Every morning I stroll down my street, enjoying the quiet adventure of exploring the neighbourhood with my two four-pawed friends, William and Harry. Since the beginning of December this year, I’ve noted that more and more neighbours have put out their Christmas decorations earlier. They have hung the wreaths on the front doors, displayed Christmas lights in their house and gardens, and tied the red bows to the street trees, adding Christmas flair to the neighbourhood.
Christmas is a particular time to celebrate with friends and families and share our joy, love and hope with the rest of the community. After the pandemic, we, as Australians, are more resilient, grateful for our life, and look after one another. We’re privileged to live in this lucky, beautiful country.
As many Rotarians in the club do, my morning reading is always a fresh start to the day. For years, Aljazeera has become my favourite news outlet; especially as the pandemic continues, gaslighting being everywhere has given us an alternative voice, challenging established narratives. We all enjoyed the exciting moments of our Socceroos in the Qatar World Cup 2022, yet we will never forget the Russia-Ukraine war entering its 291st day. In Iran, many women of my age have protested on the streets to protest for their essential freedom. And globally, more than half a billion people were forced into poverty as they paid health costs due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Human happiness and moral duty are inseparably connected. As a worldwide humanitarian service organisation, Rotary can continue to do more to improve the world.
This will be the last bulletin in 2022, and we'll have a special Christmas edition next week. Now we break for the holiday period to relax and enjoy the company of family and the warmth of the summer sun. We meet next on January 31st, 2023, at Yarra Bank Reserve, for a summer
picnic.
picnic.From Jack and I, we wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy, healthy and fulfilling New Year.
President Teresa