After managing the challenge of COVID, in just over three and half months the District Conference was successfully held in Albury in late April with over 350 people to celebrate and “Get Together in Albury”.
From the Smoking Ceremony which opened our proceedings through to the Pipe Band which closed our Conference, the program presented a diverse range of guest speakers, entertainment, and opportunities for Rotarians to connect and collaborate. The Albury Mayor (Kylie King) along with the State Minister (Justin Clancy) and Federal Politician (Sussan Ley) made sure that we received a very warm welcome following a rousing fanfare from the Albury Scots Grammar Pipe Band.
Guest speakers included Lucy Bloom, who challenged us to think differently and have fun doing so. Ron Finkel and Rosemary Carrick detailed the Rozana Project which demonstrates Peace in action building bridges between Israelis and Palestinians through health. Noor Shah Kamawal emphasised the importance of educating the next generation to achieve peace. Mark Anderson from Rotary International showed how Rotary Clubs can rebuild and Dr Tania Miletic and PDG Ian Scott gave practical information for peacebuilding.
We were very fortunate to have our Rotary International President-elect, Jennifer Jones, zoom in for a discussion with Past District Governor Jennifer Scott encouraging all Rotarians to attend the International Convention next year in Melbourne. Mary Barry, the Chair of the Host Organising Committee, endorsed this with further information about volunteering during the Convention.
Congratulations to the following Awardees for service to Rotary: Doug Hawley - Service Above Self Award, Dr Tania Miletic - Robert M Fels Peace Award, and Cheryl Pisterman - Citation for Meritorious Service Award.
