IMAGINE What your ROTARY can be - February 2023 edition

D G D a v i d

Earthquakesurvivoramongtherubble inTurkiye(TheEconomist)-seepages6-8regardingsupportingvictims

I hope everyone has had a wonderful Christmas and New Year and enjoyed the holiday break. Catching up with family and friends over Christmas is certainly a must do. I had Christmas with my parents at Myrtleford with the kids visiting on Christmas eve

Since the last newsletter I have only had four DG club visits!! The good news is that I have nearly completed all club visits and have only three to go There have of course been many other meetings and events to attend with numerous phone calls etc.

The life of a DG certainly is a busy one. BUT, I am still enjoying it, even though there have been some ‘difficulties’ along the way.

Talking of ‘difficulties’, this February is ‘Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution’ month. It is extremely disappointing to me that ‘conflict’ and the lack of a good club ‘culture’ is the number one reasons why people leave Rotary

Lack of an ability for two separate parties to see the perspective of the other party is where communication breaks down The overuse of emails and the propensity to ‘copy to’ all and sundry can result in the meaning, inference and context being lost in translation. It also brings others into the ‘dispute’ that don’t need to be involved.

Picking up the phone and actually talking to someone (you know, like we used to do) to get across the full meaning and context of what’s going on should be what needs to happen way more often than it does

The seeming inability of people to ‘reach out’ (I hate this modern term) or extend an olive branch seems to be sadly lacking in our society

My hope is that for those reading this newsletter that they will think twice before engaging in what could become a divisive issue, and then if they do, do it in person

District Governor's message

Stop Press - two new clubs in the District

District Governor's message (continued)

Rotary takes action for Republic of Turkiye, Syria and NZ

Turkish and Syrian earthquake - ShelterBox appeal

Rotary takes action of flood relief (RAWCS)

Volunteering at RICON23

Rotary Leadership Institute

Foundation Moments

PEDS not PETS for 2023-2024?

February is Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention Month

Participate in Rotary Friendship Exchange

Prior to Christmas I had the pleasure of being hosted by President John John at the Tatura Rotary club which is home to DGE Neta Kiby. They also had a couple of visiting Rotarians Jenny Hill (Shepparton) and Ray Hill (Shepparton South).

I refer to these as my ‘groupies’ as they have now been present at about three of my DG club visits. (must be doing something right!!).

TaturaRotary

District Governor's Message (continued)

One of the best things a DG gets to do is recognise individuals for their contribution either to their club or the community or both.

One such occasion was to help Rotarian Sam Sali of the RC Shepparton celebrate his 50 years in Rotary. Sam has been a member of the RC Shepparton for that entire time and a stalwart within the Shepparton community being on numerous committees and industry bodies implementing many significant projects that have made a significant impart within both the local and national communities.

It was a great event with Local, State and Federal members present with many members of Sam’s family in attendance. There were also party balloons and decoration which made the event even more significant.

Well done RC Shepparton!

n many clubs involved in Australia day activities. Within my own club we traditionally cook breakfast in the Waring gardens prior to the official ceremony with awards and citizenship ceremonies. We had many volunteers as we cooked and served breakfast for around 270 people.

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District Governor's Message (continued)

Visited Kinglake-Ranges club this week where I took a ride in their ‘Trailrider’ which has been developed by the club with the main coordinator of the project being Bob Burns.

The Trailrider is used to take disabled people to experience nature and all the health benefits that can result from that.

RC King-lake Ranges received a district grant to develop this project and have since placed this with Parks Victoria in Kinglake.

There is also significant interest from both the SES and Ambulance Victoria in having one available to transport injured or disable people out of the bush or away from danger.

I also understand that Bob is about to take the Trailrider to an Aboriginal community around Echuca to enable disabled elders to go back ‘on country’.

I also had the great privilege of inducting into their club Tamara and Jordan. These induction not only significantly reduced their average age but also took them over the RI board set target of >30% women in Rotary by the end of the Rotary year. Well done!

I was invited to the RC Tocumwal recently where I was personally able to present the ‘Best Club Builder’ award to Tocumwal Rotary at the club's Christmas party.

Their club went from a very low base and was in very real danger of folding to add 11 new members which represented a 366.67% increase in membership.

So out of the over 1,100 clubs in the whole of Zone 8 (Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands) Tocumwal had the highest percentage increase in membership.

Congratulations!

TamaraandJordynwiththeirpartnersandActingPresidentNina Lunde

District Governor's Message (continued)

It was also a great privilege to present two PHF’s to Rotarian Neil Bowles and Friend of Rotary Rowen Francis. From what I hear of their background these recognitions are very well deserved.

As you may have seen by now there will not be a Resolution session this year as I am advised that a Resolution session must be part of a District Conference. As, unfortunately, we wont be having a District Conference this year, according to our By-Laws, we cannot therefore hold a virtual resolution session. This is a very disappointing outcome as a flow on from the canceling of this years district conference.

We will however be having a District Social weekend in Deniliquin on 17th-19th March.

One of the main reasons why people go to a district conference is to catch up with friends and meet new ones.

I would like to encourage everyone attend and to book in through the Trybooking link https://www.trybooking.com/CAKHU A listing of accommodation will be automatically emailed to you following the booking.

If you are unable to attend for whatever reason I can arrange a refund of your tickets.

DG David McPherson

ROTARY TAKES ACTION ON FLOOD RELIEF

RAWCS is appealing for funds to assist communities impacted by the ongoing flood crisis. Donations can be directed to the RAWCS national flood appeal or to specific appeals covering various flooded regions.

There is now a major mosquito danger within flood impacted communities. In order to provide some relief to affected communities, RAWCS has acquired thousands of mosquito repellent candles.

RAWCS has taken the initiative and will coordinate immediate distribution of mosquito repellent candles to various Rotary clubs in the flood impact locations. The candles will then be distributed by local Rotary Clubs directly to those most in need.

Funds donated to the appeals are being used in the following ways:-

Backing the projects and immediate assistance programs undertaken by local Rotarians in the flood zones.

Funding cash vouchers to help with the immediate needs of flood victims as well as supporting local businesses when the vouchers are spent in the impacted towns.

Assisting with temporary housing initiatives.

Provision of new clothing and new bed linen.

Distribution of free mosquito repellant candles to help protect families from diseases carried by swarming mosquitos in the flood aftermath. The candles repel mosquitos for sixty hours, are odorless and normally retail for $16 each.

Donations can be made to our national fund, or can be directed to a number of regional appeals:

National Flood Appeal https://lnkd.in/g2PAMBgc

NE NSW & SE Qld https://lnkd.in/gvfgsA3b

Sydney & Surrounding Areas https://lnkd.in/g9pd3hdH

Victoria & border Areas https://lnkd.in/gWj863GV

Central West NSW https://lnkd.in/g5vScbjs

PEDS not PETS for 2023-2024?

In preparation for the Rotary 2023-2024 year, two President Elect Development (PEDS) days and a District Assembly day have been set.

These are not training days but development sessions One may say I have been President, I am being recycled, I know what to do and I do not need this. I suggest you do as there have been changes, even in the past year and with the possibility of Regionalisation there may be more that we have to know and act on

So please put in your diaries , PEDS 1 -27.11.2022: PEDS 2 - 19.02.2023: District Assembly - 23.04.2023.

More details regarding content and venues will be published as arrangements are finalised

Neta Kirby DGE 2022-2023

Coburg Primary School Breakfast and Garden Program

Recently the Rotary Club of Coburg has been working with the teaching staff at Coburg Primary School to assist the school to develop the school’s Breakfast and Gardening Programme.

A number of students who attend the school arrive at school each morning without having breakfast and in some cases without a lunch.

Each morning the school canteen is staffed by some of the mums who prepare a breakfast for those disadvantaged students. The food is donated by local businesses and organisations like “Second Bite”. As a treat, each Friday morning, all students can have a toasty or cereal to eat from the canteen.

To date the Club has purchased for the Breakfast Programme, a 2 Door Refrigerator, Commercial Tunnel Toaster and Contact Grill.

The next item in the project is to examine the upgrading of the school canteen to make it more efficient and user friendly.

The other section of the project is the development of the Gardening Programme.

The aim of this programme is to teach the pupils how to grow and cultivate fruit and vegetables in the school garden. Also the students learn about the importance of insects in the garden and composting.

When the vegetables are ready to harvest the students pick or dig up the vegetables. They are then taught how to prepare and cook their produce into a mouth-watering meal, which they enjoy for lunch. With any surplus produce from the garden the pupils hold a stall each Wednesday and sell the excess to the parents. The money raised from selling the vegetables the students then decide how they will spend the money to further develop the garden.

With the aid of Strathmore Men’s Shed the Club has had two lockable timber storage boxes constructed and installed in the garden. In the boxes gardening tools can be stored and other ancillary equipment. Also when the lids are closed the boxes can be used as seats.

Currently Strathmore Men’s Shed is constructing a hexagonal propagation table so that the students have a better facility to propagate their seeds. The table is going to fit around a tree that is in a central part of the garden.

Ivon Lofts

Coburg Rotary

Reach For the Stars - Rotary Diamond Creek

For Tamara Dennler’s birthday on Saturday, 7 January the Swiss Rotary Exchange Student had the most unusual birthday ever: a day fill with surf, sand and warmth with the Palermo Family at Rosebud. Tamara hugely appreciated this unique experience. Little did she know it was soon built upon.

On January 11 new Host Mum, Pam Wood picked up Tamara from one of her girlfriend’s houses. Pam was under the impression the party was to celebrate Tamara’s birthday and thought it was lovely her girlfriends had organised a birthday party. When Pam picked her up that night she found out that it was her friend’s party, not Tamara’s.

During the drive home Tamara asked if she could have a “games afternoon ” with some of her friends at Pam’s house before school stated again Pam asked if this was for a late birthday gathering for her and she said she would love that! Although she had only asked if some girls could come over, Tamara shared it was a secret dream to have a birthday party in Australia - in summer!

Tamara in her very organised way asked what dates suited Pam. Tuesday, 24 January was most suitable for her, including two Youth Exchange students.

They started organising the “games night” days ahead of schedule for approximately 17 girls. Tamara had previously shared that it was her dream to have an Aussie birthday party that blended of both Swiss and Aussie traditions. Various birthday traditions were discussed along with all dietary requirements considered

One Swiss tradition was - “The Chocolate Game.” This involved taking turns rolling a die until someone got a six! Then you had to put on gloves, hat, and scarf, and then using a fork and knife try to unwrap the chocolate parcel, cut some then eat some. As soon as someone rolled a six, that person started the entire process again. Laughter and encouragement for others filled the room.

Another important tradition for Tamara’s birthday happens the day before. On January 6 the Swiss have a “Three Kings Celebration”. This commemorates the Three Kings who visited Baby Jesus in the Bible. The tradition is to bake a loaf of bread at home, hide a plastic “King” in the bread and whoever breaks the bread and finds the “King” becomes “King for the Day” and wears a crown. Pam and Tamara agreed to an adaptation. They used “bake at home” dinner rolls

with a half almond hidden inside one. Pam suggested, as everyone who was coming was female, and it seemed strange to have a “King” and they spoke about a gender-neutral term that was inclusive. “Monarch” was decided and of course a tiara was the appropriate headwear.

The Australian tradition of "Pin the tail on the donkey” morphed into five different circles with the objective being to place a “dot closest to the star.” Instead of a tail, a black marker was used. “The Reach for the Stars" game was born. It was wonderful how the girls gave encouragement to guide their blindfolded friend to put their mark closest to the star.

The idea of fairy bread had Tamara squealing with excitement as she had this at her host sister’s birthday earlier in the year. She most definitely wanted to include this non-nutritious delight. A whole loaf of fairy-bread was eventually made and eaten by the guests.

Pass the parcel was omitted, as it is not environmentally friendly to waste so much paper and where do you find newspapers these days?

A new tradition was added: henna hand paintingexpertly provided by Rotarian Shreya Pandit.

Example of Reach for the Star https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Kst12RjPu3tFl3f9Pl mpMW0eJr8XjcQm/view

YouthNews

Reach For the Stars - Rotary Diamond Creek (continued)

While preparing Tamara asked Pam loads of questions about why Australia is still a Commonwealth, as she has never experienced living in a monarchy. Pam felt she was absolutely no help to try and help Tamara understand and that Australia still had a long way forward in many ways. Tamara explained about her pain as she has learned and experienced in Alice Springs with other exchange students how our First Nation Peoples are still treated today.

Tamara, being Swiss, explained that only one person won any game. And Pam, being her, values collaboration and fun. In her mind, if there are going to be prizes, have heaps of guest “winners” throughout the party. Three initial prizes developed into a basket full of prizes.

Tamara ensured everything was planned. She wrote a list of everything required, what was already in the house, so the list was complete, nothing forgotten. They focus shopped, (a new experience for Pam), and items were crossed off as they were into the trolley. Tamara found it very odd that our supermarkets did not have “marzipan carrots” on the shelf, as this is a staple for every Swiss supermarket.

Tamara helped with everything. She scheduled and baked her own traditional birthday cake – Swiss carrot cake. She left the kitchen cleaner than when she started.

The party was a tremendous success. All the girls were polite and thankful for everything, every small little thing. There were girls from Tamara’s school, a rebound exchange student who went to France and two exchange students from other clubs. The girls seamlessly blended together the entire night. The Rotarians present really could not tell which girls were which and it was an amazing night.

A few major surprises for Pam…

• 15 young ladies crammed into one room for nibbles (as the skies had opened and dumped rain on the outside table) and the house rang with laughter

• Many of the girls asked if they could help in any way

• Tamara was serenaded with “Happy Birthday" in five languages: English, German, Italian, French and Indonesian. Happy Birthday video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xueeph4sOyRIAair OewzILG6fM 34brj/view

• It was delightful to experience the multiculturalism that included Tamara’s school friends’ knowledge of different languages

• Flavoured mineral water, lemon mineral water, orange juice and water were preferred over soft drinks. Not one sip of traditional coke or “oversweet soft drinks were consumed. Some girls even asked if they could have a squeeze of lemon in their water!!!

• A big bowl of cut up fresh veggies that was provided “just in case” was gobbled up and corn chips were left over

• The girls were delighted and excited to play the games, encouraged each other in all of them and genuinely excited when someone did well

• The girls were happy to sit around and chat between the activities and eating activities and did not need to be entertained

Began on Sunday, 29 January after a three-year hibernation!

Congratulations!

Swisscarrotcakeglows!

Rotary Youth Leadership AwardOceania Elevate (RYLA) – Region 8

YouthNews

Reach For the Stars - Rotary Diamond Creek (continued)

“I am going to tell my brother about going on exchange!”

I heard this comment while we were viewing Tamara’s Rotary Exchange blazer. All the girls loved all of the “bits and pieces” attached to Tamara’s blazer. Many questions were asked and the two other exchange students were offered extra bits to add to their blazers and added information about their own blazers.

important to be curious, have full and ongoing conversations! Share what you love doing and find out if they are interested. Ask them what they love dong – we could all learn more and our lives may become richer. Ensure language is not a barrier!

The Youth Exchange is a cultural exchange that develops lifelong leadership skills, learning about adapting, accepting and personal growth, opportunities to learn a new language (and the slang), and culture, build lasting friendships with young people from around the world and becoming a global citizen.

From the birthday party of high school friends, Youth Exchange students and five Diamond Creek Rotarians – all supported the outcomes of Youth Exchange all in a few hours.

The lasting impression Pam is that there might be a generation of young women that will be the best versions of the last few generations for women, they will be wise, empowered, caring and future inspirational world leaders.

To quote Host Mum Pam –“I felt honoured and very privileged to experience this glimpse into a possible new World of Leadership and felt that Peace in our World can be truly possible!”

Linda Gidlund District Youth Chair

Pam Wood, Host Mum

Note: All videos and images edited to comply with Child Safe Standards

exchanging phone number, social media tags and many new friends made that night.

Tamara with her two exchange student friends who were staying the night totally cleaned up the kitchen as best they could whilst they shared deeply about themselves and their lives. They felt safe to share personal stories, shared stories about their exchange experiences, both positive and not so, and were open to discussion to future solutions. It was an incredibly special moment for us both to be part of.

One notable lesson is that when asking a Youth Exchange student “What would you like to do during your exchange?” This is too broad a question because most of the exchange students only know a small part of our amazing multicultural nation. It is

ShreyaPandit,LindaGidlund,Ilona,RYE,Belvoir-Wodonga,Maddy,RYE, SouthernMitchell,PamWoodandTamara,RYE,DiamondCreek Missing fromphoto:SallyWest,EllePhillipsandPoppyPhillips

Tamara’sBlazer

Inaugural Rotary Youth Challenge Sailing Program

Invitation to Victorian District Clubs on the One & All

South Australia’s ship the One & All will be in Melbourne in May/June 2023 following her official selection by Rotary International to participate in the Melbourne World Convention.

There are two opportunities to sail aboard a tall ship-training vessel for young people:

· The first longer 7-day special Sailing Challenge will be voyaging around the rugged SA/Vic coastline when the One & All departs Adelaide on Friday 26th May 2023 bound for Melbourne

· The second special 7-day Sailing challenge will be voyaging back to Adelaide from Melbourne departing Sunday 4th June 2023

· Victorian and South Australian young people will be involved in both of these special voyages.

The expansion of the program into Victoria where a Youth Challenge Sail Committee has just been formed offers the opportunity to commence the program into Victoria.

How to participate? Firstly, explore the resources provided on the website and the video, see below. Secondly, have a conversation with your club and decide to be a financial sponsor and thirdly, seek a young person between 15 – 18 years of age to participate.

Website

https://youthsailing.com.au/

For further information contact, Youth Challenge Sail Committee Members:

Linda Gidlund M 0418 173 279

lleegidlund@gmail.com

Malcolm Watt M 0439 158 274

watt.malc@gmail.com

Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment (RYPEN) 2023

Dates: Friday, 31 March, Saturday, 1 April & Sunday, 2 April 2023

Venue: Kinglake Forest Adventures Camp

Application closing date - Friday, 17 March 2023

Contact your local secondary college now for students.

Financial obligation of $250.00 per student. Applications are available from the District Website – Youth Services - RYPEN or directly from the committee at watt.malc@gmail.com.

Transportation to and from venue is your club’s responsibilities.

Kinglake Forest Adventures Camp is situated at: 1419 Yea Road, Kinglake West.

Thank you for your ongoing support of this vital youth program.

Yours in Rotary Youth Service

Mal~

PP Malcolm S. Watt PHF District Chair

YouthNews

Youth Volunteer Management Report

Is your club involved in youth activities of any sort? If so, are your volunteers who are delivering these programs fully accredited? If so, well done, if not, why not?

It is very simple to do and if you are not sure how to become accredited, as required by RI, insurance and legislation, then all you have to do is ring me or email me and ask the questions.

Currently we have less than 100 members/volunteers who are registered. We have to, and MUST, do better. Please ensure your club is compliant. The sooner you start, the better it will be for all your members/non-Rotarian volunteers in the event that an allegation may be made against a member.

Like the Scout motto: BE PREPARED.

Yours in Rotary,

Bruce McIntyre, Coordinator YVM, District 9790

E: bruce.mcintyre1@bigpond.com

M: 0427623142

YouthNews

YouthProgamsContacts

International University Student

Rotary Home Hosting – Philip Clancy, M 0428 834 162, Email: philip.clancy1@gmail.com

Interact – Linda Gidlund, M 0418 173 279, Email: lleegidlund@gmail.com

District Rotaract Representative –

Elliot Silcock, M 0483 041 905, Email drr.9790@rotaract.org.au

National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) – Nigel Liggins, M 0400 694 618, Email: nigelliggins@bigpond.com

Rotary Youth Exchange (RYE) –

Meredith Miegel, M 0417 246 546, Email: chairperson@rye9790.org.au

Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA) – Kerry Jones, Secretary M 0414 861 557, Email: info@ryla9790.org.au

Rotary Youth Program of ENrichment (RYPEN) – Contact Malcolm Watt, M 0439 158 274, Email: watt.malc@gmail.com or rypen@rotary9790.org.au

Rotex – Contact Rotex by email: rotex9790@gmail.com, see the Rotex District 9790 Facebook page.

Albury North - Rotary Youth Program of ENrichment (RYPEN) –Contact Warwick Tasker, M 0439 158 274, Email RYPEN Coordinator M 0408 052 386, Email warnel@bigpond.com

Youth Volunteer ManagementContact Bruce McIntyre, M 0427 623 142, Email bruce.mcintyre1@bigpond.com

If you would like further information please contact Linda Gidlund on 0418 173 279 or lleegidlund@gmail.com

ExtendedDeadline-see page27

Calendar of events

Date(s) Event Location Contact

Shine On Recognition Event (page 18)

The Templestowe Baptist Hall, Anderson Road, Doncaster East, 3109

Event: 1 00 pm, 13 May 2023

Deadlines

Enquiries and nominations to: Lara Barrett

M: 0416 262 615

E: lara barrett secretary@gmail com

Shine On Awards for volunteers in the community with a disability (pages 22-23)

Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment (RYPEN) 2023 (Friday, 31 March, Saturday, 1 April & Sunday, 2 April 2023)

Nominations NOW due by 17 March 2023

Application closing date - Friday, 17 March 2023

Nominations to: Lara Barrett

M: 0416 262 615

E:

lara barrett secretary@gmail com

Contact Malcolm Watt, M 0439 158 274, Email: watt malc@gmail com or rypen@rotary9790 org au

February is Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention Month

ROTARY CALENDAR

Visit this calendar throughout the year to find award nomination due dates and convention and event information. Develop meeting agendas, projects, or public image campaigns based on these special occasions. All dates are subject to change.

February 2023

Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention Month

23 February — Rotary's anniversary

March 2023

Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Month

13-19 March — World Rotaract Week

31 March Preregistration discount ends for the Rotary International Convention

April 2023

Maternal and Child Health Month

30 April — Rotary International Convention registrations and ticket cancellations are due

May 2023

Youth Service Month

June 2023

Rotary Fellowships Month

27-31 May — Rotary International Convention, Melbourne, Australia

30 June — Rotary Citation for Rotary Clubs Award nominations are due

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