Every now and then, I struggle to apply The Four-Way Test over some issues raised by the club and our members, which need an opinion from the club president. Theoretically, The Four-Way-Test has been intended to apply to everything we think, say, or do in the Rotary world. Yet, in reality, practicing it can be a challenge. The first point, “Is it the truth?” can be easy as truth is absolute in most cases. “Is it fair to all concerned?” In society today, what is fair in one case may not be fair in another. What is fair to one member may not be considered fair by another.
As a lot of our members know I am a keen recreational cyclist and over the last few years have participated in a Rotary district group ride raising funds for RoCan – Rotary Against Ovarian Cancer. RoCan is an initiative of the Rotary Club of Williamstown and was established in 2003 to increase community awareness of this deadly disease. Funds raised from the ride will be directed towards supporting research aimed at developing a test to detect ovarian cancer in its early stages. Also, funds will be used for the building of a wellness centre that will provide accommodation for cancer patients and their families, as the patients undergo treatment.
This is just a reminder that our Clean Up Australia activity is on Sunday 26th February at Patterson Reserve. We meet at 9.30am by the Rotary container for registration (if not already registered online) and then we set off in various directions for the Clean Up. Gloves, graspers and rubbish bags will be provided. Sturdy footwear, suntan cream, a hat and insect repellant are advisable.
A BBQ will follow at 12.00 - 12.30pm. I look forward to seeing all those who are able to attend.
The Melbourne City Council, together with their Heritage advisors have declared that the cobblestones of Federation Square have significant heritage value! As such they have told Fight Parkinson's (previously known as Parkinson's Victoria) that a Barbecue is not allowed. Fight Parkinson's, however, would very much like us to run a stall selling fruit bars, sandwiches, drinks, etc. Our help would only be needed from 8.30am to 1.00pm and only three volunteers would be required for each shift. I will therefore arrange to have the roster adjusted and those who have already signed up will need to re-enter their names as the various timeslots will have changed.
This is such a shame as the BBQ has always been a most enjoyable event.
No longer a BBQ but still a stall with refreshments
The Rotary Club of Glenferrie was recognised recently with a Certificate of Appreciation for its latest contribution of $2,000 to the global End Polio campaign. Rotary has been a key player in the global program to eliminate polio from the world, which is now considered close to success.
President Teresa Liu accepted the Certificate of Appreciation on behalf of the Club at the club meeting on February 14th 2023. Presented here by incoming Assistant Governor Eastside Cluster PP Charles Tran
Isaiah was introduced to the Club by Elizabeth Dumonic and joined in 2021. He is a remarkable person with an inspiring story. A former refugee from the Republic of Sierra Leone, Isaiah is now an Australian citizen living in Melbourne. He spent 14 years moving between 5 refugee camps in Guinea and West Africa where peace could never be found. Isaiah played a short video including footage from the refugee camps and his journey to Australia, settling first in Hobart and then Melbourne. More of his story has been featured in the latest edition of Rotary Down Under.
Our Rotary dinner meetings for 2023 commenced formally last Tuesday 14 February 2023 and it was terrific to see 29 of our members and 3 guests attending. It was also Valentine’s Day – a day to celebrate the love we have for our friends, and family members.
Over the January/February months some of our members have had and/or continue to experience health issues and our thoughts and best wishes for improved outcomes go out to them. These include Jane Gilchrist who now has accommodation at Hedley Sutton, Cheryl, John and Errol Hudson, Helen Worladge and Garfield.
In the global effort to eradicate polio, 2022 was a year of contrasts. With polio detections in places such as New York and London and an increase in cases in Pakistan, it may seem that our efforts are going backwards. While detection of any poliovirus is a setback, a deeper analysis reveals a more encouraging story: 2022 saw perhaps some of the most significant progress in the programme’s history and has set up the global polio effort for a unique opportunity to achieve success in 2023.
Turkey and Syria were struck by a devastating earthquake on 6 February that has killed tens of thousands of people, destroyed thousands of homes and other structures, and left people across the region without shelter in bitterly cold winter weather. The Rotary world responded to this catastrophe immediately.
Mike Englefield CPA is a past president and current co-president of the Rotary Club of Eltham. Accompanied by Paul Nitas, currently CEO of Hillview Quarries Pty Ltd and Director of Power Assist, Mike will talk to us about Power Assist Basketball, what it is, why it is important and what we can do to help.
The Rotary Club of Glenferrie acknowledges the traditional owners as the custodians of this land, recognising their connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to Australia's First Peoples, and to their elders, past, present and future.
The Rotary Club of Glenferrie | PO Box 2134 | Hawthorn Vic 3122
Click here to book for the next meeting of the Rotary Club of Glenferrie
Click here for more information about the Rotary International Convention 2023
