Bruce's Bulleti July 2020

JULY 2020

BRU E S BULLETIN C

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The Official Newsletter of Rotary District 9790 Inc

WHAT THIS ISSUE CONTAINS:

District Conference Youth News Australian Rotary Health New Area of Focus: Supporting the Environment and much much more!

BRUCE'S MESSAGE Written by District Governor Bruce Anderson

Welcome to the first DG’s Newsletter for the 2020 – 2021 Rotary Year, the year when “Rotary Opens Opportunities”. At the outset everyone in the district should thank Brian for the job he and his leadership team did for us in the past year under very trying and unusual circumstances. Several areas of the district were in drought at the start of Brian’s year, bushfires wrought havoc in the middle and we finished the year with COVID-19 restrictions inhibiting many club projects and fundraising activities. (continued on page 3)

Contents Item

Pages

District Governor's message

3-4

2021 District Conference

5

Meet our new editor

6

Youth News

7-10

Australian Rotary Health Indigenous Health Scholarship Program

11

Australian Rotary Health - Friends and Companions

12

The Peter Toomey Memorial Community Police Officer of the Year Award

13

Rotary Peace Fellow Dr Michael Chew

14

District Grants

15

New Rotary Area of Focus! Supporting the Environment

16

End Polio Now

17

Meeting on line

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Images courtesy of: Cover: RI and Helen Lusher; Pages 3-4: Helen Lusher; Page 6: David Redfearn; Pages 7-11: Linda Gidlund and David Redfearn; Page 12: Rosemary Freeman; Page 13: Elane Price and David Redfearn; Page 14: Michael Chew and David Redfearn

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District Governor's Message (continued) Many of the leadership team for the next Rotary year have remained on board after serving on Brian’s team, and a few were previously on Malcom Kerr’s team. However, I did bring on board some new faces to the District leadership team – Assistant Governors Judy Sharp, Melissa Hebbard and Martin Wilmshurst, Youth Services Chair Linda Gidlund, and Membership Chair Ruth Byers. Congratulations to the new district leaders, thanks to those staying on to continue to serve, and thanks for a job well done to those who have “retired”. On a sadder note Youth Services Chair for 2019 -2020 Gordon Hastie passed away earlier this week after a difficult time with illness. Gordon soldiered on bravely until very recently. He was a great servant to our Rotary District with a passion for Youth projects and activities.

Whilst the new team starts the Rotary year with suburban lockdowns in place in Melbourne and travel restrictions in place with some state borders blocked we can only hope that the population at large works with the civil authorities to get on top of the COVID-19 local outbreaks, and to put the pandemic behind us.

As always, Rotarians will step up to the plate to support and serve our communities, the nation and the wider world.

When I joined the Rotary Club of Strathmore almost thirteen years ago I would never have predicted that one day I would become your District Governor. In preparing for last weekend’s virtual changeover I went back over my “Rotary History” and saw a steady increase in both my engagement with Rotary and the responsibilities I was asked to take on as the years went by. Along the way my horizons extended from club level to an appreciation of the national and international impact of Rotary, and the associated fellowship of Rotary such that Marilyn and I now have an extensive network of Rotary friends around the world. I am ever so grateful for the opportunities for personal growth, development and fellowship that Rotary has provided. Surprisingly none of these benefits were mentioned when I was recruited - perhaps we need to “sell” such opportunities for personal growth and development to prospective younger members? Our new theme should help: “Rotary Opens Opportunities”.

In penning this newsletter on the afternoon of July 1st I wondered when one becomes DG officially – is it at midnight June 30th local time or midnight June 30th Evanston (Chicago) time which is 3pm July 1st Melbourne time? Either way, being past 3pm July 1st here, I guess it is now official with my first full day on the job being tomorrow, July 2nd. body text 3

District Governor's Message (continued) I plan to spend July 2nd touring the bush fire ravaged areas around Corryong. The Bushfire Recovery Committee led by PDG Bernie Bott is a very important component of our overall district program and I want to see firsthand the extent of the damage, the recovery achievements to date, and the challenges that remain so that I am informed sufficiently to support the Bushfire committee.

A key part of the road to becoming DG is the training provided over the previous two to three years at various Zone Conferences, and the final International Assembly along with over 500 Governors to be held in San Diego in January this year. The International Assembly was a fantastic opportunity for Marilyn and I to meet Rotary peers (and partners) from around the world in the breakout sessions and hearing from distinguished leaders from Rotary and The Rotary Foundation in the Plenary session. The International Assembly has been held in San Diego, California, for almost twenty years but the plan for January 2021 was to hold the assembly in Orlando, Florida. Given the current state of the COVID-19 crisis in the US in general, and in Florida in particular, and with my past experience in virology research, I am not confident DGE Anne Reid will be off to Florida in January!

A key message from incoming Rotary International President Holger Knaack in his closing message to us in San Diego was for the district to be actively at work creating new, innovative club models. We could say that the COVID-19 crisis has forced us out of our comfort zone of traditional meetings and has led clubs to find new ways to meet and operate, mostly on-line, to keep Rotary alive and relevant until the crisis is over. I am hoping clubs do not automatically revert to the “old” way of meeting when the restrictions are lifted, but think about perhaps a combination of face to face meetings for fun

and fellowship interspersed by on-line meetings to get through the procedural business and discussions from the warmth and comfort of home, especially in winter months.

Another message from RIP Holger is that clubs should hold at least one strategic meeting each year to ask the question: “What should our club be like in five years and what steps do we have to take to get there”? Once again, the COVID-19 crisis has caused us to change the way we do things for the time being, so now that we know we can change let’s go along with Holger’s request to think about changes we might make to achieve our vision of our clubs in five years.

I hope you have all heard about the new Area of Focus announced days ago by Rotary International and The Rotary Foundation –“Supporting the Environment”. The Foundation will accept grant applications in the new Area of Focus starting in the next Rotary year (2021 – 2022).

We are still waiting on further information to be sent through from the Foundation and then we will start planning our District’s involvement in Supporting the Environment. I have asked Past District Governor Phil Clancy to head up a task force to get our District ready to apply for grants and to participate in the new Area of Focus.

On another note, I wish to thank the club presidents and club officers for their persistence in enduring the long series of Zoom breakouts we held on Sunday mornings to replace the breakouts that could not be held at the District Assembly which was cancelled. I saw some familiar faces logging in week after week and new faces, as appropriate, in specific sessions. We had 60 – 70 attendees every week which is a fantastic effort – thank you all. Further, I thank all those who took the opportunity to use the My Rotary Learning Centre to enrol in training modules.

Almost 900 enrolments took place across the district, with many members enrolled in multiple modules. I note that there are still some modules yet to be completed and some where the enrolment has been completed but no progress has yet been recorded. I encourage everyone to complete the modules when they can.

Bruce Anderson, District Governor

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For the next little while Marilyn and I will not be able to be with you for “live” District Governor visits so we will start

2021 District Conference

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Meet our new editor Welcome to Bruce’s Bulletin!

I will be the bulletin editor for 2020-21. It is an exciting challenge and I really hope to keep up the wonderful standard set by Greg Adams who so very ably produced the bulletin for several years under a number of District Governors.

My Rotary background is as a member, current club president and bulletin editor of the Rotary Club of Moreland, an inspiring little breakfast club in the Inner North of Melbourne. I was the District Community 9790 Service Chair several years ago and I am also coordinator of the Peter Toomey Community Police Award of the Year so my horizons are considerably broader than my own club. I have also have had the pleasure of interacting with many of you across the District. I grew up and lived for many years in regional Australia and still have strong connections there so I also know the issues affecting people who live in the world beyond the borders of Melbourne.

Rotary is such an amazing organisation and Rotarians and their clubs do magnificent things in their own communities and beyond. There are so many stories to tell and tell them we must if we are to inspire others and to thrive as an organisation.

This bulletin therefore is yours, it is for your stories, your achievements, what is happening in your patch so let’s hear about them no matter how grand or how modest they are. Don’t be shy about sending me material. I will do my best to include it and all the better if it is accompanied by graphics and pictures of course.

The deadline is the 20th of each month and my contact details are: dredfearn@vtown.com.au or 0448 852 747.

Yours in Rotary, David Redfearn, Bulletin Editor

Bruce's Bulletin is the official newsletter of Rotary District 9790 Inc. Publisher/Editor: David Redfearn Art Director: David Redfearn Advertising: David Redfearn Other duties as required: David Redfearn NOTE: All photographs/images submitted must include detailed captions i.e. names of people, event locations etc. It is presumed that the supplier of the photograph/image has approval of the owner of said copyright to reproduce the photograph/image Closing date for the next edition is 20 July 2020 Note: The views expressed in this publication represent those of the contributor/s and are not necessarily those of or shared by the District, the Committee, any Club, the Members or the magazine

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Youth News Rotaract

Rotary Youth Leadership Award Conference (RYLA)

Diamond Valley Rotaract is working hard to keep the club program up and running in the light of everything going on. Meetings are online and we’ve had some amazing speakers and social meetings in the last few months, recent guest speaker Mike Greenslade from ShelterBox and fun socials such as playing Quiplash an online game. This was a real laugh!

The RYLA Conference is foundational leadership content applied to interactive activities to develop qualities of leadership, good citizenship, and personal development in young people. RYLA is tailored to youth aged between 18 and 30. The RYLA Team, within the confines of restrictions, is preparing for the RYLA. Stay tuned to all things RYLA - email messages, Facebook, and website for the up-to-date information. We are passionate about RYLA so dedicated to ensuring communication gets through.Email: info@ryla9790.org.au Web: https://ryla9790.org.au/

We are preparing for some great guest speakers and socials coming up such as learning about e-clubs and each other. More of the same is coming so join us or have anyone you would think would like to join us.

Please send and email or Facebook message and we will give you the password and link! - Rachael Peck Hey there, Chris White, here, Rotaract District Chair! The District Rotaract team and I are very excited to charter a new club in the District! I’m available 24/7 and reachable via email or phone so if you or anyone you know wants to get a club started gimme a shout! Email: chriswhite77@hotmail.com Mobile: 0420574978.

District 9790 Youth Service Chair, PP Linda Gidlund Linda’s vocational background is a driving force in her contribution to the community through Rotary. She is an educational designer, facilitator and project manager. Her motivation is due to leadership, communication, teamwork and life long learning and her passion is coaching and mentoring others to apply these skills to their own lives.

Linda joined Rotary Diamond Creek in 2001 but has been a Rotarian since 1996. Her passion for the Rotary Youth Leadership Award began in June 1999. She served as a Committee Member on the Rotary International Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA) Committee on two occasions 2004 - 2005 & 2007 - 2008 and twice as a Counsellor for International RYLA, RI International RYLA 2003, Brisbane and RI International RYLA Chicago 2005.

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Youth News Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment (RYPEN) 2021

Rotary Youth Exchange (RYE)

RYPEN will run at Lake Nillahcootie Camp on 26th to 28th March 2021. Lake Nillahcootie is at 3937 Midland Highway, Barjarg that is situated between Benalla and Mansfield and about 15 kllometres south of Swanpool.

Jeff Meyland the RYPEN Program Director is 2015 RYLArian who is supported by other RYLArians including the D9790 RYLA Director, Sally West, 2015 RYLArian, and the D9790 RYPEN Ambassador, Nathan Stuart, RYLA 2019. Traditionally Supporters have been past RYLArians or Youth Workers.

As we all know, the Youth Exchange program has been suspended for the 2020/2021 Rotary year. While the program is suspended temporarily, the district committee is working very hard on procedures and policies to help grow the program to an even greater extent. I thought it might be worth sharing some statistics with you regarding the program globally.

We have 40 spaces for Students who will be in Year 9 & 10 in 2021. Further discussion will be held concerning the availability of numbers, once the Covid-19 situation about numbers is resolved.

These figures are from the 2019 annual report: 128 countries and territories are involved with the program 490 certified districts are able to participate in the program 5768 participating clubs involved in Youth Exchange 9333 exchange students go on all forms of the exchange annually 28218 volunteers are involved in the program: of these 14955 are Rotarian volunteers 13263 are non-Rotarian volunteers 4805 schools host exchange students 15020 host families are involved: of these 5460 host families are Rotarians 9560 are non- Rotarian families as host parents

The investment to Rotary Clubs to sponsor students is $250.00 each plus providing transport to and from the venue. Applications close: Friday, 5 March 2021.

In our District of 64 clubs, there are only 10 or so we can rely on for being actively involved in this, the most visible and well-known Rotary Youth program. Imagine what could happen if we could increase this to 32 clubs regularly!

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Youth News Rotary Youth Exchange (RYE) (continued)

Rotex District 9790

The most interesting figures of those listed are the number of non-Rotarian host families and volunteers.

These are all potential future Rotarians – just waiting to be asked! How well do you do this? We know of 17 host families, in the last 2 years, who have joined our ranks from the 10 clubs actively participating – here is a golden opportunity for your club to benefit as well.

Rotex is an internationally recognised and officially chartered Alumni Association of former students who have successfully completed a Long or Short Term Rotary Youth Exchange program. Contact Rotex by email: rotex9790@gmail.com or Facebook: Rotex District 9790 or Instagram: rotexdistrict9790.

If you need advice or assistance, all you have to do is ASK – the committee members for their help, and your club for support and follow-up of those people who volunteer to open their homes to the exchange opportunity. And, just as importantly, support the application of any local student you may have who wishes to go on this life changing experience.

Gen Connection is a Club Youth Program – Get on Board to make Gen Connect a District program

Please put behind you any of those worn out excuses all too often proffered as reasons as why not to be involved:

Gen Connection is the name of a new program set up by the Rotary Shepparton South to bring our youth and seniors together. Any activity such as art, cooking, gardening, singing, dancing, computers, history, men’s shed, or philosophy can be the draw card for connecting the generations. The real magic is in the conversations and stories that flow during the program.

The benefits for youth are huge and can be viewed here. Check out some of the activities from the ‘I wish I’d Asked’ pilot program: https://www.iwishidasked.com.au/intergenerationalprogrammes-in-victoria/

We are too old to host.

We had a bad experience 20 years ago We think it’s too hard Have a look at the statistics above, your club, too, can become actively involved and we will support you to the maximum to enable a student (either from your area or a student from overseas) to become associated with Rotary at a very young age and become ambassadors for Rotary and their associated Rotary Club.

If you would like more information on starting GenConnection in your community, email David Earle: davide124@gmail.com

Who knows: your club may even benefit from new young members! “If it is to be, it is up to me! “– and your club.

Please contact any District committee member or myself for assistance. We love this program and we know you will too! Bruce McIntyre, Chair: bruce.macintyre1@bigpond.com

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Youth News Ian Murphy Memorial Debate

Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA)

In case you haven’t heard the debate program is in hibernation this year. If you have questions contact, Nigel Liggins, Shepparton South: nigelliggins@bigpond.com

This international youth project simulates the workings of the United Nations Assembly by having teams of two senior students from a number of secondary schools represent a particular UN country in debates on matters of world political, social and environmental issues.

Contact Peter Kelton, Rotary Mooroopna: pete@keltonfallon.com

International University Student Rotary Home Hosting

National Youth Science Forum (NYSF)

Home Host a La Trobe Uni International Student for a weekend so they engage in our way of life while enjoying the attractions our District offers. Contact Phil Clancy, philipclancy@hotkey.net.au, Rotary Eclub 9790, for more information.

Interact

Application deadline extended to Sunday, 20 July.

District Interviews are scheduled for the school holidays between Terms 3 and 4. Contact Nigel Liggins, Shepparton South: nigelliggins@bigpond.com

Add a seventh club to the six existing Interact clubs: Aitken College, Charles La Trobe College, Diamond Valley College, Greensborough, Montmorency Secondary College, St Helena Secondary College and The Kilmore International School. When hibernation restrictions change offer the gift of leadership skills to our youth.

Looking for a Rotarian to chair the Interact program.

Book an online meeting, for more information contact Linda Gidlund, Rotary Diamond Creek: lleegidlund@gmail.com .

Youth Services deadlines National Youth Science Forum Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment (RYPEN) 2021 10

Sunday 20 July 2020 Friday 5 March 2021

ARH Indigenous Health Scholarship Program The Australian Rotary Health, (ARH) Indigenous Health Scholarship program is one of the most fulfilling programs I have been associated with. These Scholarships support Indigenous students to undertake tertiary studies in medicine, nursing, dentistry, psychology and allied health. The purpose of the program is to increase the number of Indigenous health professionals and hence help to improve the health of the Indigenous community. Many of the Indigenous scholars on completion of their courses return to rural and remote areas of Australia, where access to primary health care is often lacking.

Indigenous Australians experience poorer health outcomes than other Australians and have a lower life expectancy, a greater incidence of diabetes and kidney disease and a greater hospitalisation rate. This in part is due to the reluctance of some Indigenous Australians to use the services of non-Indigenous doctors and health workers, resulting in medical conditions not being diagnosed early and chronic ill health increasing. Lack of Aboriginal cultural knowledge and awareness by nonIndigenous health professionals and a lack of trust by some in the Indigenous community are two reasons for this. The Indigenous Health Scholars help to address these issues as well as becoming important role models for other young Indigenous Australians who may be considering career opportunities in health and education.

Many of the ARH graduates also go on to provide community advocacy and leadership, helping to empower their communities.

The program is a co-operative one between ARH, Rotary clubs, State and Territory Governments and the Commonwealth Government.

The value of each scholarship is $5,000 per year. A Rotary Club, (or individual) contributes $2,500 per year

which is matched by the State or Commonwealth Government. The Commonwealth Government also provides funding for the administration of the program from the ARH office in Parramatta.

The program has grown over the years and in 2020 80 Indigenous Health Scholarships have been allocated, with District 9790 supporting five scholars. The Rotary Clubs of Bright and Ivanhoe (2) have sponsored scholars for a number of years, as has the Ride to Conference team. This year five clubs from group 2 will again sponsor a scholar. Lani Harris (pictured above), a Bachelor of Nursing student is attending the Institute of Koorie Education at Deakin University. Lani reports: “ It has been a long-term goal of mine to work alongside my people in a way that positively impacts the health of communities. I believe it is imperative that there is a link in the community, a voice and a platform that educates my people on chronic disease management. I aspire to be that link.�

We extend our congratulations to all the Indigenous Health Scholars and wish them every success during 2020 and beyond.

Rosemary Freeman District 9790 Australian Rotary Health Representative District 9790 Community Service Chair

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Australian Rotary Health

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The Peter Toomey Memorial Community Police Officer of the Year Award Background The Peter Toomey Memorial Community Police Officer of the Year Award goes to an outstanding Victorian or NSW Police Officer in District 9790 who has demonstrated service above self in his or her community. This award is named after the late Peter Toomey, who was a former serving officer with Victoria Police and member of Pascoe Vale Rotary Club.

It is a way of encouraging local police officers to become more greatly involved in their local community in both an official and unofficial capacity.

This year’s joint winners were Leading Senior Constable Lucas Paul of Euroa Police Station and First Constable Jason Crossing of the Uniform Branch at Seymour Police Station.

Criteria for the award The Officer will have demonstrated outstanding service to the Community with particular emphasis on the following: Police values of flexibility, leadership, integrity, respect, professionalism and support to both the Police Service and their Community.

The members overall work ethic and contribution to the work environment and that of the community.

How does it happen?

Do you know a police officer who has done an outstanding job in your local community? Have you ever recognised the work of this officer?

Here’s how in a few steps: Invite your local police command to a club meeting.

Hold a police award night at your club to recognise the work of an outstanding local police officer.

Nominate your officer for the District 9790 Peter Toomey Community Police Officer of the Year Award by the end of this year and the successful nominee will be announced at the District Conference in 2021 The coordinator.

The coordinator for 2020-21 will be David Redfearn of the Rotary Club of Moreland.

David will send out an information pack to your clubs in late July along with the appropriate nomination forms.

For further information, please give David a call on 0448 852 747 or email him on dredfearn@vtown.com.au. With appropriate notice, David may also be available to address your club.

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Rotary Peace Fellow Dr Michael Chew The Rotary Peace Fellowship is designed for leaders with work experience in peace and development. The fellows are committed to community and international service and the pursuit of peace. Each year, The Rotary Foundation awards up to 50 fellowships for master’s degrees and 80 for certificate studies at premier universities.

Brunswick resident Dr Michael Chew was awarded a Rotary Peace Fellowship for the summer program in 2020 at the Rotary Peace Center at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, Thailand. His application was supported by the Rotary Club of Moreland and Michael is the first peace fellow in our district for some time (check) Michael is a photographer and was awarded his PhD at Monash University based on projects in Bangladesh and China running workshops to help young people in urban communities develop photography skills and tell stories about their local area especially those relating to environmental issues. He also wishes to connect young people in Melbourne with young people in Bangladesh to help develop a mutual understanding of issues that face both communities.

Unfortunately the COVID-19 pandemic forced the deferment of 2020 fellowships and Michael has now applied to start his program in 2021.

We are thankful that the Rotary Foundation was able to exercise flexibility in the face of the disruption caused by the pandemic and we look forward to reports from Michael when he completes his program.

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District Grants

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New Rotary Area of Focus!

Supporting the Environment

The Rotary Foundation Trustees and Rotary International Board of Directors have both unanimously approved adding a new area of focus: supporting the environment.

More than $18 million in Foundation global grant funding has been allocated to environment-related projects over the past five years.

Creating a distinct area of focus to support the environment will give Rotary members even more ways to bring about positive change in the world and increase our impact.

Supporting the environment becomes Rotary's seventh area of focus, which are categories of service activities supported by global grants.

It joins peacebuilding and conflict prevention; disease prevention and treatment; water, sanitation, and hygiene; maternal and child health; basic education and literacy; and community economic development. Grant applications for projects will be accepted beginning on 1 July 2021.

Gifts and commitments from Rotarians and others will be sought to provide global grant support for the new area of focus.

More information about this new cause will be announced soon.

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During the pandemic many of us are meeting on line via Zoom or other platforms.

Why not join in and go on a virtual journey?

To find contact details for meetings around the world, go to: https://www.rotary9790.org.au/sitepage/online /meetings-around-the-world