With the reconciliation being a hot topic, our club has embarked on an education drive to inform our members of the changing winds within our society. We are all institutionalised to a certain extent by our upbringing. So, to put everyone out of their comfort zone, we are indebted to Matthew Leeder and Kathleen Stammers to bravely present a different point of view from the indigenous people as to how to look at what our society has done. It is not pretty and very embarrassing.
We were graced with Susan Vincent attending as Chairperson of Diversity and Equity Rotary action group. As expected, there were many different opinions, and this was evident on the night. I support freedom of speech as long as it is not demeaning to others.
The problem is that as a “white man” I am used to have to verify everything I say. However, our indigenous peopl
e have word of mouth to pass on their traditions and culture. So, it is hard for some to digest all that is said. However, history has documented great atrocities to our first people by our “white” forebears. It seems a coincidence that there started this week in Melbourne, an Australian-first inquiry backed by royal commission powers to investigate the ongoing effects of colonisation on Victoria’s Indigenous community and chart a path to reconciliation.
I believe that Rotary International is heading in the direction of reconciliation, which as Matthew pointed out is a “white man’s term”. We will have more talks along this line in the future.
On Thursday night I attended, as a representing our Rotary Club, the Boroondara Australian citizenship ceremony at the Hawthorn Arts Centre. There were 107 new citizens sworn in coming from 30 different countries. These newcomers are keen to participate in our society, which we take so much for granted. One thing I learnt was that “Boroondara” comes from the Kulin people’s word for “wooded area”.
Thanks to Ian Dobson for turning up early with sample rugby tops to try on for ordering. We propose to sell them for $50 each with the RC Glenferrie logo on them. Please contact Ian for more advice and ordering. Polo tops continue to be an issue for ordering and design. Ian will have ample tops at his glenferrie store to try sizing if you missed him last Tuesday.
Last Sunday was the Parkinson's Walk BBQ. I was on the early shift and it was terrific to see such enthusiasm. Thanks to all who came to volunteer their time. Special thanks to Michael Berry for organising this event as part of our community effort.
Please remember that the club needs volunteers to sign up for the Farmer's Market and Salvo Bread run rosters. When I started in this club, we were obliged and obligated to do some time and register on the roster. Now we rely on YOU to think about and fill in your volunteering times. A great way for our new members to get involved.
Special Ukraine Fund relief – 
The invasion of Ukraine by the Russian military has unleashed on the civilian population, in scenes that have horrified the world. Young and old, women and children, families and people alone are abandoning their homes and livelihoods to flee to safety. Rotary Australia World Community Service (RAWCS) have set up a fund, sponsored by the Rotary clubs of Sydney Cove and Kyiv, Ukraine to meet immediate lifesaving needs of the crisis-affected civilian population in Ukraine & provide early recovery assistance as soon as feasible. To save & preserve lives, ease suffering & promote self-sufficiency. The terror and misery that people in Ukraine are experiencing right now is unimaginable. You can help through Please give now. “
Terrace Party – Tomorrow, our next big social event coming is the Terrace BBQ. Outside so COVID friendly. Always well attended. Please “pray” for a sunny night
Changeover Date – Our Changeover is June 14th. Please place this date in your diaries for the big social event on our calendar.
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. 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.
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.