In 2004, I had just returned from working in an eye camp in Oecussi, East Timor as part of the East Timor Eye Program (ETEP). Oecussi is the annexed state situated in North West Timor and was the most brutalised and oppressed part of East Timor, especially during the Civil War of Independence from Indonesia.
I remember showing photos of the people there and of my work. I always remember one person’s comment was that they “don’t look poor”. When I recently read Tim Winton’s comments – “The [modern] elite understands exotic poverty... but it often fails to recognise domestic hardship: poverty of choice, poverty born of constraint, the poverty that is working servitude or the bonded shame of unemployment.” This reminded me of all the hidden poverty in our society and the great good that Rotary gives us all a chance to right this wrong. Another gem I learnt off Dr Claus Bogh of the Sumba Foundation is that poverty is always a block away from the main road in Asia, that the rich can afford the land where electricity is available.
So Mental Health Poverty is what our club is addressing by getting behind our latest project of “Lift the Lid” with ou
r golf day at Kingston Heath coming up on May 24th. I thank Elizabeth and her team for endeavouring to push forward to make this a great day. I urge you all to be involved even if it is buying some raffle tickets. Kingston Heath Golf Club is one of the premier golf courses in Australia and with the right positive marketing to golfers in the know, we should have a sell out.As President and since this golf day is on a Tuesday, I have made the decision to transfer our regular club meeting to Kingston Heath. There is an option just to attend the BBQ - so please consider. Please book as soon as possible since we need to know numbers to plan ahead. Tomorrow night there is an information night about this event. Support our club in this fund raiser in some compacity.
By the time of this Bulletin being published, our club’s effort for “Clean up Australia” championed by Alex Marshall would have been conducted. Thanks for all those giving of their time to clean up round our Farmer’s Market precinct – Patterson’s Reserve.
The Board met last week;
The major issues are the golf day and the Afghan music event. Other issues are outlined below. There have been requests for new RC Glenferrie rugby and polo tops. A conservative look is more desired. This will be investigated.
Terrace Party – We are on March 29th having our annual BBQ on the terrace. Outside so COVID friendly. Lynette Spencer is in organising mode and we will need to know numbers intending to come a couple of weeks prior.
Changeover Date – Our Changeover is June 14th. Please place this date in your diaries for the big social event on our calendar.
Afghan Music Event – We are still after members to take the challenge to run this event. These shows will be an opportunity to welcome the over 4000 people recently evacuated to Australia from Afghanistan, and to recognize the efforts of Australian Defence Force members and public servants who helped get them out. Most likely for Aug 26th to coincide with the anniversary of the Kabul evacuation.
District Conference – Albury 22 to 24th April. Please consider coming especially the new members, since this is best way to gain insight into the immense exciting world of Rotary. On the Friday night we have booked a restaurant for the club in the main street, so please let us know who is coming so we can share the details.
We have 2 inductees for a formal initiation into our family so please attend tomorrow to support our newest members.
President Mark