Rotary Down Under by Rotary Down Under

December/January is Family/Rotary Awareness Month

/rotarydownunder

The legend of Cawkers well ay out west w d ea H s n ia r ta o R g in v Cricket-lo

Scan for RDU mobile site or text ‘magazine’ to 0427 741 911

Digger Boxes Dig deep for our troops this Christmas

ISSUE 546 Dec-jan 2012-13 $A5 incl. GST | $NZ5 | Post Approved PP242296/0065

www.rotarydownunder.org

Pedal Power

Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar rides 1500km to end polio now! Rotary is making a difference all over the world. Like to know more? Contact_____________________________________ Ph / email___________________________________

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rotary down under.

President’s Message Our newest challenge

traveller.

Violence Free Families A national Rotary initiative devoted to the elimination of family violence

Pole Position Mark Wallace puts a Winnebago to the test – on Mount Panorama!

This Rotary World Rotary projects and initiatives to feel good about

News Bulletin What we’ve been up to

Cover Story 200 cricket-loving Rotarians spend a cricket-filled weekend at Cawkers Well station

life & leisure.

Too Early for Flowers The polio story set to hit the big screen

Diary Dates What’s happening in your area?

Likeable Linz Austria’s third largest city

Healthy Habits Calories ain’t calories

Retreat to Coastal Peace

Peace Conference Roundup The world is becoming a safer place.

Pedalling for PolioPlus Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar rides 1500km to raise funds

Escape the city and explore some of NSW’s hidden coastal gems

Cover 200 Rotarians enjoy cricket and fellowship at what must now rank as one of the most iconic cricket grounds in Australia. Full report page 12.

! W O N G IN N N A L P T R A T S IT’S TIME TO

Messages from headquarters

CELEBRATE ROTARY

FEBRUARY 23 – ROTARY’S BIRTHDAY!

108 YEARS OF SERVICE! · POLIO ERADICATION

· WORLD UNDERSTANDING AND PEACE

AY ! PY HAP HD RY T BIR ROTA

· ALLEVIATION OF POVERTY

HAPPYHDAY

BIRT OTARY! R

Y PY HAPRTHDAARY! BI

· YOUTH PROGRAMS

Y ! PY DA RY AP TH TA

H BIR RO

Y HAPPTHDAY ! BIR ARY

ROT

HAPPY

BIRTHDAY ROTARY!

ROT

Y PY HAPRTHDAARY! BI

ROT

· LITERACY AND EDUCATION · SAFE WATER AND SANITATION

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· VOCATIONAL EXCELLENCE

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all sizes and colours

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Vinyl banners with eyelets 2m x 1m $130 inc GST +postage

For apparel, banners, balloons & caps contact RDU Merchandise & Promotions Ph: +61 2 9674 6855 / NZ Callers: 0800 738 695 / E: supplies@rotarydownunder.com.au / www.rdushop.com.au

For End Polio Now pins contact Rotary Down Under Ph: +61 2 9633 4888 / Fax: +61 2 9891 5984 / E: pinitforpolio@rotarydownunder.com.au / www.rotarydownunder.org

Go to the RDU website - www.rotarydownunder.org - and click on the link to ‘100 ways to celebrate Rotary Day’. There is a smorgasbord of ideas there. Everything from Community, main street breakfasts and barbecues; walkathons and bikeathons for school children; to shopping plaza promotions; Community Awards dinners (vocational, special services, youth, citizens, etc), street carnivals and public functions featuring high profile guest speakers. Download the list and encourage a club forum. 4

Issue 546. December-January 2012-13

Messages from headquarters

Sakuji Tanaka President Rotary International

Our newest challenge already been working for many years, and in which we have

Dear fellow Rotarians, The year 2012 is nearly gone and we have reached the

experience and a track record of project sustainability.

midpoint of this Rotary year. It is time to take stock of the goals

Sustainability will be a major focus under Future Vision, as we

we have set for ourselves and the progress we have made toward

shift our emphasis to long-term, high-impact projects. Simply

them. Are we on track to achieve what we set out to accomplish?

put, a sustainable project is one that will continue to benefit the

I am a great believer in the importance of setting goals that

world even after Rotary funding ends.

are high but realistic. A worthwhile goal should be within your

The ultimate example of a sustainable project, of course, is

reach, but still require you to stretch. Opening yourself to a new

polio eradication: when polio is gone, the good that we have

challenge helps you find out what you are really capable of –

done will continue forever, centuries after the last polio vaccine

which may well be more than you think.

is given. And the lessons we have learned from PolioPlus

On July 1, we will embark on our newest challenge as an

are universal. A truly sustainable project requires an emphasis

organisation: the full rollout of the Future Vision Plan, the new

on planning and cooperation, a long-term perspective, and an

grant model for our Rotary Foundation.

approach that considers community members as partners in our

We in Rotary have set for ourselves a simple and vital goal:

service, not passive recipients.

to do the most good we can with all the resources we have.

Embracing Future Vision means embracing a more ambitious

To do this, we will be working to reduce overhead, to improve

view of Rotary – one in which we work to address major issues

accountability, transparency and local control, and to focus our

in a serious, lasting way. It is a new way of thinking about our

service more intensely in the areas where we know we can have

service, and an approach that I believe will lead to a Foundation

the most impact.

more capable than ever of Doing Good in the World.

With Future Vision, we will implement a simplified grant structure that will encourage Rotarians to serve in our six areas of focus: peace and conflict prevention/resolution, disease prevention and treatment, water and sanitation, maternal and child health, basic education and literacy, and economic and Sakuji Tanaka

community development. These are areas in which Rotarians around the world have

Wilf Wilkinson Chairman, The Rotary Foundation

President, Rotary International 

Are you on track to meet your goals?

It’s hard to believe that we have already reached the month of

Many of our clubs are working to help people with AIDS,

December, the month that celebrates the family of Rotary. We

others are volunteering all over the world to deliver Peace

are also nearing the halfway point of our Foundation’s year. Now

Through Service, and it is hard to count the number that will be

is the time when our plans to reach our 2012-13 goals should

raising their voices on December 10 for human rights.

be re-evaluated. Our words, our promises, our actions should be

My friends, as we start to wind down another calendar

taking shape to ensure that we will accomplish what we planned

year, I am thankful to report that your Foundation is on track

during the last calendar year.

to achieve its goals for 2012-13 because of each and every

The month of December also provides each of us with much to think about. It is during this month that we pause to recognise

Rotarian. This provides us with much to celebrate over the upcoming holiday season.

World AIDS Day, International Volunteer Day and Human Rights

My prayers and best wishes go out to each of you for a happy

Day – all significant reminders to Rotarians of our Foundation’s

holiday season, and I eagerly look forward to sharing 2013

aim of Doing Good in the World.

with you.



www.rotarydownunder.org

Editorial

Mark Wallace Just between us

Ode to our oldies

Rotar y may depend on youth for a

meeting, but changed our meeting day

the club no longer exists. Somebody has

successful future, but the oldies should be

from Monday to Tuesday.

to keep the club going while we tackle the

recognised as the force that will tide us

Fears that the oldies might have found it

challenge of attracting new members.

too hard to tackle the problems of parking,

We spend so much time worrying about

Much has been written in the pages

or may have not bothered because it was

isolating our older members by adopting

of Rotary Down Under of the importance

just too complicated to get there were

new ideas and practices, but we forget just

of recruiting young Rotarians if we are

soon quashed.

how many changes these same members

over until that day comes.

to ensure ongoing success, and all that

They all turned up! It was the other

have already lived through to get us to this

remains true, but the organisation must be

members of the club, for whom this

point. These guys saw women introduced

able to provide those young recruits with

change was made, who failed to take

into Rotary, they’ve seen the Classification

viable foundations.

up the challenge. More than that, the

System virtually (or effectively) dismantled,

This was illustrated for me in no

change enabled three visitors to attend,

they’ve seen the attendance requirement

uncertain terms when my club, the Rotary

all of whom expressed interest in joining

drop from 60 per cent to 50 per cent,

Club of Crows Nest, NSW, undertook a

our club if we could make the change

they’ve seen dress standards casualised

recent experiment to change venues for

permanent. Our oldies, often regarded as

and the culture of Rotary change so

weekly club meetings. Crows Nest is a

conservative and resistant to change, not

dramatically over the years and decades,

metropolitan club on the lower north shore

only supported the change, but in doing

and yet they are still with us. They stuck

of Sydney. We meet for lunch on Mondays,

so, made it possible to attract visitors and

with the club through thick and thin.

and while there are plenty of restaurants

potential new members.

They’ve been doing it for decades, and they’re not about to stop.

in Crows Nest, few are prepared to give

Our club is 43 years old. We have one

up a roaring trade of locals at lunch to

remaining charter member, but several

It’s going to take a lot more than a mere

offer a $20 meal for 20 or so attendees in

who have been with us for something in

change of venue to put them off, so more

a separate room that might otherwise be

the order of 40 years. We have about 10

than any other factor, Rotary has its oldies

taking customers paying twice that.

who are in their 80s, one well into his 90s.

to thank for the chance to forge ahead

So for the past few years we’ve been

These guys may no longer help build wells

with its plans to do good in the world. 

meeting at a golf club more than 4km

or schools or hospital wings in developing

from the Crows Nest shopping centre and

countries as they once did, but they are

away from any casual passing trade. It

the mainstays of our existence.

provides good meals at the right price and

Yes, we want to bring in new and

spectacular views from the dining room.

younger members, but we can’t do that if

Cyril and Lorna Clark, left, with Eric and Ivy Warth, the rocks upon which the Rotary Club of Crows Nest, NSW, continues to thrive.

Several of our club’s members live nearby, most of whom are, shall we say, from the older demographic. For several years now, club presidents have agonised over our venue. We get on well with the staff at our existing venue and don’t want to risk losing our older members who seem content with what we have, but the reality is that our attendance rate is poor, with a usual cohort of only 16 of the 31 members on our books bothering to turn up most weeks. For all of this, we bit the bullet and not only changed our venue for a recent

The staff at Rotary Down Under will be putting their feet up for the summer from the afternoon of December 20 until the morning of January 7. From all of us at RDU merry Christmas and happy New Year. 6

Issue 546. December-January 2012-13

News Bulletin

Challenging our Future Leaders The Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA) program makes a huge difference in the lives of young people. Graduates aspire to become future leaders in Rotary clubs and communities. District 9940 RYLA caters for young people between the ages of 18 and 24. The venue of their 2012 program was the Silverstream Retreat in Upper Hutt, NZ. While the venue may change from time to time, the philosophy does not. Its aim is to emphasise leadership and personal growth. It demonstrates Rotary’s respect and willingness to enable young people to excel. It encourages leadership of youth by youth, and provides an effective training experience for selected youth and potential leaders. Participants are challenged outdoors

There has been a storm on Facebook!”

and indoors. They go to interesting

The District 9940 2013 program

places and meet interesting people.

will run from January 23-27 and will

Their goals are enormous and they have

be coordinated by the Rotary Club of

a ready-made network of people with

Plimmerton, NZ.

whom they’re likely to stay in touch for

For most Districts, applications close

Participants of the District 9940 2012 RYLA tackle the challenging program head on.

for more information. Other Districts’

a few months before RYLA begins.

RYLA information is on

Participants are sponsored either by

www.rotarysouthpacific.org via Districts

this happen,” said one RYLA 2012

a Rotary club or an organisation. The

then Committees.

participant.” I can tell you with confidence

costs vary, but most are below $800 per

that you have touched many, many lives.

participant. Check out www.ryla9940.co.nz

a lifetime. “‘Thanks for all that you did to make

Who will your club nominate to attend the next RYLA?

Saving Sight in Sumba Ophthalmologist Dr Mark Ellis, International Service Director of the Rotary Club of Glenferrie, Vic, departed for Sumba in September where he and his team carried out 97 sight saving operations as well as eye testing and the provision of glasses for 741 local people. Dr Ellis was supported by Dr Jon Ruddle, three optometrists, two nurses and two Rotary volunteers. The Indonesian island of Sumba is a very poor part of the country where many health issues, like poor sight, go untreated. The Rotary Club of Glenferrie ran a “Back to the 70s” Dinner Dance and Auction in May this year, raising $21,000 for this Sumba Eye Program trip in September. The club donated another $5000 to support the program. The Rotary Club of Kew, Vic, also supported the program. Peter Stewart, a member of the Rotary Club of Kew, was one of the three optometrists taking part. Under the guidance of their Rotary Foundation Chairman John Wischer and Ian Salek, the club successfully applied for a Global Grant of $32,330 from The Rotary Foundation to fund the purchase of valuable surgical equipment. The team also provided valuable training for several Sumbanese nurses and shared knowledge with three Indonesian ophthalmologists to ensure the sustainability of this outstanding program.

www.rotarydownunder.org

News Bulletin

Building Sydney Convention 2014 As the Rotary world turns its attention to the 2013 RI Convention in Lisbon, Portugal, there is a small group of Australian Rotarians quietly preparing the foundations for what will be another magnificent Australian Convention staging at Olympic Park, Homebush, in early June, 2014. Led by RI Past Directors Barry Thompson (chairman) and John Carrick (mentor), the group has been “building and planning” ever since Sydney got the tentative approval back in 2006. There have been several hiccups along the way, including the loss of the Darling Harbour Convention Centre venue as part of a revitalised NSW State infrastructure development program. The loss of such a world class venue created doubts about Sydney’s ability

• The International Yachting Fellowship

to recover from such a setback, but

of Rotarians (NSW Fleet) headed by

the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games

Commodore Frank Gardiner turned

were acclaimed as the best in history

out in force to negotiate a presence

and there was never any doubt about

on Darling Harbour at a most difficult

Olympic Park providing the near perfect

time, just prior to the annual Sydney

alternative venue.

Boat Show. Special permission was

Members of the Sydney Fleet of the International Fellowship of Yachting Rotarians greet RI President Elect Ron Burton on board “Glenhaven” in Darling Harbour last March.

• Rotary Down Under resources were utilised to gather footage of local

granted to Past Commodore Ray

RI President Elect Ron Burton and his

Rotary projects.

wife Jetta led a visit from the RI 2014

Wilson to moor his motor vessel

Convention Committee to Sydney in July

Glenhaven alongside the South Steyne

and confirmed the status of the Emerald

and welcome Ron and Jetta Burton.

presence at the Zone 7b Institute in

City as Rotary’s first choice for the

Brian McDermott, owner of the South

Invercargill, New Zealand, in October

annual Convention.

Steyne was a gracious host.

and, in November, attention focused on

The visit was grasped as a perfect

• Rotaractors from Sydney Districts also

opportunity to record the Convention

gathered in numbers to mingle with

promotional video. A team of young

the Burtons and distribute Rotary

professionals from the Sydney University

literature around the harbour.

of Technology, headed by Megan

• President James Allen of the Rotary

The Convention Committee had a

the Australian (Zone 8) Institute in Adelaide. There will be no holiday season break as the Sydney 2014 team prepares for vital presentations to the International

Lawrence, captured some quality Rotary

Club of Sydney gathered his members

Assembly in San Diego, USA, in January

footage as a result of support from

to provide the background for an

and then of course, centre stage at the

several groups of Rotary volunteers:

impromptu meeting scene.

Lisbon Convention in June.

Can you help with Alzheimer’s research? Individuals aged between 67 and 83 who do not have significant memory problems are needed to be part of a study investigating a drug that could prevent Alzheimer’s disease. If you can help contact McCusker Alzheimer’s Research Foundation, WA, to see if you meet the research criteria. You will then be given an information pack and arrange a visit to determine your suitability for participation in the drug trial. You will initially be required to complete some health questionnaires, a brief memory and thinking test and undergo a blood test. For more information contact Lara Fine or Elise Wells on 08 6304 3951 or 08 6304 3950.

Issue 546. December-January 2012-13

News Bulletin

Another Down Under Breakfast planned for Lisbon convention

Zoning Out!

Yet another popular ‘Down Under’ Convention Breakfast is planned for Lisbon,

News from all over Zones 7B & 8

Portugal, on Sunday, June 23, 2013. RI Director John Boag and his wife Dianna will host the Breakfast in conjunction with RDU Executive Director Bob Aitken as chairman. The venue for the breakfast will be the Hotel Olissippo Oriente, located at Parque das Nacoes, just four city blocks from the main convention. Cost is just AUD$30 for a magnificent European breakfast buffet – a selection of

Is it all in the Genes?: Following the success of 2012 International Women’s Day “Martians and Venusians” Breakfast for 720 men and women, Women in Rotary presents

beverages, milk and juices; pastries, breads, cakes and cereals; fruits and cheese; cold

a unique sponsorship opportunity for the

meats, sausages, bacon, mushrooms, baked beans and scrambled eggs!

2013 International Women’s Day Global

Timed to start at 6.30 for 7am, Director John guarantees official proceedings

Rotary Breakfast on Friday, March 8, 2013 at

will conclude by 9am, with plenty of time for a casual walk to the nearby Atlantico

Crown Palladium, Melbourne. There will be

Pavilion, Portugal’s largest indoor arena and venue for all plenary sessions. The Feira

a celebrity panel debating the question “Is

International de Lisboa, a new modern space with four pavilions, adjoins the Pavilion

it all in the genes?” All proceeds from the

and will host the House of Friendship and several workshops and events.

breakfast will go to Violence Free Families,

While the breakfast program will focus on Sydney 2014, Director John has indicated there will be a couple of surprises to add to the morning’s fun. As is the case at most Conventions, available space for functions is limited. Attendance at the Down Under Breakfast will be limited to 260 with bookings taken

an anti-domestic violence initiative. Contact Kerry Kornhauser, of the Rotary Club of Albert Park, Vic, on 0411 597 690 or email kerry@rotarywomen.org.au

on a ‘first in’ basis. All bookings will be administered on the Rotary Down Under Events Service site. Go to www.rotarydownunder.org and click on “Rotary Events”.

Australian of the Year State Finalist: Peace Fellow Victoria (Tori) Anderson, 2010 graduate of the diploma course at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, Thailand, has been

Rotary Peugeot turning heads

named a State Finalist Australian of the Year 2013 for her efforts in seeking justice and equality for the women and children of South East Asia trapped and exploited in the sex

There are additional arrangements

trade industry.

required for a District Governor from a

In July 2011 Tori launched Children United,

Pacific Island club, including transport

a non-profit organisation partnering with

and accommodation while attending to

grassroots organisations to fight for the

DG duties in New Zealand. A request for

elimination of sexual exploitation of children.

support from Norfolk Island Rotarian,

Tori was proudly sponsored for the Peace

DG Lindsay Ford, was answered when

Fellowship in 2009 by the Rotary Club of

Rotary Club of Takapuna North Past

Hope Island, Qld.

President Larry Robbins and his wife Jane offered a two bedroom apartment free

PolioPlus film night: The Rotary Club of

of charge for Alison and Lindsay during

Loganholme, Qld, has organised a special

their stay, while Assistant Governor Grant

advance screening of Life of Pi in aid of

Smith, General Manager of Sime Darby

PolioPlus. The film night is to be held at Star

Automobiles and Distributor for Peugeot,

Cinemas, Logan Hyperdome, on Thursday,

Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge, offered a

December 6. Cost is $25 with all proceeds

brand new Peugeot 4007 wagon for

going to PolioPlus. Guests can arrive from

their use. Lindsay said this is extremely

6pm for a 7pm movie start and can order

generous support from both Rotarians

food and drinks from the bar. Loganholme

and corporate business.

is one of dozens of clubs all over Australia

The car is turning heads and attracting comments from both Rotarians and non-

to conduct such a night. Contact your local District for more information.

Rotarians daily.

www.rotarydownunder.org

Editor’s mailbox

Graffiti Day Confusion Your reply to Allen Baker’s letter headed “Rotary Compromised” (RDU 544, October 2012) seems to miss some very important points. I was under the impression that Rotary Down Under was a service arm of Rotary in Australia set up to serve the needs of Rotarians, Rotary clubs and Rotary Districts throughout our region. Your reply implies that staff employed by RDU have spent some of their time applying for government funds to undertake a graffiti removal project in NSW. With respect, I believe that such action is beyond the scope of RDU’s reason for existence and far exceeds what a reasonable person would understand the task to “promote Rotary awareness” actually means. If one or more of your staff has spare time on their hands to seek funding for projects that are normally carried out by individual Rotary clubs, then those staff members are costing us Rotarians money that could be better directed elsewhere. I would prefer that RDU reduce its staffing levels and charge less for my annual subscription to the RDU magazine, allowing me, rather than RDU, to choose how I should spend my money. Of course, if the grant successfully obtained from the NSW government also pays for the time of the RDU staff involvement in preparing the grant application, then my argument that money from individual Rotarians is subsidising the graffiti removal project is no longer valid, but I’d be most surprised if the NSW taxpayers are this generous. Bernie Masters Rotary Club of Busselton Geographe Bay, WA

Ed: The NSW Government Grant did

reports in newspapers all over NSW,

pay for every minute of RDU staff time

and we had around 28 major radio

as well as every single other expense

and television interviews. We made

incurred, not only by RDU, but by

the television news on all networks

those of all other parties involved.

on the day. It’s hard to recall even

New member for the Rotary Club of Mildura Deakin?

one other Rotary project in the past

Yesterday, while out to lunch with some

was identified by a member of a

five years that has generated so much

Rotary friends, I received a call on the

Rotary club in NSW. From there it

positive publicity for Rotary

mobile from a Peter Butler who said

This was an opportunity that

was taken to a proposal to all the

Everything we do at RDU is

he was in a doctor’s waiting room in

District Governors in NSW to take

geared towards containing the cost

Mildura reading a copy of our Humanity

on as a project. RDU was seen as the

of subscriptions to members. Rotary

in Motion and he was very impressed

only practical focal point that could

International and more specifically,

with what he read about Rotary, so he

carry out the logistics of uniting

Rotary in Australia and New Zealand

rang me – as my name and number was

all participants. For example, the

have a drastic membership retention

on the introduction page.

Governor of District 9680 could not

and recruitment problem that has

command or even influence Rotarians

been with us for more than 15 years.

I am 42 years old and would like to get

in the other eight Districts involved.

Public awareness and promotion of

involved with projects like I read here.”

We put it to all nine affected District

Rotary is a huge task and one that

Two things President Anton: please

Governors and it was those Governors

RDU relies on. The more Rotarians

congratulate the person who placed our

who supported the concept and

there are in this part of the world,

Humanity in Motion in this surgery, and,

entrusted the project to RDU.

the more subscribers we are likely

of course, please invite Peter to your

to have. One of our major income

club and get him involved with Rotary

over three months. Indeed we would

shortfalls over recent years is directly

projects. Could you also please let me

be happy to hand it on to a District or

attributable to the drop in Rotary

know how this goes?

even a club to take it over next year

membership, and hence the number

now that it has been established as

of subscribers. It is as much the duty

I found President Anton Wurfel’s

a Rotary project, but if that doesn’t

of RDU to promote awareness and

and Secretary Noeleen Davies’ email

happen next year, we’ll certainly

membership as it is of any other

addresses on their website after locating

use the experience to enhance and

Rotary member, club or District. In our

the clubs on your D9520 website.

improve our efforts. As it was, Rotary

case, promotion of Rotary awareness

Unfortunately, the other Mildura club’s

was the key presence at around 120

and membership is a large part of the

website is not happening and so I

graffiti removal sites on the day. We

terms of our licence agreement with

couldn’t also inform their President.

garnered more than 70 front page

Rotary International.

Tony Castley

It did involve a great deal of work

He asked, “How do you join Rotary?

To District Governor Roy of D9520,

Rotary E-Club of Greater Sydney, NSW

Issue 546. December-January 2012-13

Editor’s mailbox

A point of difference

Calling all Lebanese Rotarians

Rotary’s point of difference in World

made possible by donors, the majority

Lebanese claim they are four million

Community Service has never been

of which are likely to be within the 99

persons in Lebanon, but 10 million outside

more relevant. It is said that one per

per cent. There are good reasons for

it. Our club (the Rotary Club of Beirut

cent of the world’s population earns 96

encouraging more localised NGOs, the

Cedars, D2450) is researching how many of

per cent of its wealth. Some of the one

village and community committees led

those of Lebanese origin are members in

per cent in recent times is encouraging

by their people for their people. The

Rotary clubs all over the world.

links with NGOs, philanthropists and

world needs to listen to them. Most

private sector companies with the

often we hear “you come to us and ask

name in a data base (dialrotary.org), then

notion that private enterprise will take

what Rotary can do for our community”;

ask them if they are interested in helping

no profit from such union.

in contrast to others that arrive and say

sponsor a particular project to help their

“this is what we are going to do”.

village in Lebanon.

Yeah right! That such union will work

Clear evidence for such arrogance is

The aim is to ask them to register their

In 2010, Together in Lebanon was

collaborative to arrest poverty for the

often seen as that “done” lies idle and

launched and brought 227 Rotarians

poorest of the poor.

community aspirations ignored. Among

(many of them of Lebanese origin)

Yeah right!

Rotary’s areas of focus, which is what

to Lebanon for five days of tours, fun

Won’t the outcomes of such

the most vulnerable seek, are disease

and get togethers with their Lebanese

partnerships lead the poverty gap

prevention and treatment, water and

counterparts.

between rich and poor widening

sanitation, maternal and child health,

further? Where likely would such

basic education and literacy, economic

appeal as this may be our only way to

partnership engage – they would have

and community development.

disseminate our appeal for registration

us believe tourism, agriculture, fisheries,

It is a question of a different profit

We ask your help in publishing this

wherever your magazine reaches.

transport and renewable energy etc.

motive – selflessness. Rotary New

Where is the evidence that this will

Zealand would like to hear from those

to disseminate the appeal to their

put food in the bellies of the starving

among the one per cent who have the

Assistants and club Presidents so that we

and malnourished, or put a roof over

same ethic. Such partnership will help

reach the largest amount of Rotarians of

their heads or contribute to other most

the neediest of the 99 per cent who

Lebanese origin.

basic of human rights, most importantly

currently, it is said, earn four per cent of

health, clean water and education?

the wealth. www.rnzwcs.org

results of our search in due time and thank

We also kindly ask District Governors

We will not fail in informing you of the

PDG Stuart J Batty

you in advance for your help.

be promoted within the international

Director

Ron Farra

NGOs to maximise their resources

RNZWCS Limited (Rotary NZ)

Rotary Club of Beirut Cedars, Lebanon

Partnerships should more rightly

Rotary for all As one who joined Rotary late in life (past 70), I find it a stimulating challenge. In my three years of membership I have enjoyed leading a project for Nepal that has delivered aid worth almost $120,000. This has included leading a team of seven volunteers to deliver a holiday program at a remote rural school in April (“Quality Education for Nepal”, RDU September 2012). When one of the non-Rotarians in the team expressed interest in joining, I advised visiting a number of clubs before choosing, as my experience shows many differences (I have attended 14 in Australia and in Nepal). I’m all for updating Rotary, abandoning practices that have outlived their usefulness – attendance records and make-ups top the list, but also to my mind classifications, grace, sergeant’s sessions, to name just a few. And to have a future, Rotary must clearly attract younger members. It would seem, however, that while some clubs may be mired in the past, others may be too keen on attracting youth. When my 65-year-old volunteer friend started to investigate Rotary clubs, she got a bit discouraged, finding some wanted only younger people, while others appeared to be “all in their 80s and 90s”. We shouldn’t judge potential Rotarians by sex, age or classification, but simply by their willingness to put Service Above Self. I have encouraged my friend to keep looking for such a club. Peter Hall Rotary Club of Woodend, Vic

www.rotarydownunder.org

Fellowships

The legend of Cawkers Well Rotarian Fellowships from throughout Australia and New Zealand gather way out west. Words: Mark Wallace

Chas Townsing is an enthusiast. For many years the 69-year-old

“We’ve had Rotary cricket festivals all over the world. We’ve

baker had a dream of running a cattle station. He’d had a few head

played on matting and all sorts of artificial surfaces, so I thought,

on a small hobby farm in Maryborough, Vic, but he really wanted to

why not get a decent wicket in here?” said Chas. “I really only

try his hand at the real thing.

wanted to talk to Les to get his advice, but he soon became just as

So, after a highly successful career as a baker, he and his wife Fay

enthusiastic as I was.”

sold up and bought Cawkers Well, a 75,000 acre property just west

Indeed, with more than $40,000 in proceeds from the matches

of Wilcannia in the far west of NSW, and are now running more

going to Variety Club, the Royal Flying Doctor Service and various

than 600 Herefords.

other charities, the Cawkers Well Cricket Ground – which also bears

Chas is also a keen cricketer and a Rotarian of some standing,

Australian Football goalposts at either end – is almost certain to

but when home is more than two hours’ drive to the nearest Rotary

host more events like this, particularly as the Rotary Club of Broken

or cricket club in Broken Hill, getting to meetings or playing games

Hill has been enlisted to lend a helping hand in the setup.

present a problem. Above all else, however, Chas is an ideas man,

Chas is a Rotarian of many years, but since his move to Cawkers

and if he couldn’t go to cricket or Rotary, he’d find a way to bring

Well he has been a member of the Rotary E-Club of South West

cricket and Rotary to him.

USA. It enables him to remain in Rotary, participate in projects by

“If you didn’t come up with these ideas and do something about them, you’d have nothing to do and you’d go mad,” said Chas.

the dozen in several parts of the world at once, and entitles him to attend the occasional Broken Hill meeting as a Visiting Rotarian.

Some might argue that with his latest project, Chas has gone

At 69 going on 70, Chas is not exactly what you’d expect of an

completely around the bend, but more than 200 Rotarians from

e-club member. With his leathery skin, hands like hams, saggy-

Queensland, NSW, Victoria, South Australia and even a handful

arsed jeans and well-worn Akubra, you don’t get the impression

from New Zealand would disagree.

he spends much time in front of the computer, but you’d be wrong.

Many, if not most, travelled thousands of kilometres to Cawkers

“As an e-club Rotarian, I get to do Rotary business 365 days a

Well station on the Barrier Highway. They flew in, they rode in, they

year, 25-hours a day and I can do it in my sleep,” said Chas.

drove in towing caravans, to what must now rank as one of the

To see the ABC’s Landline coverage of the weekend go to

most iconic cricket grounds in Australia. Chas and his mates graded

www.abc.net.au/iview/#/program/1026535



a patch of red dirt about 200m from his humble station homestead. Then they fenced it, including an appealing white picket section at the players’ gate. The crowning glory and the most extraordinary aspect of the weekend, however, is the pitch.

India in Oz Six Indian Rotarians were the guests of the Rotary clubs of Berrima District and Moss Vale, NSW, in October.

There it sits in the middle of the Cawkers Well Cricket Ground,

On their way to Adelaide to take part in an International

interred in a bed of baked outback red dirt, following transportation

Rotary Cricket Carnival, organised by Australian members

on the back of a (rather large) truck from the hallowed turf of

of the International Fellowship of Cricketing Rotarians

Adelaide Oval, where legendary curator Les Burdett had stored it

(IFCR), the group made a stopover in Bowral to visit the

under one of the newly built grandstands. Even more remarkable,

Bradman Museum.

this pitch had its genesis in South Africa – an awfully long way from Cawkers Well. Chas has an irresistible amiability and it would not have taken Les long to get caught up in the cattleman’s enthusiasm for this project. As one player observed, even thinking you could plant a turf pitch in this environment, let alone a former Test pitch from Adelaide Oval, required a certain audacity.

Issue 546. December-January 2012-13

In Adelaide the group played four matches on city and suburban grounds, as well as touring the “city of churches”, the Barossa Valley and attending a Sheffield Shield match at the Adelaide Oval. IFCR hosts an international cricket carnival in one of its 11 member nations every two years.

Fellowships

Charles Townsing

All is in readiness for the start of the match ABC local radio from Boken Hill was on hand to capture the local flavour

Ian Petherick and Meg Souter tend to the scoring duties

Playersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; gate to the Cawkerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Well Cricket Ground

Charles Townsing with members of the Fellowship of Motorcycling Rotarians and planes from the Fellowship of Flying Rotarians

www.rotarydownunder.org

Xxxxxx

Help us give someone a smile this Christmas. History reminds us that over the Christmas and festive season, someone in the world will need our help. Disaster Aid Australia, together with our Rotarian partners around the world are committed to rebuilding sustainable communities by delivering our unique humanitarian aid in the form if sustainable water, solar lighting and shelter to those who have lost everything in a disaster

Yes, we are putting smiles back on to faces at Christmas. Please sign me up to help with Disaster Aid Australia. Name:

________________________________________________________________

Address: ________________________________________________________________ _________________________________ Phone:

_____________________

Email: __________________________________

Rotary District Number: _______________ I wish to pay by � Cheque

�

Postcode: _________________

� Please send me a Tax Receipt

CreditCard

Name on card: ___________________________________________________________ Card Number: Expiry Date:

�� / �� CVC:�� Amount $ ___________________

We aim to put smiles back onto the faces of those we serve especially at Christmas time and maybe you and your family may like to help.

Water, light, shelter. To support Disaster Aid Australia Phone 1300 881 913 or (03) 9794 7127 PO Box 790, Endeavour Hills Vic 3802 info@disasteraidaustralia.org.au

www.disasteraidaustralia.org.au 14

Issue 546. December-January 2012-13

Rebuilding communities… together

Club Projects

RAWCS with John McLaren Chairman, Rotary Australia World Community Service

Digging Deep for our Diggers

We Need Your Help

For a small country Rotary club, less than

name of the guest speakers, another 26

12 months old, to band together behind

were sponsored by Rotarians and other

a good cause was a rewarding experience

community members bringing the total

for all at the Rotary Club of Fassifern

to 38.

Valley, Qld.

Christmas is a very special time for

At t h e s u g g e s t i o n of A s s i s t a n t

most Australians to spend with loved

Rotary Australia World Community Service

Governor Michael Irving, rather than

ones, so in 2012 we are again collecting

Limited (RAWCS) is the humanitarian arm

presenting a gift to guest speakers,

goods to fill more Digger Boxes to send

of Rotarians and Rotary clubs in Australia.

the club instead gave a certificate that

off to some of the troops who are unable

We operate the Overseas Aid Fund (OAF)

stated “In recognition of your address ...

to be with their families and friends.

to allow tax deductibility for donations to

a Digger Box has been dedicated in your

With the assistance of members and our

projects in developing countries.

name and will be sent to a soldier serving

community, this year our target is to send

in Afghanistan”.

50 Digger Boxes away.

In 2011, with the cooperation of some local business people, members set out buying and collecting goods for the boxes, in accordance with guidelines provided by the Australian Defence

H o w e v e r, t h e re i s c u r re n t l y a n anomaly in the way the taxation law



operates in relation to particular tax deductibility provisions.

An assortment of goodies compiled by the Rotary Club of Fassifern Valley, Qld, waiting for deployment to help make Christmas a little brighter for our Diggers serving in Afghanistan.

Volunteers undertaking humanitarian aid in approved countries making a contribution to the OAF corresponding

Force. In addition to the boxes sent in the

to the cost of their travel accommodation and incidentals are currently not entitled to tax deductibility for their donation. Whereas anyone making a similar donation to the OAF and not undertaking any voluntary overseas service is entitled to tax deductibility. Given that our volunteers go to some of the most inaccessible places to undertake work in anything but comfor table conditions, this anomaly is not only disadvantaging the volunteers but it is wrong. RAWCS currently runs over 350 projects around the world and we are keen to ensure that our fantastic volunteers a re a p p ro p r i a te l y re c o g n i s e d a n d not disadvantaged. We need your help to acquaint your local member or a Minister or two, with the inequity in the way volunteers are being treated. RAWCS is about supporting Australia’s humanitarian aid effort so how about getting the Government to support our good work. Please take the time to help us with this issue. Further information can be obtained from your Regional RAWCS chairperson or your District RAWCS officer or email Belinda at BelindaGriffen@ rotarydownunder.com.au for a copy of our submission. www.rotarydownunder.org



Xxxxxx

Rotary International Peace Conference Roundup The world is becoming a safer place. That was one of the messages delegates to the Rotary Peace Communities International Conference, held in Wagga Wagga, NSW, in September were told. The speaker was Dr Keith Suter who was awarded the Australian Government’s Peace Medal in the International Year of Peace (1986) and was voted Australian Communicator of the Year in 1994. He warned of the media’s interest in war stories. “Bad news sells, whilst good news often does not,” said Dr Suter. Dr Suter said the facts were: • There are now fewer international conventional wars • There has been a reduction in the number of people killed in warfare since 1901 • Most people now can go through life without any direct experience of warfare

Issue 546. December-January 2012-13

“Yes, there is a risk of terrorism, but it should not be over-estimated. “On 9/11 3000 people died. Yet 30,000 Americans die each year through domestic gun use, 5000 die through food poisoning and more Americans were murdered by their partners in 2001 than on 9/11,” Dr Suter said. Dr Suter spoke about the neglected role of charities and service clubs and the fact that it was impossible to put a price on passion and commitment. “Charities provide an essential role for businesses. A flourishing economy cannot be built on the top of a social graveyard. “Rich people can only get rich because they live in favourable economic circumstances. The business sector is amazed at how community organisations can mobilise volunteers via passion for exceptional circumstances,” he said. Dr John Skerritt, a recipient of The Rotary Foundation 2011-12

Peace Conference ShelterBox

with John Lawrence Chairman ShelterBox Australia

Global Alumni Service to Humanity Award, told the conference the most bitter conflicts over the next 50 years won’t be fought over oil. “The prize commodity is going to be water. There have already been fights over water in India where people have been killed. Some countries, in fact, could soon run out of clean drinking water.

The need for ShelterBox never ceases. As I

“Water, food security and peace are all linked.” Eleven other international speakers addressed the conference.

Need never ceases write, ShelterBox response team members from Australia remain active at the coalface.



Mike Greenslade, who is also the SBA Communications Officer, has been deployed to Nigeria to assist after record floods,

The Third Royce Abbey Peace Oration

and Peter Pearce is awaiting a call to go to Uganda. On the global front, both the US and UK branches have responded to help victims of Hurricane Sandy and in Guatemala

The Third Royce Abbey Peace Oration was presented by Past Rotary International

following the devastating earthquake. We

President, William B. Boyd at conference.

have additional teams providing relief in Iraq, Niger and Kenya. The list seems endless.

This is part of that address: “In our Rotary publications on Peace we often use the phrase “Peace is Possible”,

From the viewpoint of SBA administration

but there are times when even the most optimistic of us wonder if that is true. It

I can report that we have had a clean audit

all depends on how you define Peace. If you think that it means the absence of

of our 2012 accounts. Our annual report

war and conflict anywhere in the world then maybe peace is not possible. So is

initially distributed at our annual general

it a realistic aim?

meeting held in conjunction with the Rotary Institute in Adelaide. After this it will be

Our most obvious peace program is our Rotary Centres for International

generally available online and in hard copy.

Studies in peace and conflict resolution which each year awards 72 scholarships

I welcome new members to the SBA

that lead to a Masters Degree in peace and conflict resolution and we have a

Board. Barry Antees has become a member

three month Diploma Course that takes 50 entrants each year. Rotarians work in many ways for peace. In the riots that followed the

and is also acting General Manager, Carolyn

Declaration of Independence in India in 1947 Rotarians from the Rotary Club of

Krueger has taken on marketing, and

Bombay went into the streets as peacemakers between the Hindu and Muslim

David Brockway is representing Western

communities. In 1980 a Rotary-convened conference resolved a border dispute

Australia. The Board is meeting in January

between Argentina and Chile that was heading towards a war.

to plan new strategic directions. Almost

In 1940 the annual Rotary Convention was held in Havana. The Convention

immediately after this a number of us will

produced a beautifully written resolution that stated Rotary’s belief in the

be involved in a major event associated with

importance of Freedom, Justice, Truth and the sanctity of the pledged word.

the Scout Jamboree at Maryborough, Qld

It was probably the first document that used the phrase ”Respect for Human

– led by Greville Easte. This follows our WA

Rights” and when the United Nations in 1948 issued its Declaration of Human

team’s success in helping in the Scouts WA

Rights it used much of the wording of that 1940 resolution.

Challenge held during the Perth Royal Show.

A UNESCO project showed that giving women just primary school education

In an earlier column I reported that

decreases child mortality by between five and 10 per cent and a World Bank study

ShelterBox founder Tom Henderson had

says that the more girls who go to secondary school the higher the country’s per

agreed to be our Patron after he stepped

capita income growth. Water, literacy, health and the reduction in poverty all lead

down as SBI CEO. Since then Tom has been

to peace.

investigating new avenues for disaster relief;

While we will never have all the money we could use, we do have a very special

he has written to me explaining the situation

ability to leverage what we do as we gather the support of others. Our strengths

and asked that he withdraw as our Patron so

are not just in the way we contribute so generously of our money, our time and

as to avoid any potential conflict of interest.

our skills but also the strength of our advocacy to gain support from those who

Tom has been a marvellous champion of

share our goals. Our ability to enlist the support of others has been one of the

ShelterBox. Many of you would have heard

striking lessons of our campaign to eradicate polio.

him speak at Rotary events and met him at

So is peace possible?

the ShelterBox stand at a Rotary convention.

The answer must be “yes” provided we are prepared to work for it. It is easy to

The organisation owes him an enormous

be discouraged by the enormity of the task but it is appropriate that we remember

debt of gratitude for his tireless dedication.

the words of Mother Theresa who said that you may think that what you do is

We wish him well in his future endeavours to

just a drop in the ocean but the ocean would be the poorer without that drop. 

help alleviate the misery experienced by so many following disasters. 

www.rotarydownunder.org

Rotaract

VOLUNTEERS WANTED

FOR SYDNEY CONVENTION 2014 Here is a great opportunity to show your volunteer skills to your fellow Rotarians when they attend the Rotary Convention in Sydney in June 2014. Assistance will be needed from approximately 26th May to 5th June to welcome all Rotarians from near and far.

VENUES Airports, Hotels, other transport hubs such as Central Station and Circular Quay, Olympic Park and the Convention Venue.

IT IS YOUR CHOICE You can select your dates, times and venues that are most convenient to you.

YOU WILL RECEIVE Identification by means of vests, name badges and caps. Free public transport to your selected venues. Assistance from fellow volunteers who will be venue coordinators. Online or local orientation training for your role and venue.

HOW TO APPLY Applications will open on our website www.rotary2014.com.au in January 2013. Just go to the volunteer tab for more information and an application form.

If you wish to register a preliminary expression of interest now, you can do so by emailing Barry Philps at philpsb@aol.com or Marilyn Mercer at mmm@myisp.net.au. You will be notified when you can apply online.

Issue 546. December-January 2012-13

Rotaract

More than 140 Australian Rotaractors assembled in front of Parliament House in October to raise awareness for Rotary’s End Polio Now! campaign.

Australian youth raise awareness for polio eradication On Sunday, October 21, more than 140 enthusiastic young

have reduced polio cases by more than 99 per cent worldwide,

Australian Rotaractors assembled in front of Parliament House

immunising over two billion children in 122 countries. Polio now

to raise awareness for Rotary’s End Polio Now! campaign. The

remains endemic in only Afghanistan, Pakistan and Nigeria.

participants were in Canberra to attend the 2012 Australian Rotaract Conference. Affiliated with Rotary, Rotaract is an international service organisation for empowered, talented youth aged 18 to 30 who are passionate about making a difference both locally and internationally through grass-roots involvement. More than just local community service groups, each club is part

Seven million children have escaped the threat of polio due to the untiring efforts of Rotary and the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, but as long as one case of polio remains in the world, the battle is not yet won. If efforts to eradicate polio aren’t continued, more than 10 million children under the age of five could be paralysed by the disease in the next 40 years.

of a global effort to bring peace and international understanding

At the heart of it, polio eradication is about hope. It promises

to the world. There are approximately 81 Rotaract clubs in

a future where no child, regardless of their place in the world,

Australia, comprising over 3000 members, and these dynamic

will be at risk of contracting the terrible disease. The ability to

groups of young people have made significant contributions to

reach all children with the polio vaccine and totally eradicate

Rotary’s efforts to eradicate polio from the world.

the disease also promises hope that future major global health

Timed to coincide with World Polio Day on October 24, the

initiatives will also succeed.

photo shoot in front of Parliament on Sunday aimed to raise

The world is “this close” to ending polio, and when the fight

awareness for polio eradication and show support for the

is won it will be only the second time in history that an entire

amazing work done by Rotary International and their partners in

disease has been eradicated.

the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. Polio is a crippling and often fatal infectious disease. Since the eradication initiative began in 1988, Rotary and its partners

Go to www.endpolio.org to find out how you can help Rotary and its partners finish the fight for global polio eradication and be a part of history.



www.rotarydownunder.org

Xxxxxx

Rotaract Asia Pacific Social Media Campaign By PDRR Jake Weregoda,

“When life’s problems seem overwhelming, look around and

Rotaract District 9750, NSW

see what other people are coping with. You may consider yourself

Following two successful social media campaigns by District

fortunate” – Bear Grylls. Rotaract has opened my eyes to the world.

9750 and Rotaract Australia last year, then District Rotaract Representative Jake Weragoda and Immediate Past President Sally Hetherington of District 9750 decided to take things further and launched an Asia Pacific Social Media Campaign in May.

The participants were encouraged to individualise their statuses, with many doing so. Australia’s 2011 Rotaractor of the Year, Drew Sturgiss, even created his own status, which received much attention:

There were many goals in mind when the campaign was

“If Rotaract was a superhero, he would be Batman, with the

put together. Overall, Sally and Jake wanted the campaign to

powers of Superman and a Green Lantern. His main villains

raise awareness about Rotaract. More specifically, they hoped

would be Polio, Poverty and Problems in education. And he’d win,

to generate questions from participants’ networks, recruit new

every time.”

members and to increase Rotaract’s social media presence. They

This campaign was launched at the Asia Pacific Regional

also hoped to inspire current members, remind clubs of their

Rotaract Conference in Bangkok, where Jake and Sally gave

achievements and demonstrate that Rotaract reaches beyond

a presentation on the final day to an audience of a couple of

their club or District – it is truly a worldwide organisation!

hundred people. This campaign was then publicised on the

After analysing feedback from the previous two campaigns, it

official Rotaract Twitter feed and Facebook page, and even

was decided the Facebook cover photo (pictured) should focus

caught the attention of Rotary International Twitter feeds in

on the international service aspect of Rotaract. Sally, who is living

Brazil, Japan and France.

in Cambodia, visited an impoverished school in rural Siem Reap

Overall, more than 400 people across the Asia Pacific and

and took several photos of the excited school children holding

other countries participated in the campaign. Due to the amount

letters that spelt out ‘ROTARACT’. From there, it was decided

of independent networks all of the Rotaractors involved are part

to keep the display picture basic and utilise the Rotaract logo

of, the reach for this campaign was in the tens of thousands.

in order to create brand awareness. The statuses for people to

Feedback has been taken on board and will be utilised in a

update were inspirational quotes, such as:

worldwide campaign at the end of the year. Stay tuned!

Issue 546. December-January 2012-13



Xxxxxx

Supporting fellow volunteer organisations By Teneal Morley & Vanessa Fyfe

Thousands of people rode the free shuttle buses donated by

Rotaract Club of Como Jannali, NSW

State Transit and drivers gave their time free of charge. Members of

On Sunday March 25, 2012, Rotaractors participated in the

the general public gave their gold coin donation to the volunteers

Westpac Life Saver Rescue Base Open Day at La Perouse, NSW.

at the gates and bought raffle tickets, hot cross buns, sausages,

The event has been running for three years and would not have

drinks and temporary tattoos, which amounted to $7000 raised.

come to fruition were it not for the hard work of the Rotaract Club

Vanessa Fyfe (pictured), an original member of the planning

of Como Jannali, NSW, and Rotary and their dedication to this

committee, was given the honour of riding in the helicopter during

worthwhile event.

the repositioning of the aircraft.

The day provided an opportunity for the public to meet

“The view of Bondi Beach was amazing,” she said.

members of the police, fire brigade, ambulance and Surf Lifesaving

This is a wonderful community event that provides much

NSW, to view demonstrations of the bomb robot, police dogs and

needed funds so that the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter

helicopter winch rescue, and participate in hands-on activities.

Service can continue to operate. 

This event aims to raise awareness about the vital organisations that keep us safe, be it on land, sea or in the air, within our local community. The base relies on support from events such as the open day to continue operation. The purpose of this helicopter service is to save lives. Since its inception in 1973, it has been involved in more than 21,000 missions, including rescue missions and patient transfers. On the day, Como Jannali Rotaract Club President Vanessa Fyfe coordinated the fundraising barbecue and the many volunteers sold hundreds of sausages and drinks. There were supporters from Como Jannali Rotaract, Sydney City Rotaract and the Rotary Club of Como Jannali.

www.rotarydownunder.org

Club projects

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Children in Australia and New Zealan free for mo d have bee re than fifty n polio years. How this cripplin ever the nex g disease is t case of In 1985 the only a plane re were 350 fare away. ,000 cases of pol than 100 cou iomyelitis in ntries worldw more ide. Today there are less 1,500 cases annually con than in four endem centrated ic countries – India, Pak and Nigeria istan, Afganis . The childre tan n of our wo safe until pol rld will never io is eliminat be Help Rotary ed forever. Internation al and finish this vita its campaign partners l challenge. DONATE NO W TO END POL IO.

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To benefit the Australian and New Zealand Rotary Foundation Trusts 22

Issue 546. December-January 2012-13

Club projects

Motorcycle show a hard-earned success

Over 3200 visitors attended the Rotary Club of Papakura’s inaugural National Classic Motorcycle Show of bikes in Auckland, NZ.

Telstra Pacific Events Centre at Manukau in Auckland, New

Magazine in an attempt to leverage their commitment and

Zealand, was the perfect venue for the Rotar y Club of

marketing to promote the show. Twelve finalists were selected

Papakura’s inaugural National Classic Motorcycle Show of

by Bikerider Magazine and these finalists were voted for by

bikes from vintage to 1992. On August 4-5 over 250 bikes,

spectators following gold coin donations. This raised a further

12 motorcycle clubs and 27 trade exhibitors were exposed to

$1000 for the National Burns Unit.

3200 visitors. Planning for the show started two years before. The project started formally when the principal gold sponsor, Star Motorcycle Insurance, was secured.

Two Rotary International Youth Exchange students also collected for the Burns Unit and raised another $800 by simply asking for donations! A professional photographic studio was on site. One

Businesses that could offer support in kind (but not financially)

Rotarian’s family of eight ran this stand over the weekend,

were targeted as secondary silver sponsors. These included a

primarily to take photos of the winning bikes, plus they sold

printer to produce all necessary point of sale material and signs,

their services to other bike owners and raised a further $400.

and Fairfax media promotion through community newspapers. There were seven such sponsors in total.

There were 20 categories and three prize winners for each category, so 60 prizes were awarded. Each winner received a

Bronze sponsors were companies that wanted to be involved

goody bag with various prizes and a framed photo of their

at the show. These ranged from Honda NZ to a leather

bike sporting its winning rosette. First place winners also

repair machinist.

received an individually printed acrylic trophy.

Being the first Classic Show to be held in Auckland for many

The general consensus was that the show was very well

years, potential trade and motorcycle exhibitors were sceptical

put together and well run by the Rotary Club of Papakura,

and held back until the last minute. Very difficult trading

which had virtually a 100 per cent turnout of its members and

conditions forced several trade exhibitors to withdraw in the

partners. In-house catering was done by many of the partners

last month, placing real pressure on prizes and prize money.

and appreciated by all concerned.

In total there were 27 sponsors contributing some $42,000

Since the show, the organisers have received offers of

towards the show. This allowed the show to open to the

commitment for trade stands and more very special bikes for

public, needing only $9000 to break even. This equated to

next year.

only 600 people at $15 through the gate, which was met by midday on Saturday. NZ Classic Bike of the Year was a joint venture with Bikerider

Any Rotary club interested in replicating this show outside of Auckland can contact Papakura President Graham Viall via g.viall@harcourts.co.nz



www.rotarydownunder.org

PolioPlus

Christmas is a time for giving and what greater difference could you make than helping someone else in need.

We recommend that to make a real difference in someone’s life, go to the below website link, click on your chosen charity and pledge the amount of your choice - $5, $25, $50 or $100. No donation is too great or too small to help.

Rotary families give generously at Christmas time and, for the first time, Rotary Down Under presents the opportunity for Rotarians to support our own Wishing you and your families Peace on Earth and ‘charities’. Peace through Service during our festive season. Whether you want to buy a disaster aid kit, a shelterbox for a family in crisis, immunize a child against polio or help rebuiid the body of a sick child, your opportunity to help is here today.

Issue 546. December-January 2012-13

Bob Aitken Executive Director Rotary Down Under

PolioPlus

Pedalling for PolioPlus Katharina Buccholz, a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar from Koln,

Two of these Rotarians, Alan Kluske and Mike Kelly, rode with

Germany, is completing her Master’s degree in International Law

Katharina into Victor Harbor then on through to Goolwa along

at La Trobe University, Victoria.

the Encounter Bikeway.

She has been sponsored for her year of study in Australia

In Goolwa Katharina was welcomed by members of the Rotary

by Rotary International under a Rotary Foundation Educational

Club of Goolwa and also Graham Brown from the Rotary Club

program. She is being hosted by the Rotar y Club of

of Corowa in Victoria who rode all the way back to Melbourne

Moorlands, Vic.

with her.

In March Katharina joined a group of cycling Rotarians on a “Ride to Conference” from Wangaratta to Melbourne. From this she was inspired to undertake a journey alone to raise funds and awareness of the PolioPlus program to eradicate polio worldwide. At the conclusion of her study year she decided to visit South Australia and ride from Adelaide to Kangaroo Island, then across to Melbourne via the Great Ocean Road. Arriving in Adelaide by plane, with her bike as luggage, Katharina was met at the airport by Rotarian Ian Parsons from the Rotary Club of Noarlunga, who escorted her by bike and car

Graham and Katharina were guests of the Rotary Club of Goolwa at their meeting when Katharina gave a talk about her project. Katharina and Graham departed Goolwa early with two cycling Rotarians from Encounter Bay accompanying them as far as Wellington. The duo rode via the Coorong, through to Horsham and down along the Great Ocean Road. Katharina was delighted with the support and generous sponsorship she received. For more information visit www.cyclingcloser.wordpress.com 

to the ferry at Cape Jervis. Katharina spent two days riding and camping on Kangaroo Island before crossing back to the mainland. At the ferry she was met by Rotarians from the Rotary clubs of Yankallilla and Encounter Bay.

Clockwise from top: Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar Katharina Buccholz with Graham Brown, of the Rotary Club of Corowa, Vic; Mike Kelly, left, President of the Rotary Club of Goolwa, SA, Roger Shelden, Katharina, Alan Kluske and Graham Brown; Katharina and Roger Shelden

www.rotarydownunder.org

Club Projects

Nz Flag Pin $600AU/$780 NZ

Smart Phone Holder $500AU/$650 NZ

Australian Flag Pin $600AU/$780 NZ

Map Rotary Pin $550AU/$715 NZ

Silver Fern Pin $075AU/$095 NZ

A4 Table Roll Up Banner $2000AU/$2600 NZ Rotary NZ Fern Pin $725AU/$945 NZ

Tiki Pin 75cAU/95c NZ

Kiwi Pin 75cAU/95c NZ

Rotary Kangaroo Pin 90cAU/$115 NZ Rotary Kangaroo Pin 90cAU/$115 NZ

Wombat Pin 75cAU/95c NZ

Frilled Neck Lizard 75cAU/95c NZ

Koala Pin 75cAU/95c NZ Kanga/Boomerang Pin 75cAU/95c NZ

Kangaroo in Flight Pin 75cAU/95c NZ

Rotary Kiwi Pin 90cAU/$115 NZ

Ph: +61 2 9674 6855 NZ Callers: 0800 738 695 Fax: +61 2 9624 2148 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 244 Toongabbie NSW 2146 E: supplies@rotarydownunder.com.au www.rdushop.com.au 26

Issue 546. December-January 2012-13

Club Projects

A personal reflection By Jeffrey Tan Rotary Club of Manningham, Vic It’s one thing to cook in a commercial kitchen; it’s totally another challenge to do private dinners at private homes. Likewise, to prepare a fine food banquet for 10 or 12 pax is totally different from catering for a function for hundreds. Reflecting on the years in which the Cooking For Charity Initiative, a Rotary Club of Manningham, Vic, project has thrived is simply amazing. T h e re c e n t A u g u s t , S e p t e m b e r and October dinner gigs in Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong and Australia have one common success factor, and that is the many well-meaning Rotarians and friends of Rotary who helped and shared with me the dream of helping others in a small and humble way, especially the poor and disadvantaged, through food and fellowship. Whether it is in Malaysia, Singapore, China or Australia – in different countries and of different cultures, religions and race – these are the unsung heroes of mine. All of them are volunteers and contributors. I salute them. Since its conception some eight years

Jeffrey with Alzheimer’s Australia Chairman Ita Buttrose AO, OBE at the Alzheimer’s Australia Charity Dinner in September; Below: One of Jeffrey Tan’s culinary creations – Escabeche of sardine, scallop, citrus and edible flowers

ago, the Cooking For Charity Initiative has now raised an astonishing sum of A$1,295,815 for various charities, including the recent Charity Dinners in aid of Alzheimer’s Australia/Rotary Club of Manningham, Sunlove Homes/Rotary Club of Raffles City, Singapore and Spastic

The time that had gone into the menu

Children Centre, Malaysia, to name just

and preparation of each dish was greatly

a few.

appreciated. The service was superb too.

Doreen Thomas, of the Rotary Club of Glen Waverley, Vic, wrote:

Our thanks go to you all, including those helping behind the scenes in the kitchen. The causes you support are all very

Dear Jeffrey,

worthy and we are glad to have made a

I want to say thank you very much to

small contribution. Your work is making a

all the chefs and their assistants on behalf

real difference.

of us all. It was a once-in-a-lifetime special

Jeffrey Tan is also a regular Rotary club

dinner. Each course was so beautifully

Guest Speaker, sharing his passion. His

presented with their delicious sauces. The

contact details are listed in our RDU

tastes were amazing and all unusual.

Speakers Corner.



www.rotarydownunder.org

RI Convention

Sailors’ delight During the Age of Discovery, Portuguese explorers landed in places that are now home to many Rotarians who will attend the 2013 RI Convention in Lisbon, June 23-26. Prince Henry the Navigator, son of King John I, paved the way for Portugal’s dominance in exploration by sponsoring excursions that crept southward along the coast of Africa in the early 15th century. (In 1484, Christopher Columbus approached King John II with a proposal to sail west in search of the Indies, but it was rejected. Spain got the credit for that famed journey.) Among the great Portuguese explorers was Bartolomeu Dias, who in 1488 sailed around the Cape of Good Hope, the southernmost tip of Africa, ultimately proving to Europeans that it was possible to reach the Indies (and their valuable spices) by sea. In 1497, Vasco da Gama went farther, sailing up the eastern coast of Africa and across the Arabian Sea to reach India. Three

You can see evidence of Portugal’s prosperity during this

years later, Pedro Álvares Cabral, en route to India, first sailed

era at some of Lisbon’s most beautiful sites, including the

southwest to what is now Brazil.

Jerónimos Monastery, which houses da Gama’s tomb (pictured),

In 1519, Ferdinand Magellan led the first expedition to circumnavigate the globe – although Magellan himself perished

and Belém Tower, built to defend the mouth of the Tagus River. Register for the 2013 RI Convention in Lisbon by December

in a battle in the Philippines and did not complete the trip.

15 for a special rate. Go to www.riconvention.org

Magellan was Portuguese, but because he’d fallen out of favour

Susie Ma

in his home country, his fleet sailed under the Spanish flag.

The Rotarian

BOOK NOW TO SAVE

'EARLYBIRD' airfares to EUROPE $2179 from

subject to availability.

2nd round Earlybird airfare terminates on the 30th December, 2012. Conditions apply and flights are subject to availability, so book early to avoid disappointment

Our fully escorted tour can be purchased in modules as follows: Our tour departs Australia on the 3rd June, 2013 04-15 June - visit the exotic, mystic country of Morocco, highlighting Casablanca, Marrakech, The Atlas Mountains, Fez and Tangier. Hear the old stories of the nomadic tribes of days gone by, the busy, colourful market places, great shopping and much more. 15 - 22 June - Continue by ferry to Southern Spain to immerse yourself into the tales of the famous Crusaders visiting Granada, Ronda and Seville, crossing into southern Portugal & arriving Lisbon 22nd June. 22 - 27 June - Lisbon - Rotary International Convention (do you have your accommodation yet?) 27 - 29 June - Barcelona 29 June - 10 July - Time to relax in southern France to enjoy an all inclusive BARGE CRUISE on the Canal Midi for 6 nights with gourmet food and wine, be pampered or even ride a bicycle!! Travel to Nice and Monte Carlo before returning home.

Call ROSLYN SAVIO now on 02 9875 2400

License Number 2T 4428

Or email: roslyn@atourtravel.com.au for bookings, costings and full tour details as space is limited

Issue 546. December-January 2012-13



Advertorial

Our tour to attend the convention is made up of 3 modules, firstly Morocco where the Nature, the Sea, Sky, Night, Spirituality and music are all combined to excite your senses for something a little different. Hear the stories of the old nomads and experience the high Atlas Mountains on the edge of the Sahara Desert. Continue onto Southern Spain to learn about kings and crusades, visit magnificent castles before arriving into Lisbon. After a busy convention will be time to relax visiting Barcelona and the beautiful south France to experience the Le Phenicien sailing on the Canal de Midi Far removed from the hustle and bustle of city life. Crewed canal barging allows you to travel in luxury without the strains of packing and unpacking, whilst enjoying a wonderful blend of daily excursions and regional cuisines. Share the French "Art de vivre" for a while and relax on board Le Phenicien! Sip fine wines and enjoy gourmet Provencal Cuisine, learn about History and the traditions of this land, embrace the Roman history, take a bike ride in the back-country and enjoy being pampered by the amazing crew on Le Phenician. Discover Avignon and its monumental Palace of the Popes, Chateauneufdu-Pape vineyards, the Roman aqueduct of Le Pont du Gard, the Medieval village of Les Baux de Provence, the famous city of Arles, wildlife and ranches of the Camargue and the walled city of Aigues-Mortes. Each day your barge moves from one peaceful mooring to another. You can also enjoy bike riding or walking along the towpaths and viewing the pretty locks and countryside. The barge moors each night and there is plenty of time for a cocktail before a sumptuous dinner. Like Queens, Kings and Nobles of the Middle Ages travel on Le Phenicien in luxury and style on the beautiful waterways of Southern France.

T S IA U ER AR BO FF T A O RO SK RE R A FA FO IR E A BL A IL A AV N S

Europe RIVER CRUISING 2013

RI Convention

RI Conference, Lisbon

SAVE $500*

PER COUPLE PORT, WINE & FLAMENCO – MADRID TO LISBON Departing 8 June 2013 – Returning 21 June 2013 14 Days from $4,995* per person

Contact Pam Daniel – Member of Rotary Club of Gerringong Sunrise GUIDEPOST TOURS Call 1300 733 323 or visit www.guideposttours.com.au *Conditions apply. Prices are correct as at 4 September 2012, but may fluctuate due to changes in surcharges, fees and taxes. Offers are not combinable, available on new bookings only and subject to availability. Offers may be withdrawn at anytime. A surcharge may apply to payments made with credit card. $1,000 per person deposit due within 7 days, final payment due 100 days prior to departure. Prices based on 8 June 2013 (EUSPD14 – Cat. E), Superdeal Saving: Book by 30 November 2012. Valid on a selection of 2013 cruise/tours. Australian Pacific Touring Pty Ltd ABN 44 004 684 619 Lic. No. 30112 MKT10964

PORTUGAL & SPAIN WITH A CRUISE ON THE DOURO RIVER Join this fabulous tour and cruise before the Join this fabulous tour and Convention cruise before the commencement of the Rotary in Lisbon.

commencement of the Rotary Convention in Lisbon.

History and natural beauty is a feature of this special tour and History and natural beautyofisSpain, a feature this special tour cruise. Madrid, the capital is a of vibrant city with a and cruise. Madrid, the capital of Spain, is a vibrant city with a parks wonderful mix of modern and historical districts, many ﬁne wonderful mix of modern and historical districts, many fine parks and elegant buildings. and elegant buildings.

Advertorial

You will arrive into Lisbon feeling totally refreshed and with new You will arrive intothe Lisbon totallystate refreshed andwill with new friends you met on tour. feeling Your relaxed of mind allow friends you on the tour. Your relaxed of mind will allow you to get themet maximum enjoyment from thestate Convention. you to get the maximum enjoyment from the Convention. We will be happy to assist you with your convention registration We will be happy to assist you with your convention registration ififyou which is is yourequire. require.Our Ourtour tourﬁnishes finishesatatthe theTiara TiaraPark ParkHotel Hotel which one of the hotels that Rotary has on its accommodation list so one of the hotels that Rotary has on its accommodation list so there therewill willbebenononeed needtotochange changehotels. hotels.

Salamanca Salamanca with with its itsRoman RomanBridge, Bridge,the theWorld WorldHeritage Heritagelisted listed Toledo Partnersand andfriends friendsare areallallwelcome welcomeononthis thistour tour and Partners and wewe willwill be Toledo its lovely cobblestone alleyways, a rich tapestry and itsand lovely cobblestone alleyways, form aform rich tapestry of happy to co-ordinate flights and any other travel you might be be happy to co-ordinate ﬂights and any other travel you might ofSpanish Spanish and architecture. lifelife and architecture. considering. Special Offers areare available for Rotarians who book be considering. Special Offers available for Rotarians Youwill willhave haveaawonderful wonderfulcultural culturalexperience experiencewith with theirbook entire package Guidepost Tours. Tours. You thethe opportunity who their entire with package with Guidepost opportunity to dine in local restaurants and enjoy a Portuguese to dine in local restaurants and enjoy a Portuguese Cultural Show Spaces are limited so please book early. There is a $250 per as well sampling Spaces limitedfor so bookings please book early. asCultural well as Show sampling the as local wines the andlocal ports.wines and ports. personare discount made before the end of November. There is a $250 per person discount for bookings made before While on the Douro River you will cruise through beautiful Guidepost Tours have now released other pre and post While on lush the Douro Riverand youquaint will cruise through the end of November. scenery, vineyards villages while beautiful you relaxscenery, on convention touring options so if you are still thinking of lush vineyards and quaint villages while you relax on board the board the new luxury cruise boat, the Ms AmaVida. travelling to Lisbon June, why not give them For further details pleasenext contact Pam at Guidepost Tours a call. new luxury cruise boat, the MS AMAVIDA. You will enjoy fine dining with meals prepared by internationally Details also appear on their website. on 1300 733 323 trained chefs.ﬁne You dining can relax the Sun Deck or the Main Lounge You will enjoy withon meals prepared by internationally orFor visit the Rotary pages on www.guideposttours.com.au further information please contact Pam at Guidepost Tours when you areYou notcan ashore theDeck localorvillages. trained chefs. relaxexploring on the Sun the Main Lounge on 1300 733323 or visit the Rotary pages on when you are not ashore exploring the local villages. www.guideposttours.com.au www.rotarydownunder.org

THE BEST OF LISBON & SURROUNDING TOWNS ANOTHER ROTARY DOWN UNDER GUIDED CONVENTION TOUR …

10-day land only package prices# TWIN: from $1800pp SINGLE supplement: from $600pp The above costings have been based on a minimum of 15 adult passengers travelling - if this number is not reached, it will be necessary to recost, which may result in increases to these prices.

Already have accommodation for the conference? Contact us to join in these private touring options.

a harbour for peace

104TH ROTARY INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION IN LISBON, PORTUGAL

FREE OFFER

ITINERARY DAY TWO | THURSDAY, 20 JUNE Arrive at Lisbon International Airport where you will be met by a local English speaking assistant who will escort you to the coach for your private transfer to your hotel. This evening you will enjoy a Group Welcome Dinner with fellow Rotarians at a local restaurant including 3-courses with 1/2 a bottle of wine per person. ( D ) DAY THREE | FRIDAY, 21 JUNE Today you will be transferred from your hotel to Feira International by private coach where you will have time to register for the Convention and collect your Registration Pack before being transferred back to your hotel. The balance of the day is at your leisure. ( B ) DAY FOUR | SATURDAY, 22 JUNE A 1/2 day Lisbon City Sightseeing Tour by private coach with a local English speaking guide. Sights visited include Alfama district, Commerce Square (Prace do Comercio), Tagus River, Se de Lisboa Cathedral, Belem Tower, Monument to the Discoveries, and the Monestary of the Hieronymites. (B) DAYS 5-8 | SUNDAY, 23-WEDNESDAY, 26 JUNE All 2013 Convention activities (except for plenary sessions), will take place at Feira Internacional de Lisboa. A scheduled shuttle transfer service will operate between neighboring hotels to Feira Internacional de Lisboa. ( B ) DAY 9 | THURSDAY, 27 JUNE Depart Lisbon for Sintra by private coach. Upon arrival take a walking tour with a local English speaking guide to view the main sights of the city including the Royal Palace ( Palacio Nacional de Sintra ) and Pena Palace. Board the coach to Casais where you will stop for lunch at a local restaurant that includes 2-courses and drinking water. Continue to Estoril and take a walking tour with a local English speaking guide to view the main sights of the city. You will have free time to explore this fashionable cosmopolitan playground before being returned to your hotel. This evening you will enjoy a Group Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant including 3-courses with 1/2 a bottle of wine per person, drinking water, tea & coffee. ( B ,L,D ) DAY 10 | FRIDAY, 28 JUNE Check out of your hotel and transfer to Lisbon International Airport by private coach. ( B )

The ﬁrst 15 people to register and pay a deposit for a tour will receive a unique RDU Convention tour shirt & hat or shade Inclusions • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Private coach transfers Porterage of 1 bag per person Scheduled Convention Shuttle Transfer Service Local English speaking tour guides Services of a RDU Representative 8 Nights accommodation at Heritage Av Liberdade with Continental Breakfast Lisbon City Sightseeing Tour Sintra Walking Tour Estoril Walking Tour Group Welcome Dinner Group Farewell Dinner Guide / Driver Tips & Gratuities Venture Holidays Travel Wallet

Exclusions • • • • •

International and domestic airfares plus taxes Convention Registration RI-Ticketed Events or Host-Ticketed Events Early Check in and Late Check out Meals and Beverages (other than those listed as included) • Insurance, Passport & Visa Fees, Personal expenditure

Flights ex Sydney (prices are per person and do not include taxes) Emirates via Dubai

Qantas via London / Singapore

Economy

from $1932*

from $1073*

Business

from $6584*

from $14437*

To register your interest or to book, contact Adele at Venture Holidays Level 5, 41 Currie Street, Adelaide SA 5000 E: AdeleN@VentureHolidays.com.au P: 08 8238 4511 (Adelaide)2012-13 or 1300 303 343 (all other areas) 30 Issue 546. December-January

*Airfares are subject to availability at the time of booking. Taxes are subject to change.

The Body’s Defence against Cancer A new study reveals that a previously suspected cancer-causing gene may actually be the body’s self defence against cancer. Dr Jessamy Tiffen at the University of Sydney, NSW, was the recipient of the Fred Barbagallo PhD Scholarship in Secondary Cancer of the Liver funded by the Rotary Club of Dural, NSW, and Australian Rotary Health from 2007-2010. One of the aims of Dr Tiffen’s study was to identify new genes that cause cancer to assist in the early detection and prevention of the disease and establish new methods of treatment. BORIS and CTCF represent two genes suspected to have a role in cancer development; a more detailed explanation of their roles became the focus of this study. The effect of these genes was observed in cancer cells grown in both plastic dishes in an incubator and in tumours growing in mice. “Despite previous reports suggesting that BORIS may be a cancer-causing gene, this study revealed the opposite,” Dr Tiffen

Dr Jessamy Tiffen with fiancé David at her PhD Graduation Ceremony

explained. “We found that cancer cells containing BORIS and CTCF not only formed smaller tumours, but also contained fewer

as the body’s natural defence mechanism in an effort to halt the

blood vessels and therefore were less likely to spread to other

progression of tumour growth.”

organs in the body.” Dr Tiffen’s study is the first to report that BORIS displays similar tumour suppressive functions to CTCF. “We now believe BORIS and CTCF may be activated in cancers

It is hoped that these genetically altered cells will help us to understand the mechanisms of cancer and will assist in developing new types of cancer treatments to eventually cure this disease.



We Sponsored 1 in 5 Australian Indigenous Doctors The Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association (AIDA) has just reported that for the first time in Australian history, the number

This year $400,000 was expended on the program through 80 Indigenous Health Scholarships.

of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander medical students has

Dr Sean White was the recipient of an Indigenous Health

increased to match the ratio of Indigenous to non-Indigenous

Scholarship from 2007-2010 while studying a Bachelor of

people in Australia. In 2004, 0.8 per cent of domestic first year

Medicine at the University of Newcastle. He served one year

medical students were Indigenous. Last year this number had

as a Student Director on the AIDA Board in 2010, a prestigious

risen to 2.5 per cent of the 3241 students.

position available to one student per year, and has since become

Approximately 20 per cent of all graduated Indigenous

a Director on the Board.

doctors in Australia have been sponsored by Australian Rotary

He says Australian Rotar y Health Indigenous Health

Health through their Indigenous Health Scholarship program.

Scholarships provide important financial support for living

This program sees Rotary clubs, Rotary Districts, businesses

expenses and study fees for Indigenous university students. This

and individuals partner with the State and Commonwealth

program has made a significant contribution to the increased

governments to fund an Indigenous student studying a health

amount of Indigenous students completing tertiary health

related degree at university.

studies and graduating as doctors in Australia.



www.rotarydownunder.org

Reducing Suicide: A School Based Intervention Suicide and suicidal behaviour have been recognised as one of the leading concerns of young people in Australia. It is the thirdleading cause of death for 15 to 24-year-olds and the emotional effects of suicide can have a devastating impact on any school

identifying and managing suicidal behaviour, mental illness and risk 4. To reduce the level of stigma towards young people engaging in suicidal behaviour

community. There is a growing need for trained welfare staff

“Significant improvements were observed in terms of

in schools who are confident, skilled and equipped to reduce

increased confidence, increased perceptions of skill along with

suicidal behaviour in teenagers.

increased knowledge of deliberate self-harm,” Professor Yung

Professor Alison Yung and Ms Joanna Robinson, funded by Australian Rotary Health and the Rotary Club of Camberwell, Vic, have implemented a trial of a training package for welfare staff in schools through Orygen Youth Health in Melbourne, Vic. There were four aims for the training program: 1. To better enable school welfare staff to understand suicidal behaviour and mental illness 2. To improve their ability to recognise mental illness and risk 3. To lift their levels of confidence and perceived skill in

said. “These improvements were sustained over a six-month follow-up period.” The results of the project were then used in the development of an evidence-based training package for school staff that is now routinely delivered as part of the Orygen Youth Health training program. A manual has also been developed to standardise the training provided. “It is hoped that the program is not only of benefit to the staff who attend, but also to their students.”



Professor Alison Yung

Issue 546. December-January 2012-13

How Can I Support Australian Rotary Health? The success of Australian Rotary Health has been built on the suppor t and involvement of Rotarians nationwide. Close to $29 million has been expended on health research in Australia since 1985 and a large majority of these funds have been donated by Rotary clubs and their members. You can continue your support for Australian Rotary Health in a number of ways.

Donate Make a donation at any time to Australian Rotar y Health. All amounts over $2 are tax deductible. Visit the website www.australianrotaryhealth.org. au or call 02 8837 1900 for more information.

Fund a Scholarship Rotary families, individuals, clubs and Districts have the opportunity to co-fund a PhD Scholarship in their own name or in the name of a loved one, funding any area of health research. Funding Partners have the opportunity to be more involved with

Shantel Duffy and her partner Luke with Rotarians Tony and Heather Horsington. Ms Duffy is a Funding Partner Scholar undertaking research into Depression. Her Scholarship is co-funded by the Rotary Club of Parkes, NSW, and this photo was taken when she visited to give a presentation on her research.

Australian Rotary Health’s research by receiving annual progress reports and building a relationship with researchers. For more information contact Kelly Anne Martinez, Research Officer on 02

Be Friends with us online

8837 1900 or email KellyMartinez@australianrotaryhealth.org.au.

Australian Rotary Health provides updated and relevant

Your greatest gift

information to its supporters, as well as an easy way to connect through social media. Friends and followers will receive online

Making a Will can be a daunting process. However, making one

news items relevant to current research, updated information on

can ensure your estate will be handled the way you intend it to

Australian Rotary Health-supported events and a variety of other

be and confirm that your memory lives on through the financial

interesting pieces of information.

support for your family and the community. Including a bequest

“Like” our page on Facebook www.facebook .com/

in your Will is one of the easiest ways you can continue to

australianrotaryhealth or “Follow” us on Twitter www.twittercom/

support your community after your death. By bequeathing to

ausrotaryhealth

Australian Rotary Health, you too can help make a significant contribution to the health and wellbeing of future Australians. If you would like to know more, please contact Terry Davies,

For more information or to post photos, articles or similar please contact Steff Fenton, Media & Communications

Corporate Manager, on 02 8837 1900 or email terrydavies@

Officer, on 02 8837 1900 or email

australianrotaryhealth.org.au

StefFenton@australianrotaryhealth.org.au



www.rotarydownunder.org

Hat Day Record In May 2010 Australian Rotary Health broke the Guinness World

real way while raising the profile of mental health research,” said

Record™ for the most paper hats worn in one place when 301

Terry. “Support for Hat Day continues to grow, as does the need

people gathered at their inaugural Hat Day in Martin Place,

for research aimed at reducing the impact of mental illness.”

Sydney, NSW. Terry Davies, Corporate Manager of Australian

Meanwhile, there was an influx of events being registered

Rotary Health, said breaking the world record was a testament to

around Australia, including morning tea parties, family barbecues,

how significant mental health research was among Australians.

individual hat parades and Rotary dinners. Hat Day 2012 also saw

“People are taking their hats off to acknowledge that research

the introduction of a hat-themed trivia package that was made

is critical to reducing the stigma surrounding mental health and

available to the public

vital to finding its preventions and cures,” said Terry.

courtesy of Mary Kearney,

A similar moment was created on October 12, 2012, when 817 people wore paper hats in Melbourne’s City Square for the

District Representative of D9600.

official Hat Day celebrations, which were moved to coincide with

Nearly 45 per cent of

Mental Health Week. Australian Rotary Health collaborated with

Australians will experience

a number of organisations to host the event and its success must

a mental illness during

be attributed to the support they received.

their lifetime and its

The Millinery Association of Australia was especially significant in generating crowd support with their hat parade performed by Dancentre. They donated $500 to Hat Day and will be partnering with Australian Rotary Health for Hat Day 2013 events happening around the country on Friday, October 11. “It was rewarding to partner with active organisations and see the awareness of mental health being raised in the community. That’s really important,” said Terry. Australian Rotary Health welcomed the support of Ties For Lives, launching their creative campaign “Fold-it-Fridays” on stage in Melbourne. An interactive texting service was also introduced by Australian Rotary Health that allowed people to SMS their support for Hat Day and be linked to a mobile landing page for more information. “Mental health is an increasingly significant issue for Australians and Hat Day provides a way to connect with the community in a

Issue 546. December-January 2012-13

effects are known by all. 

Breaking the world record for the most people wearing paper hats for 10 minutes + Rozalee Erceg from Essendon Football Club and the Deputy Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Susan Riley, receiving Hat Day bears from Corporate Manager Terry Davies.

This photograph of a model was taken by a survivor of family violence to show the world what she went through. Xxxxxx

Violence Free Families: A national Rotary initiative Ridding the world of polio? An impossible challenge. But Rotary

• A seven-year research program with Monash University into

took it on, mobilised the World Health Organisation, the Bill

the long-term effectiveness of behaviour change programs

Gates Foundation and thousands of Rotary clubs and now the

to find better ways of preventing violence. It is supported by

dream has nearly been realised.

the Commonwealth Government and has been approved by

Ridding the world of family violence? An impossible challenge.

the Victorian Department of Justice. Social work agencies in

But Rotary has taken it on and has already improved the quality

four States are participating and the project has been valued

of many lives through its work over the past 17 years.

at $800,000, more than half of which will be donated in-kind.

In Australia, one in four families suffers from some form of

• A web-based behaviour change program is a new e-learning

family violence. The cost to the economy of reported violence is

project that will provide services to men who are unable to

$10 billion per annum.

attend behaviour change programs in person, a gap identified

Violence Free Families (VFF), an initiative of the Rotary Club

by the police.

of Brighton, Vic, is a national charity devoted to the elimination

• VFF supports the Be the Hero schools program for mid-teen

of all forms of family violence. It believes that Rotary, as the

boys developed by the Victorian Women’s Trust. In addition,

world’s largest service organisation, has the capacity to make a

a new youth education program will be announced shortly.

real difference to families and especially to the lives of children.

Asked how clubs can support this initiative, Chairman Dr David

District 9800 Governor, Dennis Shore, has praised this work,

Smyth suggested that they might raise funds, especially during

saying that if there ever was an example of Peace Through

National Dove Day activities next autumn (activities that clubs

Service, this is it!

could initiate themselves) and/or offer the services of members

Drawing support from many clubs in Victoria, and officially endorsed by District 9800, VFF has its sights set on expanding Australia-wide.

who have expertise such as social work, management, marketing and public relations. More information can be found on the website www.

VFF’s current program is in research into better prevention of

violencefreefamilies.org.au and the Violence Free Families team

violence, development of new prevention tools for individuals

can be contacted through secretary@violencefreefamilies.org.au

and counsellors and youth education. It includes:

or 1300 640 055..



www.rotarydownunder.org

This rotary world

WWII veteran and PDG returns to the campaign Past District Governor Stewart Frame, of Wanganui, NZ, at 96 years old is still full of vim. He had the good fortune recently to be selected in a party of 23 New Zealand veterans of the North Africa Campaign to attend the commemorations in Egypt to mark the 70th anniversary of the Battle of El Alamein, one of the pivotal battles of WWII. Stewart served in the campaign as a pilot with the Royal Air Force flying Mark 8 Wellington aircraft. More than 1100 New Zealanders are buried in the El Alamein Commonwealth War Cemetery. As the eldest in the group of New Zealanders returning for the anniversary, Stewart was asked to lay a wreath on behalf of his fellow travellers. After training with the Royal New Zealand Air Force, Stewart was posted overseas and joined up with the RAF. He served with distinction as a pilot and was later awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross during operations in Malta. He has often told the story about having to ditch in the sea during the war as a result of engine failure. An hour out from Sicily, the crew sent out a mayday call, and Stewart managed to put the Wellington down on a good sea. The tail touched the water and then the aircraft nose-dived and all went quiet. “I thought at first, this is heaven. My co-pilot and I got up out of the aircraft and stepped onto a life raft without even getting wet.” Stewart has been a wonderful mentor and friend in Rotary over many years, not only in his own club, the Rotary Club of Wanganui, but to all his close colleagues and past Governors in District 9940. He says his guide in life has always been a belief “in quietness and trust is your strength” (Isaiah 30:15). He has held to that belief throughout his extensive business career and in his years of community service.

Well-deserved The YEP Full Circle recognition

There are not too many stories that can claim a full circle to the extent of this one.

It is many years since the Rotary Club

Past President and President Elect of the Rotary Club of Belconnen, ACT, Melissa

of Papanui, NZ, has presented a Young

Tooke, has some very deep roots within Rotary. Her father, Ian, is a Past District

Totara Award, so it was with much

Governor of District 9700 and is currently Chairman of the Youth Exchange Program

pleasure that President Elect Arie

(YEP). Melissa formally joined the D9710 YEP team last year after helping at many

Geerlofs introduced Ollie Norman and

functions for a number of years.

outlined his fight to overcome serious

This year the Rotary Club of Belconnen had an application from Beth Cox of Evatt,

medical problems to achieve good

who had her heart set on an exchange in Japan, having studied Japanese culture and

things in the community.

language at Daramalan College.

Ollie is now working part-time and is dedicated to assisting his mother operate a soup kitchen and drop-in

Unfortunately, post tsunami, Belconnen’s partner, District 2510, has been both unable to send a student or receive Beth, so the race was on. PDG Ian had a note from D2630 asking for Australian partner Districts and

area for the disadvantaged folk of

knew it was Melissa’s exchange District, but he did not have the numbers to help.

Christchurch. He has established a good

Subsequently D9710 have a request from Beth and no District able to take her.

rapport with a number of young people

Two plus two very quickly makes five in the YEP world; an introduction from Ian to

using the soup kitchen and is committed

D2630 and an instant response from Chair Nobuo Horibe in Japan and the job

to helping the less fortunate.

is done! D9710 has a new partner District, Beth has a new home for 12 months

Assistant Governor Richard Green congratulated Ollie and presented him with his Young Totara on behalf of the Rotary Club of Papanui.

Issue 546. December-January 2012-13

and Melissa reconnects with her host Japanese District in a very different and meaningful way. It is certainly a great story and another small piece of the Internationality of your Rotary Youth Exchange program at work.

This Rotary World

Is this a record?

A First for 9920

The Rotary Club of Townsville, Qld, recently achieved a rare distinction in the world of Rotary, celebrating the achievement of 50 years of service by six serving members: George Roberts CBE (PHF Double Sapphire), Max Short (PHF Double Sapphire), Jack Gleeson AM (PHF sapphire), Ian Hastings (PHF Sapphire), Keith Brazier (PHF Sapphire) and Eric Hollamby (PHF Sapphire). Special awards were presented at a celebration dinner held on September 29, 2012. Club members were joined by Ewen Jones MP, Mayor of Townsville Jenny Hill, Rotary District Governor Ian Lomas, DG Elect Tony Goddard, PDG Alan Church and PDG Peter Kaye to share this wonderful achievement by six of Townsville’s leading businessmen.

To mark October as Vocational Month,

Club President Ray Valdeter, in praising the six club members, said, “Each of these

a visit was organised to the University

men has been a leader in their chosen field, they have all been extremely successful,

of Auckland’s Faculty of Medical and

yet they are all very humble people, they have shared their success with their great

Health Sciences new facility. The visit

generosity and service to the community. Many of the underprivileged of our

was well supported with 60 Rotarians

community have benefited from these committed Rotarians”.

representing 12 Auckland-based clubs. Rotarians were welcomed by the Dean Professor John Fraser and External Relations Manager Tim Greene.

Rotary Carols on the Common

Professor of Oncology Michael Finlay and Professor of Optometry and Vision Science Paul Donaldson were the tour guides.

The Rotary clubs of Macquarie Park

It’s a great family event for young

and North Ryde will once again join

and old alike. 2011 X-Factor runner-up,

forces for Sydney’s second largest

Andrew Wishart, will star in this year’s

Trials, NZ, has worked closely with the

Christmas carols. The Rotary Carols on

event. The 41 year-old singer from

Newmarket Rotary Charitable Foundation

the Common will be held at 5:30pm on

Melbourne, best known for his non-

to establish an Oncology award that

Sunday December 16 on the grounds

pretentious style, is a crowd favourite

allows a clinician to spend time in the

of North Ryde Common (corner Twin &

and regularly brings tears to the

cancer research laboratory.

Wicks Road).

audience’s eyes with his rendition of

The Rotary Carols on the Common raises much-needed funds for various

heartfelt hits. There will be plenty of stalls on site

Professor Finlay, Director of Cancer

The highlight of the visit was the tour of the Medical Sciences Learning Centre. This learning centre is a purpose-built

Rotary projects, including ROMAC

offering barbecue food, drinks, coffee

and architecturally designed facility

(Rotary Oceania Medical Aid for

and sweets, as well as carnival rides and

for undergraduate, graduate and

Children), which provides medical

kids performances.

postgraduate education in anatomy,

treatment for children from developing

The evening finishes off with a bang

countries in the form of life saving and/

over the North Ryde Common with a

or dignity restoring surgery.

spectacular fireworks display.

radiology and pathology. The learning centre combines the Medical School’s anatomy and pathology museums. It contains a wide range of anatomical models and specimens covering all body systems, over 1100 pathology specimens and an extensive on-line radiology and pathology image database. The forensic collection was fascinating, but macabre. Following the tour, a question and answer session was held in one of the new lecture theatres. Judging by the number of questions answered by Professors Fraser, Finlay and Donaldson, Rotarians found the visit both interesting and educational, as well as a great opportunity to network and share ideas.

www.rotarydownunder.org

COME CELEBRATE PEACE Notices

in Timor-Leste

… your personal invitation from District 9550 Governor Ian Lomas and Monika, and in keeping with RI President Tanaka’s Rotary International theme for 2012/13! Timor Leste is one of the last great frontiers for Rotary and Governor Ian and Monika have chosen to honour the Rotary Club of Dili and the people of Timor-Leste with the staging of the District Conference in the city of Dili from May 4 to 6, 2013. Ravaged by war only a few years ago, Timor-Leste is making a steady recovery on the back of its natural resources and tourism seems certain to grow at a fast pace in the near future. •

Rotary has been at the forefront of aid providers – and there are still many project opportunities.

•

The Conference tour will include two days of inspecting Rotary projects, prior to the commencement of the Conference proper.

•

Touring Rotarians will have the opportunity to inspect and gather Timor support for projects for their own Rotary clubs.

•

Members of the tour group will be requested to bring a cash donation from their own Rotary club to support Governor Lomas’ planned program of educational scholarships for Timorese children. The tour group will be led by Rotary Down Under Editor Mark Wallace and District 9550 Past Governor Jeff Crofts. Numbers will be contained to a maximum of 100 people due to the logistics of touring on the island outside Dili – reservations will be accepted on a ‘first in’ basis. Mark Wallace

Jeff Crofts

The following costings are per person and have been based on a minimum of 50 Adult passengers. They include return flights ex Darwin, 6 night’s accommodation and return transfers: Double Twin Single

from $1217 from $1282 from $1482

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST ARE NOW BEING RECEIVED. Telephone Gay or Samantha at Rotary Down Under – 61 02 9633 4888, or email advertising@rotarydownunder.com.au 38

Issue 546. December-January 2012-13

Notices

CALLED TO HIGHER SERVICE Past President Gerrit (Gerry) Jan

Prospect, SA, was a member of the club

Verdouw, of the Rotary Club of

for 51 years. Eric held many positions

of Maffra, Vic, who passed away on

Kingston, Tas, sadly passed away at the

and was a committed member who

September 29, 2012.

age of 79. Gerry was a Charter Member,

made a difference.

Peter Webster of the Rotary Club

friend, mentor and benefactor of the Kingston club. He and his late wife Zini were great supporters of Rotary and the community of Kingborough. He was the last active

Paul Harris Fellows

Charter Member of Kingston Rotary Club

Ken Roscrow (Sapphire Pin), Jeff

with service extending from the club’s

Hunter and Terry Tierney, of the

establishment in November 1971, until

Rotary Club of Blackwood, SA.

the 40th anniversary in November 2011. Gerry resigned from full-time service at that time and was made an Honorary Member of the club.

Di Dix and Jan Arnold, presented by the Rotary Club of Blackwood, SA. Tom Stevenson AM (Sapphire Pin), Sean Judge, John Castle and Arthur Grubb, of the Rotary Club of

Ronald Charles Burton (PHF) was a valued member of the Rotary Club

Preston, Vic. Alf Armstrong (Ruby Pin), of the

Ewan Gardiner, of the Rotary Club of Napier, NZ. Frank Emtage (Sapphire Pin), Adrienne Renton and Peter Little, of the Rotary Club of Orewa, NZ. John Wright (Sapphire Pin), of the Rotary Club of Pukekohe, Auckland, NZ. Helen Wright, presented by the Rotary Club of Pukekohe, Auckland, NZ. Geoff Pownall (Second Sapphire

of Morisset, NSW, and formerly the

Rotary Club of Albury North, NSW,

Pin), of the Rotary Club of Takapuna,

Rotary Club of Oberon, NSW, for a total

presented by the Rotary Club of

Auckland, NZ, presented by Rotary

of 45 years. Ron spent countless hours

Preston, Vic.

District 9910.

selling Bowel Scans and raffle tickets

Ian McDonald (Ruby Pin), Robyn

Gordon Tietjens, presented by the Rotary Club of Te Puke, NZ.

and working on the Rotary barbecue.

Opperman (Sapphire Pin), Corrie

Ron especially loved using his skills as

Parkinson (Double Sapphire Pin),

an auctioneer at charity functions, often

Dawn Hesketh, Pat Burrows, Warren

Pin), Bryce Weal (Sapphire Pin),

selling items for more than their worth.

Burrows and Doris Watts, of the

Sharyn Bell and Gary Robertson, of

Rotary Club of Noosa Heads

the Rotary Club of Waikato Sunrise,

Daybreak, Qld.

Hamilton, NZ.

The Rotary Club of Toowoomba, Qld, recently mourned the loss of one

Brian Donnell OAM (Double

PDG Raewyn Kirkman (Sapphire

Rosalie Sanderson, presented by

of its most committed members in

Sapphire Pin), Murray Stinson

the Rotary Club of Waikato Sunrise,

Past President Ray Inglis (PHF). Ray

(Sapphire Pin) and Michael Ineson, of

Hamilton, NZ.

illustrated the true spirit of what it means

the Rotary Club of Noarlunga East, SA.

to be a Rotarian, throwing himself into the club’s many community projects and fundraising activities. Ray was instrumental in many programs and changes in the club and

Malcolm Liddell and Ross Taylor, of the Rotary Club of Dunedin, NZ. Trevor Powell, of the Rotary Club of Greenmeadows, Napier, NZ. Fred Phillips (2 Sapphire Pin), of the

community, but perhaps his greatest

Rotary Club of Hamilton, NZ presented

legacy is the Bowel Scan project, which

by Rotary District 9930.

he brought to the community in 1999.

Yvonne Phillips (Sapphire Pin),

So far, 310 people have been tested

Arthur Pitcher (Sapphire Pin) and

positive and enabled them to undertake

Rodney Lewis, of the Rotary Club of

early treatment.

Hamilton, NZ.

Nan Johnson, of the Rotary Club of Whakatane, NZ. Kevin Richardson, of the Rotary Club of Whakatane West, NZ. Inspector Brian McGurk, of Nelson Police, presented by the Rotary Club of Whakatu, Nelson, NZ. John Taylor (Sapphire Pin) and Michael Rooney, of the Rotary Club of Alexandra, NZ.

Brian James, Ivan Hopping and Past President Glynn Osborne, of the Rotary Club of Noarlunga East, SA, passed away in June this year. Past President Eric Carter (PHF

Keith Tremain, of the Rotary Club of Hastings, NZ. Ross Brockbank and Brian

AVENUES OF SERVICE CITATION

Wilkinson, of the Rotary Club of

Ben Beresford, of the Rotary Club of

Hokitika, NZ.

Prospect, SA.

Sapphire Pin), of the Rotary Club of

www.rotarydownunder.org

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Issue 546. December-January 2012-13

Smiles

Dangers of a varied diet A rabbit walks into a pub and says to the barman, “Can I have a pint of beer, and a ham and cheese toastie, please?” The barman is amazed, but gives the rabbit a pint of beer and a ham and cheese toastie. The rabbit drinks the beer and eats the toastie. He then leaves. The following night the rabbit returns and again asks for a pint of beer and a ham and cheese toastie. The barman, now intrigued by the rabbit and the extra drinkers in the pub (because word gets around), gives the rabbit the pint and the toastie. The rabbit consumes them and leaves. The next night, the pub is packed. In walks the rabbit and says, “A pint of beer and a ham and cheese toastie

Object of

Rotary The Object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise and, in particular, to encourage and foster:

please, barman.” The crowd is hushed as the barman gives the rabbit his pint and toastie, and then bursts into applause as the rabbit wolfs them down. The next night there is standing room only in the pub. Coaches have been laid on for the crowds of patrons attending. The barman is making more money in one

week than he did all last year. In walks the rabbit and says, “A pint of beer and a ham and cheese toastie please, barman”. The barman says, “I’m sorry rabbit, old mate, old mucker, but we are right out of them ham and cheese toasties”. The rabbit looks aghast. The crowd has quietened to almost a whisper, when the barman clears his throat nervously and says, “We do have a very nice cheese and onion toastie”. The rabbit looks him in the eye and says, “Are you sure I will like it”. The masses’ bated breath is ear shatteringly silent. The barman, with a roguish smile, says, “Do you think that I would let down one of my best friends? I know you’ll love it.” “Ok,” says the rabbit, “I’ll have a pint of beer and a cheese and onion toastie.” The pub erupts with glee as the rabbit quaffs the beer and guzzles the toastie.

He then waves to the crowd and leaves ... NEVER TO RETURN! One year later, in the now impoverished public house, the barman (who has only served four drinks tonight, three of which were his), calls time. When he is cleaning down the now empty bar, he sees a small white form, floating above the bar. The barman says, “Who are you?” To which he is answered, “I am the ghost of the rabbit that used to frequent your public house”. The barman says, “I remember you. You made me famous. You would come in every night and have a pint of beer and a ham and cheese toastie. Masses came to see you and this place was famous.” The rabbit says, “Yes I know”. The barman says, “I remember, on your last night we didn’t have any ham and cheese toasties. You had a cheese and onion one instead”. The rabbit says, “Yes, you promised me that I would love it”. The barman says, ‘You never came back, what happened?”

The development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service; High ethical standards in business and professions; the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations; and the dignifying of each Rotarian’s occupation as an opportunity to serve society; The application of the ideal of service in each Rotarian’s personal, business and community life; The advancement of international understanding, goodwill and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional persons united in the ideal of service.

“I DIED,” says the rabbit. “NO!” says the barman. “What from?” After a short pause, the rabbit says,”Mixin-my-toasties”. The Rotary Club of Stortford Lodge, NZ

www.rotarydownunder.org

Rotary at a Glance

ROTARY international zones 7B & 8 ROTARY AT A GLANCE

KIRIBATI NA URU

Rotarians: 1,228,788 in 34,336 clubs in 530 Districts in 215 countries.

PAP UA NEW GUINEA S OLOMON ISL ANDS

Rotaractors: 210,979 in 9173 clubs in 171 countries.

TIMOR LESTE

S AMOA VANUATU

AMERICAN S AMOA

FIJI

9550

FRENCH POLYNESIA

NEW CALEDONIA TONG A

9570 9455

9500

9600 9630

9520 9465 9780 A USTR ALIA ROTAR Y INTERNATIONAL ZONE 8

COOK ISL ANDS

9670 9700

9640 9650

9820

NORFOLK ISL AND

9910

9680 9690 9750 9710 9790 9800 9810

9920 9930 9940

9830 9970

NEW ZEAL AND ROTAR Y INTERNATIONAL ZONE 7B

9980

ROTARY INTERNATIONAL WORLD HEADQUARTERS One Rotary Centre, 1560 Sherman Ave, Evanston, Illinois, 60201, US. Telephone; 847 866 3000. Fax; 847 328 8554. General officers of Rotary International 2012-2013 President: Sakuji Tanaka, Rotary Club of Yashio, Japan; President-elect: Ron D. Burton, Rotary Club of Norman, USA; Directors: José Antonio F. Antiório, Rotary Club of Osasco, Brazil; Kenneth R. Boyd, Rotary Club of Kerman, USA; Yash Pal Das, Rotary Club of Ambala, India; Elizabeth S. Demaray , Rotary Club of Sault Ste Marie, USA; Allan O. Jagger, Rotary Club of Elland, England; Paul Knyff, Rotary Club of Weesp (Vechtstreek-Noord), The Netherlands; Shekhar Mehta, Rotary Club of Calcutta-Mahanagar, India; Juin Park, Rotary Club of Suncheon, Jeonranam, Korea; Kenneth M. Schuppert Jr, Rotary Club of Decatur, USA; Ann-Britt Åsebol, Rotary Club of Falun-Kopparvågen, Sweden; John B. Boag, Rotary Club of Tamworth North, Australia; Takeshi Matsumiya, Rotary Club of Chigasaki-Shonan, Japan; Anne L. Matthews, Rotary Club of Columbia East, USA; Gideon Peiper, Rotary Club of Ramat Hasharon, Israel; Andy Smallwood, Rotary Club of Gulfway-Hobby Airport, USA; Bryn Styles, Rotary Club of Barrie-Huronia, Canada; John Hewko, Rotary Club of Kiev, Ukraine (General Secretary). The Rotary Foundation Trustees Chair: Wilfred J Wilkinson, Rotary Club of Trenton, Canada; Chair-Elect: Dong Kurn Lee, Rotary Club of Seoul Hangang, Korea; Stephen R. Brown, Rotary Club of La Jolla Golden Triangle, USA; Antonia

Hallage, Rotary Club of Curitiba-Leste, Brazil; Lynn A. Hammond, Rotary Club of Loveland, USA; Jackson San-Lien Hsieh, Rotary Club of Taipei Sunrise, Taiwan; John Kenny, Rotary Club of Grangemouth, Scotland; Ray Klinginsmith, Rotary Club of Kirksville, USA; Ashok M. Mahajan, Rotary Club of Mulund, India; Michael K. McGovern, Rotary Club of South Portland-Cape Elizabeth, USA; Samuel F. Owori, Rotary Club of Kampala, Uganda; Kazuhiko Ozawa, Rotary Club of Yokosuka, Japan; Ian H.S. Riseley, Rotary Club of Sandringham, Australia; Julie Sorjus, Rotary Club of Barcelona Condal, Spain; John Hewko, Rotary Club of Kiev, Ukraine (General-Secretary). Rotary International Regional Office Level 2, 60 Phillip Street, Parramatta, NSW, 2150 or PO Box 1415, Parramatta, NSW 2124. Telephone; 61 2 8894 9800. Fax 61 2 8894 9899. Office hours; Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5.00pm (Closed public holidays). Regional Head; Frank Pezzimenti (Frank.Pezzimenti@ rotary.org); Administration Coordinator/Literature Clerk; Michelle Fuller (Michelle.Fuller@rotary.org); Reception; Amanda Kahlon (Amanda.Kahlon@rotary.org); Club and District support Supervisor; Joy Walker Joy. Walker@rotary.org; Coordinator; Barbara Mifsud (Barbara.Mifsud@rotary.org); Correspondent; Mary Jayne Desmond (MaryJayne.Desmond@rotary.org); Regional Financial Controller; Grace Ramirez (Grace. Ramirez@rotary.org); Coordinator; John Jiang (Aust & NZ) (Xiang.Jiang@rotary.org); Coordinator; Rachel Hernandez (Philippines) (Rachel.Hernandez@rotary. org); Finance Corespondent; Melissa Asanza (Melissa. Asanza@rotary.org)”; The Rotary Foundation, Manager; Bruce Allen (Bruce.Allen@rotary.org); The Rotary

Interactors: 329,015 in 14,305 clubs Down Under there are 32,243 Rotarians in 1136 Clubs in 22 Districts in Australia and 9331 Rotarians in 265 Clubs in 6 Districts in NZ and the Pacific. Australian and New Zealand Districts include Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Timor Leste, American Samoa, Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, New Caledonia, Norfolk Island, Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu, where there are 776 Rotarians in 41 clubs. (As at May 2, 2012).

Foundation Assistant; Krissy Aure-Canson (Kristenne. AureCanson@rotary.org). Rotary Down Under – The Council RI Director John Boag; Phillip Skelton (D9455); Bob Cooper (D9465); Marie Dorrington (D9500); Roy Armstrong (D9520); Ian Lomas (D9550); Ken Kelly (D9570); Dai Mason (D9600); Annette Richards (D9630); Sandra Doumany (D9640); Brian Beesley (D9650); Peter Raynor (D9670); John Dodd (D9680); Keith Roffey (D9690); Greg Brown (D9700); Phil Armstrong (D9710); Bill Salter (D9750); Helen Trigg (D9780); John Gatt (D9790); Dennis Shore (D9800); Brian Martin (D9810); Tony Spring (D9820); James Wilcox (D9830); Lindsay Ford (D9910); Ron Seeto (D9920); Roger Miller (D9930); Graeme Blick (D9940); Gordon Hooper (D9970); John Prendergast (D9980). Rotary Down Under – The Board of Directors Past District Governor Des Lawson, (chairman), Past District Governor Peter Sandercock (vice-chairman), RI Director John Boag, Past District Governors Don Cox (treasurer), Jennifer Scott, John Kevan, David Watt, Bob Aitken (secretary). New Zealand Rotary Down Under Promotion Committee Past District Governor Fergus Cumming (chairman, D9930), Past President Felicity Anderson (D9910), Past Governors Leanne Jaggs (D9920), David Watt (D9940), Rex Morris (D9970), Trish Boyle (D9980).

Rotary Down Under Staff & Associates Editor: Mark Wallace Associate Editor: Meagan Jones Digital Production & Marketing: Ellissa Nolan Executive Director: Bob Aitken Finance Manager: Barry Antees Third Floor, 43 Hunter Street, Parramatta, NSW, 2150, Australia PO Box 779, Parramatta, NSW, 2124, Australia Phone. +61 2 9633 4888 Fax. +61 2 9891 5984 editorial@rotarydownunder.com.au www.rotarydownunder.org Subscription/Admin enquiries Phone. +61 2 9633 4888 subscriptions@rotarydownunder.com.au enquiries@rotarydownunder.com.au Advertising (Australia) RDU Web Hosting Gay Kiddle & Samantha Ausburn Phone. +61 2 9633 4888 advertising@rotarydownunder.com.au

Issue 546. December-January 2012-13

Marc Wilson Gypsy Media Services Phone. +61 3 8523 2278 Fax. +61 3 9580 4997 Mobile. +61 419 107 143 marc@gypsymedia.com.au Advertising (New Zealand) Colin Gestro Affinity Ads Phone. +64 9 444 9158 colin@affinityads.com Special Advertising Projects Lex Laidlaw Phone. +61 2 4329 4203 lexlaidlaw@bigpond.com Speakers Corner Rotarians Doing Business Gay Kiddle & Samantha Ausburn speakerscorner@rotarydownunder.com.au rotariansdoingbusiness@rotarydownunder.com.au Phone. +61 2 9633 4888

RDU Merchandise & Promotions Rotary and Probus General Manager: Barry Antees Corporate Sales Manager: Paul Reid Unit 16, 45 Powers Rd, Seven Hills, NSW, 2147, Australia PO Box 244, Toongabbie, NSW, 2146, Australia PO Box 91772, Victoria Street West, Auckland, 1142, NZ Phone. +61 2 9674 6855 (AU) or 0800 738 695 (NZ) supplies@rotarydownunder.com.au www.rotarydownunder.org RDU supplies, travel insurance Phone. +61 2 9674 6855 (AU) or 0800 738 695 (NZ) New Zealand & Pacific Islands Office Editorial & Promotions Manager: Beryl Robinson PO Box 87328, Meadowbank, Auckland, 1742, NZ Phone. +64 9 273 2061 berylrobinson@rotarydownunder.co.nz www.rdu.rotarysouthpacific.org Published by: Rotary Down Under Inc ABN: 6211348579 | ACN: 001408377 Design & Layout: iMedia Corp Printed by: Rotary Offset Press

Approved by the Board of Directors of Rotary International and prescribed for the members of the Rotary clubs within RI Districts 9455, 9465, 9500, 9520, 9550, 9570, 9600, 9630, 9640, 9650, 9670, 9680, 9690, 9700, 9710, 9750, 9780, 9790, 9800, 9810, 9820, 9830, 9910, 9920, 9930, 9940, 9970 and 9980 and published by the Committee by direction of the Council. Disclaimer: All expressions of opinion are published on the basis that they are not to be regarded as expressing the official opinion of the publisher unless expressly stated. The publisher accepts no responsibility whatsoever for the accuracy of any of the opinions or information or advertisements contained in this publication and readers should rely on their own enquiries in making decisions concerning their own interests. In particular, no responsibility is accepted for the quality of goods or services supplied by advertisers or for the accuracy of materials submitted for reproduction. To the extent permitted by law, the publishers, their employees, agents and contractors exclude all liability (including liability and negligence) to any person for any loss, damage, cost or expense incurred or arising as a result of material appearing in this publication. The views expressed herein are not necessarily those of Rotary International or The Rotary Foundation.