seminar at Berwick
Judy & I hope to see you all soon.
News from Peninsula Cluster
 
 
Peninsula Cluster R100 Project – Peninsula Trail
It was back in late 2019 when Ross Kilborn, (then President of the Rotary Club of Mornington) together with Steve Daly (then Assistant Governor of the Peninsula Cluster), presented to the Peninsula Cluster Presidents the concept of our clubs participating in projects to celebrate the Centenary of Rotary in Australia.
With the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council keen to complete the missing links of the Peninsula (Bay) Trail it was discussed with the Peninsula Cluster Presidents that a possible role for Rotary would be to assist with associated infrastructure, such as rest stops, park benches, tables, information hubs and signage.
The Peninsula Trail network extends for over 100 kilometres, linking the Mornington Peninsula and beyond and strengthening the areas walking and cycling brand.
At the February 2020 Peninsula Cluster Presidents Meeting, just prior to the onset of the C19 restrictions, the R100 Peninsula Trail gained unanimous support from the eight Clubs to the delight of all concerned.
A Cluster Working Group was established, with representatives from the eight Peninsula Cluster Clubs allowing the clubs to work closely together whilst still developing their own club projects.
Ross Kilborn, Steve Daly, Peter Rawlings with support from former Mayor’s, Honorary Rotarian Sam Hearn and Rotarian Anne Shaw, have had regular meetings with Council Officers which has seen the Council moving ahead on several fronts.
There is now likely to be overall “Rotary 100 Mornington Peninsula Clubs” branding with the final design awaiting approval, with subordinate signage designs to be both directional and informative, covering heritage, cultural, flora and fauna.
The R100 Project will also allow the clubs to connect with Rotary’s new Environmentally Sustainable Focus by involving schools and the community in landscaping and vegetation of native plants.
Several of the Peninsula Cluster Clubs are well advanced with one Club receiving a Building Stronger Communities Grant of $9,000. An application is also underway for a combined Cluster Centenary Project Grant.
This is a long-term project for the region and there is still much to be done in terms of major infrastructure funding. But step by step, this R100 Project is advancing to the delight of Rotarians and the Community across the Mornington Peninsula.
Peter Rawlings
 
 
 
Welcome to our new Rotarians
First Name
Last Name
Club
Lynette
Bennett-Colls
Wonthaggi
Shonene
Clarke
Sorrento
Roger
Colls
Wonthaggi
Garry
Padey
Mount Eliza
 
Membership workshops
The District membership page has been updated with new material and 3 survey links. I encourage you all share this information with your club members and encourage them to complete the online surveys. Your District team will look at the survey answers and discuss the findings at the membership development days in August and September.
 
In August and September, we are going to start by running our first series of workshops
 
Have you completed your survey about membership? It only takes five minutes of your time!  Use this link. The results of this survey will be discussed at the Membership workshops. at various locations around the District, focusing on looking within our Clubs, then providing some ideas and tools to help you start looking at your community.
RYLA - Support squad training day
In July, Districts 9810 and 9820 came together to reinvigorate RYLA. We had one in-person training session before having to adapt online and it has been all systems go since then! We initially participated in an alignment workshop to blend the two districts together to become one team, the Support Squad.
The Support Squad members are a collective of 18 young, ambitious and diverse community leaders committed to curating the best possible RYLA for the class of 2022.
We have had 3 official training sessions and some fun, virtual rapport building catch ups as well. The Support Squad structure has been established with a strong foundation, and each member having their own roles and responsibilities. Duos have been paired off and we have commenced fleshing out the program for the 6-day seminar. 
We are keeping our hopes up that the seminar will be able to be held in-person in January but are dedicated to bringing a value experience to the participants whatever the challenges may be. 
The Support Squad are relishing in this time where we are creating and cultivating a program we are truly proud of, while learning and growing ourselves along the way. 
We look forward to welcoming your sponsors into the RYLA family just a few months’ time!
 
 
Hastings Westernport
Club Visioning Facilitation 
 
 
Vision Facilitation helps a Rotary club design its own vision and to set out the steps necessary to achieve that vision. 
For more information click here:  Club Visioning | District 9820 (rotary9820.org.au) or contact: 
Brian Norris, on 0418 633 446 or 
Aled Roberts on 0409 136 005 or 
ESRAG Meeting 28th September
Australia New Zealand, Pacific Island conference 11- 12th September
This Zone 8 conference is set to inspire!
 
 
In Rotary’s 100th year ‘Down Under’, we’re encouraging all Rotarians to join us for the Australia, New Zealand and Pacific Islands (Zone 8) Virtual Conference on September 11th and 12th , 2021.
 
To celebrate our centenary, this year’s conference is all about sharing the wonderful impact of Rotary around the world. There are some great reasons to attend:
  • Be inspired by Rotary projects delivering real impact in our region.
  • Meet some of our Rotary heroes – dedicating their lives to making a positive difference.
  • Hear what’s new from Rotary’s senior leaders.
  • Engage with the debate about the future of Rotary.
  • Learn new ways to get engaged and involved.
  • Connect with Rotary friends old and new.
  • This event will bring together the very best of Rotary in one place over one weekend. You can participate from the comfort of your home or in a shared space with Rotarians and friends. To keep up to date with all the speakers and sessions and register, visit rotaryzone8.org.
 
Twelve Inspiring Speakers over two sessions will include:
  • Rotary International President Shekhar Mehta
  • Rotary International President-elect Jennifer Jones
  • CEO and Secretary General John Hewko
  • Trustee of The Rotary Foundation Gulam Vahanvaty
  • Chair of Rotaract Australia Holly Corbett
  • Ann Lee Hussey, Rotarian and polio survivor who has dedicated her life to saving other children from this terrible disease
  • Rotary International Past Vice President Dean Rohrs, whose quest for equality and peace has taken her many places, including prison
  • New Zealander Robbie Francis, peacebuilder and disability rights advocate, passionate about developing more inclusive, safer and peaceful communities
  • CEO of Volunteering Australia Mark Pearce on the changing needs of volunteers
  • Rotary International Past President Barry Rassin on ‘Shaping Rotary’s Future’
The convention will also feature a video showcase of some of the most inspiring projects in Rotary across our region and – because life needs music – the Melbourne Gospel Choir.
 
There will be breakout sessions on eradicating disease, changing lives, responding to disaster, preserving the environment, showcasing our impact, and growing Rotary through new clubs.
 
See you there!
Rotary Health Hat Day 10th October
 
 
 
Australian Rotary Health will celebrate Hat Day on Sunday 10th October with a FREE online webinar featuring a panel of mental health researchers. You're welcome to join us or host your own party with your Rotary Club, friends or colleagues.

All funds raised will go towards vital research helping improve the mental health of young Australians aged 0-12. 

Download your Host Kit and register your event by contacting the ARH office on: admin@arh.org.au or (02) 8837 1900 if you would like us to mail a host kit to you.  
Rotary Club of Balwyn (District 9800)  Centenary project
Yarram Golf Day 10th October
Frankston Golf Day 31st October
Frankston Golf Day entry form
RYLA January 2022
RYLA Leadership Conference District 9820 is coming back in 17th to 22nd January 2022.
This six day conference will be held in Rawson, north of Moe.  

http://www.youth.rotary9820.org/ryla
 
District 9820 Conference 25 - 27th February 2022
 
District Governor Bill Degnan and Judy, together with the Rotary Club of Traralgon Central, invite you to “COME AND JOIN US” in beautiful Traralgon where the D9820 Conference will be held on the weekend of February 25-27, 2022. Registrations are now open and we look forward to seeing many of you in the Valley for a conference filled with inspiration, fun and fellowship.
 
This conference will focus on our ENVIRONMENT and what part Rotary can play.
 
The wind blows, the sun shines and the rain falls. The Environment. We take it for granted it will continue.
But we are now being told that might not be the case. What humankind has taken as set in stone is being shown as fallible, we can't do whatever we want without severe consequences.
Unless we all take the problem seriously the world our children and grandchildren inhabit will be a far different one from the one we have known.
Rotarians can play their part.
That is what this conference is about. Play your part and help make sure that the world of tomorrow is as good, or better, than the one of today.
 
BILL DEGNAN Governor 2021-22
District 9820
 
 
 
RI convention Melbourne 2023
Latrobe Health - Platinum sponsor for RI Convention
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.
Maryvale Private Hospital - Platinum sponsor for RI Convention 
Maryvale Private Hospital is a 53-bed acute medical and surgical hospital that’s known for its personalised care and friendly, highly skilled staff.
Maryvale Private Hospital’s comprehensive services include weight-loss surgery, orthopaedic surgery, general surgery, ear, nose and throat surgery, gynaecological surgery, dental surgery and acute medical care.
We also have specialist physicians who consult at the hospital. Our consulting services include respiratory medicine, rheumatology and geriatric care.
Maryvale Private Hospital provides care to the wider Gippsland region, not just the Latrobe Valley. It provides a broad range of medical services as well as quality palliative care service ensuring patients ‘end-of-life’ experience includes families and loved ones close to home.
The Taliban have children too....
TALIBAN HAVE CHILDREN TOO …
The situation in Afghanistan has escalated since a zoom meeting of RI END POLIO NOW Coordinators last week but several messages with great impact were delivered by our senior leaders during that meeting.
Many Rotarians have expressed concern about the future of our Polio Eradication Initiative – when ultimate success is so close.
However, RI Past President and 2021/22 Chair of The Rotary Foundation, John Germ, told the meeting Rotary’s team has been working with the Taliban for some time and we need to remember  ‘the Taliban have children too – and want them protected against Polio’.
‘We acknowledge the tragedy of the situation in Afghanistan, but there have always been obstacles in the way that have been overcome,” he said.
RI Past Vice President and International PolioPlus Chair Mike McGovern stated that Rotary’s team is working closely with Afghan PolioPlus chair, Ishak, and news is positive.
‘We have only one wild virus case in Afghanistan and Pakistan for the past eight months – and very little trace is being found in environmental samples.  We need to work with all elements of leadership in that country and the anti government element has indicated a willingness to work with us,’ he said.
‘Historically, the Taliban have never been against Polio vaccination. They are wary of people involved in delivering the vaccines but they want to target the end of Polio and are very well organised.’
Further, following dramatic events this week, Mike McGovern updated last week’s comments …
‘In 2001, despite internal conflicts and a global pandemic, Afghanistan is seeing unprecedently low transmission of wild polio, with just one case reported this year. Not only has the country seen a drastic reduction in cases of wild polio, polio surveillance data confirms this progress and significantly less virus is being detected in the environment.
‘As conflict in Afghanistan quickly evolves, we must advocate for the children of Afghanistan. The Polio program must work and communicate with all stakeholders involved to ensure that polio immunisation remains a priority to ensure the gains we have made against polio do not diminish.
‘We look forward to working with our polio eradication partners and the Afghani people to completely eradicate polio,’ he concluded.
 
Empowering Girls
Empowering Girls. 
PDG Susan Wakefield from the Rotary Club of  Lower Blue Mountains has been appointed as the Zone Ambassador for the empowering Girls initiative - one of President Shehkar's special focus areas for the year. 
Susan's role is to assist you and your clubs with resources to support new and existing projects that empower girls. For ideas and information you can contact Susan at:

Kirrigbm@bigpond.net.au or via phone on 0412 146 055
Vale Martin Lowe 
Vale Past President Martin Lowe (PHF)
Sadly in late July the Rotary Club of Mt Martha and District 9820 lost one of its respected members in Past President Martin Lowe who passed away following a period of ill health.
Martin a research scientist with the CSIRO joined Rotary in 1997 and quickly involved himself International Service and with Youth and Group Study Exchange being a focus.
He became Club President for 2010-11 a year that saw and Martin as President leading the Club in hosting the District Conference at Shepparton on behalf of DG David Piper.
Martin had a passion for youth and their education and this was recognised by his appointment as Associate Professor at Swinburne University. From 2001 he led our club’s Junior Community Awards program at Osborne Primary School. A program that he ran for many years. He later took a keen interest in the National Youth Science Forum (NYSF), promoting numerous candidates from our club. Later on he became the District 9820 NYSF Chairperson, a role he held from 2011 to 2017. As District Chair he oversaw the selection of over 300 students. Many of whom came back in later years to serve on the NYSF committee and student selection panels. He travelled to Canberra to participate in the NYSF as a Rotary helper. Many students benefited from their time with Martin who was able to share his experience as a practicing research scientist in LASER research. It was a the privilege to listen to him explain to a group of students how his research team was able to create an environment close to absolute zero temperature ( -273 degrees Celsius) by trapping individual atoms and particles and rendering them motionless by the use of very precise lasers, displaying his ability to explain complex concepts to students.
A passionate gentleman missed by many, respected by all.
 
 
Fun Facts about Rotary
The most remote Club is Papeete,Tahiti, in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.
The southernmost Club is Base Marambio Antartida in Antarctica.
The northernmost Club is Barrow, Alaska, above the Arctic Circle.  
The highest Club is El Aguilar, Argentina, 4,880 meters above sea level.
The lowest Club is El Centro, California, USA,12.2 meters below sea level.
What's happening in 9820 in September
Editors Note
Request for inclusion in the newsletter can be made using this email address. newsletter@rotary9820.org.au.  

Last month,135 Rotarians opened this newsletter which is a huge drop in our readership from the 572 the previous month: 

 


There is a lot we can do to improve the readership: 

1. Ask your fellow Rotarians if they have received the newsletter and if not, ask them to search for it in their spam folder. They may have inadvertently unsubscribed. 
2. Ask your club Secretary to review the email list in Club Runner.  
3. Review your email set up  so you can see the photos in the newsletter. It is possible to read the newsletter without viewing the pictures and this may result in the system not 'seeing" that you have opened it. Did you know the system relies on a small pixel embedded in the email to establish if the email has been opened?  
 
 
Janet Pugh 
0410 328 636