The wheel turns and times just keep changing. Some time ago the DG’s visits to clubs and events were so rare that the Governor’s Travels segment was real news and cause for celebration. This issue I have decided to demote GT to further down the list because in the last wo weeks I have attended nine events or club meetings – I think it’s a record for this year. It’s been a huge amount of fun and wonderful to get to meet up with so many Rotarians.
Do you think your club is a great club or even a good club? The end of the Rotary year is the time to shine so please make sure your club applies for all the awards and recognitions for which it qualifies. See the details in the stories below.
Lots of congratulations to be handed out this issue. To the Rotary Club of Box Hill Burwood for the chartering of the Kingswood Interact Club and to the same group of Rotarians on the installation of a vacuum-assisted biopsy and excision machine in the breast cancer treatment unit at Maroondah Hospital. Congratulations to the Rotary Clubs of Emerald & District and Belgrave for the wonderful R100 Baton relay event held on Puffing Billy. Congratulations to the Rotary Club of Springvale City for their End Polio Now fundraiser.
Please note the next, and last, issue of Open Doors will be distributed on 14 June.
In this penultimate issue of Open Doors and it’s full of great things like;
It’s not too late to register for District Assembly sessions
New Interact club launched
Equipment donation to Maroondah Hospital
Remember to book for District Changeover
Great Rotary inspirations
Puffing Billy – the G-Train train
How to support the fight against COVID
… and, as usual, much, much more!
How Great is Your Club? Time to Prove it!
As we approach the end of the year, it is time for clubs to apply for their end of year recognitions and awards.
The Rotary Citation is achieved by completing goals posted in Rotary Club Central (in the RI website). Five clubs have already achieved the Citation and a few clubs are only one goal short. All clubs are encouraged to check their current goal status, record the current position and get cracking on the last items to achieve the Citation. This activity closes on 30 June, so there’s still time.
District Recognitions are issued by D9810 and presented at District Changeover. There are three categories and clubs can qualify in one, two or all three. To apply, go to the “Recognising Excellent Clubs” page on the D9810 website. Applications close at the end of May so it’s time to hurry up and get it done.
District Assembly may have already started but it’s not too late to book for the remaining sessions. To see what’s available go to https://www.trybooking.com/BQLTP and reserve your spot!
New Interact Club Launched
It’s always a great experience to see young people engage with Rotary and even better when they join the Rotary family. I was privileged this week to present the club charter to the Interact Club of Kingswood College at a ceremony at a school assembly.
Congratulations to the Rotary Club of Box Hill Burwood and Rotarians Pres David Tolstrup and Ray McLeod-Dryden and former member, Clive Nicholson, along with PDG Shia Smart and District Interact Coordinator, Salwan Shahine for finally getting this up and running after it was significantly delayed by COVID lockdown. The picture shows the members of the new club along with teachers and Rotarians. The event made extra special as PDG Shia Smart’s son, Flynn, is a charter member of the new club.
Maroondah Hospital Donation
On Thursday of last week I joined Rotarians from the RC of Maroondah and District Foundation Chair, PDG David Alexander, in a visit to the Maroondah Breast & Cancer Clinic. The purpose of the visit was to see the new Vacuum Assisted Breast Biopsy and Excision Unit the RCM assisted to fund. Associate Program Director, Medical Imaging, Maroondah & Healesville Hospital, Glynn Ward, hosted us and provided a comprehensive summary of the unit and its importance in the early stages of breast cancer identification and evaluation. Well done to RC Maroondah for their fundraising efforts and successful application for a District Grant for this project. A sign recognising Rotary’s input will be added to the patient lounge area of the Breast & Cancer Clinic.
Andrew Brownlee (RC Maroondah), PDG David Alexander (D9810 Foundation Chair), Glynn Ward (Associate Program Director at Maroondah Hospital) and DG Alma
Glynn Ward of Maroondah Hospital and DG Alma with the Vacuum Assisted Breast Biopsy and Excision Unit.
Membership Inspiration 1
See a series of short (2 to 3 minute) animated videos covering all the major membership topics.
These videos were produced by a Rotary husband and wife team, Lawrence and Barbara Furnish from RC of Sanford Springvale in Maine, USA. Well worth a look. Covers all the important topics in easy to digest, short bites. Click on the picture to see the list of videos available.
Membership Inspiration 2
The mission of the Membership Voice program is to promote Rotary membership best practice by encouraging club building innovators to share ideas and network. It does this through live webinars, podcasts and the sharing of third-party best practice membership content. It is coordinated and hosted by District 9465 Rotarian Kero O’Shea. The following webinar may be of interest;
If you missed the Multi-District online Conference earlier this month, you also missed one of the most inspirational responses to the topic “The Future of Rotary”. If you are interested in spending 10 minutes discovering what your club needs to be doing to meet the challenges of the future, check out the talk from RI Director Elect, Jessie Harman. Go to this link vimeo.com/543863542 and move the cursor to the 57 minute mark. This is real inspiration!
Governor’s Travels
Lilydale special meeting
On Tuesday of last week I was delighted to present Rotarian Tim Hewitt with a PHF and an Honorary Membership to the Rotary Club of Lilydale. Tim is a long time Rotarian, philanthropist and great supporter of major Rotary projects such as Donations In Kind and East Timor Roofing Company with which he has been involved since its inception in 2000. Congratulations Tim, your recognition was well deserved.
Rotary Club of Bentleigh Moorabbin Central
Also last week I was delighted to visit the Rotary Club of Bentleigh Moorabbin Central where I was invited to make a presentation on membership. I had a great deal of fun using the club (with their permission) to experiment with a new approach to attracting members. If your club is interested in such an exercise, please be in touch. If you’re not sure why I would say this, it’s because next year I will be District Membership Chair.
With Pres Geoff Gledhill and DGND Ian Ballantine
Noble Park Dingley
Earlier this week Greg and I visited the Rotary Club of Noble Park Dingley. Greg, who is D9810 Paul Harris Society Coordinator, presented a PHS chevron to Rotarian Keith Maxwell. It was then my honour to present Paul Harris Fellow pins to Kieran Magee, John Williams and Olive Maxwell. Kieran is a former member of the club now residing in far north Queensland, John is current member and Olive is Keith’s wife. Well done to all! It was a big night at the club and Greg and I were honoured to be involved.
Greg King with Keith Maxwell
DG Alma with Keiran Magee
DG Alma with John Williams
DG Alma with Olive Maxwell
R100 Celebration on Puffing Billy
I can, at last, say I have ridden on Puffing Billy! I took my first PB excursion yesterday (Saturday) as part of the Rotary Clubs of Emerald and Belgrave baton relay to celebrate the Rotary Centenary in Australia. With the day including IPDG Shia, DGE Daryl, DGN Ken and me, there was sufficient baton bearers to carry us all the way from Belgrave to the Nobilis Packing Shed at Emerald. The day was great fun enhanced by lovely weather. In a nice touch, the engine sported a Rotary Wheel on the front – so Rotary was well-and-truly leading the way. Congratulations to Ian Wakefield and the Rotarians of both clubs for a great day and a wonderful celebration.
The G-Train train
The final baton pass!
Springvale City
Last night (Saturday) Greg and I were happy to be guest speakers at Rotary Club of Springvale City’s annual fundraiser for the End Polio Now campaign. President, Loc Lam, hosted the event which, apart from guest speakers, featured the induction of two new members, a number of Paul Harris Fellow awards to club members and community members, an auction and, naturally, a raffle. Overall the night was a huge success with the End Polio Now appeal likely to benefit by something over $13,000. Congratulations to Loc and entire team at RC Springvale City. What a mighty effort!
New Gen EnviroClub Award
Just this morning (Sunday) I had the pleasure of visiting the NewGen Club at their “clubhouse” Rise and Grind Café. I attended to present them with an EnviroClub Award. It was great to see this small group planning the coming Rotary year and working particularly on Community projects and social events. All at the meeting were determined to qualify for a silver EnviroClub award next year.
Also at the meeting, the club members reported that the success of the Parmas for Polio event will enable the club to donate around $1,300 to the End Polio Now campaign. Members also expressed gratitude to the Rotarians who supported the event.
District Changeover – Filling fast!
I am reliably informed that more than half the available places at District Changeover have already been booked. Don’t miss out on what will be the biggest D9810 event this Rotary year. Book now and be sure.
$68.00 per person with drinks at bar prices. Online bookings only via: https://www.trybooking.com/BQGTD Bookings close 12 noon, Wednesday 16th June 2021 or when fully booked. See the graphic further down this newsletter.
NYSF IN D9810
Club Youth Chairs and Presidents will recently have received an email regarding the NYSF operating in early 2022. Its pleasing to see that clubs will be involved in this valuable program and that it is going ahead without formal District input. All clubs participating in the program will need to satisfy themselves that the child protection arrangements of NYSF meet their expectations (see the NYSF website) and are fully adhered to and also that their own participation is appropriately covered by insurance.
Australian Rotary Health Turns 40
Australian Rotary Health is celebrating its 40th birthday with a special appeal. To assist with their landmark mental health projects and keep this amazing Rotary initiative achieving its goals into the future go to Donate Online – Australian Rotary Health
Support the Fight Against COVID
For more than 35 years, ending polio has been Rotary’s highest priority, and we’ve made incredible progress bringing it to the brink of global eradication. Rotary is working to ensure that polio vaccinations continue and that we raise $50 million each year for PolioPlus, which is then matched 2-to-1 by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. With our expertise in public health, we also have an important role to play in supporting COVID-19 vaccinations. Click on the picture above to watch a video from RI President Holger Knaack and Rotary Foundation Trustee Chair K.R. Ravindran as they ask Rotary clubs to support COVID-19 vaccination efforts. Here’s how you can help:
Use Rotary’s knowledge of vaccine safety and efficacy, gained from our polio vaccine experience, to support vaccination efforts in your communities. Tailor this message 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.
Combat the powerful and growing force of vaccine resistance and misinformation. Advocacy in our communities is critical, so please spread the message about the importance of vaccines to protect lives.
Stop the spread of COVID-19 and continue to engage in projects that support mask-wearing, distancing, using proper hygiene practices, and donating personal protective equipment — before and after vaccination.
Add your COVID-19 projects on Rotary Showcase. (Sign in to My Rotary, scroll down to Online Tools, and choose Rotary Showcase.)
Rotary International Convention – Rotary Opens Opportunities
We always need moments to connect and celebrate. Join us at the 2021 virtual convention to learn and engage with the family of Rotary and see how we’ve been growing and adapting!
You don’t want to miss this year’s rich schedule of events which include:
Inspiring speakers sharing how Rotary and its members are connecting with our communities around the world.
The Virtual House of Friendship where you can connect with fellow members, chat with staff, shop, and explore exhibitor booths.
Twenty featured Breakouts Sessions covering topics including: how to create sustainable impact, rebuilding after COVID-19, developing leadership skills, Rotary’s new area of focus: the environment, and much more.
Exciting new activities including meet and greets with leaders, virtual cooking classes, Rotary trivia contents, a virtual photo booth, a 5K walk to end polio, and a DJ dance party.
Highlights include the virtual World Water Summit, Menstrual Hygiene Day (May 28) and its importance to more than 500 million women and girls around the world, and how two Rotary clubs combine to provide 40 water bore holes and 400 toilets in villages in West Bengal.
We will be celebrating the achievements and friendships of Whitehorse Rotaract over 21 years, and would love it if you can join us for an informal, catered 2-course dinner at the Melbourne Baseball Club on the 29th of May! Doors open 6:45pm, for a 7pm start.
Cost: $36pp, for dinner, dessert, and a celebration of Whitehorse Rotaract's diverse and storied 21 year history! Yes, there will be cake!
We're reaching out to as many of our past members and supporters as possible, because we want this to be a true celebration of Whitehorse's history over the last two decades. We encourage you to please pass the invitation to this on to anyone else you may know who has been a part of or has supported the club over its long history!
Friends, Family, Past Members, and our many Rotaract and Rotary supporters ; please come on down for a memorable and fun night in celebration of 21 years of Whitehorse Rotaract!
Rotarians wishing to collect a Bowelscan Kit from a Pharmacy can see the list of participating Pharmacies on the District 9810 Website by clicking here
We would like you to join with us to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Rotary Club of Mordialloc at a dinner on Saturday 13th November 2021 at the Woodlands Golf Club.
On this special evening, the Club will be honouring Jack Cooper who is a charter member from 1971 and still a serving Rotarian.
A great night of entertainment is being planned, so please indicate by return if you would like to join us on the night to celebrate this very special event.
Please send us your postal address so a formal invitation can be sent to you closer to the time.
Save the Date: Saturday 13th November 2021.
Name ……………………………………………………….. Partner ……………………………………..
Contact Number …………………………………… Email ………………………………………..
Postal address …………………………………………………………………………………………………
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
If you missed the Multi-District online Conference earlier this month, you also missed one of the most inspirational responses to the topic “The Future of Rotary”. If you are interested in spending 10 minutes discovering what your club needs to be doing to meet the challenges of the future, check out the talk from RI Director Elect, Jessie Harman. 
Lilydale special meeting
Rotary Club of Bentleigh Moorabbin Central
Springvale City
Just this morning (Sunday) I had the pleasure of visiting the NewGen Club at their “clubhouse” Rise and Grind Café. I attended to present them with an EnviroClub Award. It was great to see this small group planning the coming Rotary year and working particularly on Community projects and social events. All at the meeting were determined to qualify for a silver EnviroClub award next year.
Australian Rotary Health is celebrating its 40th birthday with a special appeal. To assist with their landmark mental health projects and keep this amazing Rotary initiative achieving its goals into the future go to 
We always need moments to connect and celebrate. Join us at the 2021 virtual convention to learn and engage with the family of Rotary and see how we’ve been growing and adapting!
