Stories

A labor of love

Posted by Ian Ballantine on Apr 15, 2024

Taken from the RI website here. By Diana Schoberg

Supported by a Rotary Programs of Scale award, an initiative in Nigeria seeks to remedy the country’s high instances of maternal death.

On the outskirts of Abuja, beneath a blistering November sun, a pregnant woman, leaning on the arm of her friend, shuffles across a courtyard and disappears into a brick shed. Moments later, from within the shed, come shouts of “Push! Push!” A few more minutes pass and the pair reemerge, only this time the woman is seated in a wheelchair pushed by the friend. Another woman walks alongside them carrying a newborn baby.

Regionalisation Update April

Posted by Ian Ballantine on Apr 14, 2024

Community Leaders

Our Community Leaders are provsionally in place for all but one Group.

The team is as follows:

Group 1	Wil Cornelissen
Group 2	Trish Carr
Group 3	Murray Wilson
Group 4	No appointment as yet
Group 5	Peter Rawlings
Group 6	Tim Wills
Group 7	Bill Degnan

A reminder that if you are interested in taking on the role of Group Leader for Group 4, drop an email to the DG.

Group 4 comprises the following Clubs:

Belgrave
Boronia
Bunyip Garfield
Emerald & District
Ferntree Gully
Healesville
Koo Wee Rup Lang Lang
Lilydale
Monbulk & District
Pakenham
Upper Yarra
Wandin

For more info about Community Leader role, click here.

Keep up to date with all things related to Regionalisation here.

Lunch with RI President Gordon McInally

Posted by Ian Ballantine on Apr 14, 2024

Sunday June 2nd at RACV Club, Cape Schank.

Lunch with Gordon and Heather

President Gordon has been a strident advocate in promoting Mental Health initiatives that help communities and individuals rebuild their resilience. Prioritising mental health in his year of office is an imperative, “I know what it's like to see someone close to me suffer in silence. I have also witnessed the power of personal connections, the value of discussing emotional and mental well-being, and the lifesaving impact of preventive care and treatment”.

Professor Pat McGorry, a Rotarian, will host the lunch and inform us about the face of mental health here in Australia. Early intervention of Mental Health as the cornerstone of building community and individual resilience.

We want our Rotary clubs to provide the connection to this fantastic opportunity to hear this powerful message.
Book a table, invite your local business owners and youth networks. Sponsor your Rotaractors, Interactors and school contacts.

Prices: $95 pp incl 2 course lunch. $1,200 per table of 8 with table naming rights

Bookings are NOW OPEN here

Flyer for event here

Calendar details here

RI President Gordon McInally Breakfast

Posted by Ian Ballantine on Apr 14, 2024

A Community & Business Leaders breakfast

Engaging with Future Leaders

President Gordon McInally & Professor Pat McGorry

Monday, June 3rd, 2024 at Frankston Arts Centre

Rotary International President Gordon McInally will be the special guest at this event to be held on the morning of Monday, June 3rd at the Frankston Arts Centre.

This is for community and business people interested in how to engage with the next generation of leaders and help them build successful careers. Understand the global trends for young people, their careers opportunities and how to help them build safe networks and resilience to ensure career success.

Prices: $38 pp or $450 per table of 8 incl naming rights

Bookings now open here

Flyer for event here

Calendar details here

Rotaract Ball

Posted by Jessalyn Lim on Apr 14, 2024

On Saturday 13th April, 50 Rotaractors, Rotarians, and friends of Rotaract put on their masquerade masks (and dancing shoes) and gathered at the Beau Monde International for the long awaited Rotaract Ball. We had a fantastic night filled with great food, drinks, and lively music and dancing.

The Ball was a fundraiser for Share the Dignity, a women's charity in Australia that works to make a real difference in the lives of those experiencing homelessness, fleeing domestic violence, or doing it tough. They distribute period products to women, girls, and anyone who menstruates who needs support.

With the help of donations from the Rotary Clubs of Glen Waverley, Lilydale, and Monash, we have raised over $2850 for Share the Dignity so far. Additionally, Share the Dignity volunteers collected period products on the night that were brought by attendees.

If you would like to add to our donation, please visit https://www.sharethedignity.org.au/fundraisers/rotaract9810/ or contact Jess at jessalyn.lim@rotaract.org.au.

Take Read More for more photos

RC MASH Lift the Lid Walk

Posted by Patt Gagliardi on Apr 13, 2024

The Rotary Club Mont Albert & Surrey Hills recently held the 4th Annual Lift the Lid Walk for Mental Health at Deakin University Burwood. The Walk was held at Gardiners Creek Reserve.
The Club is proud to have funded a $42,000 3.5year PhD Research Scholarship, which was awarded to Jordan Vella at Monash University. Jordan’s research is into the Risk-Protective Factors for the Mental Health of Retired Elite Athletes.

The event is a unique community outing, as it includes not only walking but also fun AFL inspired activities around the course. To add to the fun atmosphere during the walk, participants have an activity card to mark off all 10 activities listed. They then win a free ice cream. The Walk is held Lift the Lid walk annually to support Mental Health

DG partner Project update April

Posted by Ian Ballantine on Apr 12, 2024

Helen's efforts to raise additional funds for the End Polio Now project continue to grow with additional contributions coming from the raffles at Conference and the RC Springvale End Polio fundraising evening.

The total at present stands at $28,725.

We are still a little way off our target of $35,000 but we are hoping that some Clubs are yet to finalise their contribution as we approach the end of the Rotary year. Remember, that Club contributions still get credited to the Club, even when Helen's project is nominated.

A reminder that if you would like to make a personal, tax deductible donation, please go here. Your donation will be credited against you, as a Rotarian and your Club. Just make sure that the email address you use, matches the address in MyRotary.

Donations from non-Rotarians are, of course, also welcome and can also be made through this portal.

If you are representing a club, please make the contribution by the normal channels but flag it as DG Project and drop DG Ian or Helen an email. Banking details for Clubs can be found here.

Thank you.

Puffing Billy Run Result

Posted by Ian Ballantine on Apr 12, 2024

Last week, the Rotary Club of Emerald and District proudly handed over a cheque for the sum of $50,000 to the Monash Children’s Hospital – Cancer Centre.

This was the fantastic result from their Puffing Billy Fun Run day in November. Refer story on the event here.

An event such as this requires the involvement of many parties including members and partners in the community.

To quote President Sangeeta: "I am deeply grateful to everyone who contributed to this noble cause, including our sponsors and the Puffing Billy Railway, whose steadfast support never goes unnoticed.
I want to acknowledge the unwavering commitment and hard work of each member of our club and by your families."

This is such a stand out event for the Club and Rotary within our District - well done Emerald!

RC Springvale End Polio

Posted by Ian Ballantine on Apr 11, 2024

Well, it was that time of the year again - the RC Springvale City End Polio fundraiser.

Congratulations to Cathy and Angelina for another successful evening aimed at raising awareness of, and funds for, End Polio.

The event was held at Maxim's Saigon in Springvale where we enjoyed a great meal and were entertained by the dancers from the local Vietnamese community.

Guests included DG Elect Colin Byron and Leanne along with the State MP for Mulgrave, Eden Foster (formerly local Mayor).

The event was also attended by members from a number of other Clubs from the District. I can recommend this as a great night night and encourage all members of the District to support this event next year.

Angelina also took the opportunity to steal the limelight by celebrating her (significant) birthday which was actually on that day. Congratulations. once again Angelina.

The Club is yet to finalise the amount raised but I know that it will include $1265 from the raffle! I will publish the final amount in next month's Newsletter.

STOP PRESS - I have just learn't that through the generous personal donation of distinguished member, Loc Lam, the total amount raised for End Polio will be $10,000.

Click on Read More for more pics.

Monash Charity Golf Day result

Posted by Ian Ballantine on Apr 03, 2024

have great pleasure in reporting the outcome of the Charity Golf Day conducted by Rotary Clubs within the Monash Cluster, namely Waverley, Glen Waverley, Mount Waverley and Monash.

On Wednesday 13 March 2024 a cheque for $28,500 was presented to the Cerebral Palsy Education Centre (CPEC).

Click on Read More for full media release.

Congratulations - a great effort.

Rowville Girls Night Out

Posted by Ian Ballantine on Apr 03, 2024

I'd like to make a special mention of a major fundraiser for the Rowville Lysterfield Club being their "Girls Night Out" in support of the Royal Women's Hospital.

All funds raised will go towards research into cervical cancer.

This is the first time since Covid that the club has been able to run this event and deserves the support of all members in the District.

Cost is $65 pp - all details and booking link - here

D9810 Conference

Posted by Ian Ballantine on Mar 25, 2024

Well, we have had our last Conference for District 9810 - Warrnambool, March 22-24, 2024.

On behalf of the team that put on the Conference, I'd like to thank all those who attended, almost 350 of you.

I am so proud of the work that the team put in, under the leadership of Conference Chair Wil Cornilessen. The feedback I've had from attendees was all positive.

I thought we had an outstanding range of speakers. My special thanks goes to PRIP and PDG Ian Riseley who conducted the two sessions showcasing a range of projects undertaken within our District.

I'm sure you would all agree the Lighthouse Theatre was a wonderful venue. My thanks to the staff there.
The sporting events were so well organised and enjoyed by all who participated - thanks Keels.

The pre-Conference drinks at Flagstaff Hill was such a fun way to kick off the weekend on the Friday evening, followed, of course by the 9810 tradition of Club dinners.

The Rotary Expo was a great success and I'm sure no-one went hungry during our break times.

Our Rotary International President's Personal Representative, Haresh Ramchandani assured me he thoroughly enjoyed his time with us and was very grateful for the way those attending the Conference made him feel so welcome.

And what about Saturday night? What a great night it was. A very special thanks goes out to Linda O'Brien who looked after every aspect of the evening from the choice of venue, band, caterer, menu, decorations etc etc. We had nearly 300 attend the evening including many of our speakers and I'm sure all had such a great evening.

Just a reminder that the wonderful photos taken by David Liao are available for viewing and download here.

A special thank you to all our sponsors, as listed on the Conference web page here. Note that if you click on any of the names you will be taken to their website. A special thanks to our major sponsor, Red Energy.
My thanks also to Glenn Tippett from Razor Graphix for Registration tag printing and Monique and Mark Smith from Dorset Business Solutions for supplying the lanyards.

Please click on Read More where I have listed down, hopefully all those who helped ensure the success of the Conference.

Box Hill Central & School of StJude

Posted by Ian Ballantine on Mar 20, 2024

It was my pleasure to visit the RC of Box Hill Central in March to get an update on the School of St Jude.

Gemma Sisia, (b Rice) first established the school in Kenya in 2002. Since then it has continued to grow as the children have moved through each year.

The school, located across three campuses, provides free primary and secondary education to children of the Arusha Region.

My congratulations to to President Reg Ellery and the members of the Rotary Club of Box Hill Central for getting Gemma along to your meeting and thank you for making me so welcome, as usual.

Click on Read More for a few pics from the morning.

Conference Publicity

ell, Wil (Cornelissen) and his team have been hard at it getting exposure for our Conference in Warrnambool.

In addition to articles in the local paper and the Tourism Guide, there are banners flying proudly in the street.

Wil also has a radio interview lined up with the ABC.

Warrnambool - HERE WE COME!

Click on Read More for more pics

Gordon McInally Events in June - Update

As previously advised, our International President, Gordon McInally, along with Heather is visiting Melbourne after the Singapore Convention.

There have been some changes to the events - the luncheon on the Sunday (June 2) is still going to happen but we expect the cost to be reduced a little.

The Mental Health Forum planned for the Monday (June 3) will now be a breakfast.

As soon as these new arrangements are finalised, we will send out advice via email.

I encourage all members to consider attending one , or both of these events, especially if you have not yet had the pleasure of hearing Gordon speak.

Rotaract News March

Posted by Jessalyn Lim

There's quite a bit of news this month.

We have our Ball coming up on the 28th of this month.

We've appointed our District Rotaract Representative for 2024-25.
We held our Clean Up Australia Day.

We attended the Breakfast at Box Hill Town Hall.

Please click on Read More for all the details.

Warrnambool Conference Update

The District Conference is this week!

Bookings have now closed for all events other than the Conference itself and the Gala Dinner on the Saturday night. Remember you can book to attend the Conference only if you prefer.

Bookings will close Tuesday next week (March 19).

SO, IF YOU ARE PLANNING ON COMING BUT HAVEN'T BOOKED - DO SO NOW. CLICK HERE.

I hope everyone enjoys their Club Dinners on the Friday evening - this is always a great tradition at the D9810 Conference.

The web page for the Conference has been updated now with all the speakers. Check it out now.

The Registration Desk will be located in the foyer of the Lighthouse Theatre at 185 Timor St, Warrnambool from

Friday 11.30am – 4.00pm
Saturday: 8.30 am - 12.00 noon

See you in Warrnambool!

Regionalisation Update March

Posted by Ian Ballantine on Mar 14, 2024

It's been a busy time with the Regionalisation Pilot.

Community Groups

Establishment Meetings were held over the weekend of March 2 and 3.

We held 7 meetings in total, one for each Community Group in the new District of 9815. It was a most productive process. Feedback from the meetings was passed back to the Pilot leadership group.

The next step is the appointment of Community Group Leaders. As I write this we are preparing the email which will go out to all members seeking expressions of interest in the role.

It is expected that the closing date for lodgement will be March 27. Remember, under the new structure, Community Leaders will be a member of a Club from that Community Group.

For more info about Community Leader role, click here.

Specialist Roles

I would like to remind members of another great opportunity to serve Rotary. Offer yourself as a Rotary Specialist. I know I am repeating myself but I think it's worth reminding members of this great opportunity. Under the Pilot, there will be fewer opportunities to serve at a traditional District level.
Under the Pilot, a database will be established of Rotarians who will contribute their expertise in specific areas to assist Clubs. Specifically.....

The Rotary Specialist role is a new way you can use your skills to help clubs reach their goals and make a difference.
Each Rotary Specialist will be an expert in a particular field who will provide guidance to clubs across the Zone, either in person or virtually, in their specific area of expertise.
When clubs ask for help, Specialists will support them by providing expert advice, and directing them to useful resources and other experts as required.
Clubs will be able to easily find and request assistance from Specialists through a searchable database.
There may be numerous specialists in the same subject area to cover the geography of Zone 8.

If you have the required skills and knowledge to provide expert advice to clubs in your area of expertise, you can be a Rotary Specialist! You may be:

Someone who has been in Rotary anywhere from a few months to a few decades
Someone who has held multiple leadership positions in Rotary, or none at all
Someone who has relevant formal qualifications such as a diploma or university degree, or has simply gained expertise through practical experience – either within or outside Rotary

If you’re an expert in a field relevant to clubs, great with people and passionate about Rotary, you should consider applying here.

A copy of the recent webinar which explained these roles can be viewed here.

The other role that is available is that of Regional Council Portfolio Committee Member.

Keep up to date with all things related to Regionalisation here.

Whitehorse Clubs Breakfast

The Rotary Clubs of Whitehorse joined forces to host the International Womens Day breakfast on March 13 at the Box Hill Town Hall.

The Box Hill Town Hall appeared filled to capacity as many Rotarians, local business people, dignitaries and members of the public were in attendance.

The theme was Inspiring Inclusion. The guest speakers were: Dr Niki Vincent, Public Sector Gender Equality Commisioner; Janenie Mohgan, Innovation Product Lead at ENGIE; Leonie Valentine, strategic advisor to CommandHub and Melbourne Uni MATCH project, a director of Save the Children Australia and a number of other roles. She was formerly an executive at Google.

The event was MC'd by distinguished Rotarian Ashley Coleman of RC Box Hill Central.

Our Clubs which supported this event were Box Hill Central, Box Hill Burwood, Forest Hill, Mitcham, MASH, Nunawading and Whitehorse Rotaract.

District Governor 2026-27

I had the honour, along with District Governor, 9820, Linda Humphries of confirming the appointment of Emma Clark, from the Rotary Club of Emerald and District to the position of District Governor Nominee Designate District 9815.

This means Emma will serve as the District Governor in the year 2026-27.

I'm sure Emma is very familiar to many in the District. Just to remind you of Emma's Rotary journey.....
She began as a Charter Member of the Rotaract Club of Emerald & District in 1991. She held various positions in Rotaract including Deputy District Rotary Representative.
She joined the Rotary Club of Emerald & District in 2002 where she has been a very active member serving in many key positions including Secretary (2022-23) and President (2016-17). Emma served the District as a key contributor to the organisation of the District Conference, 2023.
Emma is holder of two PHF's. She is also a member of the Spangles!

Once again I offer my most sincere congratulations to Emma.

RC Glen Waverley - International Womens Day Dinner

To celebrate International Women's Day, the Rotary Club of Glen Waverley held a very successful event on the evening of March 4.
The keynote speaker was Tania Farha, CEO of Safe and Equal, a merged identity of two organisations: the Domestic Violence Resource Centre Victoria (DVRCV) and Domestic Violence Victoria (DV Vic). Previously, Tania has held executive positions across the Victorian Departments of Justice and Community Safety and Premier and Cabinet, including as CEO of the former Office of Prevention and Women’s Equality. Tania worked at UN Women for over four years as a policy specialist in the Ending Violence Against Women Section and worked for Victoria Police for over nine years to improve its responses to family violence, sexual assault and child abuse.

Her address prompted some great questions and discussion which showed the real benefit of these types of events.
There were many members of other Clubs, council and state dignitaries and members of the public in attendance. My congratulations to President Chris George and his team. A highlight was the handing over of a cheque to Tania for proceeds from the evening of $1100.

Click on Read More for more pics.

Nunawading Club and Regionalisation

Through his connections at the RC of Melbourne, President of the RC of Nunawading, Ian Evans secured Dr Peter Rogers AM as a guest speaker at a Club meeting in February.

Under the new Zone 8 structure Peter is Portfolio Lead: Major Fundraising and Grants. Peter's full bio can be found here.

My congratulations to Ian and the members of RC Nunawading for a great evening.

The meeting was very well attended and prompted many questions from the floor. Click on Read More for another pic.

Emerald and District America Car Show

Well, Emerald and District picked the perfect day for their American Car show. I had the pleasure of getting on the bike and riding up to Gembrook to check it out.

We had had the big storm earlier in the week so it had been a little unsettled leading up to the day. I encountered a lot of storm damage on the encountering a number of crews still working to clear away areas beside the road.

Plenty of cars, plenty of spectators and plenty of food, provided of course by plenty of members of Emerald and District with lots of help from the RC of Belgrave.

Click on Read More for lots more pics

Rotaract News February

Posted by Jessalyn Lim on Feb 16, 2024

The Australian Rotaract Games (ARG) is a large gathering where Rotaract clubs from all across Australia come together to engage in friendly competition, socialise and connect over our shared passion for volunteering and professional development.
This February the ARG was held at the Gold Coast and hosted by Rotaract District 9640 and Rotaract Australia. Participants enjoyed a bar night, bowling, the many tourist attractions available at the Gold Coast, and of course, the games.

It was a fantastic opportunity to connect with Rotaract clubs and members from outside one’s district and state, and provided a space to share ideas, cultures, and our love for Rotaract.

Whitehorse Rotaract, alongside Monash Rotaract formed the aptly named team ‘The Stallions’ and banded together against clubs from all over Australia. Unfortunately we didn’t take home first place, but had a great time trying to, and meeting new Rotaractors while doing so.

Please click on Read more for more pics

Keeping Safe On Line

Posted by Trish Carr

Cyber-crime is now a matter of when rather than if, if you haven’t been affected by the Optus or Medicare breach then perhaps you have received fake text messages, been hacked on Facebook or something else. I’m sure each one of us will know someone who has been hacked or scammed if not. Each year it is estimated that over $29 billion is lost in cyber-crime.
How to avoid it can be confusing and frightening for us all but there are some easy ways to reduce our risk and the risk to our clubs. There is now a free online training tool available that clubs can use to assist in minimising the risks which you can share with all of your members. Designed specifically for non-technical small business employees, Cyber Wardens is a free and easy-to-use online program for small business employees to identify and manage their risks against cybercrime but can also be used by community groups you just need an ABN to get started and create a login.

District Changeover Dinner 2024

Just a quick Save the Date for the Joint District (9810 and 9820) Changeover dinner this coming June.

DGE Colin Byron has advised me that it will be held on Saturday, 29th June at the Cardinia Cultural Centre, Pakenham.

More details here. It goes without saying that Clubs are discouraged from holding their own Changeover functions on this evening.

9810 Conference Update

The District Conference will be held in Warrnambool, March 22-24, 2024 web page here.

If you are intending to come and haven't already registered, please do so NOW! Register here. Places are limited for the Saturday evening function (included with full registration).
Even though you may have told your club's On To Conference Chair that you are attending, for most clubs they will still be expecting you to do your own registration. Please check.

This will be the last Conference for District 9810 and will be including segments where we will be reflecting on the achievements of our clubs over the years.

The web page for the Conference is being constantly updated with the program and speakers. Check it out now.
Our speaker list includes:
Bernadette McSherry - served as a Commissioner with the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System
Tom Boyd - ex AFL footballer sharing his experiences with mental health

Ian Riseley - past DG 9810, Rotary International President, Chair Trustees The Rotary Foundation

Greg Ross - Director Australian Rotary Health

Professor Arnold Dix - world famous mine rescuer

Included on the Conference web page is a link to an accommodation booking portal. This will make it very easy to organise your accommodation.

See you in Warrnambool!

Regionalisation Update February

Posted by Ian Ballantine on Feb 15, 2024

The Regionalisation Pilot for our Zone 8 is really progressing.

Community Groups
All clubs were asked, before Christmas, to indicate their preferences for their Community Group. Remember, under the Pilot, our Zone will comprise Community Groups, each containing somewhere of the order of 15 Clubs.

These groups are being finalised now, although I'm sure, over time there will be further changes.

In early March, representatives from each club will join others from the same Community Group via Zoom to discuss, it is expected, a number of issues. We expect there may be early discussions about possible collaboration between clubs and the process of appointing the Community Leader.

By late March it is expected that nominations for the role of Community leader will be called for and appointments to follow soon after. Training for these people will be conducted in April/May. Community Groups will then be functioning as at July 1st.

For more info about Community Leader role, click here.

Specialist Roles
Under the Pilot, a database will be established of Rotarians who will contribute their expertise in specific areas to assist Clubs. Specifically.....

If you have the required skills and knowledge to provide expert advice to clubs in your area of expertise, you can be a Rotary Specialist! You may be:

Someone who has been in Rotary anywhere from a few months to a few decades
Someone who has held multiple leadership positions in Rotary, or none at all
Someone who has relevant formal qualifications such as a diploma or university degree, or has simply gained expertise through practical experience – either within or outside Rotary

If you’re an expert in a field relevant to clubs, great with people and passionate about Rotary, you should consider applying here.

A copy of the recent webinar which explained these roles can be viewed here.

The other role that is available is that of Regional Council Portfolio Committee Member. Please click on Read More for the rest of this story.

Keep up to date with all things related to Regionalisation here.

Mental Health Forum

Let’s talk about Elephants…

A one-day mental health and wellbeing symposium.

A contemporary and practical understanding of current-day mental health conditions and navigating through recognition, understanding, and support of those around us. A one-day mental health and wellbeing symposium; Leaders looking after self and others.

As a joint project between 9820 an d 9810 this symposium will be held on Monday, June 3, 2024 at the Frankston Arts Centre.

Special guest:
Rotary International President, Gordon McInally will talk about his personal story and how Rotary is working to support mental health outcomes.

Book here. $85 pp

DG partner Project update February

Helen's efforts to raise additional funds for the End Polio Now project continue to grow with some additional contributions coming in from some clubs.

The total at present stands at $26,860.
Once again the Clubs of our District have been very generous in their support of End Polio, maintaining their original commitments as well as finding these extra amounts in support of Helen's project.

A reminder to save the date of April 11, 2024 for the major Polio fundraising evening held by the Rotary Club of Springvale City - always a successful and fun evening. Keep an eye on their Facebook page here.

Donations from non-Rotarians are, of course, also welcome and can also be made through this portal.

If you are representing a club, please make the contribution by the normal channels but flag it as DG Project and drop DG Ian or Helen an email. Banking details for Clubs can be found here.

Thank you.

Special Luncheon with RIP Gordon McInally

Here is your chance to have lunch with Rotary International President Gordon McInally, and his wife Heather - in Victoria!!!!!

District Governor 9820, Linda Humphries has invited Gordon and Heather to call in on us here in Victoria, after his attendance at Rotary International Convention in Singapore.

The special lunch will be held at the RACV Club, Cape Schanck on Sunday, June 2, 2024.

Cost is $145 per head which will include a sumptuous 3 course meal and a welcome drink.

Book NOW - click here to book.

Rotary Area of Focus - Peace

One of The Rotary Foundation's areas of Focus is Peace. Or, more specifically Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention.

"Rotary encourages conversations to foster understanding within and across cultures. We train adults and young leaders to prevent and mediate conflict and help refugees who have fled dangerous areas."

The contributions to The Rotary Foundation made by clubs and individually from members support all seven areas of focus including this important one.

Rotary’s Four Roles in Promoting Peace

Rotary and its members are:

Practitioners: Our work fighting disease, providing clean water and sanitation, improving the health of mothers and children, supporting education, and growing local economies directly builds the optimal conditions for peaceful societies.
Educators: Our Rotary Peace Centers have trained more than 1,700 peace fellows to become effective catalysts for peace through careers in government, education, and international organizations.
Mediators: Our members have negotiated humanitarian ceasefires in areas of conflict to allow polio vaccinators to reach children who are at risk.
Advocates: Our members have an integral role as respected, impartial participants during peace processes and in post-conflict reconstruction. We focus on creating communities and convening groups that are connected, inclusive, and resilient.

World Water Summit Mark Balla

Member of Box Hill Central Mark Balla will be a keynote speaker at the forthcoming World Water Summit in Singapore on May 24, 2024.

Mark has made it his passion to provide toilets in the developing world. The work of Mark and the Rotary Club of Box Hill Central is legendary and Mark is very deserving to be called as a Keynote speaker at this summit. Why not attend as an addition to your attendance at RICON?

Between Mark and his Club, Operation Toilets was established in 2015. Link to Operation Toilets here.

Mark was recently interviewed on the ABC radio - click here.

For more info click on Read More

Honours for Loc

Congratulations to Loc Lam, Rotary Club of Springvale City, recipient of the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the recent Australia Day Honours.

Loc was specifically recognised for his "service to the Vietnamese community of Victoria".

In addition, of course Loc has been a wonderful Rotarian serving as club President and being a strong supporter of many initiatives within the Club of Springvale City along with his generous support of End Polio.

The complete citation can be found here.

Congratulations once again Loc.

Australia Day Event

A number of clubs held events to recognise Australia Day. My congratulations and I trust they were successful.

I had the pleasure of attending the breakfast hosted by the RC of Wandin.

Guest speakers were two locals, Liz Kitchen a food scientist with Frontera, originally from the USA and Phillip Johnson, the winner of the Best in Show at Chelsea in 2013.

Both gave excellent presentations and certainly great choices of speakers for Australia day. Liz included in her presentation and acknowledgement of country. She went on to describe her journey of settling in Australia and her passion for food.

Philip gave a great presentation on the work that went in to winning the best in show at Chelsea in 2013 and the establishment of the The Chelsea Australian Garden at Olinda. See here for more.

Thank you President Alan and the members of the Rotary Club of Wandin for your warm hospitality.

Click on Read More for more pics

Wandin Car Show

I attended the Wandin Rotary Custom Car & Bike Show on December 20th and what a show it was.

The evening was perfect and so well supported! Surely, owners must come from far and wide to display their treasures at this event.

This was the first one for this summer. The next happening Wednesday evening next week, the 21st February. Then the last for the year on March 20th. Get details from here.

A few more images - click on the Read More

The Rotary Club of Emerald and District are holding their All American Car Show on this Sunday, Feb 18. I know the club is facing some challenges following the storm we had this week but I'm sure they will be overcome. Good luck! Click on the graphic for more info.

Rotaract News December-January

Posted by Jessalyn Lim on Dec 20, 2023

Whitehorse Rotaract participated in a Clean Up Australia event hosted by Box Hill Central Rotary Club on November 19, removing rubbish from Springfield Park in Box Hill.
On November 29th, Whitehorse Rotaract hosted their annual Christmas card making night. Along with members of Monash Rotaract and the Whitehorse community, they wrote and decorated heartfelt cards that will be given to around 150 local elderly residents.
Whitehorse and Monash Rotaract donated over $700 to the Wishing Tree appeal, hosted by Kmart Doncaster, specifically picking out items in the store to donate. For 36 years, Kmart Wishing Tree has partnered with the Salvation Army with the aim to spread joy to those experiencing hardship in the Christmas season. Donated goods are distributed to those grappling with the cost of living.

DG partner Project update December- January

Posted by Ian Ballantine on Dec 20, 2023

Now that my Club visits are completed, it's wonderful to reflect on the generosity of clubs in the way they have contributed additional funds to End Polio under the incentive of Helen's partner project.

I know that some clubs are planning on additional contributions in the year.

We're planning some fundraising efforts for the new year as well.

A reminder to save the date of April 11, 2024 for the major Polio fundraising evening held by the Rotary Club of Springvale city - always a successful and fun evening.

Donations from non-Rotarians are, of course, also welcome and can also be made through this portal.

If you are representing a club, please make the contribution by the normal channels but flag it as DG Project and drop DG Ian or Helen an email. Banking details for Clubs can be found here.

As of mid December, her project has received from Rotary members, Rotary Clubs and some non Rotarians a total of AUS$21,860.

Thank you.

Regionalisation Update December

Posted by Ian Ballantine on Dec 18, 2023

Community Groups-

The results of submissions by clubs have been collated and have now been distributed back to Districts for finalisation.

DG Linda, DGE Colin, DGN Peter and myself will confer and hopefully have the groups finalised by the end of January.

It is presumed that some time shortly after that, we will be calling for expressions of interest in filling the roles of Community Leaders.

I would like to thank clubs and their members for showing their interest in this process and completing the Community Group survey.

Keep up to date with all things related to Regionalisation here.

DGE off to USA

Posted by Ian Ballantine on Dec 10, 2023

On December 27th DGE Colin Byron and his wife Leanne will head off the US to attend International Assembly in Orlando Florida, commencing on January 7th.

They plan on spending a week or so touring around southern Florida before heading up to Orlando.

Let's hope the weather in Florida has improved by then.

We had the pleasure of wishing Colin and Leanne well at the annual College of Governor's lunch on the 10th of this month.

Unfortunately, Leanne couldn't attend due to Covid. We hope she has now made a full recovery and we wish them both an enjoyable trip.

Nunawading Christmas Party Dec 6

Posted by Ian Ballantine on Dec 06, 2023

Helen and I attended the Christmas breakup meeting of the Nunawading Club on the 6th December.
Now, I know that most , if not all clubs, have held the same sort of Christmas event. So what makes Nunawading so special?

The entertainment! The Spangles came out of retirement, in a somewhat revised form, to provide the entertainment on the evening - and they didn't disappoint!

Congratulations to Ian Evans and the members of Nunawading on a great evening.

Click on Read More for more pics.

Interact Conference 2023

Posted by Ian Ballantine on Nov 27, 2023

Held at Camberwell Boys Grammar School, a number of Interact Clubs from Districts 9810, 9800 and 9820 attended the event.

Guest speakers included our own PDG Dr Daryl Moran and DRR Jess Lym. DGE Colin Byron also attended.

All in attendance thoroughly enjoyed the event and look forward to returning next year.

Please take Read More link to see more photos.

Puffing Billy Fun Run 2023

Posted by Shalini Penny on Nov 26, 2023

Emerald & District Rotary‘s 2023 Kids Fun Run with Puffing Billy
The Kids Fun Run is one of Emerald Rotary’s signature events. Since it was launched in 2002 it has been all about Kids raising funds for kids and each year the funds raised have been donated to a Children’s charity, which over the years has ranged from the Starlight Foundation, Monash Health, End Polio program, William Angliss Hospital, Cerebral Palsy Education Centre, Insight Education Centre for the Blind and over the last three years the Monash Children’s Hospital Cancer Centre. In this time the Club has raised $721,250.

Click on Read more for rest of story and more pics. Album of pics here.

Polio Plus Society

Posted by David Grieve on Nov 23, 2023

What is the Polio Plus Society?

The PolioPlus Society (PPS) is a fundraising and recognition program that specifically supports PolioPlus.

PPS encourages Rotary members and others to pledge at least US$100 per year (approx. $160AUD) to the PolioPlus Fund until polio is eradicated from the face of the earth.

Rotary members and their friends who join the Society will be honored with a distinctive lapel pin and a certificate, which will be presented at a special ceremony.

Your contributions will count toward Paul Harris Fellow recognition and Major Donor status and will be matched 2-to-1 by the Gates Foundation

Download form here.

Thank you for your support.

Box Hill Burwood Op Shop celebration

Posted by Trish Carr on Nov 19, 2023

November 19th saw us celebrate an incredible achievement, through our Op shop we have raised $1 million dollars to fund local and international projects over the last 21 years.

The lunch held at Box Hill Golf Club was an excellent opportunity for us to come together to celebrate an incredible achievement that has made and continues to make an enormous difference in our community.

A thank you must go to our volunteers, whose time and effort to support our club and our causes has assisted in achieving this incredible goal. Your contributions have made a significant impact, and we are grateful for your dedication and hard work.

Click on Read More for the rest of the story and more pics.

Club growing Bank Balance?

Posted by Paul Taranto on Nov 19, 2023

This is an article submitted by Paul Taranto, President Elect Rotary Club of Mordialloc to Rotary Downunder

What to do with a growing Bank Balance?
Does your Club have a large and growing bank balance? Is your Club looking for ways on how your funds can be put to good use? This was the predicament for the Rotary of Mordialloc recently. Although a small Club (17 members) it is very active in both the fund raising and project support and development areas. Faced with a growing bank balance the current Club President Jennifer Pudney put the proposal to the Board that every Club member be asked to identify a Rotary Program or registered charity to which the Club would donate $1000.

Royce Abbey Award Night

Posted by Ian Ballantine on Nov 17, 2023

I had the pleasure of attending the Royce Abbey Award night, hosted by District 9800 at the Essendon Members facility at Windy Hill.

The Royce Abbey Award is presented to Rotarians in acknowledgement of their enthusiasm and commitment.

Royce Abbey was a member of the RC of Essendon in District 9800 and RI President in 1988-89.

For more information, please refer here.

This was the 500 award to be made and joint awardees on the evening were PDGs and good mates, Dennis Shore and Murray Verso. Well deserved!

Please take Read More link to see more pics.

Primary Schools Speech Contest Final

Posted by Ian Goldsmith on Nov 15, 2023

Our Club (Mannigham City), played host to the District final of the Primary School Speech Competition on Wednesday night and what a superb night it was with 14 contestants representing 6 Rotary Clubs fighting out the final.

Our District Governor Ian Ballantine, District Governor Elect for D9815 Colin Byron, Assistant Governor Olive Aumann, District Youth Service Chair Malcolm Chiverton, our new Manningham Mayor Cr Carli Lange, former Mayor Cr Deirdre Diamante and Cr Anna Chen all attending and to a person they were astounded at the quality of the presentations from the students.

A brilliant night and our thanks go to Manningham City members and event organisers Trevor Dawson and Brian Tyedin, Timekeepers Dan Hession and Rod Simkiss, Photographer Anthony Callinan and the judging team from Toastmasters International.

Click on Read More for more pics.

DG partner Project update November

Posted by Ian Ballantine on Nov 15, 2023

Nunawading, Moorabbin, Box Hill Burwood, Emerald (at the Primary Schools Speech Competition) Monash additional, Chelsea

If you are representing a club, please make the contribution by the normal channels but flag it as DG Project and drop DG Ian or Helen an email. Banking details for Clubs can be found here.

As of mid October, her project has received from Rotary members, Rotary Clubs and some non Rotarians a total of AUS$21,760.

Thank you.

Polio Plus Update November 23

Posted by Ian Ballantine on Nov 15, 2023

Afghanistan and Pakistan remain the only 2 countries in which polio (Wild Polio Virus 1) remains endemic.

The case count for this year now stands at 10 (Afghanistan, 6 and Pakistan 4).

Whilst it is disappointing that the case number is slowly growing as the year progresses, it is to be expected and just further underlines the need to continue the vaccination programs in these countries.

Until poliovirus transmission is interrupted in these countries, all countries remain at risk of importation of polio, especially vulnerable countries with weak public health and immunization services and travel or trade links to endemic countries.

Success in eradicating polio will mean that no more children will have to experience the devastating effects of the disease. Failure to eradicate polio could cause poliovirus to reappear around the world with an estimated 150,000-200,000 new cases expected every year within 10 years.

For the latest updates on polio eradication, click here.

For a great article about where we are and where we've come from in regards to Polio eradication, click here

Timor Leste Project Launch

Posted by Ian Ballantine on Nov 14, 2023

District Foundation Chair PDG David Alexander and I attended the Australian launch of the program to providing training on domestic violence in East Timor at the city campus of the Latrobe Universuty. In attendance was Dr Kirsty Sword Gusmao.

The project was funded by a Global Grant initiated by the Rotary Club of Manningham (now the club of Manningham City.

The project was a collaborative partnership between Latrobe University, the World Health Organisation and the former Rotary Club of Manningham to develop a curriculum to address Domestic Violence in Timor Leste.

Regionalisation Update November

Posted by Ian Ballantine on Nov 14, 2023

Inaugural Regional Council Election Results

Clubs throughout Zone 8 have had their say, and the results of the first Zone 8 Regional Council election are now in. Click on Read More to see results.

Clubs have also now submitted preferences for Community Grouping. Hopefully we'll see the results soon. Election of Community Group leaders will, we expect take place in the new year.

The October webinar update is available on line here.

Keep up to date with all things related to Regionalisation here.

A word about The Rotary Foundation

Posted by Ian Ballantine on Nov 14, 2023

November is Rotary Foundation month so here is a little reminder of what the The Rotary Foundation is and what it achieves.

The Rotary Foundation is a non-profit corporation that supports the efforts of Rotary International to achieve world understanding and peace through international humanitarian, educational, and cultural exchange programs. It is supported solely by voluntary contributions.

Mission:
The Rotary Foundation helps Rotary members to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace by improving health, providing quality education, improving the environment, and alleviating poverty.

The Rotary Foundation transforms your gifts into service projects that change lives both close to home and around the world.

Rotary Beyond the Club

Posted by Carol Lawton on Nov 13, 2023

Are you a new member of Rotary? Do you want to learn more about Rotary?

Once again PDG Carol Lawton along with Barrie Vickers and Bronwen Lamond will be running a session aimed at providing newer members to Rotary some education about Rotary Beyond the Club.

On: Sunday 3^rd December, 9.30am for a 10.00 am start, concludes at 3.00pm
At: Club Kilsyth, 1-15 Canterbury Rd, Bayswater North

Registration form available here.

Please return via email to clawton@melbpc.org.au by Friday 24th November in order that all arrangements, especially catering, can be finalised.

If you have any queries, either email as above or phone 0411 249 280 - Carol Lawton

Rotaract News November

Posted by Jessalyn Lim on Nov 08, 2023

On October 15, Whitehorse Rotaract joined the Rotary Club of Nunawading at the Whitehorse Spring Festival to help run their stand, with the aim of promoting what Rotary does as an organisation as well as advertising the Whitehorse Farmers Market. They spent time talking to the festival go-ers and making very cute little personal badges for the kids.

Some Whitehorse Rotaractors attended a trivia night hosted by Melbourne East Disability Advocacy (MEDA) on October 27. Additionally, they recently donated to MEDA with funds raised from their efforts at every Whitehorse Farmers Market, as these funds enable Whitehorse Rotaract to give back to fantastic organisations within the City of Whitehorse.

Whitehorse Rotaract will be hosting their annual Christmas Card Making at the end of November, as well as a social movie night.

On October 30, Monash Rotaract had a club social in Glen Waverley; they had a great night of Korean dinner, Strike bowling and ice-cream.

Members of both Monash and Whitehorse competed in the Ping-Pong-a-Thon hosted by the Rotary Club of Waverley. This event raises funds to fight against Modern Day Slavery.

Their event has raised an incredible $13,174; you can donate more via https://pingpongathon.com/t/rotaryclubofwaverley.

RYLA Oceania’s RYLA Awards

Posted by Jessalyn Lim on Nov 08, 2023

RYLA Oceania hosted their inaugural RYLA Awards on 15 October 2023.

We received 12 nominations, and won 2 of them.

Please follow Read More link fore all the details.

Inspire Rotary

Posted by Trish Carr on Nov 05, 2023

As a Rotary district heavily impact by lockdowns RYLA has been a breath of fresh air for the younger members of our community but there are many who could use that burst of inspiration and so It made me think – wouldn’t it be amazing if we could run a RYLA for Rotarians. Not only would it refresh their own leadership skills, it would encourage better teamwork and communication in clubs, connect them to a new generation but more importantly would give them a taste of RYLA and an understanding about how important the program is in supporting the leaders of tomorrow. It was a win, win situation as they would say.

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Care Packs for Maroondah Mental Health Unit

Posted by Barb LAWRENCE on Nov 03, 2023

Rotary Lilydale has collaborated with Maroondah Hospital Mental Health Unit to supply care packs to all people admitted to the unit. These packs contain personal care items as well as things to keep the hands busy and brain stimulated. Over 1500 packs will be gifted each year. Items for the pack will be purchased, received as donations or recycled through Rotary DIK (Donations in Kind) Warehouse. Donations of item or funds will be gratefully accepted. Alternatively - raffle tickets can be purchased to support the project.

Stroke Advice

Posted by Gus Rozycki on Nov 01, 2023

On Wednesday 1^st November, the Rotary Club of Belgrave received a talk from Toni Arfaras a StrokeSafe volunteer speaker trained in public speaking, and experienced in delivering life-saving messages about stroke. Toni has had a stroke herself. Toni presented the common information about stroke and its prevention, and also draw on her own personal experiences providing a very powerful discussion.

The Australian Stroke Foundation (www.strokefoundation.org.au) is keen to reach out to Rotary and spread awareness about stroke.

Interact Conference

Posted by Daryl Moran on Oct 31, 2023

Multi-District Interact Conference will be taking place at Camberwell Grammar School (Boys), on Monday 27th November.

All District club Youth Chairs, along with Interact Clubs are invited to this event which will involve clubs from 9800, 9810, 9820 and hopefully, 9830 (Tasmania).

For more information, please contact District Youth Chair, Dr Daryl Moran. Start time 8.45am.

RC Waverley PinPong-a-thon

Posted by Ian Ballantine on Oct 29, 2023

The Rotary Club of Waverley held it's inaugural Ping-pong-a-thon in October and raised a staggering $!3,500!
The event was held at the Mt Waverley Uniting Church and was a great great day.

The RC of Waverley is the first Rotary Club to "pong the world" but won't be the last!
There were people plying ping pong and people sizzling sausages, and eating them.
Congratulations go to Steve Lowe, the driving force behind the event and all the members who attended.

Zone 8 Conference

Posted by Ian Ballantine on Oct 29, 2023

Rotary Zone 8 held its virtual Conference over the weekend of October 28 and 29.

Many members from Districts 9810 and 9820 attended.

Speakers included: Rotary International President, Gordon McInally, RI President Elect Stephanie Urchick, RI Past President and TRF Trustee, Jennifer Jones, Zone 8 Director, Ghim Bok Chew.

A number of topics were covered including membership, club models, polio eradication and of course, the Regionalisation pilot.

Take link to get some screen shots.

OCH Safety Breakfast

Posted by David Whiting on Oct 28, 2023

More than 80 members of the local community attended the Community Safety Breakfast held at South Oakleigh Bowling Club on Saturday 28th October.
This was a partnership event with the City of Monash & Victoria Police. All present were provided with a complimentary egg & bacon roll or vegetarian alternative breakfast. Thanks to all members who managed the catering on the day.
David Whiting welcomed all present on behalf of President Lesley Zuccaro. He also acknowledged & thanked the South Oakleigh Bowling Club for making their community building, available the event.

Whitehorse Business Group Awards

Posted by Ian Ballantine on Oct 27, 2023

Both the Rotary Clubs of Nunawading and Box Hill Central were well represented at the Whitehorse Business Group - Excellence in Business Awards special event held in the newly opened "The Round" in the Whitehorse Council precinct in Nunawading. Both clubs had tables at the event and each sponsored several of the awards. Along with members of each club were Assistant Governors Olive Aumann, from BHC and one of the judges, and Shia Smart, and DGE Colin Byron.

A bonus was to enjoy the MC fopr the evening, ‎Anthony Lehmann (Lemo) who plays Jim on the ABC comedy, Utopia.

It was my pleasure to attend and my congratulations to both clubs for supporting the awards and gaining Rotary this exposure. Read on for reports from both clubs and some pics.

RC Emerald Speech Contest

Posted by Ian Ballantine on Oct 24, 2023

I had the pleasure of attending the final of the Primary School Speech Contest organised by the Rotary Club of Emerald and District.

My congratulations to Sangeeta and the members of the Club for sponsoring the contest and holding such a successful evening. It was a great showcase for the club and Rotary.

It happened to be on World Polio day and so how fitting was it that could accept a cheque from the Club for the DG Partner's project, the End Polio Now campaign. It was a great opportunity to tell the audience which included many parents about Rotary and the End Polio campaign.

Click on Read More to read the article published in the "Star Mail"

Monash Golf Day

Posted by Ian Ballantine on Oct 23, 2023

The Combined Rotary Clubs of Monash helf their Annual Mayor of Monash Golf day on October 23rd.

The weather was perfect and the event very well attended.

Funds raised on the day went to support the Cerebral Palsy Education Centre in Glen Waverley.

My special congratulations to President Barry Muldoon of the Rotary Club of Waverley for such a successful day.

Click on Read More for more pics of the dinner.

Royce Abbey Awards

Posted by Ian Ballantine on Oct 16, 2023

I have received a request from Rotarian Roger Leask, Royce Abbey Award Committee in District 9810 to extend an invitation to members of District 9810 to attend their 500th Royce Abbey Award evening on the 17th November.

Venue will be The Windy Hill Venue, Cnr. Napier & Brewster Sts. Essendon, VIC - 3040

Guest Speaker - PDG Murray Verso, End Polio Now Coordinator - Zone 8 (2022-2025).

More details of the award here www.royceabbey.com

Or book here trybooking.com

Rotaract News October

Last month, 14 Rotaractors from Monash and Whitehorse participated in STEPtember. The funds raised from this challenge support a wide range of initiatives, helping people with cerebral palsy to live their best lives. You can donate to our fundraiser at: https://www.steptember.org.au/fundraisers/RotaractDistrict9810. We're only $75 away from meeting our goal of raising $1000, so we'd appreciate your donation!

District 9810/9820 held an interdistrict minigolf social on 7 October. While there was fantastic turnout from Monash Rotaract, unfortunately, it was poorly attended by the other clubs. We're planning to host a holiday picnic celebration in December.

Whitehorse Rotaract hosted their Post-Apocalyptic Murder Mystery Night as a social event on Friday the 13th of October. They raised $330 for FORaMEAL. FORaMEAL, a project of the Rotary Club of Canterbury, is an initiative to help provide emergency relief meals for those impacted by natural disasters.

Finally, RYLA Oceania held the RYLA Awards Ceremony on 15 October. District 9810/9820 won two of the District Program Awards: Best Community Engagement and Greatest Improvement or Innovation. Congratulations to all involved!

Regionalisation Update October

Regional Council candidates.

On 3 October the Regionalisation Pilot announced the candidates for the first Regional Council in Zone 8 - that is Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific.

Roles on the Regional Council

Chair
Chair-Elect
Portfolio Lead: Major Fundraising and Grants
Portfolio Lead: Learning and Development
Portfolio Lead: Membership
Portfolio Lead: Public Image and Partnerships
Portfolio Lead: Service Projects and Programs
Rotaract Nominee (only Rotaract clubs are eligible to vote for this role)

The full list of candidates and their promotional statements here.

Voting for the Regional Council

Presidents on behalf of their clubs will vote for candidates via a preferential voting system. More information can be found here about voting.

More information on the Regional Council can be found here.

A reminder of the Regionalisation Website, Creating Tomorrow here.

Eastsider News

I have received a link to the Eastsider News, October issue from RC Forest Hill member, Glenys Grant.

Link here.

There are a number of articles and advertisements concerning Rotary in the Eastern Suburbs.....
P13 Mont Albert Market Advert. -Patt G
P13 Vic Police, Neighbourhood Watch and Rotary working towards a Safer Community - GGrant
P14 Whitehorse Art Show Advert- Simon W
P14. Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) - GGrant
P15 Christmas at Blackburn Station Art and Craft Market - Advert -John Mc Phee
P16 Model United Nations Assembly ( MUNA) prizes for local students - GGrant P13 Mont Albert Market Advert. -Patt G
P13 Vic Police, Neighbourhood Watch and Rotary working towards a Safer Community - GGrant
P14 Whitehorse Art Show Advert- Simon W
P14. Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) - GGrant
P15 Christmas at Blackburn Station Art and Craft Market - Advert -John Mc Phee
P16 Model United Nations Assembly ( MUNA) prizes for local students - GGrant

Well done Glenys for helping Rotary gain this exposure.

Polio Plus Update

As we know only 2 countries remain endemic with wild polio in 2023 - namely Afghanistan and Pakistan.

It appears that so far this year there have been a total of seven cases reported (6 and one respectively).

Rotary remains a key player in the mission to eradicate polio and I congratulate the Clubs of District 9810 for recognising the month of October as End Polio month and arranging events accordingly.

For a great article about where we are and where we've come from in regards to Polio eradication, click here

Healesville Dog Day Out

Helen and I had the pleasure of attending the Rotary Club of Healesville's Dog Day Out on Sunday, October 15. Also in attendance was PDG and Assistant Governor, Shia Smart and Duncan with their wire haired Dachshund, Sherlock.

Helen and I had our own dog, Billy the cavoodle and his friend who was with us following a sleepover, Alfie.

This has been a major event for the Club over the years but has been on hold due to COVID.

My congratulations to Vinay and all the members of the Healesville Rotary Club. What a great opportunity to showcase your Club.

Click on read more to see plenty of pics.

DG partner Project update October

Helen's project continues to receive great support from the Clubs in our District. As I am completing my visits I am so encouraged by the commitment and and support Rotarians show for the End Polio Now initiative.

So since my last update we've received contributions from the following Clubs:
The Rotary Clubs of Glen Waverley incl Wheelers Hill, Rowville-Lysterfield, Noble Park - Dingley (thanks to Val Glenn and her team), Monash, Knox (further contribution) and Doncaster. Just a reminder that club contributions to Helen's project are till included as part of a Club's total annual contribution.

It's worth mentioning that many clubs are making two contributions to the End Polio Fund at the same time, reflecting the fact that their contribution via the Partner Project is additional to their original commitment.

If you are representing a club, please make the contribution by the normal channels but flag it as DG Project and drop DG Ian or Helen an email. Banking details for Clubs can be found here.

As of mid October, her project has received from Rotary members, Rotary Clubs and some non Rotarians a total of AUS$19,260.

Thank you.

Polio Plus Society

The Polio Plus Society, is a fundraising and recognition program specifically to support the worldwide effort to eradicate polio. Members pledge to donate at least US$100 ($160AUD) annually to the PolioPlus Fund until polio is eliminated from the world.

Rotarians are encouraged to be part of this initiative.

Please read on....

Shelterbags

I hear of so many great projects being undertaken by all our Clubs as I do my visits.

On my recent visit to the Mt Waverley Club I learnt about the Shelterbags project addressing the needs of the homeless in our communities. Shelterbags* provide our Homeless people with some dignity, plus warmth and shelter from the rain, wind and cold.

You can support this RAWCS endorsed project either as an individual or Club.

My thanks to Ann Grant from the RC of Mt Waverley for supplying this information.

Download flyer here.

2023 Zone 8 Virtual Conference

2023 Zone 8 Conference will be held on-line this year and all Rotarians are invited to attend.

Past District Governors Leanne Jaggs from the Rotary Club of Manukau Sunrise and Karen Purdue from the Rotary Club of Invercargill Sunrise, New Zealand will co-chair the virtual event, themed ‘Moments that Matter’.

Along with bringing Rotarians, Rotaractors and the wider community together, this virtual event will create an environment to share ideas and learn from our members about the matters that are important to them.

Our global keynote speakers will share examples of tangible steps, you can take back to your club to increase our Ability to Adapt.

Cost will $25 per Rotarian or Rotaractor.

All details and link to booking here.

International – Foundation Professional Development Seminar

The International – Foundation Professional Development Seminar was held at the Melbourne Baseball Club, Surrey Road Box Hill on Monday 18 September, 2023. The seminar focused on ‘Sustainability’ to ensure that the benefits of District and Global Grants projects are achieved long after the Rotary funding has ended. Sustainability addresses 6 inter-linked issues:

Start with the community
Encourage local ownership
Provide training
Buy local
Find local funding
Measure your success

Take link to read more and get links to downloads.

Surplus PPE finds a home

As you may recall I sent out a plea on behalf of Glenn Tippett of the Boronia Club to find a worthwhile home for some surplus PPE that was headed to landfill.

A number of clubs responded indicating they would investigate different options and my thanks to all those clubs who responded.

A big big thank you goes to the Moorabbin Club and its President, Anita Bayros who, through her contacts at the Australian Animal Protection Society in Keysborough, was able to find a worthwhile recipient.

Thanks Anita and the Moorabbin RC.

Pakistan’s female vaccinators

Story taken from the RI site here.

Pakistan’s female vaccinators are doing more than helping end a disease.

Women make up two-thirds of Pakistan’s polio workforce. It’s a startling statistic for a nation that ranks 145th out of 146 countries for gender parity in economic participation and opportunity, according to a World Economic Forum gender inequality index.

DG partner Project update September

As I go about my Club visits, I am delighted to report that the support for Helen's partner project of End Polio Now has been fantastic and a real credit to the commitment of our members in this District to support the End Polio initiative.
As I stress to Clubs, any contributions to the Fund in the name of her project have to be over and above what the Club was already committing. The idea behind the partner project was to raise funds specifically for that project.

So since my last update we've received contributions from the following Clubs:
The Rotary Clubs of Beaumaris, Boronia, Oakleigh Clayton Huntingdale, Warrandyte Donvale, Waverley, Maroondah, Hampton, Monash and Surry Hills, and Manningham City. Just a reminder that club contributions to Helen's project are till included as part of a Club's total annual contribution.

If you are representing a club, please make the contribution by the normal channels but flag it as DG Project and drop DG Ian or Helen an email. Banking details for Clubs can be found here.

As of mid September, her project has received from Rotary members, Rotary Clubs and some non Rotarians a total of AUS$15,260.

Thank you.

October is End Polio Month

.....and 24th October is WORLD POLIO DAY

A letter was circulated to all members this week by David Grieve bringing us up to date with contributions by clubs to the End Polio Now campaign so far this year.

In addition, David encourages clubs to raise awareness of the End Polio campaign during the month of October and even host a fund raising event.

Here is a link to the End Polio Resource Centre where there are videos, materials, banners, posters, and in particular, materials focusing on World Polio day.

For those of you who missed David's letter, take the link here to Read More.

Rotaract News September

Rotaract is stepping for September!

STEPtember is a fun and inclusive virtual challenge that encourages people to move their way to 10,000 steps a day - whenever, wherever, and however they like - from 1-30 September.

Every 20 hours, an Australian child is diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Taking on the challenge and fundraising for life-changing research, treatment, services and assistive technologies, supports people with cerebral palsy to live their best life.

Regionalisation Update September

During August the Steering Group and Pilot Establishment Team leads hosted a series of webinars to share information about the Regional Council elections and Rotary Community groups.

I know of many Rotarians from District 9810 attended one of these.

If you missed out, you can still watch one by following this link. The powerpoint presentation is also available here.

For further updates on Regionalisation, take the Read More link.

A reminder of the Regionalisation Website, Creating Tomorrow here.

Singapore Convention

The Rotary convention is where friendship and learning come together to inspire you. In Singapore you’ll connect with people of action from around the globe at Rotary’s biggest event of the year.

The 2024 Rotary International Convention, will be be held 25-29 May in Singapore.

Here are a couple of stories to help inspire you to register.

Shape-shifting Singapore - here - By Wen Huang

Singapore – a land of surprises - here. By Jennifer Scott, Chair of the 2024 International Convention Committee

2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference

Welcome to the ROTARY AT COP28

Volunteering Opportunities for young Rotarians!

COP28 is the 28th Conference of the Parties, a crucial global climate summit that will take place in the United Arab Emirates from 30th November to 12th December 2023. This summit gathers representatives from nearly 200 countries to address pressing climate-related challenges and foster international collaboration for a sustainable future.

Rotary International is proud to actively participate in COP28, contributing its expertise and commitment to environmental stewardship and community welfare. We are looking to engage a small group of young Rotarians and Rotaractors from around the world at COP28.

International & Foundation Committees – Professional Development Seminar

It may not be too late to register for the annual District International & Foundation Seminar set for 7:00pm on Monday 18 September 2023

Click on the Read More to see all the details or take this link to the District website.

Download flyer here.

Rotary Brand Centre

This is a message to any Rotarian in any capacity who has anything responsibilities regarding the publicity and promotion of their club or any of its activities. Use the Rotary Brand Centre!

Not only is this a great resource but by frequently visiting it, you will keep all your materials current.

The Brand Centre is more than just a collection of graphics and other materials. In it you will also find lots of ideas to help you promote your club and its projects. They will help you tell your club’s stories of service and impact continue to be updated and enhanced.

Get your event in Highlights

Just a reminder to all members, but especially Presidents, committee chairs and event organisers to get your event into the District Event Newsletter, Highlights, edited by Michael Ellinger.

This will also ensure it gets included in the District Event Calendar on the website, link here.

To publish your event and/or function please send it to Michael in either a word document or PDF file format at highlights9810@gmail.com

Current and past editions can be found here.

New Member Retention

I have been really encouraged by the efforts and successes of many of our Clubs in securing new members into Rotary.

I know it's a challenging task and requires an effort on so many fronts.

In this post, I've put down a few thoughts I have about the major issues facing us in regards to member retention, and what we can do to alleviate them.

I welcome any feedback.

5 minutes of your time to help a Club receive $20,000

Here’s a chance for District 9810 Rotarians to help one of our Clubs win a grant of $20,000 to help further develop a fantastic community project.

Mark Smith of the Rotary Club of Boronia has developed the “Knox Rocks” music program for a group of young people from the local area.

Westfield are running a “Local Heroes” program where they are awarding grants to further foster successful community projects.

Mark is one of the three finalists, thus already guaranteeing a grant of $5,000.

RC Nunawading Hosts Community Safety Event

Rotary Nunawading was invited by the Whitehorse Business Group to co-host a Community Safety Breakfast in support of Neighbourhood Watch Whitehorse, on 25 August 2023, held at the Canterbury International Hotel Forest Hill.

The guest speakers were senior Sergeant Ronald Sinclair and Senior Constable Brendan Gogarty, Whitehorse Crime Prevention Officer both from Box Hill Police Station were introduced by Kay Evans, President Neighbourhood Watch Whitehorse.

The Club promoted the event to cluster clubs ranging from Mont Albert - Surrey Hills [MASH] to Maroondah and to Whitehorse Rotaract.

RC Springvale City 20th Anniversary

I had the pleasure of attending the celebrations on Sunday August 20, of the 20th anniversary of the Springvale City Rotary Club.

The venue was the Spring Valley Golf Club.

My congratulations to joint Presidents, Cathy Jackson and Angelina Colombino on a fantastic day.

Their Facebook post on the day can be found here.

Model United Nations 2023

Posted by Ian Ballantine on Aug 15, 2023

This year's Model United Nations is happening this Saturday and an invitation is extended to all Rotarians and friends to attend.

This is, once again, being held as a joint event between Districts 9810 and 9820.

Teams of two students (years 10 - 12) from across Rotary Districts 9810 & 9820 represent a country, research that country's views, and debate just as they would at the United Nations.

My congratulations and appreciation goes out to all Clubs who have sponsored a team.

All details regarding time and venue can be found here.

Regionalisation Update

Posted by Ian Ballantine on Aug 15, 2023

The pilot is really gathering some momentum now.

As stated, the Pilot’s main goal is to find ways to more effectively and efficiently support you and your club to increase impact, grow membership, and adapt to changing volunteer needs and expectations.

For all updates and useful links, go to the dedicated website here.

News this month concerns the election of the Regional Council and the structure and operation of Community Groups.

Rotary Alumni News

Posted by Kehela Vandenberg on Aug 15, 2023

You are invited to attend the upcoming 2023 Engaging Rotary Alumni Zoom Workshop on 31st August.

Learn how to effectively assist your Club to re-connect, build relationships and engage with Rotary's Alumni and the benefits for Rotary and Alumni.

Lookout for details on the Events Calendar or on the flyer...

Get District events in your calendar

Posted by Ian Ballantine on Aug 13, 2023

Get all District 9810 events automatically added to your calendar.

From the Calendar page here you can subscribe to the District's event calendar.

This will result in the District's calendar being added to your existing calendar subscriptions, thus ensuring that as an event is added (or modified) to the District's calendar, it will appear on your phone, tablet etc.
Calendars supported are Outlook, Google and Apple.

Take the link, Subscribe to Calendar, from the Calendar Page here.

Rotary Borehole Project in Kenya

Posted by Wilma Best on Aug 12, 2023

Establishing a Rotary Borehole Project in Meru County, Kenya East Africa.

The Borehole will be Powered by Solar Energy and located at Kithima, Maili Saba. This site is equatorial but considered semi-arid. However but the area is known for the availability of aquifers. In Meru County, the Rotary Club of Meru recently oversaw the construction of a borehole in the vicinity (Pictured).

My Rotary has a new look

Posted by Ian Ballantine on Aug 10, 2023

My Rotary has a new, more friendly look about it. Give it a try.

The link to My Rotary is here.

Don't have a My Rotary account? Click here for instructions on how to set it up.

Your account with MyRotary is different to any account you might have with your own Club or the District site.

For those not familiar with My Rotary, it is the on-line portal for members of Rotary to access various resources, tools, and information related to their membership and participation in Rotary activities.

Some of the common features you might find on a "My Rotary" portal include:

Rotaract news

Posted by Jessalyn Lim on Aug 07, 2023

Rotaract news this month comes from the Presidents of our Rotaract Clubs of Whitehorse and Monash.

In this article, we hear from each club about their priorities and goals for the coming year.

Making an Impact on Literacy in Guatemala

Posted by Ian Ballantine on Aug 05, 2023

Gaby Moreno and Rotary President Jennifer Jones on Making an Impact on Literacy in Guatemala. "We want to put an end to illiteracy and create positive change.” Grammy award-winning artist Gaby Moreno ( @officialgabymoreno ) shares her passion for a brighter future for children in Guatemala with #Rotary President Jennifer Jones.

DG partner Project update

Posted by Ian Ballantine on Aug 05, 2023

DG Ian's partner project is supporting End Polio Now.

So far Helen has attracted a number of donations from many individuals from within and outside the Rotary family.
In addition, four clubs within the District have so far made donations. They are the Rotary Clubs of Box Hill Central, Cheltenham, Knox and Bentleigh Moorabbin Central.

A number of others have made a commitment, to be realised towards the end of the Rotary year.

If you would like to make a personal, tax deductible donation, please go here.

Your donation will be credited against you, as a Rotarian and your Club.

If you are representing a club, please make the contribution by the normal channels but flag it as DG Project and drop DG Ian or Helen an email. Or, even better, give it to them in person if you have the opportunity.

Thank you.

TECHCOM - Club Survey

Posted by Gus Rozycki on Aug 04, 2023

District Technology Committee offers clubs a free club questionnaire service.

This survey focuses on your day-to-day experiences in our Rotary club.

Members input is valuable and will be used by club leaders all of us to make the club even better.

The template has no right or wrong answers; it simply ask for your honest opinions.

If you would like your own club questionnaire that tally's the answers in to excel,

please contact Peter Dalwood: admin@9810rotary.org.au

End Polio District Incentive

Posted by David Alexander on Aug 01, 2023

An important update to the District's incentive scheme to Clubs regarding contributions to End Polio;

D9810 will again match the first 10 Club contributions to PolioPlus of US$1,000 with US$1,000 District Designated Funds (DDF). TRF will provide a 50% match to DDF.

So:

A Club donation of USD$1,000 matched by our District with US1,000 DDF attracts a further USD$500 (50%) from The Rotary Foundation.

So for the first 10 Clubs contributing to Polio, your initial contribution of USD$1,000 becomes USD $2,500, which receives the Gates Foundation 2:1 match of an additional USD$5,000, giving a total contribution of USD$7,500 to End Polio Now.

Kenya Borehole Project

Posted by Shia Smart on Jul 28, 2023

Clubs are invited to join an International Project to provide a Borehole

The project is a partnership arrangement between the Rotary Clubs of Bayswater and Healesville and the project overseen by the Rotary Club of Meru D9212 Kenya

The partners are seeking funding support for the Borehole Project sited at Kithima/Maili Saba in Meru County Kenya. The object is to provide a reliable source of water for farming and domestic purposes. The borehole will be Solar Powered and the water to grow crops to feed farm animals and provide vegetable and fruit crops for 250 needy school children.

Contacts: PP Barrie Vickers Bayswater m: 0407 544555

and/or PP Wilma Best Healesville m: 0476 289583

For a more detailed story, click here.

RC Hampton Tonga Project

Posted by Peter Read on Jul 28, 2023

Rotary International Project – Screening the Hearing of Year 1 and 2 Primary School Students in Tonga

On 17th January 2023, after a frustrating 3 years of planning and preparation which had been delayed by a pandemic and natural disaster, Rotary Club of Hampton (RCH) in partnership with the Rotary Club of Nuku’alofa (RCN) we were informed by The Rotary Foundation that our application for Global Grant for the project had been approved.

Rotarians Against Malaria call for support

Posted by Murray Wilson on Jul 19, 2023

With Polio Eradication so close to being achieved, Rotarians around the world are fighting the next big health battle, Malaria. For many years Rotary has been funding research and activities, in association with the World Health Organisation, aimed to prevent and eliminate malaria throughout the world.

Foundation Giving - Great Result

Posted by David Alexander on Jul 16, 2023

Congratulation D9810 Clubs and Rotarians. A great result for ‘giving’ to The Rotary Foundation in 2022-23.

The Rotary Foundation relies on the contribution of funds from many sources. The main ones are from Clubs and individual Rotarians.

I'd like to congratulate and thank the Clubs and Rotarians of District 9810 for their continuing generous support of The Rotary Foundation during 2022-23.
Make sure you read this article to the end....

Has Your Club Cashed in their Gold Nuggets?

Posted by Keels Vandenberg on Jul 16, 2023

Every Club has at their fingertips a pool of individuals (aka the ‘gold nuggets’) who could act as guest speakers, consultants, collaborators, volunteers, project partners, Rotary advocates, participants of future Rotary opportunities, sponsors or donors and even potentially future members. These individuals are Rotary’s alumni; past participants or recipients of Rotary’s Youth and Foundation programs and scholarships.

Rotary Cricket turns 30

Posted by Richard Groom on Jul 14, 2023

It was at a meeting in the old Long Room at the MCG in May 1993 during the Rotary International convention of that year that the International Fellowship of Cricket Loving Rotarians was founded.
Past RI president Rajendra K Saboo from India and past RI director Geoffrey Pike from England were responsible for the Long Room meeting taking place.

Emerald & District Rotary ‘s Marathon BBQ

Posted by Shalini Penny on Jul 13, 2023

Rotary is no stranger to the weekend BBQ outside their local butcher or Bunnings; however, the Rotary Club of Emerald & District has taken this fundraiser to new heights by a collaborative initiative with Puffing Billy Railway for the spectacular event “The Train of Lights.”

When Puffing Billy Railway approached Emerald Rotary with the proposition of running a BBQ on each night of the "Train of Lights" extravaganza, the Club eagerly presented the idea to its members.

Message from Rotaract District Representative

Posted by Jessalyn Lim on Jul 12, 2023

Welcome to the new Rotaract year!
I recognise many of you have probably never heard of me, so I’ll start with an introduction to myself. I’m Jess, short for Jessalyn, and I’m the District Rotaract Representative (DRR) of District 9810 for 2023-24.

2 Comments

9810 Conference 24

Posted by Ian Ballantine on Jul 12, 2023

The District Conference will be held in Warrnambool, March 22-24, 2024 web page here.

Please go to this page to register and utilise the accommodation booking portal. As time goes on we will be adding more information about sporting and social events to be run in conjunction with the Conference and information on speakers.

The theme for the Conference is mental health, in line with International President Gordon McInally's request to treat this issue with some priority in his year. Refer his video here.

Registrations will open 9am Monday, July 24.

Gala's Healthy Gift Maroondah RC

Posted by Darrin Scott on Jul 11, 2023

Maroondah Hospital and the Rotary Club of Maroondah celebrated raising $27,000 for the hospital's gender-sensitive care in inpatient settings on Tuesday 23 May, after a successful gala night hosted by the Rotary Club.

More than 200 Guests enjoyed the night with professionals from Eastern Health, auctions, raffles and entertainment of live music.

Gordon McInally Address

Posted by Ian Ballantine on Jul 10, 2023

International President, Gordon McInally has prepared an address to all members, as published in his newsletter on the 10th July.
It goes for just over 2 minutes and he talks specifically about mental health. As many of you know, this is a deeply personal issue for Gordon.
I strongly recommend you watch it. The link to the video is here.

The Highlands Foundation RC Beaumaris

Posted by Denise Grocke on Jul 08, 2023

Beaumaris Rotary Supports The Highlands Foundation

A chance meeting between the founder of The Highlands Foundation (HF), Kylie Stanley, and Beaumaris Rotarian PP Heather Chisholm led to Beaumaris Rotary making a commitment to support maternal and child health in the highlands of Papua New Guinea.

Rotary Manningham City

Posted by John Bennie on Jul 08, 2023

An exciting new era begins!......Rotary Manningham City.

Throughout the course of the last Rotary year, the Rotary Clubs of Manningham (RCM) and Templestowe (RCT) embarked upon and followed a detailed, deliberate, considered, and engaging process of assessment of the merger of both Clubs.

Are you a new member?

Posted by Carol Lawton on Jul 08, 2023

Have you joined Rotary in the last 6 months? Would you like to discover more about Rotary beyond your Club?

Then we have a great opportunity for you to do just that:

“Rotary Beyond the Club”

Regionalisation Pilot Update

Posted by Ian Ballantine on Jul 06, 2023

Next steps for Regionalisation pilot

Since the Zone 8 Regionalisation Pilot project received financial support from the Rotary International Board in April 2023 a large amount of work has been happening behind the scenes.

District Changeover July 1 2023

Posted by Ian Ballantine on Jul 01, 2023

The District Changeover was held on July 1, 2023 at Southern Golf Club.

Special guests included Past Rotary International President Ian Riseley and PDG Juliet.
Follow link to photos........

Nunawading Changeover

Posted by Ian Evans on Jun 30, 2023

At the Club's recent changeover, there were a number of awards.

1.Club member Bob Williams receiving the Deakin Community Award from Michael Sukkar MP.

2. DG Ian Ballantine about to pin on PHF 4 Sapphire to Gabby Knaepple

3. Gabby Knaepple respond after DG Ian had pinned on the PHF 4 Sapphire, me, and Ian Armstrong, who read the citation.

Please follow link to see the pics.

ROMAC - Lucilia’s Story

On 17th February 2018, Lucilia Soares arrived from Timor Leste, with her half-sister Santina, for treatment for a nasal phasogele carcinoma (throat tumour) at the Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre (PMCC).

Lucilia had just turned 9 and had been receiving chemotherapy at the Dili General Hospital but now needed radiotherapy to stop the spread of the tumour.

On arrival, Lucilia and Santina, were welcomed by home hosts Robyn and Ken Dusting, D9810 ROMAC Chair Graeme Chester and ROMAC Timorese interpreter, Yulitta Owen. Things then quickly swung into action with Lucilia’s preadmission appointment at RCH on 19th February involving her supervising Oncologist, Dr Michael Sullivan (RCH), RCH Oncology Nurse Jayne Harrison, PMCC Dr Greg Wheeler and RCH Dr Julie Cayrol.

Follow-up medical checks and scans found that Lucilia required dental work (4 extractions and 2 caps), a chest infection requiring hospitalisation, and a neck brace fitted as the tumour had infiltrated and weakened two of her neck vertebrae. Finally, on 13th March, Lucilia commenced her radiotherapy at PMCC for 6 weeks, Mon-Fri. Interspersed, she had weekly appointments with Dr Sullivan, Dr Wheeler and Dr Michael Johnson, her RCH Orthopaedic specialist.

Outside of her hospital visits, Lucilia continued to thrive under the love and care of Robyn and Ken and had many interesting experiences with their family and friends, their church (where she joined the choir), the beach, a farm, the Ballarat Wildlife Park, the Aquarium and the Melbourne Zoo. Robyn also included her into an ESL class she gives for refugees and Lucilia proved to be a quick learner. Also, as the Dustings had some previously arranged family commitments which took them out of Melbourne, she spent time with other host families Yulitta and Tref Owen, Margaret and John Mason (RC of Bentleigh Moorabbin) and Dianne and Bill Sides (RC of Clayton). To say the least, Lucilia was well cared for by her extended D9810 ROMAC family.

In late March, it became evident that Santina had family matters that were worrying her so ROMAC arranged for her to return to Dili and Lucilia’s mother, Carlota (now medically fit to travel), to come to Melbourne. Lucilia’s treatment continued and all was going well until 17th April when the expected side effects of the radiotherapy kicked in with extreme soreness of the throat and significant burns to the skin on her neck. She was hospitalised for treatment and released 4 days later after one last radiotherapy session. After subsequent scans, Dr Sullivan determined that she was disease free and, when her radiation burns healed, she would be cleared to return home.

On 7th May, Lucilia had her final medical appointments at RCH and was given clearance to return home. She will, however, have two more chemotherapy treatments in Dili and, to ensure that her vertebrae heal properly, her Orthopaedic specialist, Dr Johnson, requires her to wear her neck brace until December when she will return to RCH for scans to determine if the vertebrae have healed, or if surgery to fuse them is required. Continued on Page 5 ROMAC - Lucilia’s Story 5 Continued from Page 4 On 13th May, Lucilia and Carlota flew home. After 12 weeks with us, Lucilia returned home disease free and with a good prognosis for the ultimate repair of her neck vertebrae. She is an intelligent young girl and through ROMAC’s help she now has the prospect of a long and bright future. During the 2018/19 Rotary year, the D9810 ROMAC Team hosted three patients from Timor Leste (Patricio, Joana and Lucilia) for a total of 25 weeks. All returned home happy and well, due in no small way to the 24/7 commitment of our wonderful ROMAC volunteers and the dedicated medical staff of our Melbourne hospitals.

Helping people with disabilities make their own music

Posted on Apr 06, 2016

Music has been an important part of leading an ordinary life for students at the Music School for Children With Disabilities in Honor of Paul Harris in Lublin, Poland. Founded by Rotary members, the school serves 20 students with various disabilities, including Down syndrome, autism, and visual impairments. The Rotary Club of Lublin-Centrum-Maria Curie-Sklodowska has provided funding with help from Rotary Foundation Matching Grants and the Henryk Wieniawski Musical Society, which houses the school.

After their son Mateusz was born with underdeveloped eyes, Mariusz and Joanna Kania looked for ways to help him be active. When he showed an aptitude for music, they looked for a teacher and were thrilled to find the Paul Harris music school.

Finding Safe Haven

Posted on Apr 06, 2016

For years, Angalia Bianca had slept in abandoned buildings throughout Chicago. She stole. She did drugs. She spent time in and out of jail for forgery, theft, trespassing, and possession of narcotics. But after she landed in prison for the seventh time, something changed -- Bianca knew she wanted a better life. She just didn’t know how to make it happen.

After serving her time, Bianca sought help from a local homeless organization, A Safe Haven, and moved to its shelter in the Rogers Park neighborhood. Bianca followed the program closely -- she attended all the required meetings, passed drug tests, and volunteered at every opportunity.

India celebrates three years without polio

Posted on Apr 06, 2016

Throughout India and around the world, Rotary clubs are celebrating a major milestone: India has gone three years without a new case of polio. The last reported case was a two-year-old girl in West Bengal on 13 January 2011. To mark this historic triumph, Rotary clubs illuminated landmarks and iconic structures throughout the country with four simple but powerful words, "India is polio free."

The three-year achievement sets the stage for polio-free certification of the entire Southeast Asia region by the World Health Organization. The Indian government also plans to convene a polio summit in February to commemorate this victory in the global effort to eradicate polio.

Saving lives in Ghana

Posted on Apr 06, 2016

What is it like taking a large team to Africa? It has probably been one of the most rewarding experiences in my life. In mid February, I began leading Rotary members from all over the East Coast of the United States through Ghana. I’ve tried to give the team a warm Ghanaian welcome like I’ve received on my earlier trips. A large trip is a real blessing because each person sees Ghana and our work in a different way.

A highlight for the team was greeting the chief of Sagadugu. The team got excited about buying goats and food for children in the villages where I support eight churches. It was good to see the pastors of most of the eight churches, and I had to explain that we were just passing through on our way to Bolgatanga.

Sunday June 2nd at RACV Club, Cape Schank.

Prices: $95 pp incl 2 course lunch. $1,200 per table of 8 with table naming rights

Bookings are NOW OPEN here

Monday, June 3rd, 2024 at Frankston Arts Centre

Prices: $38 pp or $450 per table of 8 incl naming rights

Bookings now open here

Let’s talk about Elephants…

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