Our District celebrations for the Centenary of Rotary in Australia are now well and truly underway. Organising events has been very difficult for us all and I am thrilled that so many opportunities to promote our wonderful organisation are still available to us.
Organisational difficulties are still plaguing the Virtual Victoria multi-district conference. However, I can assure you it will go ahead and you will all receive notification when the booking site is finally open. The committee has been lining up some great speakers and entertainment, so I know you’ll really enjoy it. I’m starting to sound like a broken record (scratched CD?) but “watch this space” and put aside the time in your calendar.
In better news, the single District component of conference – that’s our bit – has fired off the launchpad and booking are now open. See the item below. Phew! Big thanks to the hardworking committee who have been putting it all together. Please be sure to join us to celebrate D9810 present and future.
Also, another committee of hardworking Rotarians is putting together an in-person D9810 Changeover event. The “Save the Date” announcement is further down this issue. Please put it in your calendar now and be sure to book early because COVID regs mean than seating is limited – you don’t want to miss out on this great celebration.
Congratulations are due to IPDG Shia Smart on two counts. Our District has been awarded a Rotary Citation for the 2019/20 year. No mean feat when one considers that the final quarter of the year was wiped put by COVID. The new Zone 8 team was announced during the week an Shia has been appointed a Rotary Coordinator with responsibility for Districts 9790, 9820 and 9830. Well done, Shia!
I love to hear about clubs having fun and undertaking great projects. If you want the rest of the District to know the great work you’re doing, please don’t be shy! Send me some information preferably with a pic and look out for the following edition of “Open Doors”.
As usual, lots of great stories in this issue, including
10 intentional Membership Strategies
Clubs doing great projects, good fundraisers and having lots of fun
D9810 contribution to Give Every Child a Future
Rotarian Code of Conduct
An opportunity to be part of Rotary Safe Families
Ideas to be part of the COVID vaccination effort
RAWCS Flood Appeal launched
… and, of course, much, much more
Governor’s Travels
Lots of out-an-about activity for the DG in the last fortnight. On 15 March I attended the RC of Forest Hill’s St. Patrick’s Day celebration. Lots of fun with MC, Ron Brooks, looking the part and laying on a thick layer of Irish. Everyone wore green (who knew there were so many shades of the same colour?) and entered the spirit of the night. Here’s a pic – I’m in there somewhere!
I also attended the Monash Clusters’ R100 baton relay event. Along with members from all six clubs from both clusters, I rode the Glen Waverley line train “there and back” and processed through the streets of Glen Waverley. Story and pics below.
Also attended the RC MASH “lift the Lid Walk” which is also mentioned below.
During this week, RC Templestowe celebrated its 44th birthday. Members were joined by guests from “parent club” Doncaster. Pictured with the birthday cake are Presidents Barry Halpern (Doncaster), Felix Wong, Brian Tyedin and Brian Negus (all of Templestowe). I was honoured to present a PHF with two rubies to former Rotarian John Macintosh (pic on right).
Finally, Greg (King) and I travelled to Hampton today (Saturday) to promote the Centenary of Rotary in Australia at the Hampton Farmers’ Market. Like all the others in attendance, we braved the rain and cool start to the day to erect the End Polio Now display and talk to locals about the celebrations.
All the gang from RCs Hampton and Sandringham
Pres Amanda Hill and Pres John Dennison hand over the baton.
End Polio Now display set up
by DG partner Greg King.
District 9810 Virtual Conference Bookings Now Open
This event will be an opportunity for District 9810 Rotarians to come together in a virtual setting, to acknowledge and celebrate the Rotary achievements of the last year. Not only has Rotary in District 9810 survived, Rotarians have seized opportunities to serve others in their local communities and beyond, in new and innovative ways. Come along to this event to reflect on the past, to celebrate the present and to look with optimism to the future.
This time, not one but 10 membership Inspirations! Click here for these 10 strategic approaches to increasing membership including the #1 proven ROI strategy for attracting new members. Can you afford not to have a look?
Annual Croquet Challenge
I don’t know much about croquet, do you? Rotarians at Lilydale and Croydon Montrose do, as they have an annual challenge match. Croydon Montrose was the trophy holder until the recent match and now Lilydale is the proud possessor. 28 eager competitors were undeterred by rain on Tuesday evening at Lilydale Croquet Club. The final score; 37 to 34. Well done to all for participating in this fun event. Special thanks to Patrick Hartley who provided access to the croquet club.
“The Show Must Go On” Dinner and Fundraiser by RC Bayswater
The former Victorian Minister for the Arts, Heidi Victoria, will be the guest speaker at a fundraising event hosted by the RC of Bayswater. Ms Victoria will be talking about her recently published book “The Show Must Go On” which highlights prominent people in the arts and documents how they dealt with the recent lockdown.
The event will be held at the Colchester Room, 5Kilsyth Club, 1, 15 Canterbury Road, Bayswater North, starting at 6.00 pm for 6.30 pm. Bookings can be made on Trybooking (https://www.trybooking.com/BPXYW). Cost $40.00 per person for 2-course meal.
District 9810 Donates $5,000 to Rotary Give Every Child A Future
When deciding on how the District would utilise its District Designated Fund, $5,000 was set aside for the Centenary Celebration project “Give Every Child a Future”.
Many diseases preventable by vaccination are still prevalent in Pacific Island countries and the child mortality rate remains high.
The project aims to introduce three vaccines (rotavirus, pneumococcal and HPV) into nine Pacific Island Countries (Cook Islands, Kiribati, Nauru, Niue, Samoa, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu). The goal is to immunize up to 100,000 of the most disadvantaged children across the Pacific over the three to four years and strengthen the local health systems to make this program sustainable into the future.
To deliver this project Rotary Districts in Australia and New Zealand are partnering with UNICEF and the Asian Development bank. Rotary District 9810 contributes to this project in two ways. The DDF recently approved for the project and directly to UNICEF with the proceeds of the foreign currency and used stamps collections.
RC Hampton Provides Computer Equipment to Food Bank
In 2020 the RC Hampton was successful in having a Rotary District Grant approved for $4,000 to fund an in-house editing suite for Foodbank. The suite has now been established.
Food Bank says “The generous funds provided by the Rotary Club of Hampton have been expended on an in-house editing suite. This equipment enables the Foodbank Victoria Marketing team to take better photographs and make better videos to share with the public and our partners. It supports us in continuing to build awareness of Foodbank’s work, feeding people in need across metropolitan and regional Victoria.”
The pic shows new editing suite in place in the Food Bank office in Yarraville this includes – PC computer, monitors, speakers, tripod, lighting reflector, light deflector, headphones and editing/audio software.
New Sandringham Farmers’ Market
Congratulations to the Rotary Club of Sandringham on the successful launch of their brand new Farmers’ Market. This monthly market commenced on Sunday 21 March with 28 stallholders and more 1200 shoppers. Starting a new market from scratch is a daunting prospect (just ask RCs Doncaster and Templestowe!), but the team from Sandy excelled with a fabulous success and the prospect of building over the months to come.
Great Tomato Challenge
At the RC of Lilydale they have a resident tomato grower extraordinaire in PP Tim Hewitt. Tim grows a range of tomato varieties as seedlings for distribution to friends. This activity has now gown (groan!) into the club’s Great Tomato Challenge.
This year there were so many seedlings that they were given out at the RC Lilydale market in return for donations to the Australia Rotary Health “Lift the Lid” appeal.
Tim Hewitt – Mr Tomato
Chris Hoskin – ugliest
(tomato that is!)
Ian Darvell – best tomato target
Baton Relay in City of Monash
Lots of great ideas have emerged when it comes to celebrating the Centennial of Rotary.
The Monash cluster of clubs relayed the R100 baton up and down the final segment of the Glen Waverley train time and then on to the City of Monash offices for morning tea with Deputy Mayor Cr Shane McCluskey and Oakleigh Ward Councillor Theo Zographos.
Cr McCluskey welcomed us all and highlighted the important role that Rotary plays in the City of Monash. A history of the clubs and their achievements was delivered by PP Sue Cornellissen.
Then it was time to cut the cake!
Big thank you the Rotary Clubs of Glen Waverley, Monash, Mount Waverley, Waverley, Wheelers Hill and Oakleigh, Clayton Huntingdale. Also to super-organiser, Sue Mills who also (bravely) took on the role of COVID Marshall.
Well done Monash Rotarians!
RC Oakleigh Clayton Huntingdale members with DG Alma
Passing the baton at Glen Waverley Station
Rotary presidents and Monash councillors cut the cake with DG Alma
MASH Lift the Lid Walk
RC Mont Albert and Surrey Hills conducted a “Lift the Lid” walk along Gardiners Creek Trail on Sunday 21 March. The walk attracted more than 100 entrants who each walked a number of circuits of the 3.5km track. VIP guests for the day were the Hon Jeff Kennett, local MHR Gladys Liu and past chair of Australian Rotary Health Greg Ross.
I haven’t heard how much was raised but it was a fun day and the club is now considering making it an annual event.
Pic shows DG Alma (centre) with MHR Gladys, President Val Crees together with members of the organising group and event volunteers.
At our last District Leaders’ Meeting, PDG David Tolstrup, presented information on the Rotarian Code of Conduct and how important it is for clubs to adopt and enforce such a code. There is a Code of Conduct on the RI website and I would urge the Board of every club to consider adopting it and ensuring members know about and subscribe to the standards elucidated therein.
As a Rotarian, I will:
1. Act with integrity and high ethical standards in my personal and professional life
2. Deal fairly with others and treat them and their occupations with respect
3. Use my professional skills through Rotary to mentor young people, help those with special needs, and improve people’s quality of life in my community and in the world
4. Avoid behaviour that reflects adversely on Rotary or other Rotarians
5. Help maintain a harassment-free environment in Rotary meetings, events, and activities; report any suspected harassment; and help ensure non-retaliation to those individuals that report harassment
Save the Date for District Changeover
Become an Ambassador Club for Rotary Safe Families
If you have ever wondered how your club can make a difference to the overwhelming problem of family violence, here’s an opportunity to be part of something bigger.
By accepting Melbourne Rotary’s invitation to become an Ambassador Club for Rotary SAFE Families initiative, you will “make a difference” in preventing abuse and supporting a victim or possible victim of this terrible problem.
Becoming an Ambassador is an exciting endeavour for both of us. We provide you with SAFE Families logos for you to add your Club name, website, promotions, and Rotary 100 Year Centenary projects and lots more including video material, information packs and the opportunity to be part of a bigger movement with a high community profile. To find out more talk to PDG Malcom Chiverton (RC Box Hill Central) and more click here.
In a recent communication RI President, Holger Knaack, has asked clubs to involve themselves with the COVID vaccination effort. Here are his suggestions of things you might consider.
Use Rotary’s knowledge of vaccine safety and efficacy based on our polio eradication experience to support vaccination efforts in your communities. This will need to be tailored to local contexts to address unique cultural and regional needs.
As vaccine distribution begins in your country, partner with local organizations or health authorities to offer your club’s support with vaccination efforts as required.
Help combat the powerful, growing force of vaccine resistance and misinformation. Advocacy in our communities is critical — we need to spread the message about the power of vaccines to protect lives.
Stop the spread of COVID-19 by continuing to engage in projects supporting mask-wearing, distancing, proper hygiene practices, and donations of personal protective equipment — before and after vaccination.
Please check the video (3 minutes) and consider playing it to you club. RIP Holger and Rotary Foundation Chair, Ravi Ravindran are discussing our response to the pandemic at https://vimeo.com/525084588/28e61fc6b0
Diversity Equity and Inclusion Survey
RI Director and Chair of the DEI Task Force, Valerie Wafer, has worked with the task force and DEI specialist PwC to develop and deliver a survey to try to establish a DEI starting point for Rotary. If you receive an invitation to participate in the survey, please take the time to do so.
Diversity has long been one of Rotary’s core values and continues to serve as a foundation for how we interact with each other and our communities. In 2019, Rotary International’s Board of Directors adopted a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement. A year later, we convened the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Task Force, a group I am proud to chair. And last month, RI President Holger Knaack reiterated our commitment to making DEI even more ingrained in Rotary’s culture.
I hope you have all saved the date for the Virtual Victoria, the multi-district online conference, because one of the featured speakers will be Australian member of RI’s DEI task force Katey Halliday. Can’t wait!
RAWCS Launches Flood Relief Appeal
I had an email recently from the new RAWCS CEO, Andrew Woodward. He was letting us all know that RAWCS has launched an appeal for people impacted by the recent floods along the Eastern seaboard.
As with previous RAWCS appeals, distribution of funds will take place through local Rotary clubs.
Prof John Skerritt will deliver the Angus Mitchell Oration on Wednesday April 7th.
This in-person event will take place at the 1stFloor Dining Rooms, Sofitel Hotel on Collins Melbourne from 12.40 for 12.50pm start till 2pm prompt. The cost is $55 per person for a two-course lunch. Bookings through https://events.humanitix.com/angus-mitchell-oration
Dr Skerritt has a high national profile dealing with the COVID19 pandemic. In his current role he is also responsible for the Therapeutic Goods Administration and the Office of Drug Control. John has been a member of the Rotary Club of Hampton and visits regularly when home on the weekends from Canberra. This event is being hosted by Rotary Melbourne.
Rotary International Convention Goes Virtual for 2021
The Virtual Convention will be open to all Rotary members and participants. Event registration will open in mid-April and will include a promotional fee of $49 for 21 days, with an increase afterward to $65. The cost of each preconvention event is $20. Both the convention and preconvention events include access to the House of Friendship. Please continue to check back for more details and updates.
This year’s event will connect you, virtually, with members around the world. It will open new opportunities to learn and to engage with the family of Rotary, near and far. Together, we’ll inspire action, strengthen our commitments, work on our challenges, and celebrate our successes.
Visit the convention event page on Facebook to connect with other participants and share what you’re looking forward to experiencing with #Rotary21.
Youth Exchange Suspended
Rotary Districts in Zone 8 recently decided that, because the safety issues around COVID-19 and international travel arrangements were still so uncertain, there would be no Youth Exchange program in Zone 8 during 2021/22. It turned out that this was a prescient decision as RI President, Holger Knaack, has now announced that the RI Board has suspended all Youth Exchange for the whole of 2021/22. For those who are strong supporters of this program, it will be a disappointment but it can hardly be called an unexpected decision.
Rotary Learning Centre Goes Mobile
Rotary’s Learning Centre is now available on mobile devices. You can now take Rotary’s online courses on most mobile devices. See the how-to guide for detailed instructions or follow these steps to get started:
On your mobile device, use a browser to go to my.rotary.org and sign in to My Rotary.
Tap the ≡ menu at the top left of your screen.
Tap the plus sign next to Learning & Reference, and then choose Learning Centre.
Go to your app store and download Go.Learn. Don’t open it from here.
Return to your browser. From the same Learning Centre page in My Rotary, tap the link to the Learning Centre.
Go.Learn works with iOS10 and later as well as Android 6 and later. Note that the app has some limitations, including in some of the interactive learning options. You will need to use a computer to download certificates or view additional resources. Links to the Learning Centre may not work on mobile devices. Instead, go to the Learning Centre through My Rotary, then search for materials or courses.
Friendship Trees
Planting “Friendship Trees” is long Rotary tradition established by Paul Harris. If the idea of planting such a tree as a recognition of our 100 years of service is something your club has considered, be inspired by this story. https://www.rotary.org/en/history-friendship-trees
In 2009, the Rotary Club of Naperville took advantage of a Global Grant to construct a water filtration system and bath house for the village of Duppage, in Andhra Pradesh, India. The bath house was built because the women and girls were repeatedly assaulted when they would go out to the fields to relieve themselves. Girls stopped going to school because they had no facilities.
With the help of an architect, who was a Rotarian, the women of the village came up with the design of the bath house. A decade later, Pat Merryweather-Arges made an unannounced visit to the site and found it in impeccable shape. The women continue to maintain the filtration system and the villagers all pay a fee to keep the bath house clean. Pat was extremely pleased to find that the village has flourished with children going to school, including girls, and the huts are gone and replaced by sturdy homes. Bath houses include private toilet stalls, sinks, and showers. Women have been trained on using water, proper sanitation, and hygiene.
District 9810 was the only club in Australia and 1 of 93 around the world who were the recipients of the Inaugural Rotary International District Citation. D9810 achieved this citation as more than half the clubs in District achieved their own RI Citation in 2019-20.
Congratulations everyone on a wonderful year, and receiving recognition from RI for the amazing amount of work that you do. It was a pleasure being your District Governor in 2019-20, I had a sensationally fun year.
With schools now letting parents and visitors onto the school grounds it is now more important than ever that Rotarians all have valid Working With Children Checks (WWCC). To sign in at a school you will now be asked for your WWCC number and if you don't have it on you, or you don't have one, you may be asked to leave the school premises.
This is regardless if you are one of many Rotarians and teachers who will be present with the children, you may still be asked to leave, as it is a requirement of entry that you have one.
As such, can I ask that if you have yet to obtain your Working With Children's Check that you please do so. Also when new members join, please make sure they have/apply for a WWCC.
Our local schools are wanting to partner with their local Rotary Clubs and it would be a shame if members have to miss out on the pleasure to be had working with the children, just because they did not have a valid Working With Children Check.
As a response to unmet needs for professional counselling in our community, the Rotary Club of Knox has launched
Simple Steps Solutions Inc.
This program will enable individuals who are presently financially disadvantaged and who may be experiencing issues such as stress, anxiety or relationship problems to access the services of fully qualified counsellors at no cost to themselves.
SSSI has partnered with headspace-Knox to run a Pilot Program.
The role of the headspace-Knox is to
identify a client who meets the criteria
help the client select the most appropriate counsellor from a list of participating counsellors, supplied by SSSI
make a referral. The client would then negotiate appointment times with the relevant counsellor.
The account is then sent by the counsellor to SSSI for payment.
SSSI will keep only basic data; for example, age range, gender of clients to help with forward planning. At no stage will SSSI be told the name of the client or other personal information.
This program is being funded by grants from the Rotary Club of Knox, Rotary District Grants and Knox City Council. However, SSSI has registered as a Charity and will need to seek and encourage further donations if it is to continue.
Monash Rotaract held a Feast For Freedom on Friday 26th March, fundraising for the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (@asrc)!
We cooked recipes gifted by people who sought asylum in Australia, and showed a related movie. We're still fundraising and have a goal to raise $470, which will help provide 6 months of vital medication.
NewGen is bringing back its mega-successful Parmas For Polio night on Thursday, May 6 at The Coach in Ringwood.
After everything that has happened with COVID recently, we want to bring everyone together (safely) for some fun times and to raise plenty of cash for Rotary's priority cause.
Tickets are the same price as last year - $30 + booking fee - and include your choice of meal, your first drink and a donation to Rotary's polio eradication efforts.
Our guest speakers this year are Governor Alma Reynolds and her partner and Polio campaigner, Greg King.
And we might have a few surprises on the night too - plus a raffle with great prizes.
The countdown is well and truly on until Whitehorse comes alive on Sunday, April 11 for the R100 Baton Relay.
The relay will be a huge ALL-DAY event as eight clubs in the district carry the baton throughout the municipality. It will begin at 8am at the Whitehorse Farmers Market in Nunawading, with the giant baton also on display for pictures.
From there, two batons will be carried around different parts of Whitehorse. Nunawading, Mitcham, NewGen and Forest Hill will take a baton around the eastern end of the municipality, while MASH, Box Hill Central, Whitehorse Rotaract and Box Hill Burwood will cover the western part.
The two groups will then come together at Acre Farm at Burwood Brickworks at 6pm, the site of the end of relay party. Tickets for the party are $35 and include a meal and drink - grab yours from www.trybooking.com/BPRLN
For information on when and where the baton relay will be visiting near you - hit 'going' to the Facebook event - https://fb.me/e/bTXlfjuku
ROTARIANS AGAINST MALARIA: SEVERAL IMPENDING VACANCIES
We are pleased to advise that several key positions are available within RAM. We wish to invite all Rotarians who may be suitable candidates to email us with an ‘Expressions of Interest’ for the positions below. Orientation and mentoring are available for all positions.
Vacant now:
Grant Writers / Project Managers / Malaria Experts for the RAM Grant Writing Team
Vacant on 1st July 2021:
National Secretary for RAM
We would expect the incoming nominee to take the opportunity to be mentored by the existing incumbent, Gloria Hargreaves.
Contact:
National Secretary Gloria Hargreaves (egharg@netspace.net.au) for the Role Description and Nomination Form.
RDU Advertising Commission - Boost club funds by up to $7,000
Rotary Down Under is offering a 25% commission incentive to clubs and districts that secure advertising in the magazine. See information above and, for more, contact Judy Drake at RDU on 02 9633 4888
Lots of out-an-about activity for the DG in the last fortnight. On 15 March I attended the RC of Forest Hill’s St. Patrick’s Day celebration. Lots of fun with MC, Ron Brooks, looking the part and laying on a thick layer of Irish. Everyone wore green (who knew there were so many shades of the same colour?) and entered the spirit of the night. Here’s a pic – I’m in there somewhere!
During this week, RC Templestowe celebrated its 44th birthday. Members were joined by guests from “parent club” Doncaster. Pictured with the birthday cake are Presidents Barry Halpern (Doncaster), Felix Wong, Brian Tyedin and Brian Negus (all of Templestowe). I was honoured to present a PHF with two rubies to former Rotarian John Macintosh (pic on right). 
This event will be an opportunity for District 9810 Rotarians to come together in a virtual setting, to acknowledge and celebrate the Rotary achievements of the last year. Not only has Rotary in District 9810 survived, Rotarians have seized opportunities to serve others in their local communities and beyond, in new and innovative ways. Come along to this event to reflect on the past, to celebrate the present and to look with optimism to the future.
The former Victorian Minister for the Arts, Heidi Victoria, will be the guest speaker at a fundraising event hosted by the RC of Bayswater. Ms Victoria will be talking about her recently published book “The Show Must Go On” which highlights prominent people in the arts and documents how they dealt with the recent lockdown.
When deciding on how the District would utilise its District Designated Fund, $5,000 was set aside for the Centenary Celebration project “Give Every Child a Future”. 
In 2020 the RC Hampton was successful in having a Rotary District Grant approved for $4,000 to fund an in-house editing suite for Foodbank. The suite has now been established. 
Congratulations to the Rotary Club of Sandringham on the successful launch of their brand new Farmers’ Market. This monthly market commenced on Sunday 21 March with 28 stallholders and more 1200 shoppers. Starting a new market from scratch is a daunting prospect (just ask RCs Doncaster and Templestowe!), but the team from Sandy excelled with a fabulous success and the prospect of building over the months to come. 
RC Mont Albert and Surrey Hills conducted a “Lift the Lid” walk along Gardiners Creek Trail on Sunday 21 March. The walk attracted more than 100 entrants who each walked a number of circuits of the 3.5km track. VIP guests for the day were the Hon Jeff Kennett, local MHR Gladys Liu and past chair of Australian Rotary Health Greg Ross.
If you have ever wondered how your club can make a difference to the overwhelming problem of family violence, here’s an opportunity to be part of something bigger.
RI Director and Chair of the DEI Task Force, Valerie Wafer, has worked with the task force and DEI specialist PwC to develop and deliver a survey to try to establish a DEI starting point for Rotary. If you receive an invitation to participate in the survey, please take the time to do so. 
This in-person event will take place at the 1stFloor Dining Rooms, Sofitel Hotel on Collins Melbourne from 12.40 for 12.50pm start till 2pm prompt. The cost is $55 per person for a two-course lunch. Bookings through 
Registration for the 2021 Virtual Convention: Rotary Opens Opportunities will open in mid-April. See 
Rotary Districts in Zone 8 recently decided that, because the safety issues around COVID-19 and international travel arrangements were still so uncertain, there would be no Youth Exchange program in Zone 8 during 2021/22. It turned out that this was a prescient decision as RI President, Holger Knaack, has now announced that the RI Board has suspended all Youth Exchange for the whole of 2021/22. For those who are strong supporters of this program, it will be a disappointment but it can hardly be called an unexpected decision. 
Planting “Friendship Trees” is long Rotary tradition established by Paul Harris. If the idea of planting such a tree as a recognition of our 100 years of service is something your club has considered, be inspired by this story. 
With the help of an architect, who was a Rotarian, the women of the village came up with the design of the bath house. A decade later, Pat Merryweather-Arges made an unannounced visit to the site and found it in impeccable shape. The women continue to maintain the filtration system and the villagers all pay a fee to keep the bath house clean. Pat was extremely pleased to find that the village has flourished with children going to school, including girls, and the huts are gone and replaced by sturdy homes. Bath houses include private toilet stalls, sinks, and showers. Women have been trained on using water, proper sanitation, and hygiene.
