Every Rotarian knows that a primary objective for Rotary worldwide is to eradicate the scourge of polio. However did you know that ending polio is not, per se, one of the The Rotary Foundation's Areas of Focus?
While ending polio falls within the Area of Focus "Disease Prevention and Treatment", it is not an Area of Focus in itself. One Rotary objective that is an Area of Focus for Rotary and The Rotary Foundation, however, is "Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention". And yet the Rotary Club of Glenferrie, one of the strongest clubs in District 9800, with an impressive array of projects and commitments, does not currently have one consistent project aimed at building PEACE.
Should we become a Peacebuilder club? What does that involve? At a time when we are experiencing heightened confrontation in Europe, the Middle East, the South China Sea and the Straits of Taiwan, has there ever been a better time for Rotarians to champion PEACE? Come along to this Tuesday's meeting featuring the celebrated scholar Dr Tania Miletic, Assistant Director, Peacebuilding Initiative, Department of Social and Political Sciences, University of Melbourne, and Gabe Hau, Co-ordinator Peace Builder Program on the District 9800 Foundation Committee, to find out what we can do to Promote PEACE, in ourselves, our families, our community and in the world.
In this past week we heard an inspiring talk from Murray Verso regarding the Rotary challenge to eliminate Polio.
Murray has been a Rotarian for more than 40 years, twice president, District Governor in 2014 and past district 9800 chair of the rotary foundation committee. Murray has performed in many other capacities for rotary such as convening symposiums, co-chairing seminars and generally representing rotary. Murray and his wife Irene are both retired GP’s and most notably Murray was medical officer of health for the municipalities of Williamstown and Hobsons Bay.
 President Mark Howlett and Foundation Director PP Charles Tran presented PDG Murray Verso with two 'Big Cheque' donations to The Rotary Foundation, a $2,000 contribution to Polio Plus and a $4,500 contribution to the Annual Fund |
In the heart of Hawthorn, a carefully orchestrated event, the Sierra Leone Bunnings BBQ Fundraiser, unfolded after months of meticulous planning alongside Bunnings. It all began at the crack of dawn, as the team descended upon Coles in Tooronga at 7am, eagerly collecting carts brimming with food and drinks, making numerous trips in preparation for the day ahead. Upon reaching Bunnings, the buzz of activity commenced as the crew orchestrated the setup, firing up the BBQs and delving into food preparations.
 Kathryn Blakeman, PP Richard Blakeman & Alex Marshall |
Glenferrie Rotarian Catherine Eagleson has been making waves on the Rotary world stage, in a year when Rotary's focus turns to mental health under the leadership of Rotary International President Gordon McInally. Club members are aware that Catherine is the principal behind Clue Detective Puzzle Agency. It has been demonstrated that solving puzzles can alleviate anxiety It does this by helping puzzlers to engage their brains in a challenging and enjoyable activity, that will provide a sense of achievement.
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