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Issue 536. February 2012
C O NT E NTS
8
5
F e a t u res
R e g u l a rs
12 The man who would be President
5 President’s Message/
15 Cover story
Foundation Chair
Q&A time with RI President-elect Sakuji Tanaka Closing the Circle on HMAS Sydney II Memorial
17 Rising from the ashes
Out of fiery destruction comes hope
19 Rough ride raises funds for research
6 Just Between Us 7 News Bulletin
2011 Tahiti-Moorea Swim
10 Mailbox
20 Magazine Month
34 Rotary Directory
25 Ken Scheller Award
35 This Rotary World
RDU – Your magazine, your resource Giving back to our contributors
38 The Honours list
2012 Australia Day and NZ New Year Honours
29
39 Notices
12
42 Smiles
Our Cover Thirteen years after the Rotary Club of Geraldton, WA, began its HMAS Sydney II Memorial project in honour of 645 Australian sailors who lost their lives in 1941, the fifth and final element of the project, the Pool of Remembrance, has finally been completed Story page 15.
www.rotarydownunder.com.au www.rotarydownunder.org
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Staff
Editor: Mark Wallace Associate Editor: Meagan Jones
Rotary at a glance
ROTARY international zones 7B & 8
KIRIBATI NA URU
PAP UA NEW GUINEA
Executive Director: Bob Aitken Finance Manager: Barry Antees Third Floor, 43 Hunter Street, Parramatta, NSW 2150 Australia PO Box 779, Parramatta, NSW 2124 Australia T: +61 2 9633 4888 | F: +61 2 9891 5984 E: editorial@rotarydownunder.com.au W: www.rotarydownunder.org Subscription/Admin enquiries: +61 2 9633 4888 E: francescampbell@rotarydownunder.com.au Advertising (Australia) | RDU Web Hosting Samantha Ausburn and Gay Kiddle T: +61 2 9633 4888 E: advertising@rotarydownunder.com.au
S OLOMON ISL ANDS TIMOR LESTE
S AMOA VANUATU
9550
FRENCH POLYNESIA
NEW CALEDONIA TONG A
9570 9455
9500 9520
9465 9780 A USTR ALIA ROTAR Y INTERNATIONAL ZONE 8
9670 9700
9640 9650
9820
NORFOLK ISL AND
9910
9680 9690 9750 9710 9790 9800 9810
9920 9930 9940
9830
Speakers Corner | Rotarians Doing Business Gay Kiddle & Samantha Ausburn speakerscorner@rotarydownunder.com.au rotariansdoingbusiness@rotarydownunder.com.au T: 02 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, Auckland Mail Centre, 1142 New Zealand T: +61 2 9674 6855 or 0800 738 695 (From NZ) E: supplies@rotarydownunder.com.au W: www.rotarydownunder.org RDU supplies, travel insurance: T: +61 2 9674 6855 0800 738 695 (From NZ) New Zealand & Pacific Islands Office Editorial & Promotions Manager: Beryl Robinson PO Box 87328, Meadowbank, Auckland, 1742, NZ T: +64 9 273 2061 E: berylrobinson@rotarydownunder.co.nz W: www.rdu.rotarysouthpacific.org 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. Published by: Rotary Down Under Inc Design & Layout: iMedia Corp Printed by: Rotary Offset Press 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.
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Issue 537. March 2012
COOK ISL ANDS
9600 9630
9970
Advertising (New Zealand) Colin Gestro T: +64 9 444 9158 E: colin@affinityads.com Special Advertising Projects Lex Laidlaw | T: +61 2 4329 4203 E: lexlaidlaw@bigpond.com Masako Otaki | T: +61 400 909 611 E: masakootaki@rotarydownunder.com.au
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ROTARY AT A GLANCE Rotarians: 1,213,529 in 34,145 clubs in 530 Districts in 210 countries. Rotaractors: 200,169 in 8703 clubs in 171 countries. Down Under there are 32,385 Rotarians in 1143 clubs in 22 Districts in Australia and 9434 Rotarians in 266 clubs in 6 Districts in New Zealand and the Pacific. Aust & NZ Districts include American Samoa, Cook Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Nauru, New Caledonia, Norfolk Island, PNG, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Tonga and Vanuatu, where there are 816 Rotarians in 44 clubs (figures as at June 30, 2011).
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 2011-2012 President: Kalyan Banerjee Vapi, Gujarat, India; President-elect: Sakuji Tanaka, Yashio, Japan; Treasurer: Elio Cerini, Milano, Italy; Directors: Noel A. Bajat, Abbeville, USA; Kenneth W. Grabeau, Nashua West, USA; Stuart B. Heal, Cromwell, New Zealand; Masaomi Kondo Senri, Japan; Barry Matheson, Jessheim, Norway; Samuel F. Owori, Kampala, Uganda; John Smarge, Naples, USA; Jose Antonio F. Antiorio, Osasco, Brazil; Kenneth R. Boyd, Kerman, USA; Yash Pas Das, Ambala, India; Elizabeth S. Demaray, Sault Ste Marie, USA; Allan O. Jagger, Elland, England; Paul Knyff, Weesp, The Netherlands; Shekhar Mehta, Calcutta-Mahanagar, India; Juin Park, Suncheon, Korea; Kenneth M. Schuppert Jnr, Decatur, USA; General Secretary: John Hewko, USA. The Rotary Foundation Trustees Chair: William B. Boyd, Auckland, New Zealand; Vicechair: John F. Germ, Tennessee, USA; Trustees: Doh Bae Seoul, Korea; Stephen R. Brown, California, USA; Lynn A. Hammond; Colorado, USA; Dong Kurn Lee, Seoul, Korea; Ashok M. Mahajan, Maharashtra, India; Anne L. Matthews, South Carolina, USA; Samuel A. Okudzeto, Accra, Ghana; Kazuhiko Ozawa, Kanagawa, Japan; Wilfrid J. Wilkinson, Ontario, Canada; John Kenny, Grangemouth, Scotland; Antonio Hallage, CuritibaLeste, Brazil; Jackson San-lien Hsieh, Taipei, Taiwan; Ian Riseley, Sandringham, Vic, Australia; General Secretary: John Hewko (Rotary International), USA. 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; 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 Foundation Assistant; Krissy Aure-Canson (Kristenne.AureCanson@ rotary.org). Rotary Down Under – The Council RI Director Stuart Heal, Liz Westoby (D9455), Jodie Sparks (D9465), Eric Russell (D9500), Bruce Richardson (D9520), Graham Koch (D9550), Ian Mylrea (D9570), Carolyn Krueger (D9600), Debbie James (D9630), Graham Jones (D9640), Barry Hacker (D9650), Janette Jackson (D9670), David Rands (D9680), David Cook (D9690), Ian Simpson (D9700), Rob Woolley (D9710), Phil Whyte (D9750), Brian Trenery (D9780), David Anderson (D9790), Keith Ryall (D9800), Juliet Riseley (D9810), Kel Hobby (D9820), Peter Murfett (D9830), Brian Tuck (D9910), Alan Eyes (D9920), Raewyn Kirkman (D9930), Bob Smith (D9940), David Drake (D9970), Joan Kiernan (D9980). Rotary Down Under – The Board of Directors Past District Governor Des Lawson, (chairman), Past District Governor Peter Sandercock (vice-chairman), RI Director Stuart Heal, Past District Governors Don Cox (treasurer), Jennifer Scott, John Kevan, David Watt, Bob Aitken (secretary). The New Zealand Rotary Down Under Promotion Committee Past District Governor Fergus Cumming (chairman, D9930), Rtn Felicity Anderson (D9910), Past Governors Leanne Jaggs (D9920), David Watt (D9940), Rex Morris (D9970), Trish Boyle (D9980).
Messages From Headquarters
Save a thought for sustainability Kalyan Banerjee President Rotary International My dear brothers and sisters in Rotary, In the first message I wrote for this magazine last July I quoted Mohandas K. Gandhi, who said, “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” And in the months since, I have had incredible opportunities to travel the Rotary world and see how Rotarians everywhere are bringing those words to life. Creating positive change means, at its simplest, using our knowledge and resources to solve a problem. But when we are talking about solving humanitarian problems in a real and lasting way, knowledge and ideas and resources are not enough to ensure results. We have to remember something else that is no less important: sustainability. A sustainable solution is one that will continue to work even after the Rotarians who proposed and facilitated it are gone. That, of course, means that when a part breaks on a water pump, there will be a process in place to repair it and to keep that pump functional – carried out by the community, and without further recourse to Rotary.
The first step toward sustainability understands the need – for example, the cooking fuel problem common in much of the developing world. In many regions, solar ovens are a wonderful solution: They are inexpensive; they rely on a source of energy that is free, non-polluting, and inexhaustible; and they are simple to use and maintain. But before we step into a community and attempt to solve its fuel problem with solar ovens, we have to fully understand its situation – and look beyond the problem we see. Perhaps the local foods need to be cooked at a temperature higher than the solar oven can provide. Perhaps the area is windy, and the solar ovens would blow away. Perhaps it’s traditional in that area to begin cooking before dawn, which, of course, you cannot do with a solar oven. These are issues you simply might not have thought of, but that could soon lead to the solar ovens being used to patch roofs or keep animal feed dry instead of for cooking. If we are trying to bring about change, it’s not enough to say, “My way is the better way.” We have to be listening and watching, not just talking. We can only help others if we reach out with an open mind – and with the knowledge, the commitment, and the perseverance to deliver on what we promise.
A man retrieves water from a community well. His home is being rebuilt with help from Rotary and Habitat for Humanity. Ambalangoda, Sri Lanka. © Rotary International
Kalyan Banerjee President, Rotary International ■
A simpler, more powerful Foundation with Future Vision Bill Boyd Chairman, The Rotary Foundation I am still occasionally asked why we decided to develop our Future Vision Plan. The question is, if the Foundation wasn’t broken, why fix it? The truth is that our Foundation, which has served Rotary and the world so well for over 90 years, was becoming dated. We were reacting to a changing world by adding yet another program or altering our rules, which made the Foundation
increasingly complicated and expensive to administer. It was time to face the reality that we must change or see our impact on the world diminish. We asked over 10,000 Rotarians what changes we should make and then began to work on a Foundation that is simpler and easier to understand, that involves clubs and Districts more in spending and stewardship, and that builds more sustainability into our activities. Just as polio eradication has defined Rotary to the international community in recent years, in the future, our six areas of focus will define us. We will have lifted ourselves above the multitude of little
projects that felt good, but addressed symptoms, not causes, and too often had a short-term impact. We have demonstrated through our polio efforts what we could do, and we will show the world that there are answers to other major issues, and that Rotary is prepared to lead the way. The pilot Districts are saying that Future Vision is exciting, leads to greater engagement and enthusiasm, is more efficient, is creating more interaction between clubs, is making Rotarians more aware of opportunities, has scaled up the size of projects, and is leading to greater giving to the Foundation. As chair of our Foundation, I can only agree! ■
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Xxxx Editorial
Grant me the grace to resist Rotary Grace Mark Wallace Just between us Those Rotarians on our email database (about 25,000 out of 42,000 and rising) were given the chance to have their say on the practice of Rotary Grace when our monthly e-newsletter went out at the end of January. When this went to press, we’d had around 700 responses from all over Australia, New Zealand and the South West Pacific, which, considering the major survey companies usually poll around 1000 random selections to compile their news-of-the-day polls, is not a bad response. This mini survey certainly generated some interesting statistics. Slightly more than 80 per cent of clubs still say a traditional Rotary Grace, even though just over 40 per cent of Rotarians say that Rotary Grace is not an appropriate way to begin a Rotary meeting. We’ll cover the responses in more detail elsewhere in this edition, but there are a few points to be made. I simply can’t pretend to be unbiased in this regard. I have a view and I feel very strongly about it. It’s been the subject of an internal argument spinning around in my head for about as long as I’ve been a Rotarian. As a product of the nuns (they taught me, they didn’t bear me!) from a very early age who has since lapsed into agnosticism, it has only recently dawned upon me that my objection has little if anything to do with the religious reference to “Oh Lord and Giver of all Good”, that is quoted by so many of Rotary Grace’s opponents. I’m not religious, and as a general rule, I don’t say Grace at home, although I have been known to reflect upon my good fortune in the presence of family and friends on certain special occasions. I don’t believe there is any place for religion (or politics, but that’s another story) in Rotary, but since my first Rotary meeting in 1995, I have gone along with the practice out of respect for those to
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Issue 537. March 2012
whom it might have meant something as a Rotary tradition. Of course, it is not a Rotary tradition. It may well be a tradition within certain Rotary clubs, but nowhere in the Manual of Procedure at any stage in the 107year history of Rotary will you find any reference to protocols around the recital of Rotary Grace.
“
have threatened to resign from Rotary if Grace is discontinued. Many of these would be the same Rotarians who saw in changes like the introduction of women, the relaxation of dress standards and even the virtual collapse of the classification system without feeling the need to resign. Apparently Grace is integral to Rotary service.
. . . nowhere in the Manual of Procedure at any stage in the 107-year history of Rotary will you find any reference to protocols around the recital of Rotary Grace.
The same could be said of the National Anthem, but let’s cross that bridge when we come to it in coming months! The point is that it’s the recital of the prayer that raises my objection. It feels just like it felt when the nuns had my mates and me reciting thanks for God’s “bounty” (which I thought was the name of the ship that Captain Bligh used to deliver the food we were about to eat – the nuns, God bless ’em, were not particularly adept at serving it fresh in the 1960s). Many of our pro-Grace respondents
”
To some at least. When I was seven it felt childish to recite such prayers, and almost 50 years later, it still feels childish and not the sort of rite that I would wish to share with any nonRotarian friend I was trying to encourage into Rotary membership. I don’t want to give them an excuse to be elsewhere next week before we’ve even given them a chance to sit down this week! So I’m stamping my foot like a sevenyear-old in tantrum! I won’t do it anymore. ■
Rotary Grace – 80 per cent of clubs still say a Rotary Grace, but 40 per cent of Rotarians object to it.
News Bulletin
Glenn Estess sr: one of Rotary’s gentle giants Glenn E. Estess Sr., who served as 200405 RI President during Rotary’s centennial year, died on February 7. He was 84. In 1993, Estess retired as chief executive officer of Glenn Estess Associates Inc., a sales and marketing personnel consulting firm, to devote himself full-time to Rotary. “I am sure the word most often used to describe Past President Glenn is ‘gentle’,” says Rotary Foundation Chair Bill Boyd. “He was strong in his beliefs, but always gentle in expressing them and treated all people with respect and courtesy. He served the world through Rotary in many ways and always with a smile. The Rotary family will miss him.” Estess, who joined Rotary in 1960, was a member of the Rotary Club of Shades Valley, Alabama, USA. In addition to his term as RI President, he served in numerous capacities, including Rotary Foundation trustee chair, RI Vice President and Director, President’s aide, PolioPlus national coordinator, RI Audit and Operations Review Committee Chair, International Assembly group discussion leader, and District Governor. He was a recipient of the RI Service Above Self Award and The Rotary Foundation’s Citation for Meritorious Service and
Distinguished Service Award. He was a Foundation Major Donor, a Paul Harris Fellow, and benefactor. Through the RI theme, Celebrate Rotary, Estess encouraged clubs to implement a Rotary centennial community project, form twin club relationships, and support the Every Rotarian, Every Year effort, which aims to achieve an annual $US100 per capita contribution level for the Foundation’s Annual Fund. “Glenn Estess had an uncomplicated, but effective theme for Rotary’s centennial year,” said RI President Kalyan Banerjee. “He celebrated Rotary so aptly and simply during that year. It was amazing. Glenn was always humble, courteous, straightforward, and always doing the right thing.” “ The Four-Way Test was never a challenge for the lifestyle Glenn lived by. He embodied those values and set an example for so many Rotarians,” said Donald E. Osburn, aide to the president during Estess’ term. He is survived by his wife, Mary, son Glenn Estess Jr, and daughters Elizabeth Wilson and Nancy Martin. – Ryan Hyland Rotary International News ■
Zoning Out! News from all over Zones 7B & 8
District 9520: Rotarian Charles Townsing loves cricket and is one of the original members of the International Fellowship of Cricketing Rotarians. Charles and his wife, Fay, ran a successful Bakery business in Victoria for many years before selling up and buying a cattle station at Cawker’s Well, NSW, between Wilcannia and Broken Hill. The Australian division of IFCR has its next national festival planned for Adelaide in October, but stand by as an embryo of an idea continues to develop among Charles and his many Rotary cricket fellowship friends. Picture a Rotary Fellowship gathering at the Townsing’s Cawker’s Well Station – in the heart of genuine Australian outback territory and involving the Motorcycle Fellowship, Flying Fellowship, perhaps the Off Road Vehicle Fellowship and even a Cricket Fellowship match involving Kiwis, Aussies and perhaps one of the famous ‘drop-in’ cricket wickets! Watch this space . . . District 9930: Almost 10,000 competitors and supporters, with 1000 volunteers organised by local Rotarians, descended upon Taupo, NZ, in November to take part in the annual Contact Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge. This event was started by the Rotary Club of Taupo Moana in 1977 and has become New Zealand’s premier cycling event. Aged 10 to 82, 2010’s participants were joined by the partners of NZ-based District Governors, affectionately known as the “DG Handbags”, who rode to raise funds for the End Polio Now! campaign. There was also a strong Rotary contingent in 2011, with 16 teams entering the fourleg 40 kilometre challenge, while others rode the 160 kilometre solo circuit.
The late Rotary International Past President Glenn Estess, Sr, addressing the 2009 International Assembly in San Diego. Picture: Mark Wallace
It put Rotary in front of thousands at a wonderful day of laughter on wheels. ■
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News Bulletin
Cash is King with spuds from the Plains Generous sponsorship, thorough planning, expert management and ideal growing conditions have given the Rotary Club of Ashburton Plains, NZ, a record yield from its annual Christmas “New Potato” Marketing Project. For around 20 years the club’s Projects Committee has honed its skill in harnessing the generous opportunities of land, seed and fertiliser donated by individuals and businesses to produce gourmet spuds for Christmas tables. Planted in late September, the optimum product comes to the consumer in the days before Christmas. This season, thanks to extraordinary conditions, paddock production was the biggest ever, with 2884 4kg bags coming on stream and sold between December 14 and January 9. Community expectation for the club’s high quality product now dictates that fresh potatoes are dug almost every day leading into the festive season through a series of short duration, pick, weigh, pack, marketing forays undertaken by club members. In a now well established and mutually valuable relationship with the Ashburton Rowing Club, rowers (often on short notice) are shoulder to shoulder with Rotarians picking spuds as older Rotarians weigh, bag and pack the product. Orders are canvassed from the town’s business fraternity and their staff, as too are restaurateurs and homemakers. This year, a “Hawkers” licence allowed the club to sell
Rotary Club of Ashburton Plains Projects Director Past President Ken Leadley (left) and President Ray Mayne (right) with the last dig of new potatoes. Picture: Ashburton Guardian Newspaper
the excess product from roadside stalls. This season 164 bags were donated to local food bank agencies, the “lonely’s” annual community Christmas dinner, age concern dinner, and as a thank you gift to some loyal business people who support “Plains” Rotary firewood, potato, and pea straw projects with donated plant, goods or services. Although $10 is not a lot today, when multiplied by 2700 bags it means cash is king. For their efforts each year the Ashburton Rowing Club is the first beneficiary of money raised. While the Rotary club does not have a pre-planned
agenda for the capital fund, local, national and global initiatives and sponsorship becomes the focus of fund distribution or aid. As a result, $10,000 went to the local Plunket Association, $4000 to Samoa in a joint medical aid equipment shipment by the “Plains” and Ashburton Clubs, $3000 to performance based Tertiary Scholarship Grant, $1000 per annum school uniform aw ard to t wo s el e c te d “ h ave - not” students, and the rest went to the Rotary Youth L eadership Award, Spirit of Adventure scholarships, and Pride of Workmanship Awards. ■
Making hay Rotary Down Under has a representative in every District of Australia, New Zealand and the South West Pacific, and without exception they are hardworking individuals performing a thankless task. In Tasmania, our man Rod Oliver is as hard working as any, and he has a keen eye for what might make a good submission for publication. We recently received this note: “Occasionally I receive good photos from District 9830 sources, like the attached one showing French Rotary
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Issue 537. March 2012
Youth Exchange student Manon Speich engaged in a typical Tasmanian summer activity – carting hay down on the farm. Driving the truck is Past District Governor Michael Perkins. “Manon has thrown herself into Tasmanian summertime activities like haymaking. She is shown here engaged in carting the hay bales back to the hayshed for storage. “Manon is from Alsace in France and is
hosted by the Rotary Club of Youngtown, Tas. She is spending summer with the Rotary Club of West Tamar in the Tamar Valley.” By the way, if you want to know who your District Rotary Down Under Chairperson is, ask your District Governor! ■
News Bulletin
Brisbane Institute magic The 2011 Combined Zones Institute in November attracted more than 800 Rotarians in what was believed to be the largest Institute held in Australia or New Zealand. The “magic of Rotary’’ was the true focus of the event. Convener and RI Director Stuart Heal wanted the Institute to be a reflection of today’s modern world. PDG Des Lawson led a talented team from District 9630, Geelong (Victoria) and Auckland (NZ). Registrants were stimulated by high profile keynote speakers and entertained with quality professionals. Participants were promised that the Institute would hold surprises at many levels and they were not disappointed. Even the traditional ringing of a bell to open each Plenary session was given over to the raunchy music of the ‘Sunrise Rockers’ from the Rotary Club of Rotorua Sunrise, NZ. Saturday night saw an eloquent Gala dinner ‘‘Brisvegas’’ style. The night began with all the pizzazz of a Monte Carlo casino with showgirls, dining to the sound of a grand piano before non-stop dancing and entertainment reminiscent of the lavish Las Vegas nightlife. The combined Institute was the stage for the first ‘‘Future Leaders Seminar’’ which I was fortunate enough to attend. It was a fast moving kaleidoscope of Rotary in which 170 nonInstitute members representing almost every District in our two Zones came together for the seminar before moving on to observe the Institute proper. We may never again see an Institute quite like Brisbane, but for people like me, who experienced this fresh, dynamic and innovative event and who have now returned to energise our Clubs and Districts, this is exactly what RI Director Stuart Heal set out to achieve. PP Rhonda Woods Rotary Club of Port of Brisbane, Qld ■
Paddling the Murray The time is drawing closer to the start of the big paddle down the Murray River from Renmark to the Murray Mouth. Russell Green and Peter Sowden, of The Rotary Club of Walkerville, SA, will attempt the big trip in home-built wooden kayaks. The trip is due to start from Renmark on March 12 and if all goes to plan they will arrive at the ‘Mouth’ on Good Friday, April 6. Russ and Pete are right into their training plan, doing circuits of West Lakes. This can get a bit boring, so to break the routine and get a “feel” of the river, they have just done a day trip up to Walker Flat and a 20km test run on the Murray itself. Rather than paddle down the river just for the exercise, Pete and Russ will be trying to raise funds for Australian Rotary Health and are asking all Rotarians and their friends and acquaintances and businesses to donate to ARH on their behalf. The trip will be no small feat for a couple of 60-somethings. Besides paddling about 30km a day for nearly four weeks, “home” will be a one-man tent every night with a camp meal on the river bank. There will be no back-up-crew, everything for the trip will be stashed in their kayaks. Russ will have a birthday mid-trip and thinks that a pub meal might be on the agenda that night! Russ and Pete are willing to come to clubs as guest speakers before and after the trip. Trip progress can be followed on the Rotary Club of Walkerville’s website. Watch for more information and please support the cause. ■
Project on ‘The Project’ Every scrap of paper represents an idea to come out of discussion groups at the Future Leaders’ Seminar conducted at the Rotary Zone 7B & 8 Institute in Brisbane.
The Rotary Club of Brisbane Planetarium’s ‘Project Now!” was featured on Australia’s Ten Network TV program, The Project in December. The club wants to build a 20-bed residence for women with drug, alcohol or gambling addictions, and has raised $400,000 in 18 months, but needs $750,000 to get building work started. No doubt the Project on The Project helped kick the tin along somewhat! ■
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Editor’s mailbox
Good Grace It is now a year or more since a lot of Rotary clubs gave up saying Grace and singing the National Anthem etc. We were told that new members would be joining Rotary in appreciable numbers due to these changes. How ludicrous. The reality, certainly in my District 9750, has been a serious drop in membership, closure of clubs and, due soon, Districts combining. In my 39 years in Rotary a couple of points that may appeal to normal Australians are: • Reintroduce Rotary Grace and the National Anthem; stop the cultural cringe affecting many Australians. • Have a two-year term for President. “View” clubs (the Smith Family fundraising), have three-year terms, which I think is too long. A two-year term takes a lot of the pressure off finding a new President each year.
• Delete what I call tourist programs, namely Youth Exchange, Group Study Exchange and Ambassadorial Scholarship (the latter costs about $30,000 per person). This would reduce District overheads and committees. Let’s concentrate on saving lives and improving the quality of life for those who really need it. • Reduce costs by cutting out partners of District Governor Elects travelling to the US or have regional conventions rather than all going to the US. Have the RI Board of Directors fly economy class rather than First Class. I’m told on good authority that it still is First Class. • Institute cost saving for the individual Rotarian. In my District club dues per annum varies from $120 to $400 and then you have the cost of attending the convention.
A is for Acronyms I stand guilty of failing to participate
heard. Therefore, might it be best practice
in the recent readership survey of the
in future for a full meaning of a Rotary
excellent magazine produced under Mark’s
acronym to, at the least, follow the first time
supervision. Nevertheless, let me be
it is used in any article or discourse?
permitted to draw your attention to what
Consideration should be given to one of
I deem to be a flaw in those articles that
the recommended methods of attracting
include Rotary acronyms, but fail to spell out
the interest of potential members (i.e.
what the acronyms stand for.
placing used copies of RDU magazines
Sadly, the fault may be mine, despite
in the waiting areas of doctors, dentists,
some 20-odd years in Rotary. Being in my
barber shops, etc.). To demonstrate this
late 70’s, yet certified as non-demented, I
point, in the latest issue there are excellent
suffer from the embarrassing deficiency of
RYPEN and RYDA articles printed on pages
lacking the mental capacity to remember
7 and 16 respectively. How helpful would
the meaning of every one of the multitude
it be if the acronyms were spelled out just
of Rotary acronyms that get bandied about
once for a non-Rotarian to gain quicker
at dinner meetings, conferences and in
understanding as to the focus of each
literature. For me pronunciation of acronyms
article. Additionally, the same practice
like “Rihlah”, “Rihdah” and “Ripen” tends to
would give wider promotion to the many
stir memories of a onetime admin assistant
programs run by Rotary both nationally
who persisted in saying every acronym she
and internationally.
came across to the extent that it could
Another aspect relates to the education
be mistaken that a non-English speaker
of newer club members who at the start of
was present.
their Rotary experience are striving to come
Now, don’t get me wrong, as acronyms
to grips with the scale and influence of
are very useful shorthand when used in a
activities that earn Rotary International its
proper context, such as to avoid repetition of
esteemed reputation worldwide.
long-winded titles that can be a disruption to
Stan Roulston Rotary Club of Gawler, SA ■
the take-up of the information being read or
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Issue 537. March 2012
It’s about time District Governors institute an active Public Relations section. For example, in a recent full page article in the Sydney Morning Herald on Polio eradication in India there was not one word about Rotary. After 107 years most people do not know what Rotary is or about its achievements. How often do you see FAIM’s major projects – the Kokoda Track hospital, medical stations etc. advertised? How can we attract new members unless we advertise? We are selling ourselves short, both here and RI America. In my opinion, unless we do some dramatic structural changes rather than protocol ones, Rotary, like the Dodo, will disappear. Claude Bennie, Rotary Club of Five Dock, NSW ■
Hats off to Police Awards We were very pleased to represent Governor Ian Simpson at the Rotary Police Officer of the Year Awards on November 4 (RDU issue 535). We were impressed not only with the quality of these officers, but with the pride exhibited by their colleagues in their achievements. There was also a sense that the community appreciation of the difficult job many police perform was most welcome. Colina and I congratulate the Rotary Club of Sydney, NSW, for initiating this excellent project and I urge all clubs to consider nominating candidates for this year. PDG Bernard Huxtable District 9700 ■
Editor’s mailbox
Chip in for Convention The 2014 RI Convention will be held in Sydney at the end of May and beginning of June. A Host Organising Committee drawn from the three Sydney-based Districts has been working hard to set in place the basic structure necessary to make this event the success we all want it to be. We will soon need the support of Rotarians in every District. The list below describes in broad terms the nature of the assistance we expect to need. Finance and Fundraising, insurance, legal, auditing, sponsorship and in kind support. Events at the Opera House, Darling Harbour, and cultural events representing not only Sydney and Australia, but also the countries of the South Pacific. Host hospitality and transportation to these events, including manning the appropriate booth in the House of Friendship. Promotion at District conferences, i ns t itut e s an d P E T S , e s t a b l i s h i n g Convention contacts in each District and club, preparing for promotion at the 2014 International Assembly and at the 2013 convention in Lisbon. Welcome at Sydney’s international and domestic airports establishing a good relationship with Sydney retailers to make delegates welcome and looking after VIPs. House of Friendship, including HOF entertainment, the sale of booths, an internet cafe, business expo and food and beverage. Publicity, including the media, press, radio and TV and matters such as the production of brochures, posters, signs, and flags and the decoration of the city. Services, including lost and found, the recruitment, training and scheduling of volunteers, necessary security and special needs such as medical, disabled and children. Information Technology, including the development and updating of the convention website, the production of video and Power Point presentations. We invite you to let us know of your interest in being part of the team. I look forward to talking with you about the work we are doing and how we can work together to make this the most successful convention. Barry Thompson Chair, Host Organising Committee ■
With thanks from Christchurch Thank you Rotary friends for your very generous donations towards the recovery of Christchurch. Rotarians throughout New Zealand and the world continue to demonstrate their support through their messages, their willingness to enter into a wide range of innovative fundraising ventures, and their partnerships initiated with District 9970 Rotary clubs. Thank you friends from the bottom of our hearts as we realise that this rebuilding of our community is a marathon with some very steep hills ahead following major earthquakes in September 2010, February 2011 and June 2011. The support so willingly given remains our lifeline as we work to assist the many people who have lost homes, had their homes severely damaged, lost businesses or are struggling to keep businesses going when there is devastation nearby impeding the progress and access. With the continuing after-shocks, which we hope are now lessening in frequency and power, it is a truly testing time for us all. Recovery is slower than we originally anticipated and we begin this new year afresh with better information about the pace that things can actually happen and signs of restart and energy. The careful planning and innovative solutions being proposed provide encouragement and fresh hope for our community. In distributing the funds you have donated, the Christchurch Rotary Earthquake Trust has focussed on young people, older people and those with disabilities. Examples of differences provided by your donations
include: temporary accommodation for a children’s home that needs to be rebuilt; funding to a community centre in a severely damaged area; counselling services, support for Alzheimer’s patients; equipment for people with spinal injuries; repaired accommodation and playground areas for young mothers and their children; food and equipment for food distribution; accommodation fit-out at centres for families of preschool children and services for people needing hospital care. Please be reassured that we are working closely with other funders to maximise contributions to the recovery of Christchurch and its people. Throughout this time your generosity has sustained and strengthened us all. IPDG Margaret Reeve Christchurch Rotary Earthquake Charitable Trust Chair Rotary District 9970 www.christchurcheq. rotarysouthpacific.org http://rotaryresponse-christchurcheq. blogspot.com ■
Got something to say? Send your letters to the Editor’s Mailbox: Email: editorial@rotarydownunder.com.au Letters of 200 to 250 words are preferred.
www.rotarydownunder.org
11
Rotary international
The man who would be
president
Sakuji Tanaka joined the Rotary Club of Yashio, Japan, as a charter member in 1975. He served as 1994-95 district governor, 2003-05 RI director, and 2006-10 Rotary Foundation trustee, and will be RI president in 2012-13. By John Rezek Editor, The Rotarian
Sakuji Tanaka was chair of the Daika Company and president of the National Household Papers Distribution Association of Japan. He also has served as vice president of the Yashio City Chamber of Commerce. He has received the RI Service Above Self Award and the Foundation’s Citation for Meritorious Service and Distinguished Service Award. He and his wife, Kyoko, are Paul Harris Fellows, Benefactors of the Permanent Fund, and Major Donors, and are members of the Arch C. Klumph Society. Tanaka also has established an endowed Rotary Peace Fellowship. Tanaka and Kyoko, who have been married since 1963, have three children and six grandchildren and live in Yashio. Question: What was your reaction upon hearing the news of your nomination? Tanaka: I was surprised, overjoyed. I felt it was kind of a miracle, because I never thought this would happen, especially for someone of my modest background. But it was a mixed feeling, because I immediately realised that I now had a tremendous amount of work and responsibility. I
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Issue 537. March 2012
resolved right away to make it the best year I could, and to work as hard as I could. Question: Can you retrace for us the steps in your journey to the RI presidency? Tanaka: About three years ago, I was encouraged to run for president by what we call in Japanese senpai – senior leaders. At first I said no, but they kept encouraging me. In Japanese there is a word shikataganai – it’s out of my hands, I can’t control it. So I ran, and I was elected. Now all I can do is to do my best. Being from a humble background, and being someone who is not necessarily very intellectual or highly educated, I hope that I may be a good example for others who may wish to run but think they are lacking in qualifications. Question: If you could have a conversation with each Rotarian, what message would you convey? Tanaka: I would let each Rotarian know that there is no higher or lower position in Rotary. Everybody is equal. I also would ask each person why he or she is a Rotarian, because I would like to find the commonality among Rotarians and what
Rotary has brought to them. And I would ask what Rotary should become and in which direction Rotary should go. Question: What do you hope to accomplish during your term? Tanaka: Rotary, for all the wonderful work we do, is not well known enough, and we need to change that. Rotary may be effective in promoting its public image on an organisational level, but there may be lacking in some individual Rotarians a strong commitment to promoting why they are Rotarians. I hope I may be able to provide some kind of a template – maybe a short speech – that Rotarians can adapt to their own circumstances, to tell other people what Rotary is all about. Question: Is a one-year term too short for the RI presidency, or are there greater challenges? Tanaka: I think one year is enough. As president-elect, you start to work right away, so in effect, you’re working for two years, not just one. A bigger challenge may be cultural. Each president comes from a different cultural background, so what is ingrained in his or her thinking or values won’t necessarily
Rotary International Disaster Aid Australia
be the same for other people. For example, a president from one country may bring the attitude of wanting to change the world in a year. From the Japanese point of view, a slower, gradual change is more appropriate. Question: Can you describe the process of coming up with the theme for your year? Tanaka: The Rotary Peace Centres were established as part of The Rotary Foundation in 2002, and I was involved in setting up that program from the beginning, four years earlier. So I’ve had a strong association with the word peace, which I think is a very important thing to promote in the world. Question: Peace is often described by what it is not – for example, the absence of conflict. How do you define peace? Tanaka: Peace, in my mind, is very abstract. It’s difficult to define peace. The definition probably depends on where one lives – the region or even the community. In some areas, having water to drink can lead to peace, or literacy can lead to peace. Just the idea of a
OPPOSITE: Who would ever have thought the simple act of removing a tie could mean so much? When RI President Elect Sakuji Tanaka, of Japan, took his tie off at the Zone 7B & 8 Combined Institute in Brisbane, in November, it was a powerful signal that the Rotary Leadership was listening to its grassroots membership; ABOVE: President Elect Sakuji Tanaka in a more formal setting. Pictures: Mark Wallace
family being safe can give a sense of peace. The concept of peace includes being satisfied, being content, being happy. So peace is very much a matter of individual perception. When I reflect, post-war Japan was very, very poor, and life was very hard, but some were satisfied simply with the feeling that they had returned to a more normal life. Currently, particularly in Japan, although there is no war, no conflicts, people are rather unsatisfied. Every community should be able to provide its youngsters with the possibility of having dreams. When I travel around the world, or around Japan, one of the first questions I ask young people is, what is your dream? Not everyone can come up with an answer. I would hope that everybody would have some kind of dream for the future – to become a teacher or president. Question: In terms of achieving peace, are there some situations that are simply hopeless – failed states in Africa, for example, or the Palestinian-Israeli conflict? Tanaka: There are situations that may indeed be hopeless, but we still have to work hard to find ways to help. The sad thing is that the people in those kinds of situations are not able to have the simple things in their daily lives that most take for granted. In poor countries, many people are not educated, and they cannot find a way to resolve the situation they are in. That’s why it is so important for Rotary to help in any way possible – to provide a literacy or educational program so people in need can earn their own living. Question: If peace breaks out, how will we know? Tanaka: I think this goes back to different regions having different definitions of peace. In areas where people cannot go to work without fear, if they could be relieved of that fear, that could be peace. In areas where children cannot go to school without being threatened, if they could be free of that threat, that will be peace. For some people, reading a newspaper is impossible, because they are not literate. If one day they are able to read a newspaper, that may be peace as well. If every individual can achieve a feeling of personal satisfaction, that will be the ultimate peace. Even if a person is very wealthy, if that person does not have a sense of self-fulfillment or self-contentment, there is no peace for that person. ■
with CEO Jenni Heenan
What is, what could be? I often find myself asking ‘what is, what could be?’ Now, ‘the what is?’ is that we at Disaster Aid Australia (DAA) have set benchmarks for other Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) delivering humanitarian aid. Because of our high standards, our qualified and trained volunteers deliver our aid on your behalf with a commitment that ensures that when there is a real need, we deliver far above the standards of others. DAA is a small NGO – a project of an Australian Rotary club – who, together with our Rotary club partners around the world, have delivered aid to Pakistan, Haiti, Horn of Africa, Sudan and Philippines. By the time this is published, another DAA team will have returned from Sudan, as well as further deployments to Haiti and Kenya as we have been invited back to further assist. So good are our standards that the Filipino government has requested the services of Ed Cox, our training and deployment manager, to assist at their cost with the training of locals in disaster management and set-up. And we received a special citation from this government because we assisted to rebuild communities utilising our high standards with respect and dignity for locals. We all must have a dream … ‘what could ours be?’ Imagine if we had 1000 Disaster Aid boxes of hope to deliver to the people of the Philippines, or 5000 boxes to the millions displaced in Pakistan, or 50 more SkyHydrants to ensure clean drinking water for children, or added security with Solar Gem lighting? My dream today is that every Australian will support this important Australian Rotary club project by committing $800 to change the life of a survivor and be privy to the fact that we have dramatically assisted them to get their feet back on the ground with dignity and hope. We will do the rest on your behalf and ensure that the world knows what we, as Rotarians, are capable of making a real difference ... together. ■ www.rotarydownunder.org www.rotarydownunder.org 13
13
cover story
05 - 15 May 2012
Hurry, book now! Limited places available!
ESCAPE TO PHUKET
Indulge with a tropical getaway in Phuket post - convention ITINERARY
Inclusions
DAY ONE | 05 MAY 12 Arrive Bangkok. Transfer airport-hotel via private vehicle. DAY TWO - FIVE | 06 - 09 MAY 12 Convention: 2012 Rotary Convention at the Impact Exhibition & Convention Centre. Includes scheduled shuttle service between select hotels and the Convention Centre. (B) DAY SIX | 10 MAY 12 Transfer hotel-airport via private vehicle to fly to Phuket, where you will be met and greeted by a local English speaking guide at the airport. Transfer to your hotel in Karon Beach. This evening you will enjoy a 1 hour Welcome Cocktail Reception at the Katathani Phuket Beach Resort. DAY SEVEN | 11 MAY 12 Enjoy a morning private Phuket Island tour introducing you to the life and beauty of Phuket Island. Visit Phuket town, admire Phuket’s most famous temples. The afternoon sees you partaking in a 4-in-1 Safari where you will travel by four wheel drive from Siam Safari Centre, up into Chalong highlands to Siam Safari Elephant camp and see how young elephants are trained. Go on a short trek on the elephants in the forested mountains and look out over Chalong bay and out to Phi Phi island. Enjoy an cruise in Chalong Bay and enjoy the sunset with some drinks and refreshments. Return to your hotel early evening. (B) DAY EIGHT | 12 MAY 12 Take a full day Phang Nga Sea Canoe tour. Explore true, undisturbed nature; discover sea caves, hongs and tunnels of Koh Panak and Koh Hong. Sit back, relax and enjoy the tranquility of this “lost world”. Visit Lawa island where you can self paddle a canoe, swim or laze on the beach. (B, L) DAY NINE | 13 MAY 12 Explore Phi Phi Island by Speedboat on a full day tour. You will see two of Asia’s most beautiful islands, the larger is Phi Phi Don and the smaller is Phi Phi Ley, where the Hollywood film “The Beach” was filmed. Return to your hotel. (B)
• Return economy class flight on Bangkok Airways – Bangkok/Phuket/Bangkok • Airport taxes and Government fees (subject to change at time of ticketing) • Return private coach transfers as listed in itinerary • 5 nights accommodation at Century Park Hotel in a Superior room • 5 nights accommodation at Katathani Phuket Resort in a Junior Suite • Touring as listed in itinerary with an English speaking guide • Entrance fees to places as mentioned in the itinerary • Meals and beverages as listed in itinerary • 1 Hour Welcome cocktail function as listed in itinerary • Service charges and VAT • Scheduled Convention shuttle transfer services as listed in the itinerary • Services of a Venture Holidays tour leader • Venture Holidays comprehensive travel wallet
Exclusions • International Airfares to and from Bangkok (prices available on request including group airfares for groups of 10 or more) • International airport departure tax ex. Bangkok • Convention Registration, RI-ticketed events or Host-ticketed events • Early Check In and Late Check Out • Meals and beverages other than those specified in the itinerary • Insurance, Passport and Visa fees • Personal expenditure e.g. laundry, gratuities to drivers and guides etc
DAY TEN | 14 MAY 12 Enjoy a day on your own to explore Phuket. In the evening, enjoy a Phuket Fantasea “Las Vegas-style” show with dinner, showcasing the charm and beauty of Thailand. Indulge in a grand buffet of Thai and international cuisine and much more. (B, D) DAY ELEVEN | 15 MAY 12 Depart Phuket. Transfer from hotel to airport via private vehicle. (B)
Land only package# Century Park Hotel (4*) & Katathani Phuket Beach Resort (4.5*) TWIN: from $2300pp SINGLE supplement: from $804pp The above costings have been based on a minimum of 10 adult passengers travelling - if this number is not reached, it will be necessary to recost, which may result in increases to these prices.
#
Flights ex Sydney:
(group fares available for groups of 10 or more)
Singapore Airlines
From $843*pp + taxes
From $4254*pp + taxes
Qantas
From $1092*pp + taxes
From $9939*pp + taxes
*Prices are from & subject to availability at the time of booking. Flights also available ex Adelaide, Melbourne, Brisbane & Perth & New Zealand.
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Issue 537. March 2012
FREE OFFER
The first 20 people to register and pay a deposit for a tour will receive a unique RDU Convention tour shirt & hat or shade Contact Adele for further information AdeleN@VentureHolidays.com.au 08 8238 4591 or 1300 303 343
cover story
Closing the Circle on Sydney II Memorial Royal Australian Navy cruiser HMAS Sydney II disappeared after a battle with German raider HSK Kormoran during a WWII battle in November 1941 and all 645 Australian sailors were lost off the Western Australian coast. While both ships were lost, many of the Kormoran crew survived the ordeal. Both the wreck of the HMAS Sydney II and HSK Kormoran were found in March 2008. Thirteen years ago the Rotary Club of Geraldton, WA, decided to undertake a momentous project to honour those 645 brave men who died defending their country. Their project, the magnificent HMAS Sydney II Memorial was honoured by the Australian Government, receiving national significance as the only one of its kind outside of Canberra. Sitting proudly on Mt Scott it overlooks the City of Geraldton and the waters beyond that hold the memories of that tragic event. The memorial attracts daily visitors from all over the world and has become the club’s largest project. The beautifully designed memorial was created by sculptors Joan WalshSmith and Charles Smith and features five elements steeped in symbolism: a silver dome of 645 seagulls to represent each of the lost sailors; the wall of remembrance; to the north, a bronze statue of a woman gazes desperately out to sea as she awaits news of the ill-fated Sydney II; and nearby
HMAS Sydney II Memorial “Fifth Element” was officially opened by the Mayor of Geraldton on Friday November 18 followed by the 70th Anniversary Memorial service of the sinking of the HMAS Sydney II. is the stele – a single, dramatic shape representing the bow of the ship. Now, after 13 years, the fifth and final element of the HMAS Sydney II Memorial, the Pool of Remembrance, has finally been completed, thus “Closing the Circle” of this major project. The official handover to the City of Greater Geraldton took place on November 18 in a short ceremony led by RDCE Bob Trotter. The pool features 644 Seagulls that line the base of the pool. The 645th, standing two metres tall above the pool with its wings spread, indicates the spot where the wreck lies, together with longitude and latitude coordinates. President Laurie Holland and sculptor
Charles Smith presented a certificate and a silver gull sculpture to Mayor Ian Carpenter for the City of Greater Geraldton. The gull will remain on prominent display at the City of Greater Geraldton offices. This was indeed a proud day for the Rotary Club of Geraldton. It is surely a shining example to all other Rotary clubs of just what is possible if one harnesses the conviction, skills and positive energy that is endemic to all Rotarians. As part of the club’s on-going commitment to the memorial is the promotion of the commemorative silver gull sculpture being revived to raise funds for the memorial. For further information visit www.sydneymemorialsilvergull.com.au. ■
HELP DEFEAT MENTAL ILLNESS TOP AWARD!
Hat Day 2011 was supported throughout Australia and was able to get a Highly Commended Award from Fundraising Institute Australia, being runner-up in NSW. You can help us aim for the top this year by organising a Hat Day event on 18 May 2012 or in fact at any time. For further information call 1800 781 878 or visit www.hatday.com.au
www.hatday.com.au
Ph:1800 781 878 www.rotarydownunder.org
15
Xxxx
Advertorial
Toyota Community Foundation ... a commitment to supporting youth road safety education Toyota, the largest manufacturer of motor vehicles in the world, is known for its commitment to quality and reliability. What is not so public is Toyotas commitment to the communities in which it lives. Accordingly, Toyota Australia has established The Toyota Community Foundation which, in part, seeks to develop major partnerships with national not-for-profit organisations in the fields of environment, traffic safety and education. Within the traffic safety component of the fund, Toyota Community Foundation established a partnership with Road Safety Education Limited, providers of the RYDA Program through Rotary Clubs across Australia. This partnership with Toyota focuses on building the capacity of partner organisations to do more with their limited resources in a sustained manner. Through Toyota’s support, the RYDA road safety education program will expand more quickly into Victoria ensuring more young people have access to the RYDA Program. In addition, it is acknowledged that through the experience of the RYDA Program, Road
Your family is fragile. Your car shouldn’t be.
toyota.com.au
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Issue 537. March 2012
Safety Education Limited has much to contribute to national road safety education dialogue and therefore, the goal is to help Road Safety Education Limited raise its profile and become a vocal contributor to that discussion. Further, Toyota will contribute through Road Safety Education Limited to fund much needed research and development of road safety education initiatives. This initiative will be supported by the soon to be established Road Safety Education Limited’s National Advisory Council of eminent researchers and educators. Whether it is supporting local and emerging artists through its community gallery initiatives or by their nine year support of Conservation Volunteers Australia in connecting more volunteers to environmental projects, Toyota Australia has proved to be a corporate giant supporting Australia’s quiet achievers who are just getting on with the job. To learn more about how Toyota works together with not for profit organisations to build stronger communities go to http://www.toyota.com.au/about/toyota-community-spirit
Total HUman Model for Safety You’re incredibly fragile, especially on the inside. That’s why Toyota developed THUMS™ (Total Human Model for Safety), an advanced injury-simulation software with organs just like you. That’s what helps make you safer. That’s what makes it a Toyota.
Club Service Xxxx
Rising from
the ashes The Februar y 2009 f ires wrought massi ve
Our club is now one year old and, from my
devastation to the Kinglake Ranges, with extensive
perspective, it has been one of the best aspects
loss of life, destruction of homes, businesses and
of our recovery.
community facilities, huge stock, fencing and
We have 31 members (18 men, 13 women) and
pasture losses, and the devastation of the iconic
what distinguishes them is their positive attitude
Kinglake National Park.
and good humour. In a community still struggling
The Australian community responded with great
physically and emotionally, Rotary has been
generosity, providing support to help communities
a great support network and has given us the
begin the long process of rebuilding our lives.
opportunity to continue Rotary’s great work.
Rotary was one of the first groups to arrive. I will
We’ve had a busy first year and have instigated
never forget the team of Rotarians who came with
or are planning a number of projects including:
relief supplies and it was great to see a number of
• A Kinglake Ranges ‘open day’ to give Victorians
familiar faces. Rotary has done so much for our communities
a chance to se e our new inf r ast ructure and gardens
in the immediate aftermath and for the long term:
• Mental Health First Aid Course
• Funded equipment to provide on the ground
• Trivia night to raise funds for maternal and child
support,
health in the Papua New Guinea highlands
• Helped to fund our Business Network building,
• Bee keeping training project in Laos
• Provided marquees for our Produce and
• North East Publishing Academy; training
Artisans Market, • Built the Ellimatta youth centre providing
young people in the printing and graphic design trades
a venue for youth services and our Rotary meetings,
Our club’s Rot ary Founda t ion project is
• Provided community radio equipment,
‘Let’s Write Off Polio’ pens. Rotary clubs from
• Built Kinglake Primary School’s rotunda,
across Australia can purchase a box of pens
• Prov ided suppor t f or rur a l prope r t i e s,
for $100 (+ $10 shipping) and, with pens sold
particularly fencing, • Funded mental health support
for $2, your club makes almost 100% prof it towards Polio Plus. For order forms v isit www.rotaryclubkinglakeranges.com.au
Most importantly, Rotary encouraged a group of residents to form our own Rotary club and we were officially chartered on February 9, 2011.
Jenny Beales President, Rotary Club of Kinglake Ranges ■
www.rotarydownunder.org
17
Xxxx
Working together to rebuild communities
We need your help. As little as $800 can provide hope to a family and put a smile on the face of a child. 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 18
Issue 537. March 2012
Club Service
Rough ride raises funds for research Fourteen swimmers, 18 kilometres and almost AU$22,000 raised to fight diabetes and obesity.
For the seventh year, the Rotary Club of Papeete-Tahiti, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Moorea, organised its great Tahiti-Moorea Swim in order to raise money for their diabesity program, which fights diabetes and obesity. The multiple goals of this project are to increase awareness of the diabesity program, raise money, and reinforce the PR image of Rotary by showing a dynamic sporting image of Rotarians. Half the money raised from last year’s event, along with half the money raised from the following two years, will be donated to medical research for diabetes in Polynesia.
The swim is neither a competition, nor a race. It is a challenge to swim 18km in the deep blue between the two islands. The event again received excellent media cover, with two TV news reports, newspaper excerpts and two radio programs covering this incredible swim, which has been held annually since 2004. While bad weather resulted in some cases of seasickness, the swim began at 5.30am and lasted five and half hours. Participants could either swim the full 18 kilometres or opt to participate in a relay team. At the arrival into the Moorea lagoon, all of the swimmers were back in the water
and swam to shore together accompanied by two traditional Polynesian outriggers. They were greeted by a colourful welcome ceremony with flowers, champagne, local fruit, and a lunch for swimmers with the organisers and Rotarians. It’s a beautiful swim, despite the physical challenge and rough seas, which thankfully did not result in any unwanted encounters (such as sharks or jelly fish). On December 12 a cocktail party was held for swimmers, partners, sponsors and the media. It was a great way to thank and recognise everyone for their commitment to this sporting Rotary challenge. ■
The Kimberley... ...twice the size of Victoria with a population of only 40,000, the Kimberley is a must visit destination. In 2012 Max Whitehead, founder of Austour and a Frankston Rotarian will be guiding 3 special tours to his favourite places; the Kimberley, Outback Queensland and Lake Eyre. A great opportunity to travel with like minded people. Fun and fellowship to the extreme and lots of Australia to discover. Good comfortable outback accommodation and a 5 star coach. Special Rotary rate for groups of 6 or more. BOOK NOW AND SAVE $$$
Ring Max for a chat 1800 335 009 or visit www.austour.com.au www.rotarydownunder.org
19
Magazine month
Your magazine, your resource April is RI’s Magazine Month, during which we’re asking Rotarians and Rotary clubs to do whatever they can to recognise and promote Rotary regional magazines – especially this one!
Keeping in touch Once every two or three years, Rotary clubs and Rotarians throughout the South West Pacific Region get the chance to influence the editorial policy of Rotary Down Under through an official readership survey, such as the one conducted in November, 2011. We’re constantly on the lookout for good ideas, and sensitive to constructive criticism – a commodity many Rotarians seem only too eager to share with us at times!
Rotary Down Under, like all the other 29 official Rotary Regional Magazines printed around the world in 24 languages, belongs to its subscribers. The Rotarian was the first Rotar y magazine, having just completed its centenary year of publication. At Rotary Down Under, we’re not quite so old, with our 47th birthday just around the corner in April. I’d been a Rotarian for the best part of 10 years by the time I joined the editorial team at Rotary Down Under as a pretty smug Past President who thought he knew it all. How wrong could I be? Dealing with Rotary matters on a daily basis has meant going into far more detail about Rotary programs, policies, processes and protocols, most of which have ended up as a feature in Rotary Down Under in one form or another. As a result, the one thing that has become apparent is that the more I learn about Rotary, the prouder I become of this organisation and its 1.2 million members in around 220 countries all over the globe.
And while there are websites and Facebook pages and Twitter accounts dealing with Rotary matters, the one inescapable fact is that without its magazines, Rotary International simply wouldn’t be able to communicate with its membership. In this part of the world (Rotar y International Zones 7B and 8, taking in Australia, New Zealand and the South West Pacific) Rotary Down Under is the ONLY direct link between you as a Rotarian and the RI Board of Directors. My advice to people who want to recruit new members to their clubs is simple: Talk about Rotary. If you don’t know about Rotary, how can you talk about it? The place to find out about Rotary is in Rotary Down Under – the best resource and educational tool available to you and your Rotary club. It arrives in your letterbox every month, so you might as well have a squiz every now and then. Who knows, you may just learn something! Mark Wallace Editor, Rotary Down Under ■
Subscription compulsory Subscription to an official Rotary regional magazine is mandatory. This is not a rule legislated by Rotary Down Under – it is a condition agreed by all Rotarians when they accept membership. Rotary Down Under is completely self-funded. We rely on your subscriptions and advertising and receive no major funding from Rotary International. Indeed, we, like all the other regional Rotary magazines, pay substantial licensing fees to Rotary International. ■
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Issue 537. March 2012
Re s u l t s o f t h e m o s t r e c e n t readership survey can be obtained by contacting us here at Rotar y Down Under. It’s your magazine and we’re only too happy to share the information with you. It’s a little too bulky to include in the magazine in full, but we did publish a summary in the December-January edition. ■
Partners under the same roof Rotary partners can both subscribe to Rotary Down Under or The Rotarian, although it is no longer compulsory for people in these circumstances to have two magazine subscriptions. Some people question the wisdom of receiving two magazine in the one family but the second copy has invaluable promotional value when provided as a reading resource to a library or utilised as a gift for exchange students, civic leaders or even guest speakers/visitors to a Rotary club. ■
Magazine month
Online subscription The Council also ruled that subscribers to The Rotarian living in North America could take an online subscription to that magazine. We at Rotary Down Under fully expect the next Council on Legislation, in April, 2013, to extend that privilege to subscribers to all regional magazines throughout the world that have the capacity to publish an online edition. Until then, however, we are obliged to provide our subscribers with a printed copy of the magazine. Rotary Down Under has been available online for more than five years.
Spread the word
Other online resources Apart from the e-edition of Rotary Down Under, Rotarians can use the Rotary Down Under website to organise District Conferences and other events, book and pay for tickets to those events, promote their business through our Rotarians Doing Business directory (see page 19). ■
You can search hundreds of Rotarians’ business details using the Rotary Down Under Rotarians Doing Business Directory, just one more way Rotary Down Under can be used as a resource for project ideas and assistance.
Getting published It is quality of words written, not the quantity.
By Assistant Governor Colin Robinson Rotary Club of St Johns, NZ Rotary Down Under New Zealand Office Every Rotary club project is a chance to gain new members and support for the success of all your club activities. By telling the story of your club and its service successes, you are, in effect, preselling your future projects by showing you are active in your community with well run, successful projects. Every time you write a good article with a quality photo they can be widely used in your club bulletin, District newsletter, Rotary Down Under magazine, your local newspaper, sponsor and beneficiary newsletters, on your club’s website, community noticeboards, in club promotional material and blogs ■
The specification for articles to Rotary Down Under is similar to most print media requirements: • No more than 300 words. Attach the text and picture files separately to the same email – do not embed a photo in an MS Word document! • Give us your two best pictures only. If we want more, we’ll ask for them. • Pictures must be at least 300 pixels per inch and in jpeg format. If you set your camera to its finest quality setting, the file size should look after itself. If in sending the image by email, your server asks if you want to reduce the file to make it easier to email, say NO! • Include a caption for the photo in the email and name all the people featured. • Make sure you include a contact for further information if required. • In Australia, send it to editorial@rotarydownunder.com.au. • In New Zealand and Pacific Islands, send to berylrobinson@rotarydownunder.co.nz ■
www.rotarydownunder.org
21
Magazine month
Australia
Some tips: • Get compelling action photos – show the sweat not the cheque presentation; • Do not be afraid to pose photos for best effect; • The first sentence should establish the topic and set the tone – tell the most important facts – who, what, where, when, why; • Include lots of quotes; • Everyone holds fundraisers and some programs are quite run-of-the-mill so take care to point out what makes the project unusual, unique or innovative. Just because it is the first time your club has done something good, doesn’t mean it is unique among Australia’s 1143 clubs or New Zealand’s 266 clubs. • Consider how you would view the article as a reader. Does it inspire you? … does it give you new ideas? • Rotary Down Under has a practical application in all aspects of Rotary and can be easily used to support club and District objectives – membership – public image – member education and more. • It is a superb reference resource that on a day-to-day basis will provide ideas and inspiration for projects and events. Give copies to all who have contact with your club as many know little about Rotary – then ask them to join if you think they would make good members. • Go to www.rotarydownunder.org or www.rotarysouthpacific.org for lots more useful information or phone and ask how we can help. • To read the magazine on-line go to www. rotarydownunder.org and include that link in all your promotional material. ■
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Issue 537. March 2012
Rotary Down Under District Chairs 2011-12 District
Name
Club
9455
PDG Ian Murray
Mount Lawley
9465
PDG John Kevan
Applecross
9500
Graham Fussen
Tea Tree Gully
9520
PDG Peter Sandercock
Holdfast Bay
9550
Katanya Lee
Ross River
9570
David Anderson
Rockhampton North
9600
Barry Clark
Bribie Island
9630
John Odlum
Jindalee
9640
PP David Bonifant
Surfers Paradise Central
9650
Di Hall
Tamworth
9670
Pam Wellham
Wallsend Maryland
9680
PP Mark Wallace
Crows Nest
9690
PDG Jennifer Scott
Central Blue Mountains
9700
PDG John Egan
Wollundry-Wagga Wagga
9710
PDG Bob Greeney
Belconnen
9750
Cheryl Deguara
Sydney
9780
Rhonda Whitton
Highton
9790
PP Ian Bushby
Bundoora
9800
Vanda Mullen
Gisborne
9810
Jeff Steel
Knox
9820
PDG Ray Stewart
Narre Warren
9830
PP Rod Oliver
Launceston
Magazine month
New Zealand
Rotary Down Under Promotions Committee District
Name
Club
9910
President Felicity Anderson
Takapuna
9920
PDGs Leanne Jaggs
Manakau City Sunrise
9930
PDGs Fergus Cumming
Rotorua
9940
PDGs David Watt
Karori
9970
PDGs Rex Morris
Nelson
9980
PDGs Trish Boyle
Invercargill North
With a bit of hard work and good photography, you too could end up on the cover of Rotary Down Under! Rotary Down Under Group Representatives, District Chairs and NZ RDU Promotions Committee are available to talk to you or your club at any time – and especially during Magazine Month.
Rotary Down Under Group Representatives Group 1
Districts 9910 – 9920 – 9930 – 9940 – 9970 – 9980 RI Director David Watt 12 Lemnos Ave, Karori, Wellington, 6012, New Zealand Phone: +64 4 476 2236 / 027 246 6339 Fax: +64 4 476 2237 Email: dwatt@extra.co.nz
Group 2
Districts: 9780 – 9790 – 9800 – 9810 – 9820 – 9830 PDG Don Cox 5 Riverview Rd, Essendon, Vic, 3040 Phone: +61 3 9337 4308/ 0407 094 220 Fax: + 61 3 9337 9061 Email: don@coxpartners.com.au
Group 3
Districts: 9670 – 9680 – 9690 – 9700 – 9710 – 9750 PDG Jennifer Scott PO Box 279, Wentworth Falls, NSW, 2782 Phone: +61 2 4757 2974 / 0414 367 631 Fax: + 61 2 4757 1450 Email: scottadr@optusnet.com.au
Group 4
Districts: 9550 – 9570 – 9600 – 9630 – 9640 – 9650 PDG Des Lawson 731 Esplanade, Lota, QLD 4179 Phone: +61 7 3348 6607 / 0418 991 337 Fax: +61 7 3893 0416 Email: deslawson@ecn.net.au
Group 5
Districts: 9500 - 9520 PDG Peter Sandercock 13 Allen Terrace, Glenelg East, SA, 5045 Phone: + 61 8 8295 7734 / 0416 153 577 Fax: + 61 8 8295 6331 Email: ppsandy@bigpond.net.au
Have you visited the Rotary Down
Group 6
www.rotarydownunder.org
Districts: 9455 - 9465 PDG John Kevan 9 Norton Ridge, Winthrop, WA, 6150 Phone: + 61 8 9332 8808 / 0419 947 862 Fax: + 61 8 9332 8808 Email: john.kevan@naveko.com
Under website?
For all club and other website hosting, contact Del Jeal: Phone: +61 2 4739 4987 Fax: +61 2 4739 8902 Email: deljeal@nepeanblue.com.au
www.rotarydownunder.org
23
Ken Scheller Award
How you can help improve the health of all Australians
Become a ‘Friend’ or ‘Companion’ of Australian Rotary Health Australian Rotary Health is a multidistrict program of Rotary in Australia. The primary mission is to fund medical research by Australians for Australians. Australian Rotary Health has now allocated over $20 million in grants to Australian researchers. The major focus of this research is currently on mental illness but other areas supported include: cancer research (bowel, prostate, breast and pancreatic); multiple sclerosis; motor neurone disease; organise transplants; leukaemia and many others. Your Reward: x You will have the pleasure of knowing that your contribution is significant in ensuring that Australians of all ages, from all walks of life, will lead healthier lives x Your donation is fully tax deductible x Your name will be included on a permanent register of ‘Friends’ or ‘Companions’ of Australian Rotary Health x You will receive regular newsletters and updates about Australian Rotary Health
Make a start today!
Make a single donation or authorise a regular deduction, monthly, quarterly or annually via your credit card or online via our website or contact the office to make other arrangements. Australian Rotary Health will keep a record of all donations you make and your standing will be upgraded according to your total contributions.
The Friends donor program is for individuals. Companions can be individuals, a club or a corporation.
Australian Rotary Health
24
PO Box 3455, Parramatta NSW 2124 Phone: 02 8837 1900 Fax: 02 9635 5042 Email: admin@australianrotaryhealth.org.au www.australianrotaryhealth.org.au
Issue 537. March 2012
Supporting healthier minds, bodies and communities through research, awareness and education
Ken Scheller Award
The honour roll 1985-86 Jim Roberton, Te Awamutu, NZ
1998-99 Neill Inkster, Masterton, NZ
1986-87 Arthur Brett-Kelly, PNG
1999-00 Jim Hudson, Papanui, NZ
1987-88 Maurice Hawken, Essendon, Vic
2000-01 Brian Yecies, Bundoora, Vic
1988-89 Robert Stewart, Palmerston North, NZ
2001-02 John Watson, Wellington, NZ
1989-90 Richard Walker, Salisbury, Qld
2002-03 Elizabeth Caldicott, Blackwood, SA
1990-91 John Steele, Penrose, NZ
2003-04 Gerald Victor, Rockhampton Capricorn, Qld
1991-92 Alan Lawrie, Brighton, SA
2004-05 Grattan O’Connell, Auckland East, NZ
1992-93 Ron Barnwell, Brisbane, Qld
2005-06 Graeme Woolacott, Glen Waverley, Vic
1993-94 Patrick Colbourne, Mt Druitt, NSW
2006-07 Elaine White, Yea, Vic
1994-95 Bob Turner, Marton, NZ
2007-08 Lyn Thorpe, Newcastle Sunrise, NSW
1995-96 Nevell McPhee, Toowoomba, Qld
2008-09 Ted Latta, Ashgrove, The Gap, Qld
1996-97 Tony Reade, Adelaide, SA
2009-10 Carolyn Cook, Lower Blue Mts, NSW
1997-98 Penny Hadley, Adelaide Daybreak, SA
2010-11 Denise Curry, of the Rotary Club of
1997-98 Michael Sharp, Penrith, NSW (joint winners)
Turramurra, NSW
Giving back to our contributors Denise Curry, of the Rotary Club of Turramurra, NSW, has won the Ken Scheller Award for 2010-11. Denise’s story, Dr Nuli gives back, was about a member of her club, paediatrician Dr Nuli Lemoh, and his efforts to give something back to his country, Sierra Leone, in return for the help he received from the Bo District Council in Sierra Leone and the Australian Government that enabled him to become a doctor. The Rotary Down Under Award is presented annually to the author of “a literary contribution of outstanding merit which, in the opinion of the Committee, best exemplifies the principles of Rotary.” The award was struck in 1985 and named in honour of Ken Scheller, who died of cancer in 1984. Born and educated in Adelaide, Ken Scheller settled in Sydney after service in the RAAF and was associated with Rotary Down Under from its inception. As Rotary International director and Vice-President, it was his advocacy that led to the approval of selected regional magazines as official regional magazines of RI. Rotary Down
Under was the first to gain this status. Elected to membership of the Rotary Club of Bondi Junction, NSW, and later the Rotary Club of Sydney, Ken served as District Governor in 1964-65. He was on the Board of Directors of Rotary International in 1974-75 and was VicePresident in 1975-76. Denise’s story was published in the March, 2011 edition of Rotary Down Under. Three other stories from Rotarians that appeared in the magazine over the 201011 Rotary year were highly commended. They were: • David’s pin bridges continents, published in August, 2010, by Rotar y Peace Scholar David La Motte. David told of the incredible coincidence of a chance meeting with Past Governor Jennifer Scott and her husband, Ian, in Guatemala, and how a kangaroo pin Ian gave him that day was still on his lapel four years later when they met at the Zone 8 Rotary Institute in Newcastle. Rotary covers the globe, but it’s really a very small world.
• Hope for Duchenne Patients, published in April, 2011, by Tim Dawe, of the Rotary Club of West Perth, WA. Tim’s report covered medical research into Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and its 50-year connection with the Rotary Club of West Perth. • Rotary’s wonderful women, published in May 2011, by Ann Burleigh, of the Rotary Club of Sydney, NSW. Ann’s report on the Women in Rotary Awards at Sydney’s Four Seasons Hotel Grand Ballroom captured not only the spirit of the event itself, but also the spirit of the eight wonderful women who picked up the awards, and who do so much for Rotary and its ever-changing image.
Honourable mentions went to: Glenda Shirwin-Lane, of the Rotary Club of Waverley, Vic, for her cover story of the December 2010 edition on Interplast’s 100th mission to Fiji. Rob Crabtree, of the Rotary Club of Howick, NZ, for his report on the Christchurch earthquake rebuilding program, published in December 2010. ■
www.rotarydownunder.org
25
Survey
Theme Tie $3000 AU $3200
NZ
Theme Scarf $3000 AU $3200 NZ
Presidents Tie $3000 AU $3200 NZ
Podium Banner $2000 AU $2200 NZ
Presidents Scarf $3000 AU $3200 NZ
Please send me a
Podium banner
Presidents tie
Presidents scarf
Theme pins (not pictured)
Theme tie
Theme scarf
Rotary Club of ______________________________________________________________________________ Name _________________________ Ph __________________ E: ____________________________________
Ph: +61 2 9674 6855 NZ Callers: 0800 738 695 Fax: +61 2 9624 2148 E: supplies@rotarydownunder.com.au www.rdushop.com.au
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Issue 537. March 2012
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26
M/card
• GST added for Australia
Survey
Rotary Grace: Yes or No? Here are the results of the Rotary Down Under survey conducted among those on our email database in February. If you would like to participate in these regular surveys, send your email address (Rotarian subscribers to Rotary Down Under only, please) to enquiries@rotarydownunder.com.au. Here to o, are s ome of t he more representative extra comments that were called for at the end of question three: • Rotary is supposed to be non-political and non-religious. I find it offensive to be forced to say grace. If you are going to enforce this then you need to rebrand Rotar y as a religious principled entity. • No families that I know say Grace at home before meals, so why on Earth do we say it at Rotary? It is antiquated and irrelevant in modern Australia. • Grace is a way of bringing the group together to focus on the meeting. • I believe this is a crucial part of a Rotary Meeting. I have been with Rotary for a year now, but my father has been with Rotary for a good 40 years. I do not see why this has to change, nor do I see why the formalities of the whole meeting need to be changed. These are minor issues that do not even need to be addressed and I feel that people are wasting their time on things like this when it could be better used on more worthwhile causes and initiatives. If a discussion wants to be raised, why not make it about membership and attendance to meetings. • Question 3 is one that could go either way because we do need to officially start our meetings with “something” but to sing grace could look a little “old” and outdated to a younger generation. Great Survey! • Saying Grace always brings a feeling of unity and fellowship. • Our club sings it, which is a total turn off for younger members and those not blessed with a singing voice! • Our traditional Rotary Grace meets the beliefs of Christians, Muslims and Jews who form, by far, the faith-traditions of the majority of Rotarians.
1
2
If not one of the traditional forms of Rotary Grace, does your club recite another form of invocation?
Does your Club begin its meetings with Rotary Grace?
Answer
Response %
Count
Answer
Response %
Count
Yes
81.0
605
Yes
27.5
160
No
19.0
142
No
72.5
422
Answered: 747 | Skipped: 8
3
Answered: 582 | Skipped: 173
Do you endorse the practice of Rotary Grace as an appropriate way to begin a Rotary meeting? Answer
Response %
Count
Yes
60.3
448
No
39.7
295
Answered: 743 | Skipped: 12
• We have a meal so why not start with Grace? • I believe the practice of saying Grace does two major things and gives us a mindset to appreciate the meal and the meeting we are about participate in. • What is wrong with a reminder of how lucky we are to be enjoying good food, when there are so many in our society not so fortunate, together with the fellowship and friendship afforded us through our wonderful organisation and finally acknowledgement of Service Above Self as our opportunity at each meeting to give our thanks for Rotary service. This is our Grace and form of invocation. • Saying Grace at a Rotary meal is a custom that should not be ‘‘watered down’’ in any form. I have every expectation that a new contemporary form of the Grace will eventually be accepted, but let’s keep our traditions intact. We do not have to eliminate the ‘‘niceties’’ that make Rotary stand out in our society. • It doesn’t matter what the wording is, whether religious or not, I am not comfortable with this practice and will never participate in any form.
• No grace, no song. National anthem should go too – working on that though still at my club. • If G r a c e w a s d i s c o nt i nu e d my continuation with Rotar y would be doubtful. • Clubs are doing themselves and Rotary a disservice by continuing this practice. The sooner its gone the better! • We are a young club. We see Grace as irrelevant and “old fashioned” and not appealing to young people. If we want to get young people into Rotary and keep Rotary going for future generations, we need to reinvent ourselves and find ways to keep ourselves fresh and relevant ... For some clubs, Grace will be a vital part of club life. For us, it would kill us. • We are Australian. The Constitution of Australia commences ‘‘whereas the people of NSW, Vic, SA, Qld and Tas, humbly relying on the blessing of Almighty God, have agreed to unite in one etc”, so let’s be Australian and respect our Constitution and keep the Grace. The Constitution confirms we are a Christian Nation. ■
www.rotarydownunder.org
27
Rotarians at work
Blazing ahead: Bushfire recovery battle awarded Rotary District 9520, which is made up of Rotary clubs from South Australia, parts of Victoria and the Broken Hill region of New South Wales, has won a prestigious award from the Victorian State Government. The award was given by Victoria’s D e p ar t m e nt of Su st ai n abi l it y an d Environment for the most outstanding example of volunteer contributions to community recovery in the bushfire affected regions of Victoria. Two years ago, soon after the catastrophic Victorian bushfire, in February 2009, Rotary District 9520, through its clubs, made available $80,000 for bushfire relief in the devastated areas. Rotarian Kevin Roberts from the Rotary Club of Brownhill Creek, SA, was asked to organise a handson relief project and was appointed Project Manager. Kevin and his wife Shirley, also a Rotarian, remained and worked in the fire regions for two years. More than 500 Rotarians and private volunteers went to the fire regions and
worked in teams for a week at a time, from Central Gippsland to the Kinglake Ranges. They came from every corner of Australia ... and as far away as Darwin, Perth, Bundaberg and Launceston. The teams built three temporary houses for fire survivors, a vegetable processing plant for an extended family that suffered
a million dollar plus loss in the fires, reconstructed 45 kilometres of fences, cleaned up many properties and split and distributed 200 tonnes of firewood. The Rotary recovery effort helped to restore more than 70 jobs to the fire regions. Rotary clubs also donated fencing materials, tools, equipment and a four wheel drive tractor. Proj e c t m an a g e r Ke v i n R o b e r t s said, “Rotary’s building and voluntary contribution was valued at more than $1.25 million. But the volunteer teams did more than fence and build; they assisted more than 200 families and a thousand survivors and in the process helped to mend people’s lives, hearts, minds and spirits – and thus the very fabric of human nature, which was more than a little scorched!” The award was not the first that the project had won. In April 2010 it won the Best Community Service Project Award for Rotary District 9520 and in September 2010 it won The South Australian Premier’s Award for Community Leadership in the ASCO Service Clubs awards. ■
Advertorial
Special offer for Readers of Rotary Down Under Magazine
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& Rotary Down Under Rotary Down Under is pleased to announce that they are now part of the Dell Australia Member Purchase program. Dell now offers members of Rotary a range of everyday ongoing discounts through their member purchase program as well as special monthly offers. It’s so easy to enjoy great value technology and hassle free shopping with Dell to get the perfect PC set up for your home. It’s easy to shop. Visit www.dell.com.au/rotary for the list of coupon codes available to members through the Dell Member Purchase Program Use one of the coupon codes at the checkout to receive your discount. Alternatively, call 1300 302 379 and a representative will be happy to assist.
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Issue 537. March 2012
join forces!
These discounts cannot be used in conjunction with other Dell promotions Full terms and conditions available at www.dell.com.au/rotary About Dell For more than 26 years, Dell has empowered countries, communities, customers and people everywhere to use technology to realize their dreams. Customers trust Dell to deliver technology solutions that help them do and achieve more, whether they’re at home, work, school or anywhere in their world. Dell in Australia Dell began selling IT solutions to customers in Australia in 1993. Dell Australian headquarters are located in Sydney, and have offices in Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Hobart, Melbourne
and Perth. For the last two years, Dell Australia has been recognised by the Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workforce Agency (EOWA), winning the Outstanding Initiative/Result for the Advancement of Women award. We were also a finalist in the Leading CEO for the Advancement of Women EOWA business achievement awards. Dell have twice been named a best employer in Australia by Hewitt Associates in AFR Boss magazine.
Rotaract
Rotaract bedding down for Wollongong Hospital The Wollongong State Emergency Service team with their mascot ‘Paddy Platypus’
by Siddharth Yadwad, Rotaract Club of Illawarra, NSW The Illawarra region in NSW was host to the Rotaract Club of Illawarra’s Rotaract Hospital Bed Run 2012, a fundraising event that seeks to assist Wollongong Hospital in purchasing life-saving medical equipment. The Hospital Bed Run involves a team of four people pushing a hospital bed along a street course in timed heats, with one additional person acting as the ‘patient’ on the bed. Now in its fourth year, the event is a part of Wollongong’s Australia Day celebrations, with teams sponsored by local businesses and community organisations. The event was a success, engaging eight competing teams and raising over $4000 for Wollongong Hospital, providing a fun spectacle for a large proportion of the Australia Day crowd
and gaining significant local and Statewide media coverage. Wollongong City L ord Mayor, Gordon Bradbery, OAM, said the event was always entertaining and encouraged local organisations to consider entering a team. “The Bed Run is one of the many events on the day. It’s a great team bonding exercise and also a good way to raise some money for Wollongong Hospital.” Illawarra Rotaract Club President, Siddharth Yadwad, said the funds from this year’s event would be directed to the Patient Recovery Unit at the Hospital. “We’re glad we could help out with this very worthy cause in a way that was so fun and engaging for the wider community. We’ve already started working hard to ensure that next year’s event is bigger and better!” ■
Responsible youth have a sizzling start to 2012 by Piriye Altraide, Rotaract Club of Perth, WA One scorching Saturday morning in January, eight Rotaractors from the Rotaract Club of Perth, WA, headed out to Perth City Farm, a utopia tucked away in the midst of the hustle and bustle of Perth. Pe r t h Cit y Far m is an urb an community garden that operates on permaculture principles. A not-forprofit organisation, Perth City Farm promotes environmental awareness and responsible practices by providing information and training and hosting community-based projects. The Rotaract Club of Perth was invited by Mumbai Rotaractors to conduct a project during World Responsible Youth Week, and Perth City Farm provided an excellent backdrop. The Rotaractors helped cook up and serve delicious freerange bacon and egg rolls with coffee and tea and raised money for City Farm’s educational initiatives. As well as being great fun and a good opportunity to bond, it was delightful to see what else was available in the local community, with stalls of freshly baked bread, freshly squeezed orange juice and many other organic treats. ■
www.rotarydownunder.org
29
Rotaract
New Generations working together by DRR Laura Cheetham, District 9465, WA Rotaract District 9465 in Western Australia kicked off the calendar year with a bang, with many of our members involved in Handicamp and RYLA. This year, six members from the Rotaract Club of City of Gosnells put their hands up to be buddies on our District’s Handicamp. Handicamp is a week-long camp that is run in Point Walter, where campers with disabilities are paired with a buddy throughout the week to give them a hand and to make them feel a part of the camp. It was a wild week, with many fun-filled activities such as archery, boating, biscuiting, flying fox, abseiling and much more. This camp gives the campers so many opportunities to extend themselves and try something new, which makes it worthwhile for buddies and the committee to see them achieve their goals. Watching these young adults develop over the camp and come out of their shell makes the whole experience wonderful. Many great friendships are built during this camp and for our members this experience will stay with them for the rest of their lives. It is a great asset to have something like this in our District, which fosters understanding and equality. Our District’s RYLA began on the January 29 in Busselton. A group of Rotaractors from the South Perth and City of Gosnells clubs went down as participants to share in the experience that is RYLA. Some of the facilitators
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Issue 537. March 2012
Kyle Hodgkinson, Claire Tiede and Tom Hunter biscuiting at Handicamp who help run and put the camp together are also from these clubs. RYLA is a weeklong camp devoted to developing skills in leadership. It is fantastic that our members
have the opportunity to be involved, either as a facilitator or participant, as all members gain something memorable from the experience. ■
‘Runway for a Reason’ fashion show fundraiser by Daniel Mirabella, Rotaract Club of Perth, WA In classic Rotaract style, the Rotaract Club of Perth, WA, partnered with the Young UN Women Australia Perth Commi t t e e (YUNWA) to hold a fashion show to raise funds for two important causes: the Pacific Facility Fund, which wor ks to er adica t e violence against women in the region (supported by YUNWA), and HOPE Uganda, which is building a boarding school for young women in Uganda (supported by the Rotaract Club of Perth). The Founder and Director of HOPE Uganda is a young university st udent and a f e l low associ a t e member of the Rotaract Club of Perth. The event, he ld on November 25, 2011, at Skatt Mt Hawthorn and emceed by the new Mayor of Vincent, Alannah McTiernan, was a sellout, selling all 250 tickets!
The collaboration between YUNWA Perth and the Rotaract Club of Perth showcased some of Perth’s hottest local designers, including Little Gracie, Batchelor and On A Whim. Even Miss Africa Perth, Mary Chetcuti, participated, strutting the latest fashion and gracing the crowd with her magnificent voice. The event was a fantastic success, raising over $8000 to be split between both causes. The Rotaract Club of Perth also ran a winter warmer social event and a professional development seminar, raising a further $1500 to give a total of $5500 for Hope Uganda. This has contributed towards building a shelter for the senior class of St. Teresa Girls’ College in South West Uganda. For mor e i nf or m a t i on a bou t H O P E U g a nd a a nd t h e i r wor k t o empower young women v is i t www.hopeuganda.org.au. ■
Rotaract
A beary nice way of promoting global friendship Rory with Travis Holland at Australia Rotaract Conference.
Hidden Treasures of Sydney On December 7, 2011, the Sydney City Rotaract Club, NSW, launched it s 2 0 1 2 c a l e n d a r, s h ow c a s i n g the 12 winners of their “Hidden Treasures of Sydney” photography competition. The launch attracted an intimate audience of art lovers and philanthropic minded people w ho gat here d to celebrate ar t, photography and people power. The Sydney City Rotaract Club ran this calendar project in support of local charity Youth Insearch. They initially undertook a photography competition that attracted over 200 amateur and professional entries. The 12 b est ent r ies were t hen compiled into a 2012 calendar, which was then distributed around Sydney. Youth Insearch is a Sydney-based charity empowering young people
to take responsibility for their lives by giving them the opportunity and skills to develop their self-esteem and play a positive role in society. The audience was addressed by Briar Ward from Youth Insearch, who shared with the captive audience her story of how the program “saved her life”. Briar’s passionate and emotive address kept things real and relative to the cause and the purpose of the evening – photography and art for a worthy cause. Calendars are available for purchase at www.sydneycityrotaract. org.au/calendar The Sydney City Rotaract Club is undertaking this multifaceted project again in 2012, so please contact info@sydneycityrotaract. org.au to offer your support. ■
by Travis Holland, Rotaract Club of the Southern Highlands, NSW A ver y well-travelled member of the Rotaract Club of the Southern Highlands, NSW, is looking forward to growing his international network of friends this year. Rory the Rotaract Bear is part of the club’s executive team as the Director for Global Friendship. He has visited a Rotary eye care project in Nepal and was a hit at the 2011 Australian Rotaract C onference in Melb ourne. Ror y travelled to Melbourne with Southern Highlands President Travis Holland and Past President Meghan Barrell, visiting Gundagai’s Dog on the Tuckerbox and the Holbrook Submarine on the way. Rory is a Bradman Foundation bear and his purchase helped to fund the Bradman Scholarship, which is awarded annually to a student studying in Australia who pursues the ideals of Sir Donald Bradman. He was purchased from the Bradman Museum in Bowral, NSW, where the Southern Highlands Club is based. “Rory’s job is to be a tangible symbol of Rotaract’s international nature,” Travis said. “We purchased him from the museum with the intention of sending him all around the world.” “However, Meghan fell in love with him and decided she couldn’t let him travel alone. Instead, our club is prepared to facilitate purchasing and sending other Bradman Bears around the world to other Rotaract clubs.” Rory is preparing a series of blogs and photographs from his travels that will be shared on his Facebook page and website. Bradman Bears that are sent to live in other parts of the world should be prepared to write blogs about their adventures as well. Stories and pictures from all around the world will be compiled on the website and Facebook page to showcase the activities of Rotaractors around the world. For more information about Rory and the Rotaract Bears program, search on Facebook for ‘Rory the Rotaract Bear’ or visit www.rotaractbears.com. ■
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Rotaract
Rotaract Club of Canberra presents its first PHF On December 1, 2011, Frances RiveraStanton received a Paul Harris Fellow from the Rotaract Club of Canberra for her service to Rotaract over the past 12 years. Frances joined Rotaract at the age of 18 and has held all board positions except fines sergeant. She also served terms as the District Rotaract Representative for Districts 9710 and 3790 (Baguio City, Philippines). Last year, Frances organised a Superbowl-a-thon for the Rotaract Club of Canberra’s 40th Birthday Party (Rotary versus Rotaract at Ten Pin Bowling), which was awarded with a Presidential Citation. The community service activities Frances enjoyed participating in the most were the Canberra Show, Drive Revive Survive and the Seniors Concert. While Frances was a part of Rotaract she atte nd e d t he R ot ar y Yout h Leadership Program. During this sixday program she met her now husband, Brett. The couple is now awaiting the arrival of their first child. The Rotary Club of Canberra’s David Cossart presented the award to Frances on behalf of the Rotaract club. David was the first person in District 9710 to receive a Paul Harris Fellow for services to Rotaract and Frances was the first person in the Rotaract Club of Canberra to receive a Paul Harris Fellow. This made the night extra special. Congratulations Frances and thank you for all your amazing work over the past 12 years. ■
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Issue 537. March 2012
Frances (centre) with two new members, Anthony and Fiona, inducted on the same night she received her PHF.
Mental Health First Aid The prevalence of mental illness within our community is alarming: one in five Australian adults will suffer from mental illness this year, with the rate increasing to one in four for university students. Last year, the Rotaract Club of the University of New South Wales (UNSW), together with the Rotary Club of Maroubra, facilitated a 12-hour Mental Health First Aid Course over two days, presented by Mental Health First Aid. The course is the closest thing Australia has to a Senior First Aid qualification for mental illness. While not yet a qualification in itself, the course aims to equip its participants with the first response medical knowledge of common mental illnesses: how to recognise the symptoms, assist a person suffering from an episode, help them seek professional assistance and support them as they deal with their illness. The course received an overwhelming reception, with a waiting list of over 50 people after the course capacity had been increased. This year, Rotaract UNSW seeks to continue to facilitate this course, together with the Rotary clubs of Maroubra and Randwick. To subsidise the course, a movie fundraiser was held at the Ritz Randwick in February. For more infor mat ion ab out t his proj e c t or Rot arac t UNSW visit rotaractunsw.org. ■
The rotary family
Ginninderra celebrates with youth alumni Boxing Day 2011 was a very special day for the Rotary Club of Ginninderra, ACT, when four of its alumni – from three different Rotary programs – got together for the first time at the invitation of Assistant Governor, Monica Garrett. Monica was appointed by the Rotary Club of Ginninderra as Counsellor to three of the students, an experience she describes as a great privilege. The former students were Reetta Heiskanen from Finland and Matthew Garrett, both alumni of the Rotary Youth Exchange program, Rebecca Minty, the District’s Peace Fellow for 2009-11, and Andrew Bilski, the District’s Ambassadorial Scholar for 2010-11. All four happened to be in Canberra for Christmas, with Reetta visiting Australia for the first time since she finished her exchange in mid-2008. District Governor Rob Woolley and his wife Beth were present for the occasion, as were Bruce and Cheryl Mackay from the Rotary Club of Canberra, host parents to Reetta during her exchange in 2007-08. Re ett a complete d her s e condar y schooling after returning to Finland, and is now in her second year of study at the University of Helsinki. She spent time travelling in Australia and South-East Asia, after which she returned to Finland to continue her university studies. The other Rotary Youth Exchange alumnus, Matthew Garrett, was sponsored by the Rotary Club of Ginninderra to undertake an exchange year in Switzerland in 1996. This experience put Matthew on the path to studying German at University, including an Honours year at Freiburg University in Germany. Although his chosen career is as a lawyer, Matthew also teaches German at evening college in Canberra. He maintains strong links with his host families in Switzerland. As a Peace Fellow, Rebecca Minty completed two Master’s degrees at the
Rotary Center for International Studies in Peace and Conflict Resolution at the University of California, Berkeley – a Master’s in Law and a Master’s in International and Area Studies. Rebecca and her husband Jim, together with baby Zachary, returned to Canberra in mid-2011, following the completion
“Boxing Day 2011 was a very special day for the Rotary Club of Ginninderra, ACT” of her studies in America. However, they will soon be on the move again to enable Rebecca to take up her new job as the Asia-Pacific Project Officer for the Association for the Prevention of Torture (APT), a non-governmental human rights organisation based in Geneva. Rebecca
attributes her success in obtaining this position to her Peace Fellow studies and the Rotary network. Following the completion of a Master’s in Environmental Change and Management at Oxford University, UK, Ambassadorial Scholar Andrew Bilski was successful in obtaining a highly sought-after internship with the OECD Climate Change Expert Group in Paris. He returned to Canberra in time to make a presentation at the District Conference, and has since spoken to a number of clubs in the District about his experiences as an Ambassadorial Scholar. It is pleasing for the Rotary Club of Ginninderra, and of course the District, to have nominated such outstanding scholars, who in turn are giving back to Rotary in many different ways. And there can be no doubt that alumni of this calibre will continue to be great ambassadors for Rotary throughout their careers. ■
lley, G Rob Woo by Zach, D i. a b h it w sk inty Andrew Bil , Rebecca M Heiskanen atthew Garrett and a tt ee R t: h M Left to rig AG Monica Garrett,
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Issue 537. March 2012
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XXX This Rotary World
Martians and Venusians Kerry Kornhauser, of the Rotary Club of Albert Park, Vic, is up to her neck in the upcoming Martians and Venusians in the Workplace breakfast to celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8 at The Palladium, Crown Melbourne. Kornhauser, who champions the Women in Rotary cause with all her considerable energy, was recently thrilled to receive a note of encouragement from the GovernorGeneral, Quentin Bryce, which signed off with a hand-written note: “I love the title for discussion! Martians and Venusians”. The event should be a beauty, with speakers including AFL CEO Andrew D e me t r i ou. E xe c ut ive D i re c tor of the Victorian Women’s Trust Mar y Crooks, Aegis Media Pacific Chairman Harold Mitchell, social commentator Fabian Dattner and comedian Tracey Bartram among others. To book, go to www.rotarywomen.org.au/events ■
Rotary’s sizzling contribution In 2011, the City of Sydney selected the Australian Children’s Music Foundation (ACMF) as its official Christmas Charity Partner (www.sydneychristmas.com.au). This special partnership gave the ACMF the chance to increase its profile and fundraise across the City’s events, including the Martin Place Children’s Concert and Tree Lighting; Christmas on the Green in Hyde Park; and four Village Christmas Concerts in surrounding Sydney suburbs. The partnership also involved barbecue services for each concert. It was thanks
BELOW: A huge event organised by Women in Rotary to celebrate International Women’s Day; ABOVE RIGHT: Rotarian Stan Moore, of the Rotary Club of Sydney Darling Harbour, gets up close and personal with the City of Sydney Christmas Concert barbecue.
to Rotary Down Under Executive Director, Bob Aitken, and Rotary District 9750 that the barbecue services were made possible. ACMF Founder, Don Spencer said, “Bob Aitken contacted District Governor Phil Whyte who made certain his District team came to the rescue! The ACMF is so grateful for Rotary’s tremendous contribution in making these Christmas events so successful.” More than 30 Rotarians worked on the various stalls, project coordinated by Sue Hayward, Amy Hing, Michael Steep, Fay Thurlow, and Robert Funk. The barbecues were a great hit, despite the non-cooperation of the weather at most of the events, both because of the quality of the food and the smiling presence of the Rotary club members and volunteers. The ACMF also appreciated the additional funding raised from the sale of food at the barbecues. The ACMF provided a Certificate of Appreciation to all Rotary clubs involved. The were: the Rotary clubs of Botany Bay, Randwick, Sydney CBD, Sydney Cove, Sydney Inner West, South Sydney, Sydney, and Sydney Darling Harbour. All the funds raised went to support ACMF music programs for disadvantaged and indigenous Australian youth. Research has proven that music is of crucial importance in the cognitive development of children, and is invaluable in connecting with those children and youth who feel disengaged. Music inspires creativity and imagination; it stimulates learning and enhances self-esteem, memory, discipline, interaction and improved behaviour. The ACMF has a wonderful team of dedicated teachers working in disadvantaged schools, remote indigenous communities, and with youth ‘‘at risk’’ in juvenile justice centres across Australia. Clubs or individual Rotarians interested in further support should contact the ACMF on 02 9929 0008 or at www.acmf.com.au. ■
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This Rotary World
Rotary Down Under is now available on your mobile. Scan the QR code on the cover of the magazine and it will take you straight to our website.
Now easy on the mobile Rotary Down Under is now available on your mobile phone – any mobile phone or device, including all the new tablets –in a format that allows you to read and navigate your way without having to scroll endlessly while constantly expanding the on-screen text with your fingers! All the magazine favourites are there: All the feature stories (including this month’s cover story on the wonderful fifth element of the HMAS Sydney II Memorial in Geraldton, WA), the messages from RI President Kalyan Banerjee and Rotary Foundation Chair Bill Boyd, the mailbox section, the News Bulletin, This Rotary World, even the Notices and Smiles sections. And you won’t need a microscope! Scan the QR code to the left to check it out. ■
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Issue 537. March 2012
This Rotary World
Macular degeneration Macular Degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in Australia and primarily affects our ageing population and is often referred to as age-related Macular Degeneration or AMD. Knowing the symptoms, early detection and quick medical attention in order to save sight is critical. This is especially relevant in the case of the “wet” form of this chronic disease, with rapid changes in vision which can occur “overnight”. President Elect of the Rotary Club of Yea, Vic, John Handsaker, can personally attest to the experience of the rapid onset of the “wet” form of Macular Degeneration and the importance of treating the symptoms as a medical emergency. “Had we known the symptoms, such as straight lines appearing wavy or bent and the loss of fine vision and the seriousness
of the situation we would not have wasted precious time before treatment was commenced,” said John’s wife, Jeannie. It was not until John was unable to see her face that he realised the seriousness of the situation. John is now undergoing ongoing treatment of injections in each eye and fortunately his eyesight in his right eye has returned and his left eye is now stable. “This is unfortunately all too common a story. There is a window of opportunity for treatment to save sight in the case of wet MD,” CEO of the Macular Degeneration Foundation Julie Heraghty said. Jeannie decided she could do something to help spread the word about symptoms and the importance of early detection through her Rotary Club. Under the leadership of District Governor David Anderson and with Jeannie’s dedication
and enthusiasm, Rotary has partnered with the Macular Degeneration Foundation to supp or t Ma c u l ar D e ge n e r at i on Awareness Week from May 27 to June 2, by distributing flyers to Rotarians and the broader community in the 50-plus age group. The flyer includes an Amsler grid – a simple test for symptoms of Macular Degeneration which can be displayed on your fridge. All Australian Rotary clubs will receive information and resources prior to MD Awareness Week. For information email Jeannie at jeannie@eck.net.au or contact the MD Foundation on 1800 111 709 or info@ mdfoundation.com.au ■
Convention Breakfast The popular ‘‘Down Under’’ Breakfast at the annual Rotary International Convention will be on again in Bangkok – f ea turing Rot ary Int erna t ional I mm edi a t e Pa s t P r e s ident R a y Klinginsmith as guest speaker. PDG Ian Holyoake (ianholyoake@ xtra.co.nz) of Napier, New Zealand, is coordinating the event and has booked the Jamjuree Ballroom on M Floor at the Pathumwan Princess Hotel in Bangkok. The breakfast usually attracts 250 to 300 Kiwis and Aussies and is a perfect way to begin Convention activities. It is scheduled for 6.45am on May 6 – the day of the opening ceremony. In line with the excellent value on offer for all Convention activities, cost of the breakfast is just $A30. Convention goers can book on line now. by visiting the Rotary Down Under website (www.rotarydownunder.org) and clicking on the Rotary Events tab on the left hand side of the home page. It’s a great way to begin your official convention period and funnily enough, plenty of non-Australian and non-New Zealanders like to get in because they know they are guaranteed more than their fair share of laughs. That means the rest of us have to book in early! ■
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Honours
Australia Day Honours Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia in the General Division
Member (AM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia Frank Pace, of the Rotary Club of Mount Druitt, NSW For service to business through executive roles with national and international organisations involved in the egg production industry, and to the community. Donald Geoffrey Phillips, of the Rotary Club of Taree, NSW, for service to business through roles with Regional Development Australia, to vocational training organisations, and to the community of Taree. David Wittner, of the Rotary C lub of Melb ou r ne, Vi c , for service to business, particularly footwear retailing, to professional organisations, to a range of charitable and medical research groups, and to Rotary. â–
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Issue 537. March 2012
Shayne Donald Baker, of the Rotary Club of West Toowoomba, Qld, for service to the community, particularly through the Royal Life Saving Society, and to education. Dr Appupillay Balasubramaniam, of the Rotary Club of Strathfield, NSW, for service to the Hindu community in Australia. The Reverend Dr Warren Keith Bartlett, of the Rotary Club of Cobram, Vic, for service to the Uniting Church in Australia, and to the community. David Ernest Blackwell, of the Rotary Club of Lindfield, NSW, for service to the accountancy profession, and to the community. Bridget Block, deceased, of the Rotary Club of Mosman, NSW, for service to the community of Mosman. Murray Michael Block, of the Rotary Club of Mosman, NSW, for service to the community of Mosman. Keith James Brownbill, of the Rotar y Club of Mor well, Vic, for ser vice to the community of the Morwell region through a range of organisations. Maxwell Gordon (Max) Browning, of the Rotary Club of Armidale North, NSW, for service to the community of Armidale. Ronald Alan Brownlees, of the Rotary Club of Bentleigh Moorabbin Central, Vic, for ser vice to local government, and to a range of health and community organisations. Andrew Hugh Campbell, deceased, of the Rotary Club of Port Macquarie Sunrise, NSW, for service to surveying through professional associations, and to the community. Gregory John Conkey, of the Rotary Club of Wollundry Wagga Wagga, NSW, for service to the community of Wagga Wagga.
Graeme Keith Dyer, of the Rotary Club of Sale, Vic, for service to the road transport industry, and to the community of Wellington. Peter James Evans, of the Rotary Club of Newcastle, NSW, for service to the community of Newcastle and the Hunter region, to business, and to youth. Colonel Graeme William Finney, of the Rotary Club of Wollundry Wagga Wagga, NSW, for service to the community of Wagga Wagga through a range of charitable organisations. Jennifer Ann Gorrel, of the Rotary Club of Wagga Wagga NSW for service to the community of the Riverina through a range of health and social welfare organisations. Donald Charles Graham, of the Rotary Club of Mackay, Qld, for service to the community of Mackay through a range of organisations. Peter Hansen, of the Rotary Club of Richmond, Vic, for service to the building and construction industry, and to the community. Henry Arthur Hudson, of the Rotary Club of Queenscliff, Vic, for service to museums, to heritage preservation, and to the community of Queenscliff. Peter Jeffrey Kirk, of the Rotary Club of Adelaide, SA, for service to the community through a range of health and social welfare organisations. Judith Ann (Judy) Mclean, of the Rotary Club of Tamar Sunrise, Tas, for service to youth, and to the rural community in Tasmania. Daryl Bruce Mills, of the Rotary Club of Dili, Timor Leste, for service to the international community through humanitarian roles. Dr Kerry Leonard Moroney, of the Rotary Club of Narrabri, NSW, for service to rural medicine, and to the community of Narrabri. Commander Robert Emulis Nelson, of the Rotary Club of Belmont, NSW, for service to education through the development and national delivery of the Science and Engineering Challenge. Thomas (Tom) Payne, of the Rotary Club of Heidelberg, Vic, for service to the accommodation and hospitality
Honours
sector, and to the community through a range of arts and charitable organisations. Emanuel Andrew Petrelis, of the Rotary Club of Cambridge, WA, for service to the Greek community of Western Australia, to business, and to education. William Benedict (Bill) Quinlan, of the Rotary Club of Warrnambool, Vic, for service to the community of Warrnambool through local government and social welfare organisations. Dr Geoffrey Arnold Rickarby, of the Rotary Club of Belmont, NSW, for service
to medicine, particularly in the field of child and adolescent psychiatry. Anthony Brooke (Tony) Robins, of the Rotary Club of Adelaide, SA, for service to the the community of Adelaide, particularly through the Phoenix Society. Lindsay Walter Smith, of the Rotary Club of Horsham East, Vic, for service to conservation and the environment, and to the community. Wendy Dianne Stein, of the Rotary Club of Salamander Bay, NSW, for service to the international community through Rotary.
Carol Michelle Tebbutt, of the Rotary Club of Suva, Fiji, for service to AustraliaFiji relations. Kevin Richard Trent, RFD, of the Rotary Club of South Perth-Burswood, WA, for service to local government, and the community of South Perth through a range of ex-service and social welfare organisations. R aymond Perc y Wilson, of the Rotary Club of Strathfield, NSW, for service to the sport of golf, and to the community through a range of charitable organisations. ■
New Zealand New Year Honours Knights Companion of the NZ Order of Merit (KNZM)
Sir Desmond (Des) John Britten, of Wellington, NZ, for services to the community. Former member of the Rotary Club of Wellington to 2005, John left Rotary to concentrate on his work as Wellington City Missioner from which he recently retired after 18 years of service. Sir John Desmond Todd, CNZM, Past President of the Rotary Club of Wellington, NZ, for services to business. John has been a member of this Rotary club for over 40 years, and is the former chairman of the Todd Corporation which he chaired for 24 years.
Officers of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM)
Past President Edward Byron (John) Evans, MNZM, JP, Honorary Member of the Rotary Club of Warkworth, NZ, for services to the community, particularly as a member of the Rodney North Harbour Health Trust for 24 years and Chair for the past 6 years. John was Rotary Club of Warkworth 1981-1982 President. Wendy Faye Hawkings, QSM, JP, of Warkworth, NZ, for services to health. Wendy founded the Rodney North Harbour Health Trust in 1977 and is now CEO after serving on it for 33 years. Wendy is wife of Rotary Club of Warkworth Past President
Donald Hawkings who is currently an Honorary Member.
Members of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM)
John Duncan Anderson, of Warkworth, NZ, for services to tourism. Former member of the Rotary Club of Auckland who founded the Ellerslie Flower Show. John also founded Contiki international tours for 18-35 year olds. President Elect Dr John Hall Angus, of the Rotary Club of Cromwell, NZ, for services to the state. John is Rotary NZ World Community Ser vice Inc District 9980 Director. John’s most recent previous appointment was as Children’s Commissioner. William (Bill) Leggett Noble, of the Rotary Club of Te Rapa, Hamilton, NZ, for services to education. Bill recently retired after being Principal of Fairfield Intermediate School for 21 years. He was President of the Pauanui Surf Lifesaving Club for 20 years.
Queen’s Service Order (QSO)
The Honourable Harry James Duynhoven, JP, of the Rotary Club of New Plymouth, NZ, for services as a Member of Parliament. He is Mayor of New Plymouth.
Queen’s Service Medal (QSM)
Gregory (Greg) Craig Brownless, of the
Rotary Club of Tauranga Sunrise, NZ, for services to the community. Greg established the Legacy Trust by gifting his funeral business to the Tauranga community in 2007. Craig Govan McGregor, of the Rotary Club of Riccarton, Christchurch, NZ, for services to education. He was Principal of Wharenui School who retired in 2011. Past Assistant Governor Seung-Jae Yu, Honorary Member of the Rotary Club of Takapuna, Auckland, NZ, for services to the Korean community. He was 2006-2007 President of the Rotary Club of North Shore (of Korean Kiwis).
Order Of St John Honours
Members Rev Jennifer (Jenny) Jane Chalmers, of the Rotary Club of Carterton, NZ. Perr y John Ferguson, JP, of the provisional Rotary Club of Aparima, Riverton, NZ. Past President Robin John Findon, of the Rotary Club of Rotorua, NZ. William Lindsay McCaw, JP, of the Rotary Club of Nelson, NZ. Very Rev David Alexander Van Oeveren, of the Rotary Club of Feilding, NZ. David is a past member of the Rotary Club of Pahiatua. ■
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Notices
Called to Higher Service PDG Werner Pohl – D270
Werner Pohl was born in Germany in 1928 and came to Australia in 1951 as one of a group of 150 tradesmen on contract to AV Jennings Constructions to build 1800 houses in Canberra. During a total of 52 years as a Rotarian in the Rotary Clubs of Queanbeyan and then Milton-Ulladulla, Werner was an outstanding Rotarian. Among his many achievements he personally inviting more than 80 new members to join Rotary and served as the last Governor of District 270 (Southern NSW and ACT) in 1976-77. Werner’s term immediately preceded the division of District 270 into two new Districts, now called 9700 and 9710. His responsibilities included: • The setting up of the new Districts; • As Governor’s representative, forming a new club at Queanbeyan West; • Leading FAIM teams of Rotarians and Rotaractors to Papua-New Guinea; • Assisting German Rotary clubs to hold Rotary Youth Leadership Awards seminars while he was on holidays in Germany; • Being formally presented to the Queen to recognise his community service; • Companion of Australian Rotary Health and multiple Paul Harris Fellow; • Initiating and organising the Queanbeyan Rotary Beerfest. Werner passed away following a car accident on Christmas Eve, 2011. He will be remembered for his leadership by example, humility and generosity of spirit. PDG Rob Wylie Rotary Club of Caboolture, Qld
PDG Wal Oakes – D9650
Wallace Francis Oakes was born on August 27, 1925, at Mudgee. He left school at the age of 14 and worked on a number of farming and grazing properties. He also worked in the building industry dabbling in both carpentry and plumbing. After leaving the building industry he studied wool classing at the East Sydney Technological College. On completion of these studies he started a shearing contract business together with his twin brothers, Dud and Gordon. They saved enough money to buy a small grazing property at Cudgegong that was later resumed by the Water Conservation Authority. He joined the RAAF at the age of 18 and trained as a Wireless Operator and Air Gunner. He served with the Royal Canadian Airforce for 12 months, but returned to Australia when the war in Europe finished. When the hostilities in the Pacific ceased he was posted to Dubbo. Wal was granted a block of land at Baradine after World War II and worked the property for 50 years, acquiring two neighbouring properties in that time. He also purchased the properties “Milroy” and “Coolcappa” in later years. Wal was always very active in public and community affairs and held executive positions in many different organisations. He joined Rotary in 1965 and served on most club committees and several District committees. For 38 years he achieved 100 per cent attendance, serving as President of the Rotary Club of Coonabarabran in 1974-
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75 and became District Governor in 197879, going on to twice represent the World President of Rotary, and his District at the 1983 Council on Legislation in Monaco and was also Convenor and Delegate on the International Committee for the selection of a Director for the Pacific Region. During his year as District Governor, PolioPlus was initiated to eradicate polio worldwide. District 9650 embraced this project with enthusiasm under his leadership. Wal is also a Paul Harris Fellow with a Sapphire Pin. He married his first wife, Ida, while still serving in the RAAF. Tragically she was killed in a car accident in 1966. Lynda and Wayne are his children of this marriage. He was later fortunate to meet Gwen Newton, whom he married in 1970, bringing her two daughters, Lorraine and Lynette with her into the family. Wal and Gwen fostered two refugee Vietnamese boys, Phong and Hoang, who grew up with their biological daughter, Catherine, in the 1980s. Catherine Oakes Robert Wade, of the Rotary Club of Bankstown, NSW. Past Presidents Chris Hughes and John Staples, of the Rotary Club of Mudgee, NSW. Past President Crawford Weston, of the Rotary Club of Pukekohe, NZ. Past President Gordon Gyles, OAM, of the Rotary Club of Corowa, NSW. Past President Reginald Loats, of the Rotary Club of Hoppers Crossing and previously Werribee, Vic. ■
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Issue 537. March 2012
Notices
Rotary’s rising young Star
Paul Harris Recognition Helen Jessop, of the Rotary Club of Bega, NSW. Colin Dunn, of the Rotary Club of the Pambula, NSW. Kim Turner (Sapphire Pin), Ian Lumsden and Mark Gibbs, of the Rotary Club of Yass, NSW. Barbara Smith and Mary Seelis, presented by the Rotary Club of Berry Gerringong, NSW. PDG Bill Seelis (three Sapphires), Colin Hanbridge (Sapphire Pin), Dr Noel Marshall and Graham Smith, of the Rotary Club of Berry Gerringong, NSW. Lesley Smith, of the Rotary Club of Bombala, NSW. Peter Morgan, Barbara Morgan, Andrejs Medenis and Patricia Crowhurst, of the Rotary Club of Gerringong Sunrise, NSW. Greg Fisher, John Kennedy, Jan MacNutt and Robert Altamore, of the Rotary Club of Canberra Weston Creek, ACT. Dr Christine Paynter, of the Rotary Club of Tuggeranong, ACT. PDG Bob Greeney (three Sapphires), Teresa Dickinson and Rod Menzies (two Sapphires), Mar y C r ui ckshan k and Fre d Fawke (Sapphire pins) and Michael King, of t he R ot ar y C lub of Belconnen, ACT. John Little, of the Rotary Club of Canberra Burley Griffin, ACT. Wilbur Clarke, of the Rotary Club of Goulburn Argyle, NSW.
By John McPherson, Rotary Club of Berrima District, NSW Paul Harris Fellow and former Rotaractor Jennifer Star is the NSW Young Australian of the Year for 2012. Using Skype and video technology Jennifer Star was named a Paul Harris Fellow by then President Henk den Hertog, of the Rotary Club of Berrima District, NSW, in June last year. At the time Jennifer was working in Bangalore, India, using her extraordinary teaching talents to extend the reach of Tara.Ed, a primary education partnership that benefits thousands of Indian children and shares learning between Indian and Australian primary school children. Jennifer, a 25-year-old youth educator, was recognised as NSW Young Australian of the Year for 2012 for her extraordinary efforts in establishing Tara.Ed. During her final year at Bowral High School in the NSW Southern Highlands,
Jennifer went to India as a World Vision Youth Ambassador and teacher. There were no classrooms and she found herself sitting under a tree with 48 children and no resources. Then and there she resolved to return and work as a teacher to improve the plight of some of the world’s poorest people. Returning to Jaipur in India in 2006, and “after the most challenging time of my life,” Jennifer, aged 21, started Tara. Ed. ‘‘Tara’’ means ‘‘star’’ in Hindi. Its mission is to “build star teachers to help children shine” (go to www.taraed.org ). Tara.Ed works as a partner organisation, with Indian and Australian schools and teachers working together. By June 2011, Tara.Ed had reached out to 86 teachers in India and Australia and almost 2000 Indian school children. Jennifer aims to influence the prospects of 20,000 children, 200 teachers and 20 schools across India and Australia by 2020. ■
PDG Brian Pattinson and Ken Adams (two Sapphires), Ray Williams and Wally Chad, of the Rotary Club of Bowral Mittagong, NSW. Jonathan Hepner (three Sapphires), Warren Norton, David Beretta and David Sykes (two Sapphires), Jenny Acopian, Tony Alsop, John Birrell, Tony Della Porta, Graeme Fleet, Anna Fletcher, Peter Gillham, Graham Hare and Bryan Humphrey, Dorothy Sinclair (Sapphire Pins), Frank H. Lamb and Marjorie Smith (deceased), Christine Mawson, Joan Beretta, Wendy Hepner, Carol Gillham, Kerry Durston, Peter Dale and Steve Bennett, of the Rotary Club of Geelong East, Vic. Dr Frank Mouser and John Ellemor, of the Rotary Club of Surfers Sunrise, Qld, membership of the Paul Harris 711 Club. Mark Martin and Brenton Oates, of the Rotary Club of Magill Sunrise, SA. Ken Barnard, of the Rotary Club of Ingleburn, NSW. Joh n Ma c ph er s on an d M i c h a el Mastronardi, of the Rotary Club of Milton Ulladulla. NSW.
Monica Garrett and KG Gaind, of the Rotary Club of Ginninderra, ACT. Hansie Armour and Gary Armour, of the Rotary Club of Tumut, NSW. Trevor Strong, Maree Strong and Matthew Power, of the Rotary Club of Canberra East, ACT. Jacky Klausen and Lynn French, of the Rotary Club of Shoalhaven Sunrise, NSW. Margaret Isselmann, Christine Menon, Michael Newnham, Tim Muldoon and Alby Heynes, of the Rotary Club of Batlow, NSW. Rosemary Everett, John McKenna, Bob Nield, Stephen Bramah, Mike Bury and Sue Bury, of the Rotary Club of Canberra Sunrise, ACT. Tim Brooker, of the Rotary Club of Hamilton East, NZ. Daphne Cotton, of the Rotary Club of Albany East, WA. Danny Marr (Sapphire Pin) and Ron Jackson, of the Rotary Club of Nambour, Qld. ■
www.rotarydownunder.org
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smiles
Alternative medicine John was a clerk in a small chemist shop, but he was not much of a salesman. He could never find the item the customer wanted. Peter, the owner, had had about enough and warned John that the next sale he missed would be his last. Just then a man came into the shop coughing and asked John for their best cough syrup. Remembering Peter’s warning, he sold the man a box of laxative pills and told him to take them all at once. The customer did as John said and then walked out of the shop and leaned against a lamp post. Peter had seen the whole thing
and came over to ask John what had happened. “He wanted something for his cough, but I couldn’t find the cough syrup, so I substituted laxatives and told him to take them all at once,” John said. “Laxatives won’t cure a cough,” Peter shouted angrily. “Sure they will,” said John, pointing at the man leaning on the lamp post. “Look at him! He’s afraid to cough.” Rotary Club of West Wyalong, NSW ■
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:
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Doctor’s orders A distraught senior citizen phoned her doctor’s office. “Did you say that the medication you prescribed has to be taken for the rest of my life?” “Yes, I’m afraid so,” the doctor told her.
There was a moment of silence before the senior lady replied. “I’m wondering, then, just how serious my condition is … because the prescription is marked ‘no repeats’.” Rotary Club of Great Lakes, NSW ■
Sunday roast Little Johnny and his family were having Sunday dinner at his grandmother’s house. Everyone was seated around the table as the food was being served. When little Johnny received his plate, he started eating right away. “Johnny! Please wait until we say our prayer,” said his mother.
“I don’t need to,” the boy replied. “Of course you do,” his mother insisted. “We always say prayer before eating at our house.” “That’s our house,” Johnny explained. “But this is grandma’s house … and she knows how to cook!” Rotary Club of Wauchope, NSW ■
A little dated “How was your blind date?” “Terrible! He showed up in a 1932 Rolls Royce.”
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Issue 537. March 2012
“What’s so terrible about that?” “He was the original owner.” Rotary Club of Bundoora, Vic ■
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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.
HUMANITY IN MOTION … smiles
Rotary in action in Australia! First published by then District 9680 Governor Tony Castley in 2008/09, this superb coffee table book is the perfect gift to enhance Rotary’s public image around Australia … A myriad of outstanding Rotary programs and special projects are showcased in 120 pages of superbly presented editorial and graphic design. Humanity in Motion # 2 is a project of the Rotary International Districts of Australia – and includes brief summaries of major programs like The Rotary Foundation, Australian Rotary Health, success stories of Rotary Australia World Community Service, Interplast, Rotary Oceana Medical Aid for Children, ShelterBox, Group Study Exchange, Rotary Youth Exchange, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, and Rotary’s Model United Nations Assembly.
Humanity in Motion 2 is the perfect gift for club public relations programs, guest speakers, international guests, exchange students, group study exchange team members, city and school libraries … the list is endless!
Stocks are limited so purchase your supply now - $3.85 (including GST) plus freight. CONTACT Judy Drake at Rotary Down Under NOW – telephone 02 9633 4888; or email ‘judydrake@rotarydownunder.com.au’. www.rotarydownunder.org
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Issue 537. March 2012