12th Edition                                                                      07 December 2020 
Seems only a blink since changeover in June and now it’s nearly Christmas.  After enduring our months of lockdown, it’s great to know that we will be able to visit friends and family during the summer break. 
 
Rotarians are adapting yet again as we sort out how to run our meetings, projects and fundraisers in a COVID safe manner.  There’s plenty of help available, so be sure to be sure that everything is complying to the rules.  For op shops and markets this is a good place to start https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/coronavirus-sector-guidance-retail-trade
 
Talking of op shops and markets, is yours listed in the new District website promotion?  Go to the front page of the site at https://www.9810rotary.org.au/ and scroll down until just under the End Polio Now banner.  Click on one of the links and check if your major fundraiser is on the list.  If it’s not, please be in touch with the District Webmaster, Trish Carr of Rotary Club of Box Hill Burwood.A picture containing person, sky, outdoor, standingDescription automatically generated
 
Youth projects in our District are urgently seeking committee members to ensure a re-start in 2021.  The District Board has decided it will not support Youth Projects that do not have appropriate committees to ensure proper oversight and governance.  Think about your favourite Youth Service project and consider ensuring its future by joining the committee.
 
Last weekend I was out and about in the District visiting the Whitehorse multi-club clean-up day in
Blackburn/Nunawading (left) and the Oakleigh Rotary Sunday Market (above left and right).  This weekend I’ll be at the Bentleigh Market (above right).  I hope to visit many more projects and events over coming weekends.
 
 
Our Membership Strategy preparation is well under way.  Please make time in your club to discuss the sessions on how to develop a satellite club and the Membership Masterclass series.  Of the things clubs mention that they want help with, membership development is at the top of the list.  Before Christmas I’m looking to hear from clubs who want to be involved with these initiatives.  Please be in touch with the program in which your club wishes to enrol and the names of the Rotarians who will attend.  The proposed Passport Club is mentioned below.
 
Membership inspirations for this month focuses on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion – lots to read, see and learn.
 
I am delighted to share with you exciting club news and projects.  See inspirational stories below of;
  • Water and sanitation in remote Cambodia with RC Springvale City
  • The Little Libraries of RC Boronia
  • Changing a donation into a great hands-on project at Mordialloc
  • Reverse Advent calendar donations from RC Rowville Lysterfield
  • Facemasks donated in Nepal by RC Bayswater
  • “Pitch It” Success for RC Waverley
  • RYDA Award for RC Forest Hill
All this and much more in this issue.  Happy reading!  See you in two weeks’ time or before.
 
Passport Club for District 9810
 
As part of our new membership strategy at District 9810 is hoping to start a Rotary Passport Club.  Any existing Rotarians who are interested helping to set up this new club should contact me (DG Alma) to discuss how it might all work. 
 
For those not sure about the concept, a passport club offers
  • Encouragement to visit other clubs and participate in their club activities regularly
  • Relaxing the attendance policy
  • Offering a variety of meeting formats 
  • Meeting less frequently
  • Focusing meetings on service or social activities
  • More affordable option
  • Measuring club health by participation rather than attendance
 
Youth Project Committees
 
What is your club’s favourite Youth Service program?  Which one has the most support in your club?  How upset would members be if that project no longer existed?  We in D9810 like to think of ourselves as great supporters of Youth Service projects and our record in the creation of Interact and Earlyact clubs is unsurpassed, however, it seems we are not so keen to put in the full effort to make our Youth Service projects really work.
 
D9810 Board has decided that Youth Service projects will not recommence after the COVID-19 break unless each one has a minimum of 6 Rotarians on its management committee including a chair and deputy chair.  The projects in jeopardy are;
  • RYLA
  • RYPEN
  • District speech competition finals
  • MUNA
Rotarians who wish to be involved in one of the committees required to manage these projects should be in touch with PDG Malcolm Chiverton or PDG Shia Smart.  Remember, now we have all discovered online meetings, those in District Committees can meet without the need to travel.
 
Searching for The Things We Own
 
Do you have any District owned assets in your club storeroom, in your garage or stashed away in some other safe place?  If so, we would like to hear from you.  Please contact District Secretary, Judith Eadon and let her know what goodies you are holding and where they are.  We are particularly looking for a TV monitor on a stand but please let un know about anything you have that belongs to District.  Thank you.
 
Rotary Survey
 
I’ve done mine; have you done yours?  The Rotary survey was emailed to all Rotarians on 12 November.  It came from surveys@research.rotary.org and was signed by General Secretary, John Hewko.  If you didn’t do the survey, please look for it now and spend a few minutes completing the questionnaire.  Results will help RI set priorities that fulfil the needs and wants of Rotarians.  When results are published, I’ll let you know.
 
Membership Inspirations
 
In this issue the focus turns to Diversity Equity and Inclusion.  Recently Rotary International and Zones and Districts around the world have renewed their attention to this important aspect of Rotary.  If your club has started to think about why it doesn’t reflect the community in which it works, here’s some materials to get the discussion started.
 
Rotary is not alone in its struggle to engage members who reflect the racial and ethnic diversity of the communities they serve. This article provides eight concrete strategies for engaging with diverse communities: https://blogs.volunteermatch.org/8-strategies-for-creating-a-more-inclusive-volunteer-program

Here is one example of a club that is building authentic relationships by approaching new opportunities with open hands. Their strategy is to offer manpower, resources, connections, and influence: https://rotaryserviceblog.org/2020/08/18/improving-lives-and-fighting-for-social-justice-through-rotary-community-corps/)

To help in cultivating awareness of the biases we hold, conscious or otherwise, this activity, known as “the trusted 10” can be a good place to start: https://www.dressember.org/blog/diversifyyourcontext

The Rotary LGBT Fellowship has created some resources and initiatives to help clubs become more welcoming and inclusive: https://rotarylgbt.org/education/
The recording of a recent RI session entitled “The Power of Connecting with Diverse Communities” has been posted to https://vimeo.com/channels/rotarymembership/478966944
 
RDU Features RC Springvale City
 
Small but mighty, the Rotary Club of Springvale City featured in the November issue of Rotary Down Under for their water and sanitation project at SCCFA Pailin school in rural Cambodia.  The project provided a 72,000 litre water tank, girls and boys toilet blocks and hand washing facilities.  This is part of an on-going association between the club and the village.  No doubt the work and support provided by the Rotary Club of Springvale City will mark a significant improvement in the lives of the entire community.  Congratulations and well done!
 
  
 
Little Libraries by Rotary Club of Boronia
 
Rotary Club of Boronia has adopted the “Little Library” project and, so far, has installed three of the street libraries with a fourth currently on the way.  This project has been a collaboration between the club, the local Men’s Shed and local schools.  It’s a great way to make Rotary an on-going presence in the community and strengthen relationships between the club, schools and other community organisations.  For more information about the Little Libraries go to https://portal.clubrunner.ca/50071/Documents/en-au/9b85943b-a3d0-4f82-b36e-4ef9d1d89d64/1/ and also check the Little Libraries website at https://littlefreelibrary.org/
 
Changing a Donation into Hands-On Fun and Inspiration
 
As part of End Trachoma 2020 and the 100 years’ celebration, Rotary Club of Mordialloc decided to donate the funds to purchase one hundred personal hygiene kits.  The End Trachoma project team would be happy with a donation but would be grateful if the club would purchase and assemble the kits.  As discussion progressed a club member realised they had a connection with a school in remote Northern Territory so got in touch.  The school has 231 pupils and would be delighted to have a personal hygiene kit for each one.  Rotary Club of Mordialloc members and local volunteers engaged for the purpose are now assembling the kits for a specific school to give to identified children. 
 
So from writing a cheque this project now includes hands-on activity, member engagement, public image opportunities, inclusion of local volunteers, who have been exposed to a very positive Rotary experience, and significant satisfaction levels in the club.  I just love stories like this one and I hope it provides inspiration for others.  Congratulations to the Rotary Club of Mordialloc.
 
Reverse Advent Calendar Appeal Brings Rotary Response
 
There has been a wonderful response to the Foothills Reverse Advent Calendar appeal from the Rotary Club of Rowville Lysterfield, Satellite Club members and some friends. The creative side of some members has also been very much in evidence in the beautifully decorated boxes, as can be seen in the photos. There have been thirteen boxes delivered so far by Club members, which would be equivalent to a donation of close to $1300 to help vulnerable people in Knox. 
 
 
 
Rotary Club of Bayswater Face Mask Project in Nepal
 
Hi Rtn Micheile
Greeting from Nepal 
I want to informed you that I had published in my FaceBook about RC Bayswater support. Please also publish in Newsletter too. 
Rotary Club of Bayswater Australia support KN 95 masks to Rotary Club of Arghakhanchi.  We hand over those masks to Female Health Community Volunteers of Sandhikharka Municipality and Bhumikastan Municipality . The FHCV are fully volunteer and take care of Mothers and New born babies in village area. Thanks to Rotary Club of Bayswater for great job.  
Warm regards.
Rtn Gopal Prasad Panthi
 
 
Pitch it 2020.  Community Bank Pinewood Grants.
 
The Pitch Night on Thursday, 19th November was held and the Rotary Club of Waverley pitch was shown as one of the ten finalists. The project is called “End the Coward Punch” and we hoped to be granted enough funds to purchase at least one set of the story books created by the Pat Cronin Foundation to stop young children from using violence to make their point or get their way. We needed $1,850 to be able to meet that goal. We had some members of our club who dialled into the Pitch Night and it was great to see the friendly faces on the screen. Imagine our surprise when our pitch was granted $3,900 on the night – the highest amount for any of the projects. There was party poppers and whistles going at Sue and Wil’s house and it was a great outcome. We thank the Community Bank Pinewood for providing such a great opportunity to our club and we now look forward to working with the foundation and the Primary Schools of Monash to work towards “Ending the Coward Punch” for our schools in Monash. 
 
RYDA Award for RC Forest Hill
 
Congratulations to the Rotary Club of Forest Hill on the presentation of a RYDA Award.  This award recognises the club’s contribution and on-going commitment to road safety through the RYDA program, which was established by Rotary in 2000.  Although this year has been a difficult year for the program, RYDA and RCFH are planning a strong year of activities in 2021. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consumer Affairs Victoria Releases New Rules Tool to make writing organisation rules easy
 
If your club, community group or not-for-profit incorporates, you need to agree on a set of rules to run it.

Justice Connect has now made this easier with their new Rules Tool which allows you to customise the rules and procedures for your incorporated association.

It is a quick and easy web app that asks a series of questions about how you would like your association to operate.

You will still need to submit your rules to Consumer Affairs Victoria for approval via your myCAV account. Your association can only start using the rules once they are approved.
View the Rules Tool and our related information on our 
Incorporated association rules page.
 
RDU Releases Issue Plan for 2021
 
For clubs and Rotarians wanting to have a project or activity included in RDU next calendar year, the themes for each issue have now been decided.  The entire year is based on the “People of Action” promotion of RI.  Stories that fit the theme are more likely to be published.  Stories submitted that fit with a particular theme are likely to be held for that issue.  To see the roster of monthly theme, please click here  https://portal.clubrunner.ca/50071/Documents/en-au/b0e40267-7695-4836-8725-f7b3502f3968/1/ 
 
Take a Trip to the Tram Café
 
Image may contain: text that says '86 DIAMOND CREEK TRAM CAFE 86 DIAMOND CREEK 812'In our neighbouring District, 9790, the Rotary Club of Diamond Creek has joined forces with Diamond Creek CFA and Diamond Creek Men’s Shed to acquire, install, refurbish and equip a Melbourne W Class tram as a café.  It’s now open and business is booming.  Why not give yourself a treat and visit this beautiful area of Melbourne and stop in for a coffee or a light meal.  The area around the tram includes a brand new (and fabulous) play space, BBQs and picnic tables.  See more of this amazing project at https://rotarydownunder.com.au/2020/11/03/all-aboard-the-tram-cafe/ or see pictures and videos of the developing project at https://www.facebook.com/diamondcreektramproject
 
Regards,
 
============================================================
Supporting the Environment
 
Click Here for more details
 
============================================================
NewGen Launches Gift Card Xmas Tree to Help the Homeless
 
NewGen is looking to brighten the lives of the homeless and those in need this Xmas by collecting $25 gift cards for charity Reaching Out Because We Can.
 
In partnership with Rise&Grind 3133 cafe in Vermont, we've launched a Gift Card Tree and are calling for contributions.
 
The charity is looking to collect up to 1000 $25 gift cards from Kmart, Big W or Target to give to its clients to buy presents or items they really want and need this Xmas.
 
Using the proceeds from its Grinder Burger fundraiser earlier this year, our club and the cafe have kicked things off with 10 cards (total value $250) towards the cause.
 
If YOU, YOUR CLUB or YOUR BUSINESS would like to help out, you can purchase cards at any of the three stores, and then drop them in to the cafe at 605 Canterbury Rd, Vermont. Please let us know if you contribute so we can give you a shout out on our Facebook page!
 
The collection ends on December 23 when we will pass the cards onto ROBWC. You can find out more about their work at their website, and email us if you have any questions!
 
 
============================================================
12 Days of Christmas - Card of Impact
 
 
Give the Gift of Impact this Christmas and help change lives. By giving a 12 Day of Christmas - Card of Impact, you and the card recipient will create lasting impact by helping to transform lives and communities by promoting peace, fighting disease, saving mothers and children, supporting education, growing local communities, supporting the environment and providing clean water, sanitation and hygiene.
 
All profits from the sale of these cards will be donated to the Rotary Foundation.
============================================================
Yarra Ranges Rotaract Wellbeing Message
 
 
We are exposed to the sounds of nature and music in everything we do. You may feel relaxed or calm listening to the sounds of the ocean or you may feel frustrated and stressed when you hear the sounds of traffic jams or lots of phones ringing. Take a moment to reflect on the noises around you and how these influence your mood. If you find yourself feeling stressed or anxious, put on some calming music or go for a walk and hear the sounds of nature around you.
============================================================
Knox Rotaract Tutoring Project Continues
 
Hello everyone!

As you all may know, Knox Rotaract have been providing free, online small group tutoring for high school students over the last few months, to support students through this challenging time of virtual learning. Many students have felt the strain of this learning and having to quickly adapt to a large change, and we hope to help them in any way we can. We've had a small group of students who have regularly attended our tutoring classes, coming back week after week to get some extra help.
We're happy to announce that we will be continuing this tutoring for the rest of the year, over the course of term 4 as well.

I'm hoping that you all can pass on this message to whoever you see appropriate; whether it be any school contacts you may have, your own Rotary or Rotaract club and any personal relationships that you believe could benefit from this service. The more students we can help get through these times and lower any stress and anxiety levels they have, the better!

I've attached a small poster that you may also use to spread the word, with a link to our website where students can book in www.knoxrotaract.wixsite.com/freetutoring. Also attached is a pdf document about this initiative if you'd like to pass that on to anyone, and a sample letter that can be sent to schools. 

Thank you in advance for helping support our project!
============================================================
Christmas Raffle - RC of Maroondah
 
 
For many years RC Maroondah has sold raffle tickets and Rotary Christmas fare (puddings and cakes) at Eastland shopping centre.  This year, for the first time, the centre offered the club a shop site in the centre instead of the usual spot on an entry deck outside.  The shop is in a prominent position outside Big W.
 
In another revolutionary move, the club has also moved ticket sales online through the raffletix platform.  To buy tickets or check out the site (go on, buy tickets while you’re there!) see https://www.raffletix.com.au/?ref=ar85e.  
============================================================
Christmas Raffle - RC of Glen Waverley
 
 
To buy tickets click here
============================================================
Doncaster Hill Market
 
============================================================
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
 
And to finish off....
 
 
============================================================
Hi to all.
 
I look forward in seeing all your articles and stories every fortnight for me to publish in "Open Doors".
 
If you would like to see previous versions of "Open Doors" click here.
 
So please send me your photos and articles to highlights9810@gmail.com prior to the next edition which will be sent out on the 18th January.
 
Also send me your events for "Highlights", with the next edition coming out on Monday 18th January. In the meantime you can view all the events here
 
Wishing all Rotarians and their Families a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
 
All the best
 
Michael Ellinger 
Rotary Club of Oakleigh Clayton Huntingdale
Highlights Editor