Welcome to another week in Rotary. It is sad to see so many of our club members stricken down with COVID. We all as a club are thinking of your health.
The board met last Tuesday in a reduced number since there were so many apologies, some of them because of their COVID afflictions. However, thanks to Cheryl and Rod coming on zoom at our face to face meeting we were able to have a quorum. One of our decisions because of recent events was to review the Rotary Code of Conduct. We always hear about the Four-Way test, however many are not aware of this
The Rotary Code of Conduct (formerly known as the Declaration of Rotarians in Businesses and Professions) provides a framework for ethical behaviour that all Rotarians can use, together with The Four-Way Test, in their business and professional activities.
As a Rotarian, I will: 
- Act with integrity and high ethical standards in my personal and professional life
- Deal fairly with others and treat them and their occupations with respect
- Use my professional skills through Rotary to mentor young people, help those with special needs, and improve people’s quality of life in my community and in the world
- Avoid behaviour that reflects adversely on Rotary or other Rotarians.
- Help maintain a harassment-free environment in Rotary meetings, events, and activities, report any suspected harassment, and help ensure non-retaliation to those individuals that report harassment (January 2019 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 119).
The fifth code was added in January 2019.
I feel it is important to revisit the Rotary Code of Conduct, since we have such a diverse society, which has changed so much since Rotary’s inception. However, really these codes are still very relevant and should assist in shaping our society. Rotarians are viewed favourably since we espouse to uphold these principles. Image and reputation are so important especially nowadays where social media can be so vicious.
Remember – “Mistakes are a fact of life. It is the response to the errors that counts”. (Nikki Giovanni)
Other decisions made by the Board
RORP (Rotary Overseas Relocated Playgrounds) – Geoff Widmer addressed the Board with a proposal that our club become the Co Ordinator within our Super Cluster of the RORP for Boroondara and Stonnington Councils. The RC of Canterbury, Camberwell and Hawthorn are involved and there will be a roster as playgrounds come up. The board agreed to support this move for a trial of 3 years.
Ukrainian Assistance - Our member Jerzy Ordega has connections with the Rotary Club of Warsaw, and via the international Department, he was asking for a donation be sent to this club to assist that club’s effort in feeding, transporting and other support for the Ukrainian refugees, that are flooding into Poland. This immediate situation reminded us of Thelma’s connections to the Gippsland Rotary Clubs to support the recent fire relief. Our aid got to the situation quickly. Hence, the Board voted to donate $5,000 from the International Budget to the cause.
Afghan Concert – Because of logistics, the Community Section had decided not to proceed with the Fred Smith concert as our lone project but, to explore the situation with the RC of North Balwyn under Rowan McClean’s connections with the Afghan community and local schools.
Parkinson’s Walk – It was noted that our club’s efforts in the BBQ raised about $1.500.
RIMERN – Functioning well and needs volunteers for some Saturday mornings. Please consider the excellent wine on sale to raise money for a much needed van to assist this initiative.
Foundation - Noted that our club has a potential Global Scholar to support. A Tom Wilson is applying for a post graduate masters at Oxford or Cambridge. If he is successful with a grant, he will be addressing our club eventually.
Camberwell Art Show – This year is to be held at the Advanced Technology Centre of Swinburne University. The RC of Camberwell is proposing a Super Cluster event on Monday June 27th form 6.00 pm to 9.00 pm. Entry fee is $15, and wine and cheese are provided. It has been suggested that we could then meet at a local restaurant after. The Board thought that this should be supported instead of our last meeting for this Rotary Year on the 28th of June at Kooyong. More details later.
Lift the Lid Golf even May 24th – The night now is an official Rotary night so there is a dinner to socially attend if not golfing. Please entice others to consider coming to both golf and dinner or just the dinner. The committee has been busy and, in particular, Elizabeth with her unique style in gaining sponsors to support the event. In true form where there is service above self and a willingness to make the day a success, I believe the RC of Melbourne have assisted by securing Mr Merv Hughes to be present. Please bring credit cards for the auction section. The event is getting close to being sold out – so move quickly if you are intending to go. My son in law and myself are there with some corporate buddies of his. Remember all this is to support Rotary Mental Health.
You will note that tomorrow night is a special “celebration of golf” promotion night in our usual meeting timeslot. Please consider coming and joining in the excitement. District Governor Dale Hoy and spouse will be attending tomorrow night as well. I note the actual club numbers are down as I pen these musings, but this will be a unique night of not only golf but fellowship.
District Conference – Albury 22 to 24th April. Please consider coming especially all the new members, since this is best way to gain insight into the immense exciting world of Rotary. Please let us know if coming so we can include you in our Friday night club dinner, which I thank Cheryl for organising – a tappas bar in the main street of Albury. We will be publicizing the “Lift the Lid” golf event at the conference and our distinguished Richard Blakeman is a speaker. Many reasons for considering the journey.
Changeover Date – Our Changeover is June 14th. Please place this date in your diaries for the big social event on our calendar.
Enjoy another week of Rotary.
President Mark