12th Edition                                                                                  June 2022 
JUNE MESSAGE from DISTRICT GOVERNOR Dr Daryl Moran
 
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In the very early days of February 2020, wedged in between Lockdowns Two and Three in Melbourne, Jenny and I attended the Rotary International Assembly. This annual event is designed to provide the final training for well over 500 District Governors-Elect who are spread across over 200 countries. But, for the first time in Rotary’s 117-year history, this event had to become a Virtual International Assembly (VIA), due to the raging effects of the global pandemic in most parts of the world. So instead of travelling to the USA and taking part in this event, Jenny and I joined the VIA from our home in Melbourne. We heard online messages from senior Rotarians and were able to take part in real-time discussions and break-out sessions with our DG classmates in other parts of the world. But most amazingly, Rotary had organised on-line translators, to ensure that, for instance, meaningful discussions between our colleagues in Korea, Japan, Taiwan and the Philippines could still continue. Even though we were not in the same room, Rotary made collaboration and co-operation possible despite the difficulties posed by the COVID pandemic. RI President Shekhar Mehta still delivered a strong challenge to his District Governors to be ‘Change-Makers’ and to strive right though our year, no matter the circumstances, to ‘Serve To Change Lives.’
 
 
This unique experience for both Jenny and I, set the tone for the rest of our time as both District Governor Elect and then District Governor for 2021-22. Just as Rotary International had done, we also had to do the best in the circumstances, be flexible and pivot and undertake our District Governor and Partner tasks in very different ways to our predecessors.
 
During this Rotary Year of 2021-22, each and every one of us has had to cope with great changes and disruption to many of our comfortable Rotary lives and clubs.
 
Like it or not, our District is going to merge with our neighbouring District 9820 to the east at the beginning of the 2024 – 25 Rotary Year. Some will say, this won’t affect our club, but if we don’t fully embrace the merge and all its opportunities, then we have shown that we are still prepared to be ‘comfortable Rotarians’ and unprepared to move with the times. Our D9810 membership numbers in general, have declined by net 16 during this year, with at least a dozen clubs showing very pleasing growth, mainly because they have embraced change and are prepared to move outside their comfort zone. Unfortunately, some of our clubs still have less than 10% of female members well over 30 years after women gained entry to Rotary and find matters of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion difficult to cope with. In time these clubs will become irrelevant to the younger generation who will not join them.
 
But with Rotary membership in Australia and New Zealand and the Pacific Islands (Zone 8),
 
falling by 1,000 members every year,
 
we have been given the opportunity by Rotary International to review how we operate in Zone 8 and consider a Model of Regionalisation. EVERY ONE of us will be voting for this possibility in September and must ensure that we fully understand what it might entail. Having been a Rotarian for 30+ years, my personal view is we have just three choices;
  1. Do nothing.
  2. Continue on the way we are as ‘comfortable Rotarians’ and potentially keep losing 1,000 members a year
  3. Vote YES for regionalisation and at least try something new.
Change has become a constant for all of us in D9810 and we see that reflected in many different forms. For example, increasing numbers of our clubs are including an Acknowledgement of Country at the beginning of their meetings, while others have dispensed with endless Toasts and potentially embarrassing Sergeant’s Sessions. Nearly three quarters of our clubs are now making great use of Hybrid Technology to conduct their meetings and are looking beyond their own club castles to learn from and partner with others. But we must never forget why we joined Rotary in the first place. As we ‘Serve to Change Lives’ we must remember that two people must benefit from that service.
 
The first person is the one who is sick, hungry, thirsty, unsafe, unclothed, with no education, no home, no future and no hope. That person must always be the beneficiary of our Rotary work and business.
 
The second person is us. When we ‘Serve to Change Lives’ we become a better professional person, a better parent, grandparent or care-giver, a better partner, a better citizen and a better human being. We grow and fulfill a much wider purpose in life!
 
In conclusion, on behalf of Jenny and myself, may I say what a unique experience and wonderful privilege it has been to be your District Governor for the Rotary Year of 2021-22. We enjoyed meeting so many of you and learning even more about the wonderful work that our Clubs and Rotarians are undertaking to make significant changes in the lives of people in need. We would especially like to thank our own club of Rowville-Lysterfield who have wholeheartedly supported us in so many ways from the beginning of our DG journey. Thank you also to my team of Club Presidents, Assistant Governors, District Chairs and members of the District Support Team for their enthusiasm and patience with the DG. I have relied heavily on the District Board in a number of ways and, coupled with the College of Governors, they have provided me with wise advice and sage counsel during the year. Thank you to so many new Rotary friends who have given us warm welcomes and supported us during the year as well; you know who you are!
 
Our best wishes are expressed to DGE Ken Miller as he takes over the position on 1st July and hope that he experiences a wonderful and fulfilling time during 2022-23.
Keep ‘Serving to Change Lives’
 
Dr Daryl Moran
District Governor 9810
                                                                                                
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THE DISTRICT GOVERNOR’S FOUR CHALLENGES
 
Since I was appointed to the position of DGN some years ago, I set each of the Presidents and their clubs Four Challenges from the District Governor and they have been listed in every edition of this Newsletter. With just three months of this Rotary year left, it is time for all of us to revisit them and to measure how we are going in our Rotary work and especially when measured against the Four Challenges. I encourage EVERY member of our District to examine how their club is progressing in this Rotary year and see what else could be achieved to help your President and club reach their Rotary goals for 2021-22.
 
How is your club going?
 
 
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Click Here for full details
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Rotary International is considering a project to address membership, public image, communication, leadership, and fundraising challenges to help define a more sustainable future for Rotary. Our region, or Zone 8, which includes Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands, has been selected as one of two potential regions from across the globe to pilot a regional approach to governance. It is important that you, our fellow Rotarians, are consulted throughout this process. In fact, the project cannot proceed without the support of members and clubs.
 
The time-line for consultation and action, is that as from mid-May 2022, all Clubs and Districts will receive further information. All Districts will then help all Rotarians prepare their clubs for a vote of all Zone 8 Clubs in September 2022, to determine the future of the Zone 8 Regionalisation Project.
 
As District Governor, I call upon ALL Rotarians in D9810 to familiarise themselves with the concept and to visit the Zone 8 Regionalisation Project website to gain more information and to begin the feedback process. Rotary International has given us an opportunity to better shape Rotary in our Zone, let’s make the most of that chance by being informed and involved!
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Of concern is this chart of Zone 8 Membership trends, which shows that nearly a third of new Rotarians leave during their first three years of membership. I remind you of this slide I showed at every Club Visit last year. The reasons for joining and leaving our Rotary Clubs are more relevant than ever in 2022!
 
 
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UPDATE ON REGIONALISATION PILOT
 
Dear Rotary Member, You are receiving this email as a Rotarian or Rotaractor in Zone 8 – Australia, New Zealand and the many other countries that make up our part of the Rotary world. For the past three years a group of Rotarians and Rotaractors have been working on a pilot project to consider how we can enhance Rotary and Rotaract and ensure we remain relevant for the future while also addressing some of the challenges we have been facing for a while. In February 2022, the Rotary International (RI) Board gave its approval in principle to proceed with the pilot, subject to approval by clubs.  A second green light was the Council on Legislation approval for changes of governance in April 2022.  We are now one of just two regional pilots in the Rotary world looking to explore, develop and test new ways of operating.  What are we seeking to achieve through regionalisation?  We want to ensure the best support possible to Rotary clubs and Rotaract clubs. Through a less layered and more devolved contemporary approach members can continue to do what they do best – projects and connections/fellowship.  We aim to reduce duplication and streamline processes, encourage even broader and more collaboration in areas such as public image, marketing Rotary, partnering with business, government and service partners, and make leadership roles more attractive and doable. To do this, we envisage a Regional Council for Zone 8 and Rotary Australia and Rotary New Zealand (Oceania) bodies to be formed.  An Interim Regional Council with limited roles will likely start on 1 July 2023, with a final model in place by 1 July 2026. Monitoring and evaluating how the changes are delivering benefit are an important part of the project. We don’t know yet exactly what the final model will look like and you will have your chance to have a say. It is important that you, our fellow Rotarians, are consulted throughout this process. In fact, the project cannot proceed without the support of members and clubs. The third green light needed to proceed is support of Rotary clubs and Rotaract clubs, a condition of the RI Board’s approval.  Support of clubs will be shown through a vote, which will happen in September 2022, with a vote first of clubs then of districts.  From mid-June right through to August, every club and member will have the chance to hear about what is proposed, to have their say and to ask questions. Each district has a District Regionalisation Representative who is coordinating the briefing of clubs.  Being a pilot gives us the chance to shape our own Rotary and Rotaract futures.  If you would like to  find out more there is information available on the dedicated website, creatingtomorrowrotary.org  along with the opportunity to “Have your Say” and “Subscribe” to updates.  There will also be opportunities to volunteer and get involved in work groups. If you want to learn more about the background, visit creatingtomorrowrotary.org/initiation-petition   Other helpful resources include a Fact Sheet and a video. You can also reach the Regionalisation Pilot Project Team directly at rotaryregionalpilot@gmail.com We look forward to hearing from you! Regionalisation Pilot Project Team Co-chairs Ingrid Waugh (NZ/Oceania) and Peter Frueh (Australia)
 
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Membership Minute: Connecting with new members
 

 

Connect prospective members with Rotary and Rotaract clubs

Each month, thousands of people express their interest in joining Rotary by going to rotary.org/joinAnd now, the membership leads system that supports Rotary clubs by telling them about these inquiries can also help Rotaract grow. Districts and Rotaract clubs are now able to receive, track, and manage Rotaract membership leads in My Rotary. District and Rotaract officers can also add additional candidates directly to their leads list to keep track of all their prospects in one place. Visit your club’s leads page or your district’s leads page regularly to manage your list of candidates and help move them toward membership. More updates are coming: In 2022-23, Rotaractors will be able to use the membership leads system to relocate, rejoin, make referrals, and use other related features. Find resources to help you manage your leads.

 

To read more click here

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Rotary in Review | Ukrainian Rotarians answer the need
 
 
Ukrainian clubs rise to the challenge
 
Rotary members in Ukraine are distributing supplies from other countries, organizing long-term aid, and helping their neighbours settle back into their homes – despite being affected by the war themselves. Ukraine District 2232 has received four disaster response grants of $50,000 each from The Rotary Foundation, which together will fund nearly 50 relief projects across Ukraine. Read more about their efforts in the face of adversity and learn how Rotary is responding to the war in Ukraine.
 
To read more click here
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YOUTH PROTECTION D9810 JUNE 2022 UPDATE
 
Youth protection is a critical component of programs and projects that Rotary conducts. The following are some key elements of what we all should know as Rotarians.
Why is this important? There are 4 key reasons
  1. To protect the children we work with.     
  2. Because it’s the law
  3. To protect our Brand
  4. To prevent / or manage issues.
What should you do if a child under 18 years old reports they were harmed by a Rotarian. There are 5 actions, in order, that we must follow. Remember its not our role to investigate an issue involving children, that’s the role of the Police.
 
 
Risk Assessments: When planning a Youth Event, bring together 3-4 members of the Club, or young people, to compile a list of risks. Rate the items in terms of likelihood to happen and consequences, then concentrate on the high likelihood and high consequence items to devise action plans to minimize the risk and mitigate the consequences. There are many examples available just ask.
 
Key items to complete prior to starting a new youth program
  • Risk assessment
  • Board Approval
  • Training
  • Current WWC cards
  • Volunteer Declaration Forms
  • District sign off for Insurance cover.
  • Attendance records at the event.
Four new additions to the Victorian Child Safe Standards coming into effect on July 1st 2022.
 
KEY ADDITIONS ON 2016 STANDARDS
  1. Involve & inform families in decisions on how their child will be managed in a Rotary Youth Program
  2. A greater focus on safety of Aboriginal /Disabled / Ethnic children and their cultural needs in Rotary programs
  3. Manage the risk of child abuse in online Rotary programs
  4. Rotary Youth policies are easy to understand, transparent and implemented by all Rotarians.
 
Summary: Youth Protection policies apply to all youth events involving children under 18. It is the responsibility of Clubs and Rotarians involved to understand their obligations, be trained and implement the requirements. Rotary has online training and D9810 offers training for clubs at your meetings, or specific advice if needed for a program you are considering.
 
A simple question that should guide you in your actions is: “How would I want my family to be treated?” If in doubt, ASK!
 
Ken Mirams
D9810 Youth Protection Officer.
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Supporting the Environment: Volunteering Opportunity
 
 
The district 9810 Sustainable Communities Committee has a volunteer opportunity for your club to address Rotary’s new Area of Focus: Supporting the Environment
 
For more about our committee and Environmental initiatives in our district, visit https://9810rotary.org.au/page/sustainability-amp-environment
 
Andersons Creek Landcare needs volunteers!
 
Join a local community group weeding and planting to restore significant tracts of bush land along Andersons Creek in Warrandyte for the revival of fauna and flora and the community’s enjoyment.
 
ACL hosts regular weekend planting days. 2022 dates are: June 19, July 23 and August 21.
 
The group meets opposite 10 Gold Memorial Rd, Warrandyte from 1-3pm and work ends with a social afternoon tea. Tools and gloves are provided, just wear appropriate clothing.
 
Weekly working bees have also recommenced and are every Wednesday from 10 am to 12 noon; all are welcome, regardless of experience.
 
Use the contact details below to get in touch with Anderson Creek Landcare if you are interested in adding this enjoyable volunteer opportunity to your club’s calendar.
 
 
Facebook.com/andersonscreeklandcare or parkconnect.vic.gov.au
 
Public Officer: Fritz Uhl Phone: 0439 443 703 or fuhl@bigpond.net.au
 
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FROM the DISTRICT ARCHIVES
 
DID YOU KNOW?
  • D9810 began in 1982 with thirty-nine clubs and 1500 Rotarians and remains the smallest geographic Rotary District in Australia.
  • In 1982, the RC of Mulgrave raised $6000 in one day collecting at busy intersections in support of bushfire relief.
  • RC of Beaumaris hosted a Top Apprentice Award with TAFE colleges with the winner receiving a trophy and a return trip to the United Kingdom.
  • The RC of Waverley hosted a similar schema and between 1986 and 1993 sent and hosted twelve apprentices to and from the UK, Switzerland and Sweden.
  • Not long after the devastating Ash Wednesday bushfires in 1983, the RC of Nunawading partnered with a Rotary District in the North Island of New Zealand and arranged home hosting for ten teachers and one hundred students.
  • Projects to build various rotundas in public parks and spaces were undertaken by the RC of Wandin.
  •  Following the terrible 1983 bushfires, the RC of Emerald were heavily involved in the clean up process and built a portable shower, toilet, and laundry unit which became known as ‘The Cockatoo Hilton.’
  • In 1987 to mark its 25th Anniversary, the RC of Moorabbin with help from the RC’s of Bentleigh, Cheltenham, Moorleigh and Sandringham, staged the most spectacular air show ever seen in the metropolitan area which attracted a huge crowd.
  • The RC of Templestowe financed with $500,000 raised though the ‘Shrine Remembers’ campaign, the relocation of the ‘Great War’ memorial from a busy traffic intersection to the ‘Club Services Park’ on the 75th anniversary of the Anzac Landing.
  • In the first fifteen years of this District, Group Study Exchanges (GSE) took place between D9810 and teams from West Germany, England, California, Illinois, Sweden, Japan, Canada, South Carolina and South Africa.
 
The Rotary Club of Noble Park hosting members of a Rotary Foundation GSE Team from the RC of Kofu, Japan in 1994. For many years, Noble Park and Kofu shared a ‘matched club’ arrangement with 24 Youth Exchanges being conducted between the two clubs in the early days of this District
 
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A picture containing outdoor, black, white, bridgeDescription automatically generatedA member of the RC of Box Hill Central sorting through and packing over 20,000 school textbooks which filled a 28 cubic metre shipping container and weighed 11 tonnes. These books were despatched to Western Samoa in April 1994 at no cost to the club. This venture was mainly arranged through the Australian High Commissioner, the Rotary Club of Apia and Donations in Kind.
 
 
 
 
Following the devastation of the Solomon Islands by Cyclone Namu in 1986, the RC of Forest Hill supplied three volunteers as part of a Fourth Avenue In Motion (FAIM) team that helped in the rebuilding program. The picture shows building progress at Tawanaara Village.
 
 
 
 
 
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ROTARY QUICK LINKS
 
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DISTRICT 9810 DATES
 
DAY
DATE
DETAILS for OTHER EVENTS
2022
Sat
25 Jun
  District 9810 Changeover Dinner at Southern Golf Club
 (In-person)
2023
Fri-Sun 3 - 5 Mar   D9810 District Conference
Sun - Wed 27 - 31 May   Rotary International Convention (RICON 23) Melbourne
 
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Hi to all.
 
Well here we are again coming to an end of another Rotary Year again and also this will be my last edition as the editor for the District Governors Newsletter, but do not worry as I will still be looking after "Highlights". I would like to thank you all for your support and kind words over the last few years as they are really appreciated.
 
If you would like to see any Newsletters from the current or previous years click here.
 
Please remember that the next edition of "Highlights" is being sent out on the 20th June. So please send me all your Events and Functions  to highlights9810@gmail.com prior to the next edition.
 
In the meantime you can view all the current events here
 
All the best
 
Michael Ellinger 
Rotary Club of Oakleigh Clayton Huntingdale
Highlights Editor
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