We were so fortunate to have Robert Webster OAM, President of the Vic Branch of the RSL, address us on the eve of Vietnam Vet’s Day when the 55th Anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan was fought. A unique piece of Australian history that really needs to be retold especially to honour our Vietnam Veterans, who really got a raw deal when they returned home. “I was only 19” by Redgum resounded in my mind as I heard Robert speak. Imagine the horror of war that many were involved in. I think the best we can do is to say “Thank you” to every vet we encounter. I have asked Robert to come back to educate us. Their sacrifices and a changed attitude to life is much appreciated.
Now, a good example of how Zoom meetings can make our club great. Those who missed out because of their aversion to zoom really missed a gem. Please connect with us for tomorrow’s great speaker on homelessness. One of my pet subjects that I would love to eliminate but never practical.
A great way to get out of social isolation is to be involved in the Farmer’s Market and Salvo Bread run. Good excuses to get out of your home for a few hours although now browsing seems to be discouraged. The Farmer’s Market is still full steam ahead and we need your assistance in volunteering. Come down and say “Hello”.
Issues current –
Volunteering for Farmer’s Market. Asking people to voluntarily put their name in the roster isn’t working. The numbers required has been pared down per roster. For next year, there will be allocation to ALL club members. It is an obligation of being a club member to help, since the Farmer’s Market is the reason, we can subsidize many of our events, with less out of pocket to you (The Changeover price is a good example of how we could keep ticket prices lower than many other changeover events). This decision will not be popular but is important. I have requested that a choice be allowed like in the “old days”. People not able to make up will have to find an equivalent volunteer. This should start in January onwards.
Note that the Grand Official Opening of the Yarra Bank reserve playground is being postponed to Sunday Sept 12th from August. Same time, same set up. Luckily the Mayor and our DG, Dale Hoy can be in attendance for this gala opening.
October 26th – Is the golf day. Elizabeth is a dynamo and a worthy Rotarian to assist and follow. It is great to see someone with so much passion in action. Please watch the bulletin for details. Lockdowns may spoil the arrangements, but we must go on in spite and hope that life just gets better. Life is about being optimistic.
What is clear from my patients and friends is that Mental health is a major issue in our current situation. My psychology trained patients are so stressed out trying to keep up with a demand for their services. I fear a huge backlash in the future.
Sumba Eye Program – I can state that from Wednesday to all that the SEP has changed NGO (non-Government Organisations) in Australia from the Global Health, College of Surgeons (RACS) to FORESIGHT. I am hoping this will improve the fortunes of the SEP. People on the SEP Facebook page are aware that donations are now to be sent to FORESIGHT. More later.
For my sins I have become a Director for Foresight to add to my workload!
Account Name: Foresight Overseas Aid and Prevention of Blindness Limited
Account number is BSB 082-057 Acc no 35-563-7756.
Please ask to reference the Sumba Eye Program.
Alternatively, you can donate through the Foresight website and reference the SEP in the comment section: https://donorbox.org/foresight-australia-donate.
https:// www.foresight.org.au
Well for me there has been a really eventful week. Please look out for your fellow Rotarian in this lockdown situation. Studying the history of the Spanish flu earlier last century would suggest that we are in for another year. Compared to a century ago, aren’t we lucky to have Zoom, Netflix etc to entertain us, as well as the simple novel.
President Mark