JANUARY MESSAGE from DISTRICT GOVERNOR Dr Daryl Moran
‘KEEP POSITIVE, but STAY NEGATIVE!’
First of all, on behalf of Jenny and myself, may I thank those many Rotarians who sent us Christmas Greetings and best wishes for the New Year. I hope that many of you were able to have a safe and happy period of holidays and time with family and friends, although this latest surge of COVID is testing us all. Two of our teenage grandchildren have become close contacts of COVID affected friends and for all of us more and more of our families, acquaintances and ‘friends of friends’ are in that situation. I have included elsewhere in this newsletter an official statement from Rotary International about COVID and the issues of vaccinations. This has been forwarded to every District Governor across the Rotary world to help to provide some clarity about the issues involved and the stance taken by Rotary. As we move into the second half of our Rotary year, I reflect that, in our lives and in our Rotary work, we need to ‘Keep Positive, but Stay Negative!’
KEEP POSITIVE,
‘Positive’ – full of hope and confidence or giving cause for hope and confidence. (Cambridge Dictionary)
Despite the situation we now find ourselves in with the pandemic, as Rotarians we can help to set a positive tone in all our community work. We Rotarians by our very natures are optimistic people, because since 1905, we have always been working to make a difference for the better in our local and international communities. I would encourage you to continue to find ways, to keep serving your communities and to keep your own club communities together. It is important to keep in mind that there are always people worse off than ourselves, and it is part of the ‘DNA’ of the Rotary organization to work in a creative and innovative way to find impactful solutions. Numerous clubs pivoted to new service activities during the 263 days of lockdown and that has stood them in good stead in current times.
but STAY NEGATIVE
‘Negative’ – the patient does not have the medical condition for which they were tested. (in the context of a medical test) (Cambridge Dictionary)
Without splitting hairs with definitions, I am encouraging all Rotarians to ensure that they stay negative as far as COVID testing is concerned. This pandemic is not over and we must continue to be vigilant and careful in how we go about our Rotary work. The issues surrounding vaccines, mask mandates, QR codes, social distancing and part lockdowns seems to be a ‘moveable feast’ and so we need to be flexible and agile in our response. I would strongly encourage all clubs to listen to the needs and concerns of their members and act accordingly as regards club meetings and events. Now is not the time to be cavalier with our health and that of others and I reflect that some of our members are hesitant to meet in person, despite desperately wishing to do so. Clubs need to work to meet the needs of their members and perhaps meetings need to stay online for a little while longer. Perhaps the Hybrid Meeting option is one that your club now wishes to pursue and if so, there are numerous resources available on the District 9810 website to help you. Our clubs should be aiming to ensure that their members and the broader community remain negative as far as the COVID test regime is concerned and are kept safe at all times if gathering in person.
THE WAY FORWARD as far AS ANYONE CAN TELL!
You will read elsewhere in the Newsletter of the decision to postpone the in-person Joint 9810/9820 RYLA event in just a few days’ time. Whilst regrettable, I commend and thank the RYLA team for being so proactive in ensuring the safety of their staff and attendees and looking to move key aspects of the RYLA to a virtual environment. Many clubs have activities and events planned for Australia Day on 26th January and I would encourage them to thoroughly review their health protocols and the staging of the day to ensure that all attendees can continue to stay negative. As to club meetings and other events, each club needs to make its own decisions about the way forward and in these ‘very interesting times’ I would encourage caution, prudence and safety as being paramount.
In closing, I hope you have all had a restful time over the past weeks and may I thank you for your work and all the contributions you are making in our communities, to help to ‘Serve to Change Lives.’
Posted below is a statement from Rotary International Headquarters in Evanston, received by all District Governors all round the world which sets out the official Rotary position as regards the issue of vaccination. I am including it in this Newsletter for your information.
COVID-19 VACCINATION
POSITION
As the first organization to envision a polio-free world through the mass immunization of children, Rotary believes the decision to vaccinate against COVID-19 is a civic and humanitarian imperative.
MAIN POINTS
Rotary is strongly encouraging all eligible people, including its members, to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
In areas where the coronavirus is surging, communities are facing extreme challenges, health systems are overwhelmed, and contentious rhetoric is dividing us.
We are requesting our global membership to continue to:
support equity in vaccine access for all people,
combat misinformation hindering the fight against COVID-19,
recognize the lifesaving services provided by health workers, and personally support the effort by getting vaccinated.
Global vaccination is the pathway to ending the coronavirus pandemic and the emergence of new variants.
We believe it is critical for the global community to contain the coronavirus through vaccination and continued prevention measures.
FAQ
How is Rotary helping to support global vaccination against COVID-19?
Our long-term commitment to fighting disease meant that we were prepared to respond when the pandemic struck.
Rotary has provided over US$ 49 million in grants for projects related to COVID-19, and members have donated supplies, sourced PPE, supported hospitals and health workers, and publicly highlighted the efficacy of vaccines.
Globally, Rotary is actively engaged in assuring equity in vaccine access for all people.
Are you encouraging all Rotary members to be vaccinated against COVID-19? Does Rotary support vaccine mandates?
As the first organization to envision a polio-free world through the mass immunization of children, Rotary believes the decision to vaccinate against COVID-19 is a civic and humanitarian imperative. We strongly encourage vaccination for all individuals, including our members.
Rotary is a non-political global network of community leaders. We are not involved in government policy-making discussions, nor are we acting in a political manner on this issue.
What is the current plan for having RI employees return to the office?
Rotary’s World Headquarters staff at One Rotary Center in Evanston will have the option to resume in-person office operations beginning Monday, 10 January 2022.
Rotary International has joined a growing number of employers who are requiring COVID-19 vaccinations, including boosters, as a condition of employment.
Proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 is required for any guest of Rotary entering Rotary International’s world headquarters in Evanston.
How can Rotary – a non-health organization – responsibly issue an endorsement of the COVID-19 vaccine and encourage people to be immunized?
Rotary always aims to use accepted scientific data to drive impact. Vaccines have proven to be one of the greatest advances of modern medicine.
Rotary’s efforts to eradicate polio – our flagship program since 1985, has only been successful because of vaccinations.
In addition to polio eradication, two of our seven areas of focus - disease prevention and treatment and maternal and child health - rely upon vaccinations.
The World Health Organization estimates that vaccines save between 2 to 3 million children’s lives each year, and the Global Polio Eradication Initiative estimates the polio vaccine has saved 20 million children from paralysis.
Vaccines are safe, effective and are responsible for eliminating or controlling many other vaccine-preventable diseases such as smallpox, measles, rubella, and Ebola. And now, there is the opportunity to end the COVID-19 pandemic through vaccines.
Is Rotary’s endorsement of COVID-19 vaccination a departure from your non-political stance? Are we getting too political?
We’re following the science and data around COVID-19, which clearly indicate that unvaccinated individuals are significantly more likely to contract the virus, become ill, require hospitalization, or die compared with those that are fully vaccinated.
Misinformation is hindering the fight against COVID-19, and we are committed to providing our members with science-based information.
Our support for vaccination is not about politics, it’s about safety and humanity.
For more information, please contact Rotarysupportcenter@Rotary.org.
Will this endorsement of COVID-19 vaccinations take the focus away from Rotary’s other causes like polio eradication?
The eradication of polio remains a goal of the highest order for Rotary. We can apply the lessons we have learned in fighting polio to the efforts in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.
I thought Rotary was non-political. I am/members of my club are/my entire club is threatening to leave Rotary because of this endorsement of COVID-19 vaccinations.
Rotary is a non-political global network of community leaders.
While we’re actively engaged on societal issues that impact our communities, Rotary is not involved in government policy-making discussions, nor are we acting in a political manner on this issue.
Rotary has long supported disease prevention and eradication through vaccinations.
We hope you or the members of your club reconsider, but we respect your decision. Please do continue your efforts to make the world a better place through volunteer service.
If enough people are upset with this endorsement of COVID-19 vaccinations, will you change your mind?
Our endorsement of COVID-19 vaccination was a unanimous decision made by the Rotary International Board of Directors and The Rotary Foundation Trustees. We stand firmly behind our position and expect there will be continued support from the Rotary family.
It is with much regret that we are informing you of a decision to postpone Districts 9810 and 9820 2022 RYLA. This decision is made reluctantly and with much discussion following an urgent meeting with DG Bill Degnan (9820) and DG Dr Daryl Moran (9810), RYLA executive and Leadership team. Due to the rapidly changing Covid circumstances the health and safety of our team, participants, speakers, and wider Rotary family is our paramount concern.
An alternate time is to be arranged as soon as possible and we are looking to pivot some sessions online in anticipation of an in-person RYLA.
We would appreciate time to allow our team to advise all concerned in person and so request you keep this information private until we have been able to contact all concerned. Once we have contacted all stakeholders, we will make a formal public announcement.
Once again thank you for your support in this matter. Safety is our priority and I’m sure you will all understand the necessity to postpone this program under the circumstances. RYLA will return as soon as possible and safe to do so.
Our District raised $102,000 for our RAWCS Dandenong Ranges Storm Recovery Fund and all proceeds are being directed towards recovery projects. Many of our clubs wanted to be involved in further recovery assistance work. Now is the time for volunteers to step forward as the Belgrave, Emerald and Monbulk clubs have combined to stage a ROTARY STORM RECOVERY FESTIVAL at the Monbulk Recreation Reserve on SUNDAY 27th FEBRUARY 2022.
All D9810 clubs have been invited to be involved and provide support and assistance to ensure that the event is a great success. Having given much of our ‘Treasure’ all of us look forward to providing our ‘Time and Talent’ as we Serve to Change Lives in the Hills Communities.
Please save the date and spread the word about the event.
For the first time since 2018, D9810 will be holding its own District Conference on 25th and 26th of March 2022. Friday 25th will be held online whilst Saturday 26th will be staged in-person at the Caulfield Racecourse. Find out more details in the short clip below, especially the theme for the Gala Dinner!
SATURDAY 26th March - IN-PERSON at the CAULFIELD RACECOURSE
SAMUEL JOHNSON OAM
Samuel Johnson OAM is a much-loved Australian actor, best known for his work on THE SECRET LIFE OF US, CRACKERJACK, UNDERBELLY II, RUSH and as the star of the hit biopic MOLLY. He won a Gold Logie in 2017 for his work on MOLLY, danced his way to winning the mirror-ball trophy on DANCING WITH THE STARS in 2019 and was named the 2018 Victorian of the Year for his charity work to vanquish cancer.
In recent times he is most proud of his work as a cancer advocate and determined unicyclist. So far, the charity he set up with his sister Connie, Love Your Sister, has raised over $13M for medical research.
Learn more about Sam, Connie and Love Your Sister by watching the short video below.
Victor Perton is the Chief Optimism Officer of The Centre for Optimism. The Centre for Optimism you ask? Chief Optimism Officer? A title you'd like to introduce in 2022 for very optimistic Rotary clubs and Rotary International? The offspring of stateless refugees from the Baltics, Victor's early working years were spent in the law, politics and public policy culminating in 18 years in the Victorian Parliament. After politics, Victor worked as Commissioner to the Americas working across North and South America on Foreign Direct Investment and Export Promotion. This was followed by service as Senior Advisor to the Australian G20 Presidency. Returning to Melbourne, Victor was surprised by the negativity around Australian leadership and increasing levels of anxiety and depression on our community. This led to the founding of The Australian Leadership Project and, after a Eureka moment, the founding of its offspring The Centre for Optimism. Today Victor's work centres on asking people the question, 'What makes you Optimistic?'
Learn more about Victor Perton and the Centre for Optimism below.
Yes, it’s back. After a pandemic delayed start, the next annual “Ride For Medical Research” will take place March 6 - 11, 2022. Having now raised over $1.2 million for Australian Rotary Health we look forward to pushing this to over $1.3milion in the near future.
Registration for this popular fundraising event will open on the 14th of November 2021 with strictly limited numbers, so get in early to secure your place.
Join us for the “Kelly Country Encounters Tour” 2022
The ride next year will be centered around the great cycling area of Wangaratta, taking in the King Valley, Beechworth, the painted silos in the region and more. See the web site for more information and registration details.
If you can’t make it why not consider joining in with the Mad March Cycle Challenge which will run in conjunction. Details of this will be released closer to the date.
Please note we are also seeking support drivers for the ride, if interested please see the web site for contact details or ring Ken Barrett on: - 0408 682 244
(Recruiting for District 9790, 9800 and 9810 aspiring radio presenters)
Community radio station 96.5 InnerFM, that broadcasts from its studios in the Warringal Shopping Centre, Heidelberg, is inviting Rotarians to be trained as radio presenters.
After this training the Presenter will be rostered to host a one-hour program of Rotary news, announcements, music and information in the listening area of Rotary Districts 9790, 9800 and 9810.
The radio program “Rotary in Action” is the world’s longest running hour-long weekly radio program totally dedicated to broadcasting Rotary news and information. It is broadcast every Tuesday between 3pm and 4pm and has done so since 1995.
Presenters alternate every six weeks with detailed training, coaching and support being provided. Several Rotarians from these districts are already actively involved with the station.
This latest invitation presents our members with a great opportunity to do something exciting and different while adding to an individual’s skills set – as well as giving back to their community.
Why not add to your Rotary journey by joining our team of Rotary Radio Presenters?
Advice for clubs about making 'cashless' payments for club activities. A number of clubs are using the following means and no doubt there are others as well. Lilydale and Moorabbin - Direct debit. Boronia, Doncaster, Beaumaris, OCH, Box Hill Central, Mordialloc - EFTPOS machines. Nunawading - a Square device.
The Rotary Club of East Maitland in NSW has produced on Canva a very unique one-page graphic to illustrate their ‘Annual Report.’ It is certainly worth a look and could be most applicable to websites and Facebook pages.
A link to a non-Rotary website that explores the advantages and disadvantages of Hybrid meetings in the workplace, with some ideas for us to consider in our Rotary meeting environment.
Amanda Watkin, Rotary GB&I General Secretary, shares how Rotary clubs in the UK are navigating their way to normality post COVID-19 in the latest Rotary Magazine at the following link:
Just a reminder that in 2021/22 the District Governors Newsletter will now again be a monthly edition.So please send me your photos and articles to highlights9810@gmail.com prior to the next edition which is published during the first week of every month.
If you would like to see any Newsletters from the current or previous years click here.
Also Please remember that "Highlights" will be sent out on the third Monday of every month with the next edition being on the 17th January. Please send me any events & functions that you have planned in 2021/2022.
In the meantime you can view all the current events here
