After its successful Van Rouge campaign, RIMERN is embarking on a new campaign - marketing quality wines towards funding a new delivery van to streamline operations.
The new campaign will reward RIMERN clients by providing photos of the donated goods in situ, in their new homes, and on RIMERN social media. This activity promotes RIMERN's services and demonstrates to clients, volunteers and donors (stakeholders), the quality of the goods available: a positive and inspiring image.
It’s Spring: time for a new life and a new beginning.
The new RIMERN wine promotion is called “Homemaker Voucher Vino”. Again, it will offer quality wines at a special cost. Funds raised will contribute to the Rewards scheme for the RIMERN clients who participate in the social media campaign. Funds will also contribute to the much-needed delivery van.
Last Tuesday evening those attending the Rotary Glenferrie Meeting could not help being impressed by presentations from two Schools, Sacre Coeur and Sienna College. Both Schools covered their experience at Rotary’s Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA). What MUNA does is simulate the workings of the UN Assembly by having teams of two senior students from each of a number of schools represent a particular UN country in debates on matters of world political and social concern. It is a Rotary International program and is enthusiastically supported by the United Nations. Attending our Glenferrie Meeting were from Sacre Couer, its Team of Phoebe Burke and Polly Hara, representing China. From Siena College the Students were Abbie Brownless and Sophia Velasquez representing Italy. Click on 'Read more' for a paragraph from each School on their experience at MUNA.
The Rotary Club of Glenferrie has been awarded a Rotary International Citation for 2021-2022, the most significant award a Rotary Club can receive, for the club's achievements through the year. To receive an award a club must set and achieve goals in thirteen of a possible twenty-five areas. RC Glenferrie met and exceeded that criterion for 2021-22. Coming on top of two District Awards for the period, this additional recognition caps an outstanding year for the club. To read the letter of citation from RI President 2021-22 Shekhar Mehta, click on 'Read More'.
Rotary International and the U.S.-based nonprofit Ukraine Friends have agreed to collaborate to provide resources, organize logistics, and distribute funds for high-impact projects that help Ukrainians affected by the war with Russia.
RI General Secretary and CEO John Hewko and Ukraine Friends CEO Brock D. Bierman signed a memorandum of understanding in July 2022 that calls for the organizations to work together to determine the viability of potential projects, distribute funds and in-kind donations, and prioritize joint efforts.
With the greatest sadness, we learnt of the loss of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. She was an extraordinary woman of great strength, resilience, wisdom and faith who devoted her whole life to her duty. May she rest in eternal peace with her beloved husband, Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh.
Many of us may know that Prince Phillip was an Honorary Member of five Rotary clubs including RC Windsor and Eton. Until five years before his death, the duke would attend meetings in ‘his’ club and refused to be treated differently from any other Rotarian. He showed the exemplary spirit of Rotary to all of us. As Rotarians, we have accepted the obligation and responsibilities of Rotary membership and are committed to Rotary Values, friendships and a life of Service Above Self. My dear fellow Rotarians, I wish you find ‘Inspiration in Service’ and ‘Enjoyment in the Fellowship’ of our club and the worldwide Rotary movement.
The Boroondara Farmers Market is the club's single biggest commitment, raising substantial funds in support of local and international projects. It is a key factor in determining the club's continued success.
For most of the market's history, it has been a feature of membership of the Rotary Club of Glenferrie that every member is expected to complete at least four rostered duties at the market during the course of the calendar year. (Actually it used to be six until the market was reorganised two years ago!). That process has slipped in recent years, meaning that not every member has had an opportunity to contribute. At a recent Board meeting, the decision was taken to return to the previous practice of assigning duties centrally.
In October every club member will be issued with a Market Preference Nomination form upon which they can nominate their preferred market duties for 2023. Completion of the form is not mandatory. Members who do not nominate a preference will be allocated their four duties by the rosterer when compiling the market rosters for the year ahead. The roster for the full year 2023 will be finalised by the end of November and distributed to members well in advance of the new year.
The success of our club is very closely associated with the success of the Market. Returning to this process, which worked so well in the past, will help ensure that everyone has a chance to enjoy a market shift that suits them, while spreading the workload more evenly and ensuring our continued success. The good work being done by Glenferrie Rotarians and friends at the Boroondara Farmers Market is maintaining and growing the bumper harvest through which our club can continue to Do Good in the World. Thank you for your important contribution to its success.
Putting our members first: A couple of weeks ago, District 9800 received the official membership numbers for 2021-2022. For the first time in living memory, the district’s membership on 30 June 2022 was 1,943, falling to below 2,000 members which indicated that the majority of the 67 clubs in the district continue to struggle to attract and retain members: the average size of memberships of Rotary clubs in the district is 29. Rotary Glenferrie is one of the few lucky ones who came out ahead with 55 active members and nine honorary members as of today. Thank you to the membership committee and all club members, for your efforts to get us to this situation.
They are in urgent need of donations to support the demands for its services of assisting individuals and families in need.
The current request is for 1. bedding (double and queen size), from doonas to pillows. 2. Small electrical appliances from microwaves, electric jugs, mixers, sandwich makers and toasters. 3. White goods-dryers, washing machines and fridges.
On Monday 29th August, the RORP Cluster lead by Camberwell Rotary, and with the participation of two Glenferrie Rotarians- Mark Howlett and Rob Winspear, dismantled the Hilda St Playground.
It was a very successful operation as we had 11 volunteer Rotarians from Camberwell, Glenferrie, Canterbury and the Hawthorn Clubs to complete this task. Again, it was done in a very collaborative spirit and the Clubs worked well together.
Mark was also prominent as he was the expert for difficult nut and bolt removal combinations.
PP Robert Winspear (on right with brown hat) performing a demanding task to unbolt the slide from the ground.
At the club meeting on August 30th, members of the Rotary Club of Glenferrie voted unanimously to support the Zone 8 Regionalisation Project, recognising it as a major opportunity to make changes that will help ensure the future of Rotary. The meeting heard from Co-Chair of the Regionalisation Taskforce PDG Peter Frueh on how the project aims to better support clubs, create leadership opportunities for members, improve the efficiency and effectiveness of Rotary projects and build a stronger Rotary brand.
'PILOT' is a word I am familiar with and love dearly. I grew up and accomplished my career in Shenzhen, China, following the success of the Chinese Special Economic Zone PILOT Project. Interestingly, in my presidential year, the RI Regionalisation PILOT project is on its way. At its club meeting on Tuesday, 30 August, Rotary Glenferrie will have PDG Peter Frueh, the co-chair of the RI Zone Regionalisation PILOT Project, provide an informative presentation about the PILOT project. After Peter's presentation, we'll have the club's vote (yes or no) by our club members via a show of hands. Dear Glenferrie Rotarians, please come along, enjoy the informative night, and contribute your thoughts.
Our guest speaker last week was Dr Jean Ker Walsh, who spoke to the meeting about the problems faced by refugees and those seeking asylum in Australia, and who have been held in detention for long periods of time, both in Australia and in surrounding countries. She is a Co-chair of a group called Grandmothers for Refugees (previously called Grandmothers Against Detention of Children), a national movement of women elders lobbying for justice for refugees, which started when a group of senior women considered the effect that detention on Nauru was having on the emotional and physical development of children sent there by the Australian government. The group was active in the Kids off Nauru Campaign which finally shamed the government into removing children from these places.
Dr Jean Ker Walsh, centre, Grandmothers for Refugees, with Meeting Chair Dr Paul Shekleton, left, and President Teresa Liu. Grandmothers for Refugees is championing fairer more humane treatment for refugees and asylum seekers in Australia and welcomes Rotarian support
What is the Regionalisation Pilot Project? Rotary International is considering a project to address membership, public image, communication, leadership, and fundraising challenges to help define a more sustainable future for Rotary. Our region, or Zone 8, which includes Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands, has been selected as one of two potential regions from across the globe to pilot a regional approach to governance. At the club meeting on August 30th, PDG Peter Frueh will explain the objectives and the plans for the pilot program and ask for our support.
At our club meeting on August 30th, Glenferrie Rotarians will be asked to vote on whether or not our club supports the Regionalisation Pilot Project that will, if successful, change the way Rotary operates. At a time of waning membership and declining impact, the outcome of the pilot may very well determine the future of Rotary in our part of the world. It is so important that you come along next Tuesday evening and and have your say.
DAVID WHITING – It's not all trees and fences - the things people ask!
Our Guest Speaker last week was David Whiting, a lawyer and fellow Rotarian at Rotary Keilor. Following a short run down on how and why he became a lawyer covering a wide range of disciplines and representing a variety of clients, he invited a very engaged audience to an interactive presentation.
President Teresa Liu, David Whiting & Cheryl Pisterman
August is Rotary Membership Month, which means it's time to celebrate our Rotary club, our members, and the good we do in our community and worldwide. In the first Membership Month of the post-pandemic era, Rotary Glenferrie must continue to create a welcoming experience of comfort and care for its members and build an inclusive, diverse, equitable and enjoyable culture. We are a thriving and vibrant club, with our member growth from 44 in 2017 to 64 today. However, I don’t believe there’s a secret formula to make the club successful: club members need to take every opportunity to continue the growth of their club. When we celebrate Membership Month, we enjoy the club's legacy from the past. Most importantly, we need to listen to what our members want out of their Rotary involvement, understand their needs and expectations, and build a welcoming club experience for all members, both the “newbies” and the longer-term members.
The Rotary Club of Glenferrie warmly congratulates club member Hon. Ted Baillieu AO Former Premier of Victoria, on being awarded an Honorary Doctorate at Swinburne University. Ted has been, and continues to be, an inspiration to many through his generous and selfless contribution to community life, professionally, through his many philanthropic interests and through Rotary, in Victoria, and in the City of Boroondara.
A well deserved recognition for an outstanding Australian. Hearty congratulations Ted!
The club welcomed three outstanding new Glenferrie Rotarians at the club meeting on August 16th, Anita Morkans, Colin George and Lindy Joubert. And what fine additions to the club's membership they are! Anita is a qualified HR professional who has been introduced to Rotary by former work colleague Wayne Worladge. Colin is a former freighter and bus driver who was introduced to Rotary via the Boroondara Farmers Market. "How does someone join Rotary"?, asked Colin. And the rest is history. Lindy Joubert has led a substantial career in Australia, and overseas where she served with UNESCO. Lindy is currently a senior fellow at the University of Melbourne in the field of Architecture.
A very warm welcome Anita, Colin and Lindy. We are delighted that you have elected to start your Rotary journey with the Rotary Club of Glenferrie, and look forward to many years working alongside you to "Do Good in the World".
New members Lindy Joubert (second from left), Colin George (fourth) and Anita Morkans (second from right) are pictured with President Teresa Liu and mentors PP Carol Benson, PP Richard Blakeman and Wayne Worladge. Proud to be a Rotarian!
Last week, for the first time since I joined Rotary, I received an email directly from John Hewko, General Secretary of Rotary International to advise that during the week of 11-17 September 2022, Rotary International is encouraging Rotary clubs to partner with local Kiwanis, Lions, and Optimist clubs on a service project that will have a long-term impact on each local community. We believe that when we harness the collective power of the four services organisations’ 3.4 million members, we can do more to Celebrate the Community together. To quote Helen Keller, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” In this post-pandemic era, the world is full of uncertainty and challenges for individuals and Rotary clubs. Rotary Glenferrie needs to find innovative ways to take action to help local communities.
We have been experiencing some intermittent problems with the charging of club dinner meeting fees via Mastercard, whereby banks are rejecting payments with the response 'Do Not Honour'. The problem affects only MasterCard charges, and is intermittent. Charges via Visa credit or debit cards, or Amex have not been impacted, at least not yet. I am following this up with the club's payment intermediary eWay for solution. In the meantime, if you have an unexpected rejection, keep trying as it usually goes through after two or three tries. Also please let me know if you get a chance: Email me and let me know how you go.
The sudden problems coincide with the club enabling payments via Amex, and a change made by ClubRunner to our event booking page. I am not sure if the two are related, but am following this enquiry up with both eWay and ClubRunner for a solution.
Volunteers are urgently needed for the club's Bread Run Project. Bread is collected from Baker's Delight at 515 Riversdale Road, Camberwell every Thursday evening at 6pm and delivered to The Salvation Army at 7 Bowen Street, Camberwell where it is served to those in need of breakfast on Friday morning. Two people are required for each shift. Please contact Simon Messenger for details. To volunteer for a shift now, click on the loaf ==>
A novel fundraising venture for RIMERN running via the Westfield Local Heroes programme could provide much-needed funds to the organisation. It only takes a minute to recognise and give back to someone in your community who is doing amazing work. Vote for your Westfield Local Hero today.
Past President Michael Berry (2007-08) has been made an Honorary Member of the Rotary Club of Glenferrie after almost 24 years of outstanding service to Rotary, and to the community through Rotary. Michael joined the Rotary Club of Glenferrie in October 1998 with the Vocational Classification "Packaging Distribution". In the ensuing years he has been a central and respected figure in many innovative club projects, including 'Sewing Machines for East Timor', the 'Parkinson's Walk' annual fundraising BBQ at Federation Square, the 'Police Mentoring' program, the 'Rochester Secondary Students Work Experience' program, and much much more.
President Teresa, in awarding Honorary Membership to Michael at the club meeting on August 9th, thanked him for his wonderful and generous contribution over his many years as an Active Member of the club. Much liked and respected, we look forward to continued association with both Michael and his wife, Trish Ritman, in the years to come (but without those early morning Farmers Market shifts Michael! Duty excused!)
To read Michaels' address to the meeting at which he recounts his Rotary story, click on
PP Michael Berry (centre) with Trish Ritman was presented with Honorary Membership of the Rotary Club of Glenferrie August 9th. Seen here with PP Ian Salek (left of picture), President Teresa Liu and PP Robert Winspear (right of picture).
The club celebrated the contribution of its outstanding Honorary Members at the club meeting on August 9th, with four existing honorary members gathering to welcome PP Michael Berry to the fold. Pictured left to right, PP Trevor Mackey (2005-2006), PP Michael Berry (2007-2008), PP Norm Fary (1988-1989), PP Ken Scott (1980-1981) and PP Ian Willmott (2009-2010). Jolly Good Fellows indeed!
Membership Development is not just about recruiting new members. It's all about making them feel welcomed and valued, introducing them to the opportunities that Rotary membership brings, helping them to engage with Rotary, and to engage Rotary resources. Membership Development Co-Chairs PP Mark Ellis and PP Thelma Hutchison have much planned for us in this sphere in the year ahead, and you are a big part of it. Stay tuned!
Last week, I received an invitation from David Hobson, the president of the Rotary Club of Balwyn (BRC), to celebrate BRC’s 50th anniversary. BRC is a big name in the Rotary world within Australia and internationally, because it has run the famous Camberwell Sunday Market since 1976. The market has raised $14,000,000 to support a significant range of community and humanitarian projects.
I admire those Balwyn Rotarians who initiated the Camberwell Sunday Market four years after the club was chartered. They were certainly courageous as businesses in Australia were not permitted to trade on a Sunday back then. Moreover, I admire all Rotarians who have contributed their time and skills to the Camberwell Sunday Market over the past 46 years.
The Rotary Leadership Institute Program presents a wonderful opportunity for experienced Rotarians, new members and indeed people interested in finding out more about Rotary to take some time to experience the history, current and new initiatives related to this great organisation we call Rotary.
The club welcomed new Glenferrie Rotarian Catherine Eagleson to the club on July 26th at a club meeting at which she was also the guest speaker. Catherine is new to Glenferrie, but she has been a Rotarian since 2006 when she joined the Rotary Club of Bellarine North. Catherine is a Past President of Rotary Bellarine North (2017-2018), is a Paul Harris Fellow and is a recipient of a Royce Abbey Award from her club. She has also been a Past District Chair for Australian Rotary Health.
Catherine Eagleson (centre), Past President of the Rotary Club of Bellarine North (2017-2018) was welcomed as a new member of Rotary Glenferrie at the club meeting on July 26th. Pictured here with President Teresa Liu (right) and Rotary mentor Lynette Spencer
We are in the post-pandemic era. The world has been suffering a series of issues, food crisis, high inflation, energy crisis, etc. Everything in life seems costly. Business is cautious about capital expenditure; governments have struggled to fix their budget deficits, and charities face the challenge of raising funds and delivering better service. The Board decided to conduct an online members’ survey to understand our members’ needs to adapt to new challenges in the future.
The survey reached out to our members on 6 July, and we got an excellent response rate, 64.7% of active members. Studies show that a survey response rate of 50% or higher is often considered excellent, and the in-person survey delivers the best average response rate at 57%, quickly followed by an online survey. In the past two decades, the average American election voter turnout has been 55.62%; and Australia, the lucky country with compulsory voting, had an average voter turnout of 93.26% for the federal election. Thank you, Glenferrie Rotarians. The club appreciates your input, passion and participation. Special thanks to Richard Blakeman, for your efforts in managing the survey.
The Club Meeting on July 19th dedicated time to rise up above the day to day and take a bird's eye view of how the club is performing, and the signs are good as we move into this momentous year for Rotary in Victoria. Reviewing the results of the successful Membership Survey, it is clear that the number one driver of member satisfaction is member engagement: consistent, measured and broad-based - sentiments expressed by Rotary International Director Jessie Harman, in an article published in Rotary on the Move last year, which is reproduced in this Bulletin below.
Despite being the base on which Rotary was built back in 1905, Vocational Service has really lagged behind considerably at Club and District level. Somehow it just doesn't have the same sexiness as International Service for example. So, how does your Glenferrie Vocational Service Committee plan to do to make this Avenue of Service relevant and of interests to our Club Members?
The Sumba Eye Program (SEP) has been an active eye program originally set up in 2007 and backed by Rotary clubs of Glenferrie and Kew since 2008. In that time over 1000 sight saving operations have been performed and over 10,000 spectacles supplied at low cost by the SEP optometrist. Rotary Glenferrie secured a $30,000 grant from The Rotary Foundation for eye equipment for the SEP many years ago to assist in building up the program. A change in partnership arrangements has secured the future of the program, now know as the Foresight Sumba Eye Care Program.
You’re invited to attend an information session about the future of Rotary in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.
Six identical webinars are being held in July and August to brief Rotary members in Zone 8 who:
• are not able to attend a club briefing on Regionalisation • are not able to attend District organised briefings on Regionalisation • have additional questions or clarifications they are seeking
The host for the webinars will be Rotary International Director Jessie Harman. Presenters will be Co-Chairs PDG Ingrid Waugh and PDG Peter Frueh. Questions will be asked through the Q&A function and will be moderated. Duration will be one hour with approximately twenty minutes of introduction and presentation, with the remainder answering questions.
These webinars will be recorded and made available afterwards. Questions asked will be incorporated into the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and answers section of the website: creatingtomorrowrotary.org
PLEASE CLICK 'READ MORE' TO CHOOSE A SESSION THAT SUITS YOU.
What a great job done yesterday?! We packed 11 and a bit playgrounds (just a swingset in one) - a total of 668 pieces in just over 5 hours. A real team effort.
Whilst everyone contributed so much, some special mentions are required:
Our yard master - John and his magic forklift are key to our efforts. We'd still be there without him and it!
Our load masters - Des and Graeme, making sure it all fitted: visualising, lifting, pushing, shoving and squeezing - avoiding heart attacks I hope!
Our list checker - Maddy, she spotted the bits we'd missed and kept track of progress and piece codes.
Our one armed bandit - Wayne, organising the coffee break goodies and providing a good strong lift with just one hand available.
We have made a big dent in the stock in the yard. Particularly loading PG H, it was a very big and bulky one.
Thank you to everyone involved and to those that couldn't make it due to distance, illnesses, operations etc. We have an incredible team across 4 Districts this side of town making RORP happen.
The results of this year's club membership survey were presented at the Club Forum on July 19th 2022, and revealed a high level of satisfaction with all aspects of the club among survey respondents. The survey results and analysis will be tabled at the August board meeting and provide the basis for the 2022-23 club operating plan. The level of participation in this year's survey was much greater than the previous survey, in 2017. With 65% of Active members submitting a response, the club received a rating of 100% on the top three indicators: Overall satisfaction, pride in the club and feeling welcome at The Rotary Club of Glenferrie.
Mrs Beryl Vesely, a darling friend of mine, gave me a special gift to commemorate my Rotary Presidency last week. It is a Rotary International 75th Anniversary Commemorative Plate 1905 –1980 which she bought in August 1979 through Rotary Croydon. The gift came to me with a letter from the Rotary Club of Croydon. It was titled to Mr B. J. Vesely rather than Mrs B. J. Vesely. Until 1989, a woman couldn't be a Rotarian then and wasn't entitled to be called Mrs even as the partner (wife) a of Rotarian. What a special gift to me. It has carried the glory of Rotary as a service organisation for 118 years. Moreover, it made me think, where is Rotary going in the new era?
Jennifer Jones, member of the Rotary Club of Windsor-Roseland, Ontario, Canada, will be the first woman to take office as Rotary International President in the service organization’s 117-year existence on 1 July 2022.
During her one-year term, Jones will focus on building new relationships and establishing collaborations with organizations that share Rotary’s commitment to driving impact through humanitarian service and to developing leaders around the globe. She has also made Rotary’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion a key part of her presidential platform.
At the last general meeting, we were fortunate to be addressed by Ms Colleen D’Offay about the exciting relatively new Mentor Watch. Collen is a member of RC Brighton and until recently was Head of Client Success – Public and Enterprise Service at Ascender, Melbourne. She is now involved in this exciting adventure. The original guest speaker Domenic Saporito couldn’t appear since his children have covid and even though he was negative our President couldn’t allow our members one bit of anxiety in a possible infection with COVID, so we were lucky to have Collen to step in on one day’s notice.
President Teresa, Speaker Colleen D'Offay & PP Mark Ellis
Club members have returned a solid vote of confidence in our club, with 100% of respondents reporting satisfaction with their membership, and an equal proportion expressing pride in the club. While providing some insights into where we can do even better, the survey shows that the club is making considerable progress with its growth strategy, first defined via the Setting the Course strategic planning sessions in 2017. A full review of the results of the survey will be presented at the Club Forum on Tuesday.
100% of members who responded to the 2022 survey reported that they are proud of the Rotary Club of Glenferrie, with 82% giving it a 'completely satisfied' rating
100% of member respondents reported that they are proud of the Rotary Club of Glenferrie, with 82% giving it the highest possible rating
When a Rotarian says, “Service Above Self”, what does it mean to you? It is the principal motto of Rotary. To me, it means you strongly believe in unselfish voluntary service. To quote Mahatma Gandhi, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.’ Over my years in Rotary, I have experienced countless inspiring examples of “Service Above Self” from my fellow Rotarians. Glenferrie Rotarians continue to contribute their time, skills and experience, no matter how small or big, to deliver the five avenues of service to make a better world.
Welcome to our first meeting of the Rotary Year 2022-2023. As your President for this year, I am humbled and very honoured to have the opportunity to be of service to my beloved club. I congratulate and thank past president Mark Ellis and his outstanding Board for two extraordinarily successful years. With Mark’s exemplary leadership and all the club members’ enthusiastic engagement, Rotary Glenferrie is as strong as its culture and will continue to blossom.
All of us are in this together when it comes to making our Rotary club a vibrant, productive and interesting place to be. No one person is responsible, we each of us share collective responsibility. So how are we going? Are we on the right track? Are we doing too much, too little? Am I engaged or am I disengaged? What more can we, I, do? What, if anything, should we do differently? At the Club Forum on July 19th, time is set aside for each of us as members to have our say. To help guide the discussion so that we have a productive review, every Active and Honorary member has been sent a link to the Membership Survey form. Responses are anonymous and the survey, which is online, takes only a few minutes to complete. Please be sure to submit your survey responses by Friday July 15th at the latest to allow for tabulation of the results. Your voice is important, so please complete your survey if you can. There are no silent partners in Rotary.
Ps. The survey was sent out from the club email address, rotaryglenferrie@gmail.com. If you would like another copy of the survey link, please email the webmaster: Click here
Every year the Rotary Club of Glenferrie and club members donate to The Rotary Foundation, through which grant assistance is provided to clubs and districts for Rotary projects. As part of the qualification process for grants, Rotary districts are required to report regularly to members on the activities of the District Foundation Committee during the year and how funds raised are being utilised. This latest report from the retiring Chair of the District Foundation Committee, PDG Dr Murray Verso, paints an inspiring picture of how clubs in this District are making a real difference, locally and globally, with imaginative and creative projects.
Click on the image to read the latest report.
The June 2022 Edition of Foundation News paints an inspiring picture of the project activities on clubs in our District
Past District Governor Dale Hoy (2021-22) was a regular and popular visitor to RC Glenferrie during his year at the helm, participating in many of the club's signature events during the year. In his final message to the District, featured in the most recent edition of The Networker, PDG Dale outlines some of the impressive projects undertaken by clubs in District 9800 during the past year. The list is both educational and inspiring and, yes, RC Glenferrie gets a guernsey. Thank you PDG Dale and Maureen for an exceptional year of achievement, and for your friendship in Rotary.
PDG Dale Hoy (RC Brighton) and Maureen were regular visitors to RC Glenferrie throughout 2021-22
On Friday 1st of July, the Rotary Community Service Radio Team broadcast on 94.1 FM 3WBC a special interview with the new District Governor 9800 Amanda Wendt. For those who were not able to attend the District Changeover, our listeners had the opportunity to hear Amanda's plans for the upcoming year, and also the Rotary International Convention that is being held in Melbourne in 2023.
Also, that night, Past President Charles Tran hosted his first show as presenter in the studio. Charles Tran and Ian Salek have some great ideas to get the Rotary Community Radio listeners involved, and to expand the Radio’s presence in the wider community. Stay tuned for more updates in the future.
Renovations will be happening at the Camberwell Salvation Army Headquarters. From 30th June 2022 the following arrangements will apply:
1. Arrive at Camberwell Bakers Delight at 5.55pm. I have finally met the new franchisee, Michelle, and that is her instruction. Bring sturdy 70-80 litre plastic bags and disposable gloves. Ideally, 5-6 bags of bread are required and this can be topped up with rolls if supplies of bread are insufficient.
2. Enter the Salvation Army car-park as usual off Athelstan Road, and collect the key from the key safe(code 2418). which will be in its usual place.
3. Deposit the bags in the hallway of 4 Athelstan Road. The driveway to this white weatherboard house is 20 metres south of the entrance to the carpark and on the same side of the street.
4. Return the key to the key safe and make sure that it is locked.
Many thanks to all the members who continue to volunteer for the bread run. The Community Service Committee in its wisdom has made the quaint, if old-fashioned suggestion that the bread run team be mixed gender until the end of September if at all possible!
As many members will know we have supported the North Balwyn RC initiative to provide household goods, clothes, toys and books to the recently arrived Afghan citizens and families who were hurriedly evacuated to Australia earlier this year. Rowan McClean was one of the prime movers in this project and he forwarded an email of thanks from Bassir Qadiri. Further contributions are welcome and Helena Wimpole will be able to coordinate donations.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine on 24th February 2022 began the largest refugee crisis in Europe since World War II. More than 7.7 million refugees left the Country. Additionally, about 8 million people have been displaced in Ukraine as their houses have been destroyed or have become too dangerous to live in. Approximately 35% of the country’s 44 million population have been forced to leave their homes. 90% of Ukrainian refugees are women and children as men of ages 18-60 are banned from leaving Ukraine in order to fight the Russian invaders.
The vast majority of refugees are directly entering neighbouring countries to the west of Ukraine.
On Tuesday evening 21st June our Guest Speaker was Dianne Sides.
Dianne spoke about the Boroondara Family Network (BFN) which Rotary Glenferrie has ardently supported since its inception. The BFN was established as a project by Rotary Glenferrie, and set up with a grant from the Rotary Foundation in 1999. It was to be a project for all Rotary Clubs in the Boroondara area. Rotary Glenferrie and other Rotary Clubs in the Boroondara area support the BFN by making annual donations.
Meeting Chair PP Ian Salek thanked guest speaker Dianne Sides, presenting the club's Certificate of Appreciation. The club will make a donation of $100 to Australian Rotary Health as an expression of thanks to Dianne for her informative presentation.
The last Tuesday of my “reign” I want as a social night at the Camberwell Art Show, which is being held at the Advanced Technology Centre of Swinburne University. So, Tuesday night 28th from 6.00 pm onwards. Entry fee is $15, and wine and cheese are provided.
From Murray Anderson - The Chair of the Camberwell Art Show
“To purchase tickets, please go to the website www.camberwellartshow.org.au and select the Tickets Page. Then select Evening Sessions and choose the appropriate date (in your case 28 June). Can you advise your members that, although we will be able to process cash and credit card payment on the night, we encourage purchasing tickets as above, so we get an idea of numbers for catering purposes.’
The plan is then to meet for a meal after. Since the Glenferrie Hotel is just down the road (5 minute walk), I have booked two tables for us to go there at about 0745 pm.
I send this email since there is some confusion. You need to book to go to the Camberwell Art Show. For the dinner, just let me know. It is good to support RC Camberwell's efforts.
“For what is a man, what has he got? If not himself then he has naught Not to say the things that he truly feels And not the words of someone who kneels Let the record shows I took all the blows and did it my way”
My God – It sounds like my 2 years Presidency!!!
Well, the end is near, and I have been in caretaker mode since our terrific changeover on Tuesday 14th. Do I feel relaxed? NO. I feel energised that I can now devote my Rotary time to one issue - Membership. Along with Thelma, I am looking forward to not only looking out for new members, but make our newest members feel relaxed so much that they will throw themselves into the working for the club, and get more fulfilment as a result. I truly feel that we are in for a couple of momentous years with Teresa Liu followed by Mark Howlett. Both have strong leadership capabilities that should, and I expect to surpass my efforts.
The Rotary Club of Glenferrie has been awarded two District Recognitions at the District 9800 Changeover Lunch at the Hyatt Essendon Fields, June 25th. The Recognition for Community Service was awarded for the successful Yarra Bank Reserve Interactive Playground project, completed in collaboration with the Rotary clubs of Camberwell, Hawthorn and Canterbury, the City of Boroondara and with the support of a District Grant from The Rotary Foundation. The award was accepted by PP Richard Blakeman on behalf of the Rotarians from the Rotary Glenferrie led consortium of clubs. The Recognition for Membership Growth was awarded in the Large Club category, for a 21% increase over the previous year. The club will finish this year on June 30th with 51 Active and 8 Honorary members. The award was accepted on behalf of the club by President Dr Mark Ellis AM.
Congratulations Rotary Glenferrie and Glenferrie Rotarians! High accolades indeed amongst a field of very worthy contenders.
MUNA stands for Model United Nations Assembly, which simulates the workings of the UN Assembly by having teams of two senior students from each of a number of schools represent a particular UN country in debates on matters of world political and social concern. It is a Rotary International program and enthusiastically supported by the United Nations.
This year MUNA was held on June18th - June 19th. On competition days the students dressed up as the country that they represented. Debates over resolutions were fiercely conducted.
I am told by both the teachers from Siena College & Sacre Coeur that the girls "Absolutely Loved It"
We entered two teams of Year 11 students; Siena College Students were Abbie Brownless and Sophia Velasquez, representing Italy. Sacre Couer Phoebe Burke and Polly Hara, representing China.
Siena College Students: Sophia Velaquez (red) Abbie Brownless (green) Best Team Costume
So the club moves on – It is almost like opening the front door and the back door simultaneously to let the new year in and the old year out!! A Scottish New Year tradition at Hogmanay, which we learnt about when my family lived in Glasgow in 90 and 91.
Our Changeover on last Tuesday night was a great night of fellowship, and a celebration of our club’s years’ achievements. We had over 100 people attending for the big friendship event on our calendar. We had many notables from the Rotary hierarchy, the Boroondara Council as well as politicians of many persuasions. Thanks particularly to Richard Blakeman, we had a fast paced informative night of entertainment, which ably displayed our club’s worth. Feedback from one non Rotarian was that the presentations strongly showed Rotary’s relevance to our community, which I felt was a good indictment of our position in our society. Rotarians do make a difference.
Changeover 2022 at Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club on June 14th will long be remembered as one of the best ever Changeover dinners at The Rotary Club of Glenferrie. In a night that celebrated the impressive achievements of the club over the past year, over one hundred Rotarians and guests, including the District Governor and three past district governors, with Mr John Kennedy MP, Member for Hawthorn, and Councillor Jane Addis, the Mayor of Boroondara, witnessed President Dr Mark Ellis AM hand over the president's chain of leadership to incoming president Teresa Liu. District Governor Dale Hoy delivered the District Report. It was an impressive night, with much fun and friendship and a well paced, entertaining program that made full use of the new meeting rooms and facilities at Kooyong.
President Dr Mark Ellis AM, second from left, and Janet passed the leadership baton to incoming President Teresa Liu and Jack Gao at Changeover on Tuesday June 14th
Congratulations to the following lucky winners of the Lift the Lid on Mental Illness Charity Raffle. Enjoy your prizes and thank you for your support for mental health research funding through Australian Rotary Health.
1st Prize – Barry Atkins (ticket 126) - Joy flights for 2 over Yarra Valley
2nd Prize – Matt Burge – Hot Air Balloon flight for 2 over Mansfield
3rd Prize – Sal Ciardolli – Car wash vouchers
4th Prize – Ron McCartney – One night’s accommodation at Crown Promenade
5th Prize – Jane McKay – One night’s accommodation at Chateau Yering
MUNA stands for Model United Nations Assembly, which simulates the workings of the UN Assembly by having teams of two senior students from each of a number of schools represent a particular UN country in debates on matters of world political and social concern. It is a Rotary International program and enthusiastically supported by the United Nations.
Who Can be involved in MUNA
MUNA is designed for school students usually in senior classes of secondary schools. Over the years they have primarily come from year 11 students. A team consists of the two students. More than 1 team per school is possible.
Where MUNA will be Held
In 2022 MUNA will be held on the weekend Saturday June 18 to Sunday 19, 2022 at the Mercure Hotel, North Melbourne.
Camberwell Art Show – The Board has decreed that we will run our normal club meeting as a social night at the Camberwell Art Show instead of at Kooyong LTC. The Art Show is being held at the Advanced Technology Centre of Swinburne University. So, Tuesday night 28th from 6.00 pm onwards. Entry fee is $15, and wine and cheese are provided.
“To purchase tickets, please go to the website www.camberwellartshow.org.au and select the Tickets Page. Then select Evening Sessions and choose the appropriate date (in your case 28 June). Can you advise your members that, although we will be able to process cash and credit card payment on the night, we encourage purchasing tickets as above, so we get an idea of numbers for catering purposes.’
The plan is then to meet for a meal after. Since the Glenferrie Hotel is just down the road, I propose to book one or two tables for us to go there at about 0800 pm. I will need an idea of numbers in the week coming up so to book enough space. Please let me know if intending to come to the hotel. (mark.ellis744@bigpond.com).
The roster is only accessible to members. Members may also sign up partners and friends via the above link. Non-members who wish to volunteer, please email: rhogan21@bigpond.com
Thanking you again for your support of this very important Club and community event.
If you have any difficulty with using the Club's website on ClubRunner please contact us via email: rhogan21@bigpond.com
The last time an RI Convention was in Melbourne was in 1993 and those who were part of it, remember the occasion. This is an opportunity for local Rotarians to experience a Rotary Convention for ourselves right here in our own backyard and share our great city with other Rotarians from all around the world. So why should you attend? An International Convention brings home the true internationality of Rotary, you meet some great people, there are opportunities to talk about projects and despite the different races, gender, etc. just how similar we are.
David and I were two of the 60+ District 9800 Rotarians who travelled to Chicago for the 100 years of Rotary in 2005. It was fabulous. Another more recent memory is the thrill of hearing hundreds of us in Toronto singing I am Australian (amongst thousands of other Rotarians) as Ian Riseley (past RI President from Melbourne) walked onto the stage.
A number of Paul Harris Fellow Recognitions will be awarded at Changeover on Tuesday night, in recognition of the outstanding contributions over the past year by some very dedicated Rotarians. The Paul Harris Fellow Recognition is named after Paul Harris, the Founder of Rotary. At Changeover this year, the club will also, for the second time, honour a Rotarian for his or her enthusiasm and commitment to the ideals of Rotary with the presentation of a Royce Abbey Award. But who is this extraordinary Rotarian, Royce Abbey, after whom the award is named, and just what is the Royce Abbey Award?
Here is one extraordinary Rotarian receiving his award from Past Rotary International President Ian Riseley. Come along to Changeover on Tuesday and find out the rest.
“The foundation upon which Rotary is built is friendship; on no less firm foundation could it have stood”. Paul Harris
Changeover Date – Our Changeover is tomorrow night. We have over 100 people attending for the big friendship event on our calendar. This is a function not to be missed. Thanks to Richard, we have a fast paced informative night of entertainment to do our club proud. Such a large number is probably the result of people going to make sure “I am really going” or Teresa our upcoming President is very popular!!
Join soon to be Past-President Mark and me - and approximately 6,000 fellow Rotarians from around the world who have booked so far at the Rotary International Convention in Melbourne in May 2023. The early bird booking date has been extended to 12 June 2022.
Whilst the cost appears high due to the present exchange rate USD to AUD, there is the advantage of not needing to book hotel accommodation or air fares. Most of us can just hop on a local tram, train or bus to get to the venues at Rod Laver Arena or the Melbourne Convention Centre.
Booking is straightforward, though the Rotary International site may be a little slow. However, with perseverance was able to book through without any problems on the following link https://convention.rotary.org/en/melbourne
If you do wish to attend and require more detail, please get in touch with me or President Elect, Teresa Liu or click on this great looking website: https://rotarymelbourne2023.org/. We have also planned a special evening at Kooyong to celebrate the convention - you will hear more about this event at our Gala Changeover on 14 June 2022.
It was a pleasure to listen to this presentation by Paul who became a member during November 2021. At the outset he stated that he was delighted to be a part of such a talented and energetic group of individuals. Furthermore, he modestly downplayed his life's journey when compared with the struggles experienced by others in the Club. After a stable childhood and schooling in Camberwell he commenced the study of Medicine at the University of Melbourne, graduating in 1973. The usual intern jobs were followed by training in Obstetrics and Gynaecology including some time working in the U.K.
He commenced practice as an obstetrician and gynaecologist with an appointment at the Monash Medical Centre during the early 1980's. At this point, he paid tribute to his wife, Caralyn, who was an enormous support and essentially ran the family for many years because of his work commitments.
President Mark Ellis, Paul Shekleton & Alex Marshall
“Talent wins games but teamwork and intelligence win championships” –Michael Jordan
Hence, we need your participation to come to the RC Glenferrie Changeover June 14th. See below but please book.
Winter is coming – a famous quote from “Games of Throne” for some but also heralding a close of another Rotary Year and the exciting beginning of a new year for our club under the strong leadership of Teresa Liu. BUT there is a month to go and so you will have to be content with my reign for a few more weeks!! I hope that I have lived up to the Rotary ethics. Trying to learn what a leader is about - Maybe one of my thoughts are expressed thus “A leader is best when people barely know he exists…when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will all say: We did it ourselves”. Lao-Tzu.
I have always admired a Winston Churchill quote – “We make a living by what we get, but a life by what we give”. However, I have always stated that “In volunteering, you usually get more than what you give”. Mark Ellis
At Rotary we are deeply concerned about the escalating loss of life and humanitarian hardship caused by the war in Ukraine. We're using our deep networks and decades of experience to take swift action in the region.
Find out more about what Rotary is doing and how you can support relief efforts.
From July 2022 The Glenferrie Rotarian will not be published in the first week of the month. Given that the club does not meet in the first week on the month, the change of bulletin schedule brings it into line with the meeting schedule.
So no bulletin in the first week of the month from next month. However news stories will continue to be published as they happen and can be viewed on the ClubRunner App on your phone at any time, on the club's Facebook page and, for major stories, on the website homepage.
So no bulletin? No problem. Club news is instantly available on the ClubRunner app as soon as it is published!
The success of the clubs' Lift the Lid Golf Day at Kingston Heath Golf Course has resulted in the awarding of a Companion Award from Australian Rotary Health. The club is proud to be a strong supporter of Australian Rotary Health, one of the largest non-government funders of mental health research in Australia. Thank you to everyone who supported this major fundraiser for the club, from organising, playing, attending the Gala Dinner or buying and selling the raffle tickets. Well done Rotary Glenferrie. You really are making a difference!
It has been some years since it became mandatory in Rotary District 9800 to hold a valid Victorian Working with Children Check, and some member's authorisations will expire this year. Normally you will receive an email from the Department of Justice reminding you to renew your registration, but it is recommended that you check, just to make sure you remain compliant.
Renewal takes only a few minutes on the Victorian Government My Check website. However, if you miss your renewal date you will get a call from the Club Protection Officer and, let's face it, no-one wants that!
The club welcomed two new members to Rotary at the club meeting May 31st, professional couple Mahroo Parsi and Weranja Ranasinghe. Recently married, Mahroo, was born in Teheran, Iran and Weranja hails from Sri Lanka. Two young people who have already made their mark, Mahroo works in public policy development in the area of Health with the Australian Government. Which is just as well, as Weranja is an outstanding urologist working at Monash Health and is currently establishing his private practice as well.
Mahroo and Weranja, we welcome you warmly to Rotary and the Rotary Club of Glenferrie. We look forward to many years of working along side you to do good in the world.
Mahroo Parsi, second from right, and Dr Weranja Ranasinghe, were inducted into the Rotary Club of Glenferrie May 31st by President Dr Mark Ellis AM. Rotary mentor Dr Alex Marshall, right, rounds up the medico component!
Changeover is one of the great nights in the Rotary year. It is the time when you dress up, bring your partner and enjoy the Changing of the Guard as it were.
The Rotary Year starts in July, following the financial calendar. Towards the end of June a special night is organised to mark the end of a Rotary year and the beginning of a new one. It is a time when appreciation is extended to committees for the work they have achieved and maybe to members who have earned the respect of the club by the awarding of a Paul Harris Fellow Recognition or a certificate of appreciation. The Paul Harris Fellow Recognition is one of the highest awards the club can bestow on a member.
At Changeover we induct a new president and thank our outgoing president for the work they have done. It is also a time for the incoming president to introduce to the club his or her new team that will carry the club forward for the new year and to give a brief overview of what the club should look forward to in the new Rotary year.
I therefore encourage all members to attend and join with other Rotarians not only from our club but the visitors from our neighbouring clubs. It is a wonderful experience not to be missed.
“The most powerful force on earth is the human soul on fire”. Ferdinand Foch
There is nothing like drive and determination so Elizabeth Dumonic should be thanked for her persistence in getting this Lift the Lid Golf day concept off the ground, and her task force (Thelma Hutchison, Richard Blakeman, Don Moore, Rob Hogan, Don Heath and Tim Gale) for implementing one of the best fundraisers our club has done for many years. It was a beautiful day as well. This is the first Rotary event at Kingston Health Golf Club. A reminder at how progressive our club and members are in promotion of our charities.
When Elizabeth was met with much criticism of her original proposal, I suggested to her “to prove the critics wrong” and together with her task force, a successful fund raiser for Australian Rotary Health has been achieved. Congratulations to the team and all who participated even in a small way to make this day happen. A special thanks to Thelma Hutchison who took over as Chairperson of the task force and really made the event happen. I believe there were numerous meetings and discussions involved. This is a good example of how Rotarians can combine their talents and work together to achieve a goal – i.e., the Power Of Rotary. Thanks to those who came to support the night by coming to the dinner. A bit more upmarket than the BBQ I thought was going to occur.
The Lift the Lid Charity Golf Day at Kingston Heath Golf Club on Tuesday May 24th 2022 has been a spectacular success for the club, raising more than $36,000 for mental health research through Australian Rotary Health.
120 golfers plus another 50 dinner guests enjoyed a magnificent day, bathed in glorious sunshine, at one of the world's premier golf courses. Kingston Heath was in pristine condition for the day. As well as the rare opportunity to play a round of golf at this world famous course, golfers had the opportunity to win one of three Mercedes-Benz cars, have a shot taken for them on the 14th tee by Australian Long Drive Champion Steffan Scutti and meet celebrity golfer, Australian cricket legend Merv Hughes. For those who were able to come along for the day, this was a day of fun, golf and gourmet food, and a day long to remember.
Club Director Elizabeth Dumonic was honoured with a Companion Award by Australian Rotary Health, presented at the event by the Chairman of Australian Rotary Health Kevin Shadbolt OAM
Last Tuesday Rowan McClean from the North Balwyn Rotary Club spoke to us about their program of practical support for the many hundreds of Afghan refugees who have arrived in Melbourne during the past few months.
He has made contact with an Afghan community group in the Dandenong area and the North Balwyn Club members, together with friends, have provided all manner of items necessary for establishing a home. They have provided bedding, furniture, linen, white goods, crockery, glassware and a whole range of kitchen utensils. In addition, clothing, toys, books, sewing machines and old computers have been supplied.
Rowan has arranged a depot for collection of donated goods prior to transportation to a storage location in Noble Park. So far they have delivered 82 van loads of donated goods, which is quite extraordinary. The local depot is a garage at the Koonung Heights Uniting Church, 417 Belmore Road.
“They call it golf because all the other four letter words were taken.” Raymond Floyd.
With tomorrow being our big golf day, maybe the Musings should be devoted to the subject of golf! So, was Paul Harris a golfer? Not sure on that count but I am sure he would approve of the Fellowship that happens being out in the elements hitting a small ball along pristine fairways and straight into a small hole at the end. Sounds easy. I am told it is a good way to size up a person as to how honest he/she is in their game. Leather wedges are frowned upon.
So, tomorrow is our Lift the Lid golf day, which is our next major event for the club. It will be a great event for our club, which will have its meeting as a social event at the BBQ at Kingston Heath. Thanks for all those involved in organising, playing, coming to the BBQ or just buying a raffle ticket. In all this fun, we mustn’t forget the great charity of Rotary Health is what we are supporting. Golf can be good or not so good for our mental health depending on how the ball rolls!!
Our guest speakers at the dinner meeting on 17 May 2022 provided an insight into the history, current status and future plans for the Gardeners Creek catchment. Dr Gary Presland, archaeologist, historian and author spoke about the history of the "Creek" and Graham Ross, former Director with an International Commercial Real Estate Company and now a student and advocate of Conservation and Land Management, spoke about the formation of the KooyongKoot Alliance and future plans
The club inducted it's 51st Active Member at the club meeting on May 17th, when President Dr Mark Ellis AM welcomed Wendy Cross into Rotary. Wendy is a special needs teacher with considerable experience in that field and has been admitted with the Vocational Classification 'Teaching'.
Pictured here with Rotary Mentor PP Thelma Hutchison and President Mark Ellis, Wendy spoke of how she came to contact the club regarding membership. A friend and colleague in Gippsland, who happens to be a Rotarian and a friend of Thelma's, learned of Wendy's planned move to Melbourne and strongly recommended that she contact Thelma regarding Rotary membership. The rest, as they say, is history and the club is very pleased that Wendy followed through.
A warm welcome to Rotary Wendy. We look forward to serving alongside you for many years to come, to Do Good in the World.
Everything is in place for the club's sold-out Lift the Lid Charity Golf Day on Tuesday. Robert and Miffy Hogan have been busy compiling the golfer's goodie bags containing gifts for each golfer courtesy of our generous sponsors. Robert and Miffy's commitment is so strong that they are storing the bags in their front bedroom until Tuesday. Where are you going to sleep Robert?
The club meeting next Tuesday will be at Kingston Heath Golf Club, commencing 5:45pm for 6:00pm. Bookings in advance were essential, and are now closed unfortunately. But if you have managed to secure a booking, you are sure to enjoy a great night out. Click here for the Program.
District Assembly on Saturday May 28th 9am-12 noon, is a must attend forum for club officers, directors, committee chairs and project leaders, and is a great introduction to District affairs for new members.
Collaborate, be inspired and take action with other club leaders at the upcoming online District Assembly.
The sessions give all participants valuable new ideas to take back to their clubs and clusters. Some of the most experienced district leaders will conduct informative discussions on all phases of Rotary administration and service projects.
Rowan McClean kindly addressed our meeting of 10 May 2022 regarding his involvement with resettling Afghan Refugee families into the community. He and his colleagues have been involved in placing Afghan refugees into temporary accommodation, as well as aiming to provide them with assistance not provided by the Government.
Storage space has been arranged for donated goods and meal packs have been arranged by Rotary Club Canterbury. An Accounting firm donated 30 Computers after a computer upgrade.
Collection of donated clothes etc from Rotarians and friends is now taking place and so far 3000 refugees have been settled into Melbourne.
Our founder Paul Harris is quoted as saying “Rotarians are very much more favourably disposed toward action than they are toward words.” However, he did see the value of clubs meeting in fellowship on a regular basis (originally it was expected to have a 100% attendance).
Coming to the meetings aids you to get to know your other members, there is a better chance of forming a basis to imagine and implement a new project or to gain knowledge to participate in an already active project.
It has become necessary now that we are out of the COVID isolation that our club needs to reflect on getting back to the regular way our club is conducted. I note that many, particularly new members, are not turning up to the General Meetings. Our Club Constitution requires a minimum 50% attendance rate.
After managing the challenge of COVID, in just over three and half months the District Conference was successfully held in Albury in late April with over 350 people to celebrate and “Get Together in Albury”.
From the Smoking Ceremony which opened our proceedings through to the Pipe Band which closed our Conference, the program presented a diverse range of guest speakers, entertainment, and opportunities for Rotarians to connect and collaborate. The Albury Mayor (Kylie King) along with the State Minister (Justin Clancy) and Federal Politician (Sussan Ley) made sure that we received a very warm welcome following a rousing fanfare from the Albury Scots Grammar Pipe Band.
The war in Ukraine is having devastating consequences on civilians as families flee their homes. According to the United Nations, more than 5 million people, most of them women and children, have sought refuge in neighboring countries and across Europe, while about 7 million more people have been displaced within Ukraine.
Rotary and Rotaract clubs in Europe and around the world have taken swift action and are working with members nearby to provide food, water, medical equipment, and shelter for refugees.
Because of our generous donors, The Rotary Foundation has received more than $13.1 million in contributions that will be prioritized for disaster response grants.For more information click on the link or go to the next page.
On Thursday 28th April, The Rotary Clubs of Glenferrie, Canterbury and Camberwell gathered to harvest and transport the PG from the Richmond Estate.
After working through the morning to dismantle the playground, it became apparent that there were significant difficulties in dismantling all the playground equipment given the advanced state of connection corrosion and the potential to seriously impact on the integrity of a large proportion of the equipment pieces, if we proceeded to the end. To this stage significant hard work had occurred by all that attended and the day before in marking up the equipment.
Therefore, a Rotary Club Cluster decision was made on site to abandon the final dismantling of the PG. It was the right decision but we all felt a level of disappointment at not completing the task.
It was great to see the new faces at the PG Harvesting - Teresa Liu at the “Mark-Up” the day before; Joanne Shentu and Garfield Lee at the PG dismantling . Mark Howlett, Jerzy Ordega and Alex Marshall were there too as well as Bob Lambert and Jeff Speake from Canterbury Rotary.
“If we cannot end now our differences, at least we can help make the world safe for diversity. For, in the final analysis, our most basic common link is that we all inhabit this small planet. We all breathe the same air. We all cherish our children's future. And we are all mortal.” John F. Kennedy
Having attended another Citizenship Ceremony representing our club, I was again fascinated by the pure joy of these people (100 people from 33 countries) to become Australians. A fact that we are so lucky to be already accepted here as Australians.
I read that quote the other day thinking how appropriate for our club with our increasing diversity of members. Our little community has many people of diverse ideas, but we seem to all be able to volunteer our services to the community together.
Sadly, this week, we note the passing of one of our stalwart Rotarians - Terry Rolleston.
It is with great sadness that we advise the passing of PP Terry Rolleston on Wednesday May 4th, after a long illness.
Terry joined Rotary in July 1993 and was President of the club in 1999-2000. A Paul Harris Fellow, Terry was instrumental in the club's adoption of the annual Parkinson's Walk Charity BBQ at Federation Square, in support of Parkinson's Victoria. He was active on behalf of the club in helping to establish Rotary Camp Getaway in Axedale, Victoria in 1999. As a member of the inaugural Farmers Market Committee, along with Newton Langford, Peter Harvest and Geoff Wood, Terry helped set up the Boroondara Farmers Market in 2002. The Market has since raised more than $1.5m for Rotary projects and charitable causes. In recognition of his outstanding contribution to the community through Rotary, Terry was made an Honorary Member of the Rotary Club of Glenferrie in 2016.
Terry's bright smiling face and warm friendly personality made coming to Rotary a sheer delight for everyone. He will be greatly missed. Our sincere condolences go to Helen and the Rolleston family.
Sue Burgess was invited to speak to the club about Anzac Day. She chose as her topic the ‘Relevance of Anzac Day to the youth of Australia today’
Sue gave a brief outline of the history of Anzac Day. It started in London in 1916 by returned soldiers to remember those who did not return from war. It had no funding but the originators just wanted to establish a commemorative day to remember. By 1918 it was established and by 1927 a public holiday was declared in every state. The Dawn Service started in 1930.
Anyone who cares to listen to my babbling on will be familiar with my words of wisdom “youth is wasted on the youth”- what would I do to go back in time with the wisdom of an elder! We owe it to our youth to assist them to develop good ideals and working principles. Rotary is committed to this ideal.
I want to thank all who attended the Rotary Conference in Albury. For those making the effort to get up to Albury were rewarded with lovely weather and great Fellowship. I particularly enjoyed our lazy breakfasts in the main street of Albury prior to the meetings commencements. The Friday night club dinner arranged by Cheryl was fun and we enjoyed having a club table on the Saturday night, to socialise with our Glenferrie Rotarians. I will definitely be going to future conferences.
We are dedicated to enhancing your Rotary experience by supporting what is important to you, our members. You have consistently told us that you want Rotary to be a place that celebrates diversity, that fully represents our communities, and that offers all members equitable opportunities to thrive.
You also recognize that embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) will allow us to do more meaningful work while engaging with people who know they’ll be valued for the qualities that make them unique. These sentiments were reinforced last year by the more than 31,000 members around the world who responded to our first DEI survey.
To ensure that the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion are ingrained in everything we do, the RI Board of Directors, guided by the DEI Task Force, has strengthened our commitment to DEI and is taking action in response to the survey findings.
Vista Corporate Solutions have joined the impressive list of sponsors for the club's Lift the Lid Charity Golf Day on May 24th. The Golf Day, at world famous Kingston Heath Golf Course, will raise funds for mental health research through Australian Rotary Health, one of the largest non-government funders of mental health research in Australia. Vista will sponsor a hole at the Golf Day and, as part of their sponsorship, provide free printing of banners, signs and flags for the event.
Vista Corporate Solutions provide a wide variety of flexible corporate marketing tools and products via an online store, providing high quality creative solutions in a convenient and cost effective manner. Welcome to the team Vista Corporate Solutions. Your generous sponsorship will contribute greatly towards a successful event, and to making possible important mental health research in Australia.
The club's signature event for 2022, the Lift the Lid Charity Golf Day on May 24th, is completely sold out. Prospective players who would like to have an opportunity to play this event at world famous Kingston Heath Golf Course may join a waitlist, which has now gone live, and will be offered a spot if cancellations are received by the cut-off date.
However Glenferrie Rotarians who would like to attend the club meeting on May 24th, which will be held at Kingston Heath Golf Course following the golf day, may still register for the meeting. Bookings are essential, as numbers are strictly limited. So don't wait any longer. Guest speakers will be Australian cricket legend Merv Hughes, who will be interviewed by TV star and MC Extraordinaire Gregory Ross, and Prof. Eoin Killackey of Melbourne University, speaking on the topic of Youth Mental Health.
Glenferrie Rotary Club is the Lead on the harvesting of this playground in Richmond.
DETAILS
Activity phases: Mark-up on Wednesday 27th April (only 2 or 3 Rotarians from GR). Dismantle in the morning and then Transport to Kilsyth in the afternoon.
Lead Rotary Club: Glenferrie Rotary – Geoffrey Widmer contact ( 0419310601) and Mark Howlett ( 0418391401) Paul Shekleton ( 0418395345).
Crew Size: We plan to have a crew of 8 working in pairs of 2 and the other 3 Cluster Clubs will nominate an additional 2 persons per Club.
Cluster Clubs Assisting : Canterbury, Hawthorn and Camberwell.
Playground & location: 139 Highett st Richmond ( South West Corner).
Date: Thursday 28th April circa 9am .
We will have a site meeting at start at 9am to go over the OH&S requirements for the job (see gear next point) and also be aware of equipment working on site.
What to gear bring…..sturdy boots (steel capped have them), Hi Vis vests, gloves, long sleeve shirt and long trousers and goggles.
Transportation and Drop Off Location: 6 Cloverlea Dr, Kilsyth South. Need 4 people to continue assist in this phase. We will rent the Trailer.
The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. Martin Luther King Jr.
So, an uncomfortable situation unfolds –
Email – Definition - Messages distributed by electronic means from one computer user to one or more recipients via a network. I have always thought that they are a great way for communication especially for me – not retired and trying to run a club mainly after hours. I like how there is great inclusiveness with the use of emails, and everyone is informed and up to date.
When I was Chairman and Secretary of the Victoria Branch of RANZCO (Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists), I was taught that it also was good to spread the message around so there were no excuse not knowing or not acting a preferred way.
Jerry Ji who is a year 12 student at Camberwell Grammar studying mathematics and science in Year 12, in preparation for a career in medicine and in the space industry. He attended The National Youth Science Forum in January 2022 sponsored by Glenferrie Rotary and spoke to us about his experiences and perspectives of this visit and his future career direction. He thanked Glenferrie Rotary for the opportunity to attend the NYSF.
The NYSF is a 10 day program that gives talented students a broader understanding of the diverse study and career options available in STEM studies.
The 2022 Rotary District 9800 Conference in Albury got off to a stirring start this weekend, with a rousing bracket of bagpipe music, thanks to the Scots Albury Pipe Band. Prior to that, an Elder of the Wiradjeri people, traditional custodians of the land upon which the conference is being held, welcomed delegates to Albury with a traditional smoking ceremony.
Glenferrie Rotarians PP Cheryl Pisterman and PP Charles Tran both received significant recognition at the Conference. Cheryl Pisterman was presented with a Rotary Foundation Citation for Meritorious Service for her many years of dedicated service to The Rotary Foundation. PP Charles Tran received a crystal recognition piece and a Major Donor lapel pin in recognition of his generous financial commitment to the Foundation. For more photos of conference click on 'Read more' below.
Coming out of two years of lockdowns and restricted ability to engage in humanitarian projects it is now a great time to stretch our wings and get back into action. And there is probably no better project, for the times, than the new international student mentoring program. A great opportunity for ALL members to get more engaged in a high-impact project.
The new Rotary International Student Mentoring program is a great way to engage Rotarians, particularly newer Rotarians. Even if members are still concerned with COVID this is a program Rotarians can do in their home, via video conferencing. And the value to both the student and Victoria is considerable.
The Rotary Foundation recognises as a Paul Harris Society Member anyone who contributes annually to The Rotary Foundation, a minimum of US$1,000. These contributions are eligible for tax deductibility. Special events in recognition of members are held annually and hosted by the District Governor.
The Paul Harris Society Newsletter - April (excerpts)
Welcome to this newsletter where you will find out a little bit more about the District 9800 Paul Harris Society, of which I am the Chair, and hopefully be inspired to join yourself. Now this is not a secret society and has a very impressive history! On the 2nd of June 2007 the Paul Harris Society, with nineteen members, was chartered under the guidance of Past District Governor Bernie Walsh and District 9800 Foundation Chair Chris Don. In that first Rotary year the numbers grew to thirty members with thirty two members by the end of December 2008.
I hope everyone is still having a safe and good Easter. Easter is not only a significant religious event; it is a time for families together. So, I hope that our “family” the RC of Glenferrie members will get together tomorrow night for another general club meeting.
Last Tuesday night was a great success for our Celebration of Golf night. For those present, we were treated to talks by the sponsors for the lift the Lid Golf day, and an education from Steffan Scutti, the longest drive champion as to style and strategy, Steffan was interviewed by Bob Lambert of RC Canterbury. We were graced by the presence of our DG Dale Hoy and our AG Lili Teichman both signifying the importance of this major fund raiser, that Elizabeth Dumonic and the task force of Richard Blakeman, Thelma Hutchison, Don Heath, Don Moore Robert Hogan, Tim Gale and Teresa Liu. The famous cricketer, Merv Hughes will be there also. This is the day to be involved and be seen!! The good principle of golf is that anyone of all shapes, sizes, age and conditioning can be involved. It is not a walk wasted but builds friendship and fellowship.
Two cargo planes packed with tons of medical equipment have already been flown from Chicago, USA, to Ukraine where members helped to unload the supplies. Rotary members in Ukraine, where Russia's military action has caused a humanitarian crisis, are in daily contact with hospitals to determine what supplies are needed most.
Rotary International announced today that more than US$7million has been raised through Rotary so far for humanitarian aid in Ukraine.
Steffan Scutti can drive a golf ball more than 400 metres from the tee with just one stroke, without even losing the ball. Well he is the Australian Long Drive Champion after all, and last Tuesday night he was our guest speaker at a Celebration of Golf special club meeting in the leadup to the Club's Charity Golf Day on May 24th.
Steffan was expertly interviewed by Canterbury Rotarian Bob Lambert, whose humorous but probing questions shed some light on how one gets to drive the ball so far. Members and guests heard from representative of some of the impressive sponsors of our golf day, General Manager of Silver Star Motors Mercedes-Benz, James Hondrakis, David Coulon of GS Golf Studios and Angela Stevenson representing Tiger Moth Flights Yarra Valley. Club Director Elizabeth Dumonic also described the contribution of our other generous sponsors, whose logos are prominently displayed on the Golf Day webpage. We also welcomed District Governor Dale Hoy and Assistant Governor Riverside Cluster Lili Teichman for a very enjoyable, informative and special club meeting.
The excitement is building for the Lift the Lid Golf Day at Kingston Heath Golf Course on May 24th 2022. Steffan will be there, and will be able to play your drive shot for you on the 14th hole if you like. The event will raise funds for important research into mental health, funded through Australian Rotary Health, one of the largest funders of mental health research in Australia. For the full honour board of sponsors for Lift the Lid Charity Golf Day, click on Read More
Tickets for the Golf Day Experience at Kingston Heath Golf Course on May 24th are almost completely sold out, with only a handful of spots left for those thinking about entering. The lure of an incredible opportunity to play at world renowned Kingston Heath Golf Course, share a drive with Australian Long Drive Champion Steffan Scutti, meet and possibly even play a round of golf with popular Australian cricket legend Merv Hughes, win one of three Mercedes-Benz A-Class hatchbacks, and finish the day with a gourmet BBQ dinner have proven completely irresistible, as we'd hoped they would.
So if you have been thinking about registering and being part of this fabulous day out in one of the world's best golf courses, don't wait any longer. Register now, before it's too late. Or your booking might end up in the bunker!
As part of the Special Club Meeting on Tuesday 12 April 2022 - "A Celebration of Golf" - we will be launching our Lift the Lid Raffle. You have a chance of winning one of 6 fabulous prizes for every $5 ticket purchased. We wish to thank Tiger Moth Joy Flights, Global Ballooning, Sparklers Hand Car Wash, Crown Resorts, Chateau Yering, and Elite Women Real Estate for their generous donations. We also thank Lawrie Barnett AM from Action Printing for his generosity in printing the raffle books. Raffle proceeds will go to Australian Rotary Health directed towards funding research into mental illness.
Much loved Australian cricket legend Merv Hughes has been named as the celebrity golfer for our Lift the Lid Charity Golf Day at the famous Kingston Heath Golf Course on May 24th 2022. A native of Euroa, Merv started his career playing district cricket with Footscray in 1978–79. Footscray has subsequently named their main home ground after him; it is now known as the Mervyn G. Hughes Oval.
A right-arm fast bowler, he represented Australia in 53 Test Matches, taking 212 wickets. He played 33 One Day Internationals, taking 38 wickets. Not just a great bowler but also a useful batsman scoring two half-centuries in Tests and over 1,000 runs in all. Merv replaced Allan Border as an Australian selector from 2005 to 2010.
Club Director Elizabeth Dumonic has announced that the magnificent holiday donated to the club in support of the Lift the Lid Charity Golf Day on May 24th has sold to a mystery buyer, raising $4,000 for Australian Rotary Health. The mystery buyer will enjoy a wonderful 7 night vacation at the luxurious Melia Phuket Mai Khao, Thailand in a one bedroom suite with outdoor bathtub. Valued at $5,187, the lucky buyer has made a considerable saving on an outstanding holiday experience, thanks to Luxury Escapes.
The Marketing Manager of Luxury Escapes, Andrew Eckersley, will join us at the club meeting on April 12th for A Celebration of Golf. In the meantime, keep your eye out for someone surreptitiously packing their suitcase with an extravagantly colourful Hawaiian shirt. They may very well be the mystery buyer.
Thank you Luxury Escapes for your very generous donation. It will go a long way towards funding research into an important area of mental health, with lasting benefits for our community.
RAWCS has established the National Flood Appeal. Go to https://directory.rawcs.com.au/47-2021-22 to find out how you can contribute 100% to assist communities impacted by these devastating floods.
Remember through Rotary there are no huge administration costs and you can be sure that your donation reaches where it is needed most through the work of dedicated volunteer Rotarians and their partners in the Northern Rivers area and parts of south-east Queensland.
The truth can be unpalatable, but if we are truly to reconcile with those among us who have been wronged, we must firstly acknowledge the reality of the injustice and the cause of their suffering. Take a few minutes to listen carefully to this TEDx address by Aboriginal Australian Sheila Humphries. It will move your soul.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion - for all Rotarians
“As a global network that strives to build a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change, Rotary values diversity and celebrates the contributions of people of all backgrounds, regardless of their age, ethnicity, race, colour, abilities, religion, socioeconomic status, culture, sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity.”
Elvis may have left the room, but everyone else stayed until quite late at the clubs exceptional, annual BBQ on the Terrace at Kooyong on Tuesday night. The catering crew at Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club excelled themselves with a scrumptious offering of BBQ delights that was so popular it will go into the club's 50 year history book, currently on the drawing board.
A big thank you to head chef Babu, originally from Nepal but now a long term Melburnian, and everyone at Kooyong LTC for a fabulous evening. And a big thank you to Lynette Spencer, who organises this event every year, and every year it gets better and better. Thank you Lynette. Thank you Babu. Thank you umpires. Thank you ball kids. As Elvis would have said: " Oh, what a night oo-oo what a night. It was it really was such a night."
For more photos of a great night out for Glenferrie Rotarians, click on 'Read more' below.
In response to the deepening humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, Rotary International has created an official channel for contributions to support the relief efforts underway by Rotary districts.
In just a little over a week, Rotary members and donors around the world, have contributed over $2 million to Rotary’s disaster response fund. These donations are designated for immediate-use grants that support relief efforts in #Ukraine and surrounding regions. Rotary districts in and around Ukraine may apply for grants of up to $50,000 each.
During mid 2021 Helena Wimpole and I, representing the Community Service Group, visited Camcare to see if our Club could be of assistance in their various activities. We were pointed towards an old shed, a tree and a pile of rubbish that required removal from the Camcare garden. It is anticipated that a small greenhouse will be installed and some fruit trees planted on the site to be cleared. After several delays and postponements the job was finally done last week. I can attest that Parkinson’s Law applies to the accumulation of rubbish over time.
If, as a new member, you are still to decide to experience your first Rotary Conference, it is not too late to book for Albury on the Anzac Day weekend 22 to 24 April. And the rate for the conference remains at $330.00 for first time attendees.
To find out what Rotary of Glenferrie Rotarians are doing with regards accomodation and meals, and if you want to be included press read more for details.
The club's annual project in support of Parkinson's Victoria has been in hibernation for the past two years, thanks to Covid-19, Lockdowns and Social Distancing. But on Sunday March 27th on a glorious autumn day, the sausages and onions were sizzling again, to the obvious joy of Melburnians at Fed Square. The Annual Parkinson's Victoria A Walk in the Park event is the major fundraising effort for Parkinson's Victoria.
Master Chef PP John Hudson, left ably assisted by (from left to right) Trish Ritman, David Pisterman (RC Hawthorn) , Oxana Belyaeva, PP Michael Berry, Joanne Shentu, Garfield Lee and Amelia Anderson
The club's project in support of the Rotary Overseas Recycled Playground Program took an adventurous leap forward on March 26th, when the team harvested the playground at the North Richmond Housing Estate, the first time the club has dismantled and shipped a playground outside of the City of Boroondara. These old but serviceable playgrounds once went to landfill. But now they are harvested by Rotary and shipped to countries in S.E. Asia, the Pacific Islands, the Indian sub-continent and even Africa, where they are refurbished by Rotary clubs in the recipient country and erected in local schools and communities, bring joy and laughter to little people, and a new lase of life. The club's RORP projects are led by International Service Director Mark Howlett and Geoffrey Widmer.
International Service Director Mark Howlett dismantling the playground at North Richmond Housing Estate, ably assisted by Jeff Speak of the Rotary Club of Canterbury. The club's project has become a virtual 'super-cluster' project, where RC Glenferrie partners with the Rotary clubs of Camberwell, Canterbury and Hawthorn.
Our Guest Speaker last Tuesday was Matthew Leeder, a proud Indigenous man. He is currently the President of the Kangaroo Flat Rotary club and is the first indigenous man to hold this position in District 9800. He spoke to us passionately on the importance of Reconciliation for all Australians.
Matthew told us his story which is known as “Truth Telling” and is an important part of reconciliation.
His Great-Great Grandfather was an Inuit (Indigenous people from Canada, Alaska and Greenland) who came to Australia from Toronto. There he met and married a Palawa (Indigenous Tasmanian) woman. The White settlers who arrived in Tasmania in 1803 killed many of the Palawa people and moved others from Tasmania to Flinders Island and the Furneaux group of islands. Taken from their own land, they gradually died out and I am sure that most of us remember the story of Truganini, the last full Palawa woman, who died in 1876.
Matthew Leeder, President Rotary Club of Kangaroo Flat, second from left, pictured with from left to right Kathleen Stammers, meeting chairman PP Don Heath, President Dr Mark Ellis AM, Susan Vincent, President RC Prahran and PE Teresa Liu
Opportunity to sponsor a needy child in Vietnam Through the RC Glenferrie relationship with the VoThan district of Vietnam and the great work that the associated rotary clubs do supporting this and other districts, there is an opportunity for individual members to support a needy child. Details of the opportunity follow and interested members can contact Mark Howlett for more information.
Funds are directed to the most needy children. The children are identified and prioritised by the Education Department and local People’s Committees as being in the most needy of circumstances.
It is life-changing. $520 per annum will ensure that a child currently struggling to get to school will be able to commence an education and obtain a real opportunity to have a better life.
The club's Lift the Lid Charity Golf Daycontinues to attract quality sponsors, the latest being Golf Studio in Mordialloc. Golf Studio, whose website states that they are 'the largest indoor golf club in Australia' have generously donated 150 vouchers for a free one 1 hour session at their state-of-the-art indoor studio. The vouchers will be one of a number of gifts in the Golfer's Goody Bag which every entrant for the Golf day Experience will receive on the day.
Golfers will testify that you never stop striving to improve your game, and whether you are a champion or a novice, a one hour session at Golf Studio will be both fun and educational. Thank you Golf Studio. Your generous gift will certainly help us to Lift the Lid on Mental Illness.
Glenferrie Rotary is a member of the RIMERN group ( Rotary Inner Melbourne Emergency Relief Network). RIMERN provides a valued service to victims of domestic violence, persons on parole, persons recovering from drug addiction and refugees.
This service collects and distributes household goods (bedding, tables, kitchenware, white goods, appliances) for individuals and families in need. Donated household goods have to be suitable for use in emergency accommodation, so there is a focus to ensure it is “ fit for purpose”; hence the following process….
Helen Worladge OAM: the Program Manager of Education CHANCES, Jeff Lampard: Chaplain, Counsellor and Education CHANCES Nominator of Balwyn High School. Ian Salek was Chair.
On Tuesday evening 15th March Rotary Glenferrie welcomed two Speakers. They were Helen Worladge OAM, the Programs Manager of Education CHANCES Foundation and Jeff Lampard the Chaplain, Counsellor and CHANCES Nominator at Balwyn High School.
Education CHANCES is strongly supported by our Club. Funds raised at the Farmers Market are shared equally between the City of Boroondara and Glenferrie. Negotiated by John Hudson during his time as Market Director the Council’s share is directed to Education CHANCES and is supplemented by Rotary Glenferrie’s contribution.
Helen told the Meeting that Education CHANCES vision is to provide an opportunity for talented youth by removing financial hardship barriers for young people 12 to 25 years in Boroondara by redressing poverty, social isolation, and disadvantage (lack of money, resources and networks). It also aims at providing a range of flexible support options- tailored to meet the need of each person. Uniforms, camps, excursions, music lessons, leadership classes are most requested.
Last Tuesday was a chance to learn about “Chances”, which our club has strongly supported. The scholarship program is designed to assist disadvantaged students continue their studies. So good of Helen Worladge OAM and the Rev Jeff Lampard to give of their time to update us. Now when you are volunteering for the Farmer’s Market, you can feel a warm glow that not only are you contributing to our coffers to enable our club to run Community and International programs but, also the Chances Program.
So please remember to sign up for the Farmer’s Market. Also, for the Salvo’s Bread Run of a Thursday at 6.00 pm and the Parkinson’s walk BBQ stall - March 27th.
Attached are some super photos of a harvested playground now in use in Railuli East Timor. This particular playground (PG) was not handled by GF rotary but, the outcome of all our PG’s is expected to be much the same, except to different destinations. Associated text could refer to our job/volunteering with these projects incorporating:
Liaison with local councils and their selected new PG contractor
Photographing of the existing PG
Preparation of marked up photos with parts legends
Onsite mark-up of all the parts with the legend prior to dismantling
Dismantling in coordination with the council contractor
Hire of and loading of a large trailer or two
Delivery to a holding yard where, after collection of multiple PG’s, a container is loaded and sent to the destination
Re-assembly at the destination is handled by local rotary clubs or by other organisations depending on the country etc.
The club's Lift the Lid Charity Golf Day event is certainly attracting some impressive sponsors, thanks to the incredible efforts of Club Director Elizabeth Dumonic. A very big thank you to our sponsors for helping to make this event, scheduled for Tuesday May 24th 2022, such a special occasion. For more information about this fantastic event, click on this link.
ROCAN (Rotarians Against Ovarian Cancer) was established as a Trust by the Rotary Club of Williamstown in 2003 at the request of Yvonne Moon OAM a member of the Club. Yvonne's close friend had passed away, having been diagnosed with late stage Ovarian cancer.
The original aims of ROCAN were to raise public awareness of ovarian cancer and to fund research into finding an early screening test for the disease. The goals and projects of ROCAN have broadened over time but remain cancer focused. ROCAN was incorporated on 25 May 2020 and is endorsed as a registered charity by the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profit Commission.
Rotary Glenferrie is an active member of the RIMERN group ( Rotary Inner Melbourne Emergency Relief Network). RIMERN collects and distributes household goods ( bedding, tables, kitchenware, white goods, appliances) for individuals and families in need.
A critical need for RIMERN is to purchase a commercial Van to give them the capability and flexibility to collect households goods offered. They need to raise funds to buy the Commercial Van and have organised an online WINE FUND RAISER through an established “on-line” company called Prospect Wines, with the wines selected by Peter Fergusson whom many of you will know from his Fergusson Wines (Dixons Creek) days. Peter is still a wine consultant, so they have quality in mind here in selecting the wines for us.
There is still much availability for accomodation at Albury at the time of the Albury District Conference.
The following link will provide details of Accomodation. It includes; Motels and Hotels Serviced Apartments Self - Contained Units or Houses Caravan Parks
A group of 11 Glenferrie Rotarians along with guests, Ros Winspear and Melanie Clarke gathered in Patterson Reserve during the gloomy morning last Sunday. It was great to have our current president, Mark Ellis along with four previous presidents, Thelma Hutchison, Don Heath, Ian Salek and Rob Winspear in attendance.
Carol Benson, Tim Gale and Andrea Kimler together with new members, Garfield Lee and Paul Shekleton completed the gathering and everyone set off in various directions armed with graspers and a large bag. More than 20 bags of rubbish were collected along with some dumped steelwork and three supermarket trolleys. Overall, it was an excellent two hour's work and we then enjoyed a glass of wine, conversation and a wonderful BBQ prepared by Libby Marshall and Caralyn Shekleton. Thanks again for the excellent work of all participants.
Chairman PP Robert Hogan, left, pictured with guest speakers PDG D9810 Graeme Woolacott, a past director of Australian Rotary Health, Bryan Dyson of Kingston Heath Golf Club and President Dr. Mark Ellis AM
The focus of this meeting was to highlight the LIFT THE LID Golf Day to be held at Kingston Heath Golf Club on 24th of May 22.
Our first speaker was Brian Dyson who has been a member of Kingston Heath for 44 years and was representing the club.
Brian spoke with great pride about the fame and significance of the Kingston Heath Course which is rated in the top 3 in Australia and the top 18 in the world.
Host to many major tournaments including 7 Australian opens and the 2016 World Cup of Golf, the course maintains international prestige.
Brian was keen to point out the wonderful deal we a receiving with our golf day package costing $350.00 of which $100 goes to Rotary Health and $250 to the golf club.
I had great pleasure to induct Joanne Shentu and Meera Ramachandran into our Rotary Club Of Glenferrie Family on last Tuesday night. The occasion was probably even more momentous as it was International Women’s Day, and our club is slowly climbing to a healthy proportion of women in our ranks. My greatest worry is that we must actively get all new members involved in projects. So, I am excited that Amelia Anderson has agreed to join the committee for the Afghan music night. I want to encourage all newcomers to get out of their comfort zones and join in the committees. Events are evolving as we come out of the cloud of COVID isolations. One thing I learnt in life is that you cannot stand back and wait to be invited. You will always be a wall flower. So be bold and approach the directors saying, “I want to be involved”.
The women members and guests at the meeting on March 8th were led in a toast to International Women's Day 2022 by club director Elizabeth Dumonic (far right). The assembly demonstrated not only the strength of the club's female membership, but the valuable community contribution of women through Rotary, and the important leadership roles that women take in modern Rotary. Here's cheers everyone!
President Dr Mark Ellis AM inducted two new members into Rotary on March 8th, bringing total club membership to 59 (50 Active members and 9 Honorary members). Joanne Shentu and Meera Ramachandran started their Rotary journey at a well attended meeting, focused on preparations for the club's Lift the Lid Golf Day at Kingston Heath Golf Course on May 24th.
Joanne is a highly qualified finance professional who has had extensive experience in corporate roles, in China and Singapore as well as in Australia. Meera is a Senior Enablement Manager at the ANZ Bank, which gives her considerable experience in working with people and teams in a service based environment.
Welcome to Rotary. Joanne and Meera. We look forward very much to being part of your Rotary life, and to working alongside you to Serve to Change Lives.
Welcome to Rotary Joanne (centre), pictured here with Rotary Mentor PE Teresa Liu and President Dr. Mark Ellis AM
Welcome to Rotary Meera (centre), pictured here with Rotary Mentor PP Charles Tran and President Mark .
The invasion of Ukraine by the Russian military has unleashed unimaginable misery on a 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, easy suffering & promote self-sufficiency.
The terror and misery that people in Ukraine are experiencing right now is unimaginable. You can help through Rotary. Please give now.
Mariupol, Ukraine after a missile attack in which 128 civilians were hospitalised. republicworld.com
The Rotary Leadership Institute Program presents a wonderful opportunity for experienced Rotarians, new members and indeed people interested in finding out more about Rotary to take some time to experience the history, current and new initiatives related to this great organisation we call Rotary. This four-part program is now presented online.
Parts 1 & 2 – Sunday March 20thPart 3 – Sunday 27th March Part 4 – Sunday 3rd April
To register you need to email Jane Pennington Jane.Pennington@rotary9800.org by Friday 11March. There is a limit of 20 people for each program.
Community Services (Alex Marshall) Salvation Army Bread Run – Confirmation of amount of bread needed. Volunteers needed. Clean Up Australia – is to be held Sunday 6th March at Patterson Reserve from 9.30 onwards followed by a BBQ. Please sign up. RIMERN provides services to victims of domestic violence, refugees, those recovering from addiction etc. It collects household goods for individuals/families in need. There is a roster every 3rd Thursday of the month for volunteers to work there.
Parkinsons Victoria Walk -This event to support Parkinson's Victoria will now be held in Federation Square on Sunday 27th March 2022.Our Club will run a BBQ in Federation Square. We provide the people power with the BBQ, marquee and food being provided by Parkinsons. What is needed: Three 2 hour shifts, each with 7 volunteers.
International (Mark Howlett)
RORP Glenferrie Rotary along with Hawthorn and Canterbury Rotary Clubs successfully removed the Victoria Park North Playground in Kew on Tuesday 15th February. It was a successful Cluster event. The playground was dismantled and taken to Kilsyth from where it will be sent to Fiji.
Beyond Water - We have made a donation to Beyond Water which is a charitable trust which aims to alleviate poverty across East Africa.
East Timor - The effects of the Volcano and Tsunami on January 15th will be far-reaching, impacting the Tonga Community for months, possibly years to come. RAWCS has registered a Rotary Australia Relief Fund project to seek financial assistance from Rotary Clubs (Including Glenferrie), the public and private sector. Sumba - to go ahead this year. Mark to update us at a later time.
George Orwell once stated– “In a time of deceit telling the truth is a revolutionary act.”
It is with great sadness we observe the bullying of one nation to another nation. Misinformation and inappropriate excuses abound. In the bible of karate “The Bubishi” my favourite quote is that “Delay is the best remedy for Anger” so I hope that the united world can come up with inducements to end this Ukrainian invasion. Rotarians have an avenue to be involved via the email I recently sent to all from Gabriel Hau, RI District 9800 Peace building Committee Chair.
Thanks to those Directors who were able to give a brief outline of their portfolios at last Tuesday’s meeting. Occasionally it is good to sit back and find out what is going on within our own club. As President I get to oversee all the activities. Hopefully, newcomers can get an idea of where they want to be involved. Being involved increases the satisfaction of being a RC Glenferrie member.
This event to support Parkinson's Victoria will now be held in Federation Square on Sunday 27th March 2022. It had been cancelled on a number of occasions during the past two years of the pandemic. Our Club has actively supported this event during the past decade by running a BBQ in Federation Square. In essence we provide the people power with the BBQ, marquee and food being provided by Parkinson's Victoria. In the past it has been a busy and a worthwhile occasion with three 2 hour shifts, each with 7 volunteers: so quite a commitment!
Crown Resorts have generously donated a Crown Promenade one night accommodation package, valued at $598, as a raffle prize at the Lift the Lid Charity Golf Day on May 24th 2022.
What better way to round off your day than an evening at Crown, a dinner at one of the very fine restaurants and a night to remember at Melbourne's premier hotel. Now that's something to look forward to, so be sure to book your tickets to the Lift the Lid Charity Golf Day now so that you don't miss out! Click here.
Thank you Crown Resorts! Your generous gift helps raise money for mental health research through Australian Rotary Health, one of Australia's largest non-government funders of mental health research in Australia. Crown Resorts, you're worth your weight in Gold! We lift our lid to you!
Raises funds for Australian Rotary Health directed towards research into mental health.
Opportunity to play golf at the prestigious Kingston Heath Golf Club.
Amazing prizes for a Hole-in-One (well actually three chances to win Mercedes vehicles).
Fabulous raffle with great prizes.
And you don't have to play golf - just join us for the dinner.
Don't delay - book your tickets now as we expect the event to be fully subscribed.
For more information, and to book tickets: Click here
The club will hold its usual club meeting at Kingston Heath Golf Course following the event on May 24th. Members who are not able to play golf should book for the Gourmet BBQ afterwards at a special members and guests only price: Click here
I did my first volunteer shift at RIMERN (Rotary Inner Melbourne Emergency Relief Network) on Thursday and I was amazed at the volume of goods, size of the warehouse and value to recipients that this initiative provides. It's a great hands-on project and one that I hope new and not so new members will support. If you can free up a Thursday morning, do register on the roster link (through ClubRunner) and make a contribution to a great Rotary project. You will be one of four from our Club - it's a great way to get to know one another and I will definitely be back for more.
RIMERN is a multi-club Rotary project collecting household goods to donate to people in need. This is residential recycling at its very best. Clients may have experienced homelessness, domestic violence, incarceration, be escaping war or persecution or have lost their home to disaster.
Rotarians from the Rotary clubs of Glenferrie, Hawthorn and Canterbury combined to harvest the playground at Victoria Park Kew on February 15th 2022. The recycled equipment is destined for a children's play area somewhere in Fiji.
This week Glenferrie Rotary, along with Hawthorn and Canterbury Rotary Clubs, successfully removed the Victoria Park North Playground in Kew on Tuesday 15th February.
I wish to thank our Rotary Team of Mark Howlett for organising the “ Mark-Up” of the Equipment on Thursday 10th February in preparation for the playground dismantling. This session is critical so that the recipients have a “road-map” on which to follow to re-assemble the playground again when it gets to its new owners. The documentation was provided by Bob Allardice Project Co-Ordinator, RORP, Districts 9810, 9800 & 9790.
Guest speaker Steven Kaye (left), pictured here with meeting chair Elizabeth Dumonic. Darren McClelland of Rail Trails Australia and avid cyclist and Club President Dr Mark Ellis AM, entertained and inspired the meeting on February 15th with tales of adventure on the romantic and historic old rail trails of Australia
Steven has a lifetime interest in railways, cycling and ‘the great outdoors’. He began using Victoria’s rail trails with his family for many years, enjoying the history, natural environment and safety it provided. Consequently, he joined the Rail Trails Australia committee in 2008 to become more involved and hopefully improve/complete the trail network.
I buried my mother a couple of days ago. At 90 she had “lived a good life”. Contemplating on how to “live a good life” made me think of how Rotary gives people a chance to “live a good life” by allowing people to socialise and work within our community to improve both our minds and of the lives of others. Certainly, I would never have met or had the opportunity to work with such lovely energetic people as the club members of the Rotary Club of Glenferrie and other Rotarians as well, if I had not made that big decision to join our club.
So, it was with great pleasure to induct Sudha Saina to our flock. We wish her every success and that she finds the contentment that I have in my work within this club and our clusters. As usual, the talk on the Rail Trails had me in raptures and wanting to go explore ASAP.
The prizes just keep getting better and better. A big Thank You! to Nitin Dang and the happy team at Sparklers Car Wash in Blackburn for their generous contribution of car wash vouchers to the value of $750 as a prize in the club's Lift the Lid raffle. The Raffle is raising funds as part of the Lift the Lid Charity Golf Day being organised by club Director Elizabeth Dumonic. So now, when you win one of those three Mercedes Benz A-Class hatchbacks being offered as 'Hole-in-One' prizes on the day, you won't have to worry about keeping them clean and in showroom condition! As long as you join in the raffle of course!
Nitin Dang of Sparklers Hand Car Wash in Whitehorse Road Blackburn ,pictured here holding the $750 worth of car wash vouchers, one of the amazing prizes in the club's Lift the Lid raffle. Club Director Elizabeth Dumonic collected the vouchers personally, and soon had the happy team down there dancing to the Lift the Lid tune!
Glenferrie Rotarians Paul Sheckleton (second from left), Geoffrey Widmer and Michael Hills completed a shift at RIMERN on Thursday, bringing help and comfort to people in need. Also there was our Past President Thelma Hutchison, missing from the photo.
Four intrepid Glenferrie Rotarians completed another shift at RIMERN on Thursday February 17th, making a difference for people in need. RIMERN (Rotary Inner Melbourne Emergency Relief Network) was formed by Rotary Prahran in collaboration with other clubs in District 9800 as a Rotary Centenary project. Through its facility in Prahran, RIMERN collects furniture and household goods and distributes it to families located in inner Melbourne who are in need. Truly Serving to Change Lives.
To volunteer for a future shift at RIMERN and help to make a difference for someone, click on this link.
The club welcomed Sudha Saini to Rotary at the club meeting on February 15th, 2022, and a welcome addition to the Rotary ranks she is. Sudha, who lives in Hawthorn and was introduced to the club by Geoffrey Widmer, has been admitted with the vocational classification 'Journalism'. With her background in writing, the club has added to its growing list of tech savvy story tellers! Sudha's Rotary mentor is Geoffrey Widmer.
A very warm welcome to Rotary, Sudha. We are looking forward very much to working with you in the years ahead, serving to change lives.
The support keeps on coming! Coles Supermarkets have generously donated a $500 gift card to the club's Lift the Lid Charity Golf Day project, to help with the purchase of items for golfer's goodies bags. The bags will be gifted to competitors on the day. Carmel Horvath, Head of Events and Sponsorships, Marketing at Coles confirmed the donation after receiving an approach from Club Director Elizabeth Dumonic. Coles joins a list of prestigious sponsors supporting the event, including Silver Star Motors Mercedes-Benz, EWRE Real Estate, Chateau Yering Yarra Valley, Global Ballooning Australia and Bunnings Warehouse Hawthorn.
Thank you Coles for your support and your generous gift, which will greatly assist Australian Rotary Health to lift the lid on mental illness.
Put this date into your diary and don't forget to register! Lynnette Spencer and Rod Smith have announced that the annual Gourmet BBQ on the Terrace at Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club is confirmed, with the date set for Tuesday March 29th, at 6:30pm. An autumn evening on the Terrace at Kooyong is one of the eagerly awaited treats of the year. No speaker, no speeches, just great food and the company of good friends. So bring partners, bring friends. It's a great opportunity to share your Rotary life with friends and family.
Geoff Widmer shared his encyclopaedic knowledge on the country of Colombia.
Geoff had, during his memorable ‘Member Behind the Badge’ presentation in late 2021, touched upon his extensive experience in that country and his role as Melbourne-based Honorary Consul for Colombia.
In fact, he so engaged his audience on that occasion that he was invited back to present in greater depth on the Latin American country that suffers from such ‘bad press’.
It was Geoff’s goal to help dispel the overwhelming image of drug lords, gang wars violence and corruption that, for most of us, is synonymous with Colombia.
According to Geoff Widmer, Columbia is not the hot spot we used to know. My impressions of Columbia were CIA and Romancing the Stone movies, so it was refreshing and important to note that Columbia has cleaned up its image. Certainly, Geoff, who was the honorary consul for Columbia, was able to guide us though the tourism, government and economic prospects of a health nation. As per usual, the best talks come from our home grown sources and we were not disappointed.
It was a delight to finally induct Garfield Lee into our “family” and more is to come with the induction of Ms Sudha Saini tomorrow. A comment has been made that there was a lot of congestion in that room and 1.5m spacing wasn’t at its best. One reason is the late notification of people that they are coming to the meeting. Our Club Director must have numbers to let Kooyong TC staff know, so they can supply a bigger room if necessary. So please let Rod know and pay well in advance.
Club Director Elizabeth Dumonic has organised two additional generous sponsors for the club's Lift the Lid Charity Golf Day on May 24th, and what fabulous prizes they have offered too! Both prizes will be won through the raffle being conducted as part of the event. Chateau Yering have donated a one night stay at their beautiful Chateau Yering Yarra Valley property, valued at $418. Those who have visited this beautiful winery and enjoyed a meal there will be champing at the bit for this one.
Global Ballooning Australia have donated a hair raising prize that should get the blood pumping! The lucky winner of this prize will receive a voucher for a midweek flight for 2 people over Mansfield, valued at $790.
Thank you Chateau Yering and Global Ballooning Australia for your generous donation of these wonderful prizes. Your gifts will help enormously to Lift the Lid on Mental Health.
Club Director Elizabeth Dumonic accepted the generous sponsorship of Chateau Yering during the week, seen here accepting a voucher from Madam Yidan Xi, Chateau Yering, for a one night stay at the beautiful Chateau Yering in the Yarra Valley
The club welcomed a new member into the fold at the club meeting on February 8th, with the induction of Garfield Lee, pictured here (centre) with President Dr. Mark Ellis AM, left, and Rotary mentor PP Ian Salek. Garfield has been admitted to Rotary in the vocational classification Finance-Corporate.
A friend of Ian Salek's, Garfield has attended a number of club meetings already and, with a sense of humour that is reflected in his broad smile, is a welcome addition to the growing ranks of Glenferrie Rotarians. Welcome to Rotary Garfield! We look forward to many years working alongside you to 'Do Good in the World'.
On International Women's Day 08 March 2022, Rotary Hawthorn invites you to a special breakfast at Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club, 489 Glenferrie Road, Kooyong 7.30 for 7.45 am and concluding at 9 am sharp to hear Susan Campbell speak. Susan is President/Chair of the Board of the Olave Baden-Powell Society and a member of the Association World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) Capacity Building Team - Governance. Susan will speak on the role of Guiding in our world and the importance of empowering the world's women and girls.
As in previous years the Rotary Club of Glenferrie has registered a Clean Up site entitled, "Patterson Reserve and surroundingstreets". The plan is to gather at 9.30am at the Rotary container followed by 2-3 hours of collecting rubbish dumped by our fellow citizens: an illuminating experience! A BBQ and opportunity for a chat will follow at 12.00 - 12.30pm. Overall, I have found the last two events to be most enjoyable and worthwhile.
Gloves and graspers are provided. I suggest a hat, sun-screen, sturdy footwear and some water.
Please register ASAP so we can allocate duties. To register now click here.
Theme for this month FEBRUARY – Peace and conflict prevention /resolution
Hi all. Hopefully everyone is faring well in this environment. We are all in a semi isolation type of world now. I must wear full PEP with mask and goggles. However, the seriousness of the situation came home when a Sydney Ophthalmologist and friend died of Delta Covid on Sunday. The first doctor to die in Wuhan from COVID was an ophthalmologist as well.
Please don’t forget that I am still working as an ophthalmologist and have my patients to consider. Some members seem to think I have the time to drop tools and sprint to their every whim.
World statistics would seem to suggest that the cases are slowly decreasing in numbers as the epidemic becomes endemic. My staff tell me that a lot of schoolchildren are testing positive to the Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) with no symptoms, so this is an interesting development. So, it is understandable if some of our members are shy of coming to face to face meetings on the Tuesday nights at Kooyong Tennis Club. The club itself is doing all its best to weather this “storm” and give good service.
Chair of the Lift the Lid Charity Golf Day Committee, Elizabeth Dumonic, has confirmed that Bunnings Warehouse Hawthorn have generously donated $250 in items to be included in the raffle at Golf Day BBQ, and will sponsor a team of four to play in the Ambrose challenge in May.
This is not the first act of generosity by Bunnings in support of the fundraising and service projects of the Rotary Club of Glenferrie. Thank you Bunnings for your continued generosity and good luck on Golf Day!
Over the December/January period many of our Rotary families were impacted by the Covid-19 Omicron variant. In some cases it was our members testing positive, and for others it was their children and/or grandchildren. Best wishes for a speedy recovery to all those affected by the virus.
Our best wishes also to Alex Marshall, following his recent visit to hospital. I saw Alex last Wednesday and he is recovering well. We look forward to seeing you back at Club dinners and events soon.
Our thoughts and sympathies also go out to Connie Gregory and family on the death of husband Paul on Friday 4 February 2022. Paul was an active former member of the Glenferrie Rotary Club, retiring a few years ago due to ill health. Funeral arrangements will be communicated once they are known.
We also express our condolences to President Mark and Janet on the death of Mark's mother on Friday 4 February 2022. Our thoughts and best wishes to you Mark, Janet and the family.
Glenferrie Rotary is a member of the RIMERN group ( Rotary Inner Melbourne Emergency Relief Network). This entity provides a valued service to victims of domestic violence, persons on parole, persons recovering from drug addiction and refugees. This service collects household goods ( bedding, tables, kitchenware, white goods, appliances) for individuals and families in need.
We have a commitment to roster a working group of 4 persons every 3rd Thursday of the month at the warehouse on Moreland Rd in East Brunswick from 10am to 1pm. We have had enthusiastic responses from Club Rotarians since our participation commenced in mid-November 2021 but want to give all members the opportunity to participation in this important service. To volunteer for a shift at RIMERN: Click here for RIMERN Volunteers
The latest edition of the national Rotary magazine Rotary Down Under contains a two-page spread on the club's successful Rotary 100 Centenary Project. See pages 18-19.
Theme for this month FEBURARY – Peace and conflict prevention /resolution
(January – Vocational services)
Welcome back all to a potentially busy year.
Code Brown is not a good way to start the year. Some government official has a funny sense of humour since “brown” is the colour of the proverbial hitting the fan! We must be prepared for changes in our lifestyles and how we will conduct this club. Challenges are what make life interesting, overcoming them is what makes life meaningful. (A. P. J. Abdul Kalam). So, another year of the same.
Today is a special day for me – being my birthday on this publication date, so I hope to have my feet up and enjoy growing older! Better than the alternative.
Wishing you a very happy and healthy New Year! The Rotary Club of Glenferrie is now on vacation, but we will be back in 2022 bigger and better than ever!
The next club meeting will be on Tuesday February 8th 2022, 6:30pm for 7:00pm at the Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club.
The club has finished a challenging and eventful 2021 on a high note, literally, with Christmas carols at the Gala Christmas Party on Tuesday December 21st.
In a year of frequent interruptions due to Covid, the Rotary Club of Glenferrie chalked up some creditable accomplishments: the widespread adoption of new technologies for meetings, club administration and communication, increased fundraising through an expanded Boroondara Farmers Market, and significant membership growth. New projects were established, including the Rotary Overseas Recycled Playgrounds Program (RORP) and participation in RIMERN - the Rotary Inner Melbourne Emergency Relief Network. The club's Rotary 100 project at Yarra Bank Reserve was widely applauded, and a revitalised Youth Committee won a District Foundation Grant to provide a Year11-12 Scholarship
So it was a high note indeed that finished this Rotary year, although the name of the Rotarian heard singing We're a Happy Team at Hawthorn during 'Hark the Herald Angels Sing' has been referred to Santa.
Happy Christmas everyone and a safe, healthy and fulfilling new year!
The District Governor Dale Hoy and Maureen were the guests of the Club on December 14th. Dale Hoy has been a member of Brighton Rotary for over 17 years where his interests at the Club are in Vocational Service, Fundraising, Rotary Foundation and Community Services. He was President in 2016/17. He is also a member of the Paul Harris Society with Double Sapphire and Royce Abbey Awards.
Dale Hoy’s impressive “Service to Community” starts from his origins in the Warrnambool community and armed with Bachelor’s Degrees in Business and a Master’s in Business Administration, a CA and member of the Financial Institute of Australia, he expanded his work horizons to the Channel Islands. There he worked in Audit and Corporate Services for PWC, also taxation and training at Cooper Lybrand, and then Hoare Govett stockbrokers. He then moved to Djakarta where he and Maureen lived and Dale worked in financial services for 10 years.
“Let’s spread the cheer with sincere aplomb as long as you don’t spread the omicron!!” Play safe.
Yes – It is getting to look like Christmas. We are all looking forward to a break. This is the last bulletin for the year and hopefully we will all come back to participate in our Rotary Club in February with gusto. I wish to acknowledge Chris Raw for her work on our Bulletin, which is a necessity to keep informing our members and Richard Blakeman for all his “behind the scenes work”. He is a recent recipient of the Rotary Foundation District Service Award.
Our Farmer’s Market would have had its traditional BBQ for the stall owners and I thank all who participated on that day. My Grandson’s first birthday party being held at my place, prohibited me from attending.
The Boroondara Farmers Market welcomed a special visitor on Saturday, as Santa cruised in on his reputedly gravitational resistant vehicle crewed by one his talented helpers. To the obvious delight of children at the Market, and not a few parents, Santa did three tours of the Reserve, spreading good cheer and goodwill as he went. Accompanied by a Ho! Ho! Ho! or two of course.
The Christmas Market was the final market for the year and concluded with a sausage sizzle for the stallholders to thank them for their support during a difficult year. Despite Covid restrictions and cancelled markets, fundraising in 2021 has been ahead of last year.
Saturday's Market was PP Ian Salek's last as Market Secretary. Wayne Worldage has now assumed the mantle of Market Secretary, commencing 2022. Thank you Ian for a fabulous job. During your term of leadership the market has grown, both in the number of markets and in the revenue generated. All very good signs for the future!
Santa with his personal pilot, spreading cheer at Patterson Reserve on Saturday. Ho! Ho! Ho!
Save the Date' and join us for our District 9800 ‘Let's Get Together’ Conference in Albury. Help us celebrate post lockdown in what will be a wonderful opportunity for Rotarians to get together for this exciting event on our Rotary Calendar.
Registrations will open in January. Venue
Albury Entertainment Centre, 525 Swift Street, Albury
So far a student, Jerry Ji has been accepted into the NYSF (National Youth Service Forum) being held in January. We also received a District Grant from the Rotary Foundation, which has gone to support a student at Swinburne Senior Secondary College. This will assist in their ongoing costs. Thanks to Don Heath for facilitating these projects.
I am pleased to announce that we have sourced two candidates, who are both students at Deakin University for participation in RYLA. One student is following an arts program and the other an environmental course. Hopefully they may be selected for RYLA 2022.
RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) is a district camp held annually. It is a leadership program for young people aged 18 to 25, which focuses on personal growth, leadership development and community.
Program Details: Dates: 13-19th February 2022 Venue: Camp Getaway Axedale (transport from Melbourne provided).
The cost for the candidate will be $50 with the remaining $950 being paid by Glenferrie Rotary Club.
Foundation Director PP Cheryl Pisterman presented District Governor Dale Hoy with the 'Big Cheque' at the club meeting on December 14th. The Rotary Club of Glenferrie made a donation of $5,000 to the World Fund of the Rotary Foundation, to help Rotarians the world over 'Do Good in the World'.
Foundation Director PP Cheryl Pisterman presented DG Dale Hoy with the Big Cheque at the club meeting last Tuesday.
With the end of 2021 fast approaching the Education CHANCES Foundation wishes to say thank you to the club for:
- Adding an extra market per month as from this February to bring in more revenue; - Club members putting in the extra volunteer hours needed to conduct the extra market days; - The significant increase in income the Foundation is receiving from club members extra efforts – approximately $20,000 per year; - Further cementing the club’s position as the major on-going contributor to the Foundation’s activities over the last 10+ years.
The Board met for the last time this year. Many items were discussed, and decisions were made. I have found it beneficial to have the face to face meetings since I have been able to listen and engage with various members during our General Meetings. I also hope to get our Strategic Action Group going again to implement the Strategic Plan sorted out a year of two ago.
I acknowledge and thank Elizabeth Dumonic and the membership team for all their hard work. In the new year, we will have more inductions. There is great interest in our club, and it is important to present our club as progressive and dynamic.
The Rotary Foundation is Rotary's charity. A gift to the Rotary Foundation unleashes the global power of 1.2 million Rotarians in 36,000 clubs, making possible the delivery of service to communities throughout the world, promoting peace, fighting disease, providing clean water, saving mothers and children, supporting education, growing local economies, promoting the environment and working to end polio.
For the 13th consecutive year, Rotary Foundation has received the highest rating — four stars — from Charity Navigator, an independent evaluator of charities in the U.S, including an evaluation of 100% for Accountability and transparency.
Give the Gift of Rotary this Christmas. There can be no better way toDo Good in the World
(Don't forget to log in using your My Rotary log in details to receive Paul Harris Fellow Recognition points.)
Supporting Outback Kidney Disease Patients
Australian and USA clubs and districts funded the A$200,000 purchase of medical equipment to set up a diagnosis and dialysis facility in the far northwest of South Australia
Each month we get a report from Google Analytics on the number of visitors to our website. In November the club's website, rotaryglenferrie.org.au, attracted 783 unique users, up 32% on the month before. There were over 1,500 separate visits to the website, +39% on the previous month, with the average session lasting 4 minutes 17 seconds (+43.4%). The biggest event in November of course was the Yarra Bank Reserve Playground opening, which clearly achieved its objective of drawing attention to Rotary and to the club. Proof positive that good stories turn heads, so keep them coming!
Caroline spoke of her short attention span, her wide and varied work history, proclivity for making bad decisions and her short attention span.
Originally from Perth, Caroline has lived and worked in regional towns in WA, as well as the UK and Canada, and very much enjoys cold, wet weather.
After her stint in the recycling industry, she is passionate about minimising waste that goes to landfill.
With interests in history, technology and conversing on topics she knows little about, she is happy to have found Rotary Glenferrie and looks forward to many more conversations, before she gets distracted.
Caroline Larwood, left, with meeting Chair Elizabeth Dumonic at the club meeting November 30th. Caroline delivered a most illuminating talk about a life rich in experiences.
Thanks to Caroline Larwood we were treated to another member behind the badge. So much experience to bring into the club. I was delighted to hear that she loves Rotary and what it offers. Caroline is one to get involved and it is the usual - you get twice out of what you put in. As I pointed out, Caroline has had a great education and work experience n the world, where girls are not allowed or cannot access that privilege.
The Board meeting is coming up on Dec 7th and so please let me know if there is an issue bothering you. I have found that being able to casually talk to members, had given me a sense of what the general members are interested in being implemented.
Remember that as Margaret Wheatley preaches “Real change begins with the simple act of people talking about what they care about.” and “Turning to One Another: Simple conversations to restore hope to the future.”
The club, along with the other six Rotary clubs in the City of Boroondara, has commissioned new Membership Brochures to help drive membership growth. The brochures are available from any member of the Membership Development Committee (Elizabeth Dumonic, Thelma Hutchison and Richard Blakeman). Grab some to hand to friends when you talk to them about Rotary membership. Supplies will be available for distribution at every Farmers Market.
One of the left over perks from the Rotary Centenary Playground opening is the gift of two new Rotary teardrop banners to the Boroondara Farmers Market. Branding the market 'Rotary' is a great way of letting people know just what Rotary does, and helps strengthen both the reputation of Rotary and Rotary's future. Rotarians Kay Widmer and PP Ian Salek are pictured here with the new banners at the November 30th market.
I was chatting recently with Norman Gale, Coordinator of Community Services for the Salvation Army, and it seems that food insecurity remains a significant problem across parts of Melbourne, including Boroondara. As the Salvation Army emergency relief pantry was quite depleted, Geoff Widmer and I visited Campbells Bulkstore in Clayton. We managed to deliver two car loads of food items and some toiletries requested by Norman Gale. The photo below shows Geoff with some of the food and Meredith taking delivery on behalf of the Salvation Army.
Our Community Service Group is planning to also provide some Christmas hampers for the Salvation Army in Camberwell.
What a week we have had! Thanks all for turning up to the Annual General Meeting, which was basically a summary of the past year 2020-1. I look forward with excitement for the year ahead with the announcing of the new board to take up into 2022-3, under the leadership of Teresa Liu followed by Mark Howlett. Thus, our club is in for some good years with very strong leadership from these two excellent candidates.
With sadness I note that Cheryl Pisterman (Foundation) and Elizabeth Dumonic (Membership) are stepping down. I personally thank them for their assistance in my 2 year reign as President. I look forward to Charles Tran taking over the Foundation Chair. I look forward to co-chairing Membership with Thelma Hutchison. I also thank all Board Members, who are continuing their roles. Obviously, I didn’t put them off and I will enjoy being on the Board with them all (but not as the boss).
The club has been awarded a District Grant from The Rotary Foundation in support of a secondary school scholarship to be offered through Swinburne Senior Secondary College. Commencing with the 2022 school year, the scholarship will assist a talented and motivated young person facing financial barriers to successfully complete their Year 11 and Year 12 secondary education.
The scholarship is valued at $1,000 per annum, of which the club will contribute $1,000, with the remaining $1,000 provided from the District Grant.
The opening of the playground at Yarra Bank Reserve Hawthorn on November 21st was a fitting climax to more than two years of planning and implementation work for the multi-club team coordinating the project. Initiated and led by the Rotary Club of Glenferrie, in partnership with the City of Boroondara, together with the Rotary clubs of Camberwell, Hawthorn and Canterbury, the project celebrated the 100th anniversary in 2021 of the establishment of Rotary in Australia. The clubs were joined for the opening celebration by the Rotary clubs of North Balwyn and Balwyn, and Melbourne Water.
Bathed in sparkling sunshine, the historic and beautiful park at Yarra Bank Reserve was opened at a Family Fun Day on November 21st, bringing to fruition a project that will long be remembered as a signature achievement for the club and for Rotary in Boroondara.
From left to right, declaring the playground officially open, District Governor Dale Hoy, Past President RC Camberwell Murray Anderson, Mayor of Boroondara Garry Thompson, and President of the Rotary Club of Glenferrie, Dr Mark Ellis AM
We were privileged to hear from Australian Diplomat, Singer/Songwriter and Comedian Iain (Fred) Campbell Smith on Tuesday evening. Fred is the recipient of the 2021 ACT Chief Minister’s Rotary Peace Award for his work in Afghanistan. He is also the author of “The Dust of Uruzgan” published in 2016.
Fred was posted to the Afghanistan province of Uruzgan in 2009 as part of the second mentoring and reconstruction task force.
He told us how life had improved for so many Afghan people during the 20 years of US and Allied Forces occupation with business, healthcare, and the economy all improving but, most importantly education for women and children.
A tip for every Rotarian - “Always keep your eyes open. Keep watching. Because whatever you can see can inspire you.” Grace Coddington – ex editor of American Vogue magazine.
So being present at the last Tuesday meeting should not have disappointed those doubled vaxed Rotarians, who turned up to our general meeting featuring the Rotary Foundation with an inspiring speech by PDG Murray Verso, Chairperson of the Rotary Foundation. It was a great opportunity to induct Charles Tran, Robert Hogan and Elizbeth Dumonic into the Paul Harris Society. These people have pledged donations for many years. As both Charles and Rob stated, they know, appreciate and trust where their donations are going to. The Rotary Foundation being largely volunteer have very low administration costs as pointed out by Murray Verso.
Added to this special night were the inductions of new members Paul Shekleton and Oxana Belyaeva into our family. We are thrilled to have 3 new members recently join our club (if you consider Amelia Anderson joining us during lockdown). I am sure you will all warmly welcome them into our family.
On 17th October I participated in the D9800 Orientation program for the 60 Year 11 students who were selected to participate in this program in January next year. Due to Covid 19 students will not go to Canberra next year, but will have a combination of top scientists addressing them online. As well as a number of visits to top science precincts such as the Cyclotron and the laboratories at the Burnett Institute and Peter McCallum. The NYSF program is of major benefit to students studying in the STEM areas of Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics. (obviously I am somewhat biased in my support of this program!). The student that our Club is sponsoring, Jerry Ji from Camberwell Grammar, is really looking forward to the opportunity that Glenferrie Rotary has provided.
To borrow from Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons Oh What a Night, Mid-November in '21, last Tuesday evening, President Mark inducted two new members, Oxana (Anne) Belyaeva and Paul Shekleton. As part of a very busy meeting our Guest Speaker, PDG Murray Verso, District 9800 Rotary Foundation Chair, as part of his presentation, welcomed Charles Tran and Robert Hogan to the Paul Harris Society (PHS); one of the many ways that one can financially support The Rotary Foundation and its many projects Doing Good in the World.
Welcome to Rotary! The club welcomed new members Oxana Belyaeva, Dr Paul Shekleton and Amelia Anderson at the club meeting on November 16th, pictured here with Membership Development Director Elizabeth Dumonic (far left) and President Dr. Mark Ellis AM.
The new playground at Yarra Bank Reserve in Hawthorn was officially opened at a special Family Fun Day on Sunday November 21st, accompanied by glorious sunshine, magic, music and mayhem, and the delightful laughter of children and families at play. A crowd of some hundreds of Rotarians and residents gathered to celebrate the theme of working and playing together in what was a resounding success for the club and our consortium partners. Well done Rotary! Thank you Rotarians! More to come.
The crowd gravitated towards the famous Bees Waggle Dance at the Yarra Bank Reserve Playground on Sunday, led by the Champion Wagglers at the Rotary Club of Canterbury. And what fun it was!
The Saturday 20 November's Farmers' Market saw a successful start to the sales of the famous Rotary Cakes and Puddings. Hawthorn Rotary David Pisterman and our treasurer Thelma Hutchison ensured that all visitors and stall holders learned of this quality product from Traditional Foods who have been supporting Rotary for many years.
On 21/10/2021 a number of intrepid Glenferrie Rotarians converged on the RIMERN(Rotary Inner Melbourne Emergency Relief Network) warehouse at the corner of Moreland Road and Lincoln Street, East Brunswick. As shown in the accompaning photos, the warehouse is well set-up with two levels of stored furniture, bedding, kitchen items and all manner of electrical white-goods. These items have all been donated and only retained for distribution if deemed to be of reasonable quality. RIMERN has been established for 3 months and has already supplied complete packages for setting up a new home, be it an apartment or unit for 14 clients.
Last Tuesday was our first face to face meeting since July. There were many happy, excited double vaxed members and guests attending our club headquarters at Kooyong Tennis Club. What a way to kick off the proceedings with our club member Ted Baillieu presenting about the ANZACS, in a fitting tribute to Remembrance Day on the Thursday (Nov 11th) as well as receiving his Paul Harris Club recognition.
Tomorrow night is an important meeting with the Rotary Foundation Chairperson Murray Verso, presenting in recognition of November being Rotary Foundation night. There will be Paul Harris Society recognition awards presentations, as well as the inductions of new members Paul Shekleton and Oxana Belyaeva into our family club. Please remember to book, since there are no members collecting the money anymore.
It was a great pleasure to have member Ted Baillieu address us in expectation of Remembrance Day, which is on the Thursday Nov 11th. This was the occasion of presenting him with a Club Paul Harris Fellowship recognition for his service above self to our club and, to the community by his numerous roles in our society. Ted has been a member of the Rotary Club of Glenferrie since 2006 and when he is able, he has participated in many an event within our club, in particularly Farmer’s Market duties.
However, as Chair of the Victorian Government’s ANZCA Centenary committee and his influence in these areas, he was asked to give his thoughts on Remembrance Day.
President Mark Ellis AM presented club member Hon Ted Baillieu AO, Former Premier of Victoria, with a Paul Harris Fellow Recognition at the club meeting December 9th in recognition of his significant contribution to preserving the memory of the sacrifices of many 1914-1918
The Rotary Club of Glenferrie is featured in the November 2021 edition of The Glenferrie Times, an independent local paper for the traders, residents and visitors to the Glenferrie precinct in Hawthorn. The article highlights the clubs achievements, the contribution made to the community aided by funds raised through the Boroondara Farmers Market and the upcoming opening of the playground at Yarra Bank Reserve to mark the Centenary of Rotary in Australia.
“Hallelujah”– We are back to a “normal” way of life with the reintroduction of face to face meetings this month. What a way to kick off the proceedings with our club member Ted Baillieu presenting about the ANZACS in a fitting tribute to Remembrance Day on the Thursday (Nov 11th). For me, it will be unusual to be Presidential having been in T shirts and track pants for most zoom meetings! I will be there in all my 3 Dimensional glories! The ability to mute and close off video feeds is gone.
The face to face was our Changeover in July, so I have some presentations to give out to those who missed that meeting. On Nov 16th meeting, I will have the pleasure of inducting Paul Shekleton and Oxana Belyaeva into our club.
We will be letterboxing the area around Yarra Bank Reserve over the weekend commencing Friday November 12th. At least two more volunteers are needed with stout hearts and even stouter walking shoes to letterbox the immediate area. We should be finished within a couple of hours, depending on the weather. If you can help out please add your name to the volunteer roster.Click here to volunteer. You will be made very welcome!
On last Friday, I had the pleasure of being a Guest Speaker at the 30 year celebration of Glenferrie Probus. RC Glenferrie was involved right from the start in 1991 in setting up the Glenferrie Probus Club INC. Basically, Probus is the next step after Rotary. Probus has over 4,000 worldwide member clubs for retirees and those planning retirement. My parting words could easily be stated about our club. Since our Rotary Club of Glenferrie is evolving in this same situation. We have had to adapt to electronic media.
“I see a real challenge to Probus to keep your members mentally and physically active".
This threat to our health and wellbeing will, I am confident, be overcome with thought, planning and a good community will. Quoting from motivational speaker Les Brown – “Life has no limitations; except the ones you make.” I am particularly keen to try and get all our members to be involved and enjoy being in a progressive club like ours.
On Tuesday evening 27 October last our member Helena Wimpole delivered her presentation on her association with Rotary Overseas Medical Aid For Children (ROMAC), She related to us her experiences in helping bring better prospects to children from developing countries. She found that hosting a child in her home was a very enjoyable and rewarding experience. Crisma came to stay with Helena with her mother Caroline. Crisma then spent time at Royal Children's Hospital where her medical problems were assessed and corrected.
Helena took in Crisma who was shy, but mostly outgoing. She enjoyed doing different tasks such as shopping, washing, drying dishes and bringing in the laundry. She enjoyed writing, and drawing in her scrapbook. She had some lovely outings ranging from visiting the local cafe (where she had a hot chocolate) and she had a great time when she went to the zoo.
The number and depth of questions from fellow members and guests showed just how impressed and moved they were with what Helena had to share with us,. A very enjoyable and informative evening was had by everyone including myself.
Community Services has been very busy throughout lockdown. At the moment it is involved in projects such as Camcare, 27ForParkinson's, RIMERN and the Bread Run. A description of these activities are described below.
27 For Parkinson's
We are now halfway through October and many thanks to those members who have contributed to this cause. We have now reached a little more than $2000 in our quest to donate $3000. Further involvement and any contribution would be very welcome. Access to the website is straightforward via the highlighted link in the recent Glenferrie Rotarian.
Camcare
As many of you are aware we have supported Camcare for many years. They have a marvellous kitchen garden on the property and require removal of a small tree, rubbish, an old garden shed and a concrete slab. There are plans to plant a few fruit trees in this area. They've had quotes for $1500 and it seemed reasonable for us to do this job. We would need 5-6 people for a few hours but a date has not been set, as the transfer station in Riversdale Road remains closed. Please contact me if you would be able to help. Anyone with a chainsaw and an angle grinder would be most welcome.
Last Tuesday evening 34 of the Club’s members and guests were blessed with not one, but two guest speakers, Najaf and Maria Mazari, the father and daughter responsible for Najaf Rugs and Textiles. Located in High Street, Prahran. We had originally invited Najaf to address our Club after learning of his amazing life story. However, after a brief phone conversation with his daughter, Maria, we extended the invitation to her. As she joked, ‘I can assist Dad with the technology of Zooming, and ensure that he joins at the correct time’.
And what a delightful pair the Mazaris were; a wonderful example of what so many refugees contribute to our country. After learning the skills of rugmaking at age 12, when, after the death of his father, Najaf’s oldest brother became the head of the household and school was beyond the family’s resources, Najaf escaped the violence of the Taliban, reaching Australia in 2001.
When John Hudson advised that he wished to resign as Chairman of the Farmers Market Committee some years ago, there was a minor panic about who should be his replacement.
Ian Salek was the obvious choice as he was assisting John at the time, with matters relating to the Boroondara Council and was his 2IC.
Ian, for some reason insisted that I join him as Co- Chairman. I had no option but to accept, as with all organisations there needs to be back up and for someone to step up in case of illness etc, as Ian pointed out.
Many members of the Club have approached me and conveyed their appreciation for all the work we have done to improve the market especially now we are operating the additional opening on the first week of the month.
I wish to point out that all I do is open the gates to the stallholders in the morning and get them in position. All the work on behalf of the Co-Chair is done by Ian alone.
WHY:One in every five Australians aged 16-85 experience some form of mental illness in any year.
COVID-19 has exacerbated the problem. Everyone in the community can play a role in early intervention to support a person developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis.
HOW: The knowledge and skills and how to provide initial assistance can be acquired by doing a Mental Health First Aid Course.
WHAT: The standard mental health first aid course will be presented as a 12-hour blended course. This course teaches the skills to help a person developing depression, troublesome anxiety, psychosis and substance use problems or a person who may be in a mental health crisis such as feeling suicidal or having a panic attack.
With the lifting of restrictions coming out of Lockdown, we can confirm the Family Fun Day/Gala Opening of the R100 Yarra Bank Playground will be going ahead on Sunday 21 November, commencing 12 midday. Make sure you mark the date in your diary, there will be a range of entertainment, food and coffee available, so bring your kids and grandkids along.
Our club, assisted by a $9,000 grant from The Rotary Foundation, has made a significant financial contribution towards this playground, and our Rotary 100 Playground Committee has worked hard over two years to bring the project to fruition, so please show your support by attending this fun afternoon.
There will also be volunteers needed, firstly to letterbox a specific area with resident notification flyers (a Council requirement) the week before the event, and on the day we need volunteers to act as COVID Marshalls and the like. Keep an eye out for calls for volunteers and save the date for all the fun of the Fair at Yarra Bank Reserve, November 21st.
The Victorian Government requires that people over the age of 16 entering the Reserve check in using the Victoria Services app and, unless possessing a valid exemption, wear a properly fitted mask and provide proof that they are fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Thank you for doing your part to keep us safe
We are now halfway through October and many thanks to those members who have contributed to this cause. We have now reached a little more than $2000 in our quest to donate $3000. Further involvement and any contribution would be very welcome. Access to the website is straightforward via the highlighted link below.
“People do not decide to be extraordinary. They decide to accomplish extraordinary things.” Sir Edmund Hillary.
This came to mind listening to last Tuesday’s presentation from Peter and Sharon Crean who are co-founders of BeyondWater. Their extraordinary work is just that – see a problem and fix it. Rarely have I been so impressed. Having been involved in overseas aid work myself, I can appreciate the complexities and magnitude of what they are achieving. Nothing happens overnight. It is hard with many obstacles to overcome.
Nothing much to report on our meeting situation. We are still awaiting to find out when the isolation will lift. All my elective surgery again has been cancelled for the unforeseeable future causing a backlog of disappointed poorly seeing patients. Category 3 means they can wait more than 3 months but easy for the government to say. Having poor vision can lead to falls, major mishaps and car accidents.
Last Tuesdays presentation was from Peter and Sharon Crean from Beyond Water, which helps provide safe drinking water across East Africa. They started this charitable trust in 2007, which now works across ten countries and helps over 100000 people each day to receive clean water. I myself am very much aware of the need to conserve water and I think this excellent presentation shows again how lucky we are here in Australia, to be able to enjoy fresh clean water. The number of questions asked of Peter and Sharon as well as their content, highlighted again how lucky we were to have them with us last Tuesday night.
With World Polio Day taking centre stage this month, we thought it a timely opportunity to provide an overview of Rotary's polio eradication efforts to date.
What is Polio - Poliomyelitus, or polio, is a paralysing and potential fatal disease that primarily threatens children under the age of five. It invades the nervous system, potentially causing paralysis. Polio can be prevented by vaccines, but it is not curable. History - Rotary conducted its first polio immunisation campaign in the Phillipines in 1979 and, based on its success, launched its PolioPlus program in 1985 with a goal to raise US$100 million to immunise the world's children against the debilitating disease. By 1988, Rotary members had raised US$247 million for polio immunisation efforts, which served as the catalyst for the WHO to adapt the resolution to eradicate polio in 1988.
While student support continues, because of Covid we are waiting to commence three important projects:
- a partnership with Vietnam National University to assess water (quality and quantities) for the five communities now being supported by District 9800 Rotary clubs.
- an infant dental project with dentists from Melbourne applying fluoride paste on young children's teeth and training clinic staff, teachers and parents for sustainability.
- eye-screening in the five communities. Our partners, Optometry Vietnam, are the leading trainers of optometrists.
It was good for me to get back to work and a well-entrenched routine that I have followed for years. Patients are a priority, and I must give my expertise to them. So, in the 3 weeks sick leave I felt I was cast adrift and useless. So, I appreciate the angst and concern of all those stuck at home in this seemingly endless lockdown. My mental health did suffer.
“When people don't have a routine or structure to their day it can cause increased stress and anxiety, as well as overwhelming feelings, lack of concentration, and focus." RACHEL GOLDMAN, PHD
Rotary members train people to become resources for their community, offering networking activities, advice on new business development, and mathematics and financial management training.
Rotarians make amazing things happen, like:
Breaking the cycle of poverty for women: Most of the women living in rural Guatemala do not have the collateral to get loans from regulated financial institutions. The Rotary Club of Guatemala de la Ermita helped 400 local women complete financial literacy courses so they could pool their money and fund their own microlending program.
The club inducted its first new member this Rotary year, and the first ever on Zoom, when Amelia Anderson became a Rotarian at the club meeting on September 28th. Amelia moved to Hawthorn almost two years ago, and made enquiries via the club's website. Attendance at some club meetings since then, including one at Kooyong - a rare event these days - convinced Amelia to join.
A graduate of the University of Queensland and currently with JCurve Solutions, a digital technology company, Amelia has had considerable experience as an IT professional, in communications and information technology, including a period with Oracle and Hewlett Packard. Her past community service includes four years as President of the Mt Waverley Scout Group where her leadership and achievements contributed greatly to the strength of that Scout Group today.
Welcome to Rotary, Amelia. We are very pleased to be able to count you as a Rotarian and look forward to working alongside you to make a difference in the years to come.
Some of our best speakers are our own members and Geoff and Kay Widmer certainly reinforced that comment. They have joined as Family Members.
Geoff and Kay answered an invitation to be involved with Rotary. They are both recently retired from busy and fulfilling careers and the timing was perfect. As Geoff said: "We were looking for something to do together and Rotary was the right fit". At last Tuesday's meeting they shared with us their stories. They were looking for ways to give back to the community having been lucky to have been born in Melbourne. Their presentation was a joint effort with both providing insights into their previous careers, their families and their experiences travelling here in Australia and overseas. Both of them have already been great supporters of the Boroondara Farmers Market and look forward to more shifts.
“I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.” So says Jimmy Dean country singer, actor and businessman. Our club has been enduring the “direction of the wind”, but we certainly have set our sails to be able to continue our projects, as well as continuing the Farmer’s Market and the Salvation Bread Run. How ironic when the Rotary Theme for October is “Economic and Community Development”.
We also had the pleasure of welcoming Amelia Anderson into our club as my first zoom inductee. An interesting experience for me as well. We wish Amelia well in her new family – The Rotary Club of Glenferrie. Paul Shekleton will be inducted hopefully in November.
We were treated to a fascinating “Family” – Member behind the badge. Geoff and Kay Widmer are our first family membership. I say repeatedly that the best talks we have are often given by in house. The Widmers had a wealth of past experiences to share with us. Must get to sit with them on a Farmer’s Market duty since I would love to hear more.
“It is curious that physical courage should be so common in the world and moral courage so rare.” Mark Twain’s quote comes to mind with this week’s riots, although much would appear alcohol fuelled!
What a week – Riots, Earthquakes and a Perth Grand Final for two Melbourne based teams - at least a good feeling with Melbourne winning providing a silver lining. Lots of entertainment for last week but for all the wrong reasons. I am used to watching TV riots usually from somewhere overseas, but not in our own backyard. I guess the same for the earthquake!
As I have pointed out in the past where vaccinations for diseases like Polio, thanks to Rotary have been nearly eliminated. It would be in our dreams to have the same happen to COVID-19!!
Posted by Rotary International Director Jessie Harman
I have been speaking a lot lately with club and district leaders about the importance of member engagement. Engaged members are at the heart of who we are and what we do and they’re the key to delivering Rotary’s impact. When I speak with leaders, I talk about the important role they play in delivering a positive membership experience; about the things leaders can do to ensure members are involved, engaged and enjoying Rotary.
Yet I’m very aware that member engagement is a two-way street. There are a host of things that individual members can do to ensure they are getting value from Rotary.
Unfortunately, the Parkinson's Walk in the Park has again been cancelled. During the pre-pandemic years the funds raised by the Rotary Club of Glenferrie BBQ in the City Square, were donated to Parkinson's Victoria. As Spring is upon us we now have the opportunity to be active with the goal of raising funds for Parkinson's Victoria.
I therefore invite you to join the Glenferrie Rotary Harriers, a rather optimistically named group with the aim of being active in some form for the first 27 days of October. Being active may include cycling, running, walking or merely reducing one's consumption of alcohol! So please click on the link to join the group and encourage friends, family and others to be part of the action. Also, specific information about joining as part of the team or donating only, can be seen when you press Read more..
Leonardo da Vinci once stated “Make your work to be in keeping with your purpose.”
Our recent member, Isaiah Lahai, gave a thought provoking and often a distressing picture of what he has gone through to come to Australia as a refugee. With his family he had to begin a new life in a foreign land with language, cultural and even temperature adjustments. which his family has had to acclimatise to.
Isaiah’s stated his resolve to not only assimilate into our country, but to give back in his activities to both our community and that of Sierra Leone. Personally, I believe we have a true hero in our club. I would encourage you all to get behind this civic minded person and assist him to work well as a Rotarian.
We are all moaning at our plight, but his story just goes to show that there is always someone, who has had to struggle a bit more than you!
Thirty-three members and guests attended the club meeting on Tuesday September 14th to hear perhaps one of the most extraordinary and absorbing Member Behind the Badge addresses in recent memory. Rotarian Isaiah Lahai recounted his remarkable story, from refugee in Guinea, fleeing bitter civil war in Sierra Leone, to his arrival in Australia with wife Lovet and a growing family. In his talk, Isaiah described the horror of life as a refugee, his personal struggle to gain a foothold in his new country, his rise to prominence and his considerable philanthropic contribution, both here in Australia and in his country of birth.
Underpinned by deeply held religious convictions, Isaiah's story is one of resilience, courage, inner strength and a generosity of spirit that most would find very difficult to emulate.
More than 775 million people over the age of 15 are illiterate. That’s 17 percent of the world’s adult population. Our goal is to strengthen the capacity of communities to support basic education and literacy, reduce gender disparity in education, and increase adult literacy. We support education for all children and literacy for children and adults.
Rotary's Impact on Education
The Rotary Foundation supports education through scholarships, donations, and service projects around the world.
The NYSF Year 12 Program offers an exciting range of in-person and digital science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) experiences for participants across Australia. This year the NYSF Year 12 Program is a 12-day hybrid (digital and in-person) program designed to give students a broader understanding of the diverse study and career options available in STEM and to encourage continued studies in these fields.
Visits to some of the best science projects in Australia, such as the Cyclotron at Monash University and the laboratories at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute are a highlight of NYSF. The program has been strongly supported by Rotary and has been inspiring young Australian scientists since 1984.
With the Taliban taking control of Afghanistan, many Rotarians are asking what implications this has for the End Polio campaign.
The situation in Afghanistan has escalated since the last Zoom meeting of Rotary International END POLIO NOW Coordinators held early in August, however several messages with great impact were delivered by our senior leaders during that meeting.
Many Rotarians have expressed concern about the future of our Polio Eradication Initiative – when ultimate success is so close.
However, RI Past President and 2021/22 Chair of The Rotary Foundation, John Germ, told the meeting Rotary’s team has been working with the Taliban for some time and we need to remember ‘the Taliban have children too – and want them protected against Polio’.
Well, I have just come out of surgery to my elbow and convalescing. It is a very humbling experience to be on the receiving end of the Health System. AsJ.K Rowling stated “We do not need magic to transform our world. We carry all of the power we need inside ourselves already.” I am hoping for a bit of magic and getting better fast since, I am an impatient person (typical surgeon).
Speaking about patience within a pandemic!!! We probably don’t have more choice.
I note with the sadness the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks over the past weekend. With an “eye for an eye” attitude, we will never see peace.
So you can’t meet socially face-to-face during this ongoing COVID pandemic? But if you are a member of the Rotarians on Social Networks Fellowship, you can still connect, Tweet or be LinkedIn and enjoy the company of fellow Rotarians; you can share their activities and “Like” their projects.
The Rotarians on Social Networks Fellowship is just one of the numerous Rotary International Fellowships that are available for Rotarians and their families to join. These Fellowships are initially established by a particular Rotarian or group of Rotarians, who have a strong personal interest or passion and who would like to share this with other Rotarians worldwide. There are currently close to 100 Fellowships, but this number varies as new Fellowships are formed and a few discontinue.
RC Glenferrie continues its involvement with RORP with planning still underway for the recycling of Boroondara playgrounds (its not yet clear if they will be harvested this year?) And the broader RORP program continues in earnest as we can see from the update provided by RORP central attached. RORP Report
If anyone wants to volunteer for playground projects outside our area, please liaise with Mark Howlett.
At this difficult time during the pandemic, the demand for emergency food relief has increased significantly. In previous years the Community Services group has provided emergency homeless packs but, since the start of the pandemic, these have not been in great demand, as the Government has provided accommodation for the homeless. Norman Gale, Coordinator of Community Services, Salvation army, provided a list of high demand items required such as rice, sugar and tooth-paste.
The members of the Community Services Group, Michael Berry, Simon Messenger, Isaiah Lahai, Geoff Widmer, and Helena Wimpole were each allocated 3-4 items to purchase for donation. We spent more than $900 to buy 22 useful items across a wide spectrum; from Vegemite, honey, coffee, tea to deodorant and soap. Coles Supermarkets were very supportive and provided a total discount of $295.
RI General Secretary and CEO John Hewko and Ukraine Friends CEO Brock D. Bierman signed a memorandum of understanding in July 2022 that calls for the organizations to work together to determine the viability of potential projects, distribute funds and in-kind donations, and prioritize joint efforts.
Many of us may know that Prince Phillip was an Honorary Member of five Rotary clubs including RC Windsor and Eton. Until five years before his death, the duke would attend meetings in ‘his’ club and refused to be treated differently from any other Rotarian. He showed the exemplary spirit of Rotary to all of us. As Rotarians, we have accepted the obligation and responsibilities of Rotary membership and are committed to Rotary Values, friendships and a life of Service Above Self. My dear fellow Rotarians, I wish you find ‘Inspiration in Service’ and ‘Enjoyment in the Fellowship’ of our club and the worldwide Rotary movement.
In October every club member will be issued with a Market Preference Nomination form upon which they can nominate their preferred market duties for 2023. Completion of the form is not mandatory. Members who do not nominate a preference will be allocated their four duties by the rosterer when compiling the market rosters for the year ahead. The roster for the full year 2023 will be finalised by the end of November and distributed to members well in advance of the new year.
rs which indicated that the majority of the 67 clubs in the district continue to struggle to attract and retain members: the average size of memberships of Rotary clubs in the district is 29. Rotary Glenferrie is one of the few lucky ones who came out ahead with 55 active members and nine honorary members as of today. Thank you to the membership committee and all club members, for your efforts to get us to this situation.
y last week. It is a Rotary International 75th Anniversary Commemorative Plate 1905 –1980 which she bought in August 1979 through Rotary Croydon. The gift came to me with a letter from the Rotary Club of Croydon. It was titled to Mr B. J. Vesely rather than Mrs B. J. Vesely. Until 1989, a woman couldn't be a Rotarian then and wasn't entitled to be called Mrs even as the partner (wife) a of Rotarian. What a special gift to me. It has carried the glory of Rotary as a service organisation for 118 years. Moreover, it made me think, where is Rotary going in the new era?
To book for Changeover 2022: Click here
The scholarship is valued at $1,000 per annum, of which the club will contribute $1,000, with the remaining $1,000 provided from the District Grant. 
