Well – Here we go again back on zoom, but is this such a bad thing? Zoom has kept our club alive and kicking. It has given us a chance to communicate, where we are in the situation that we cannot meet as a face to face meeting. So, our Rotary culture has adopted and is flexible enough to swap between electronic and “face to face” meetings. I adore how we readily have accepted into our lifestyle and language the words “zoom” and “face to face”. A couple of years ago those words would hold different significance. Also, that face masks are becoming a fashion accessory!! I still have problems picking my patients in the waiting room – since robbers wear masks for a particular different reason!!
So, a social experiment of a “sing a long” at our last meeting was particularly a bit of a flop since I couldn’t sort out why my TV sound couldn’t convey onto the zoom platform. However, it did give credence to much involvement of the members present. It was pleasing to see guests come on board and I can only hope I didn’t scare them off with the “sing a long”. Singing is good for mental health – so I am pleased we tried that avenue.
GUEST SPEAKER: Dr Robert Webster OAM, President Victorian RSL
Tuesday August 17th via Zoom (of course!)
The battle of Long Tan was fought on 18 August 1966. One-hundred-and-five men from D Company, 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (6RAR) and three New Zealanders from an artillery forward observation party from New Zealand’s 161 Field Battery, encountered a force of more than 2,000 Viet Cong soldiers. During the battle, 17 Australians were killed and a further 25 were wounded, one of whom later died of wounds. This was the highest number of Australian casualties incurred in any one engagement of the Vietnam War.
Dr Robert Webster OAM, FCPA, FAPI, FRICS is president of the Victorian RSL. But in the 1960s, as a National Serviceman, he served with the Australian forces at Nui Dat. His personal experiences there were life changing. Join the meeting next Tuesday on Zoom to hear Robert's moving story of his personal experiences in Vietnam, the effect it had on the course of his life, and how he came to grips with those significant personal challenges.
Too early for Santa, but there's still going to be lots of things going on at Yarra Bank Reserve September 12th to bring big smiles to little faces. Don't forget to bring the kids and grandkids! Free face painting, TAM the 'Totally Awesome Magician', Hayley Hoopla, King Casey the new King of the Kids, and the famous Bees Waggle Dance. Official opening by the Mayor of Boroondara, Cr Garry Thompson and Rotary District 9800 Governor Dale Hoy after a Welcome to Country from an Elder of the traditional custodians of the land on which this beautiful park stands, the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation. Who else is coming? Why YOU of course! See you there on September 12th, 12 noon sharp!
The importance of the sustainability of a Rotary Club Project is paramount to its establishment and its suitability for a District Foundation Grant. So, it was great to receive news from Gombe, Nigeria of the continuing success of a Rotary Glenferrie project established way back in 2015 in conjunction with Swinburne Rotaract Club and the YMCA in Gombe.
Bookings are now open for the club's major fundraiser, the First Annual Charity Golf Day in support of Australian Rotary Health, Tuesday October 26th 2021. Open to everyone so book now. Fabulous prizes to be won. With thanks to Kingston Heath Golf Course and our generous sponsors, Mercedes-Benz, Amer Sports, Wilson, TEAC and Scoops Australia.
This article appeared in a US newspaper, the Tacoma News Tribune, on April 11th, 1953. Who does he think he is? Nostradamus?
Bring friends and family, but most of all bring the kids and grandkids to this signature event for the club, celebrating the Rotary Australia Centenary in 2021
Bookings are now open for our Lift the Lid Fundraiser on October 5th 2021