Happy New Year everyone! Welcome to the start of the year of celebrating Rotary’s Centenary of Service in Australia.
We all have a busy 5 or so months ahead in this Rotary year to raise some much-needed funds to be able to support our local community projects and set ourselves up for the year ahead.
Please remember that every Rotarian in the District and for that matter the world has been impacted by the pandemic, some more than others, so set some realistic goals on what is achievable in the next few months.
I strongly urge clubs to focus on the full year ahead in 2021 and develop work plans and project plans for the full year ahead and beyond. Do not fall into the trap of slowing the Club’s momentum just because we have changeover mid-year - just get on with it!
District Centenary Grants
It is pleasing to hear that many Clubs are considering the establishment of a permanent recognition of 100 Years of Rotary Service in Australia. District Grants of $1000 per Club are now available to support these projects.
The District Board strongly encourages Clubs to consider applying for these grants and to partner with other Clubs in our larger centres to maximise the money available – Remember the “Big R” approach.
Australia Day Celebrations
In addition to your club’s participation in local Australia Day celebrations, the combined Rotary Districts of Australia have put together an online free event. Please see below for further information about the event celebrating 100 years of Rotary in Australia bringing communities together through service, goodwill, and friendship. Come and join us on Australia Day as we Reflect, Respect, Celebrate.
The search is on to nominate our District Governor for 2023-24. Please see the article further on in the Centennial with the details.
I encourage clubs to identify and approach members who you believe have the qualities to lead our District. Individuals who are interested must approach their Club to endorse and submit their name for consideration. PDG Stephen is the point of contact if you require further information or assistance.
PDG Stephen Lamont is the Chair of the DG Nominating Committee for the District and has previously published in the September Centennial, an article demystifying the requirements and process for selecting a new District Governor.
District 9780 Conference 2020
Unfortunately plans to conduct our own District 9780 Conference this year have been abandoned due to the impact of the COVID pandemic. This decision was reached after consultation with our venues and taking into account the demograhics of our membership and lack of certainty with the vaccine roll out.
The combined Victorian Districts are planning a "Virtual Conference" on Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd May 2021. Planning has commenced with the Conference running along the lines of last year's Zone 8 Conference, for those who attended online. Please see the save the date flyer further down in the Centennial and "save the dates" to allow interested members to attend the Conference. Keep an eye out in future editions for further information.
'Vale' Past District Governor Geoff Anderson
It is with great sadness that I advise members of the District of the recent passing of Past District Governor Geoff Anderson, after a long illness. I have extended our sincere condolences to Geoff's wife Aevril and family.
PDG Geoff was a member of the Rotary Club of Highton and served as District Governor in 1996-97. Please see the tribute to Geoff's service to Rotary in the article below provided by RC Highton. Aevril is a former Charter Member of RC Bayside Geelong. I extend our condolences to the members of both clubs who both knew and served with Geoff and Aevril.
R.I.P Geoff Anderson
Wishing you all a great Centenary year ahead in 2021
DG Phil and Judy
Dear Club Presidents,
Re: DISTRICT GOVERNOR 2023-24
The Chair and members of the District Governor Nominating Committee would appreciate you circulating this letter to all of the members of your Rotary Club.
In accordance with the 2019 Bylaws of Rotary International Articles 12 and 13 (pages 36-40) and the Rotary Code of Policies: Sections 17.030.3(A), 17.040, 19.030, 26.070 the Rotary Clubs of District 9780 are invited to submit suggested candidates for the office of District Governor 2023-2024.
Suggestions in writing must be with the Nominating Committee Chair PDG Stephen Lamont either by post to - PO Box 17, Aireys Inlet VIC 3231 or email to stephenlamont9780@gmail.com by no later than 6.00pm Sunday 14 February 2021.
Suggestions are to be submitted on the District 9780 Governor Nominee Candidate Form signed by the Club President, Club Secretary and the agreement of the suggested candidate and supported by a resolution adopted at a regular meeting of the club.
The qualifications, responsibilities, requirements and duties of the Governor are clearly defined in the Manual of Procedure 2019 and in the document, “Lead Your District: Governor” which can be downloaded after typing the title into a search engine. Attention is also drawn to the matters of protocol outlined in the Bylaws of Rotary International, Article 13 – Nominations and Elections for Governor on pages 39 – 40 of the Manual of Procedure 2019.
Additional information to assist potential candidates is available from District Governor Nominating Committee Chair, PDG Stephen Lamont and/or the District 9780 website www.rotary9780.org at District Information → District Governor Nomination. Additional Information available includes:
Frequently Asked Questions - a Guide for Potential applicants for District Governor
District Governor 2023-2024 Overview of Competencies
Lead Your District Manual ( DG Training Manual )
District 9780 Governor Nominee Candidate Form
Any Past President who will have served a minimum of seven years as a Rotarian at the time of taking office and who would like to learn more about the role, requirements and responsibilities of the office of District Governor should contact PDG Stephen by e-mail on stephenlamont9780@gmail.com or by phone on 0412 152 933.
Yours in Rotary Service
DG Phil Beasley
January is Rotary’s Vocational Service Month, a great time to incorporate Vocational Service in your club projects and activities.
Vocational Service is at the core of Rotary, embedded in its history, present and future. It calls on us to foster high ethical standards in business, recognise the value of all occupations, and dignify our occupations as an opportunity to serve our communities. By including men and women from diverse professions and backgrounds, Rotary recognises the importance of all skills and occupations and encourages our members to use their skills and expertise to do good in our communities and the world.
This month is an ideal time to reflect on how the concept of Vocational Service is being woven into the fabric of each of our clubs around the world. The concept of Vocational Service is rooted in the second Object of Rotary. Every time we as Rotarians say or apply the Four Way Test, we reinforce our aspirations for high ethical standards.
Here are 5 ways you can incorporate Vocational Service in your club activities-
Host a club meeting at your work place and share your profession. Take time to learn about fellow Rotarians’ occupations.
Use your skills and expertise to serve the community.
Practice your profession with integrity and inspire others to behave ethically through your words and actions.
Work with local businesses to create mentorship, internship, or practicum opportunities to help young people achieve their career goals.
Guide and encourage others in their professional development.
Here are some examples of how to put your Vocational Service into action:
Geoff Anderson - A true Rotarian, who lived "Service Above Self"
Geoff Anderson joined Rotary and the Rotary Club of Highton on 21st September,1978 through sponsorship by his Uncle Max Anderson (Past President and Paul Harris Fellow).
Following in his Uncle’s footsteps, Geoff became not only President (1992/3) and Paul Harris Fellow (1994) but also District Governor (1996/7).
Geoff’s “trademark” was always being there to help whilst not looking for any recognition – a true Rotarian who lived “Service Above Self”. Whilst he served on District Committees and was Chairman of several Club Committees, his willingness to serve anywhere he was needed meant that he participated on all club committees and some special projects groups during his time in the Club.
His attendance at club projects was legendary – from being Father Christmas handing out Christmas gifts to needy children at Deakin University, to organising Australia Day events (where he received great support from his family providing the musical entertainment), to making his cherry picker available for the installation of banners promoting the Rotary Fun Run. The great social nights that he organised at the Anderson’s homestead in the Barrabool Hills were also something not to be forgotten.
Geoff was a true leader. Whilst he always encouraged, rather than pushed, he never shirked dealing with difficult situations or having the “hard conversations” which were sometimes necessary – especially during his time as District Governor.
His time as DG was highlighted by his leadership in actively supporting and promoting the ROMAC programme (which commenced in 1988), arranging disfigured children to come to Australia with their mother for medical and plastic surgery. The boost to Rotary’s image from Geoff’s efforts was remarkable.
It would be remiss not to mention Averil’s role in supporting Geoff throughout his Rotary career. Her experience and expertise in record keeping and helping with administration during DG Club visits together with reporting obligations obviously allowed Geoff to concentrate on the more important aspects of being a great District Governor.
The Rotary Club of Highton is thankful for having known Geoff and will remember his significant contribution not only to the Club but also to the wider world of Rotary.
Geoff passed away peacefully on the 20th December, 2020, aged 82.
President Paul Brewster
RC Highton
Sister Rose Marie Glennen, RSM ( An Inspiring Life)
President Glenn Brotchie and members of the Rotary Club of Warrnambool are saddened at the recent passing of Sister Rose Marie Glennen RSM.
"Rose" was principal of St. Ann's/CBC, and subsequent to the amalgamation of Emmanuel College (1988-1993).
In 1991 she joined our Club as the first female Rotarian in Warrnambool. At all times ‘Rose’ enthusiastically threw herself into the variety of Club working bees, always willing and able to play her part.
Rose would be proud of all the women who have followed in her footsteps. Our thoughts are with her family at this time.
"She truly was "a woman of mercy and justice".
Sister Rose’s association with Rotary came in 1991, at a time when women were not encouraged to join Rotary, historically a male bastion - when after some debate! -Rose became the first female member of the Warrnambool Rotary Club.
Rose was invited back to the Warrnambool Rotary Club in October 2018, where she gave those present her recollections of being the first female member in the Rotary Club. Rose enjoyed her time at the Club. “I benefitted greatly from meeting the Rotarians and enjoyed their company, their broad experience of many facets of life, the breadth of the presentations and so much more. I did enjoy working with members and their companionship, not only at meetings, but also at events that took place. I remember well joining the Saturday morning newspaper packing and I think I surprised some by coming, but once again felt welcome.
The biggest surprises I believe came from outside the club. I remember well the experience of being on the gate at the Warrnambool Show and a lady refusing to buy a ticket from me because she wanted a male Rotarian. Another disappointment was with some of the people I picked up for the annual Christmas party. Some of the people I picked up missed the opportunity to be taken out by a man - a woman Rotarian was quite a dampener on their night out.”
"Rose" grew up in the fertile region of Dalvui Lane in Noorat, one of the 15 children to Con and Maggie Glennen, growing up in a house with 4 rooms. A family reunion, held in 2017, was attended by their 6 surviving children and 76 grandchildren.....
For the Centenary of Rotary in Australia, DG Philip and partner Judy have chosen the Indigenous Literacy Foundation as a project for the Rotary Clubs of District 9780 to support.
By supporting the Indigenous Literacy Foundation in their important work, we as rotarians can open up opportunities to our First Nation People living in remote areas. Our support will help provide books and literacy programs to over 400 remote Indigenous communities across Australia, where they are needed most.
Just imagine if all of our rotary clubs in District 9780 worked together to raise funds. That would lead to a substantial donation we could make to this important foundation, which receives no government funding.
With your help we can make a real difference and“open opportunities” to many young Indigenous children across Australia. Our financial support will help spread the essential skill of reading across remote Australia and help to inspire a new generation of readers.
Thank you to all the District 9780 Rotary Clubs we have made DG Visits to so far, who have offered pledges of support.
Please use the following bank details to make your club / individual donation.
Rotary International District 9780,
BSB 633000, Account Number: 164 290 835.
Please put as your reference: ILF and your club / individual name.
Thank you for your support!
DG Phil and Judy
Do you have something great you would like to share with everyone in District 9780?
If you would like to place an article in the District Governor's Monthly Newsletter, "The Centennial", please contact the DG's Monthly
The need for social contact, that sense of belonging are needs that we all have. Further to that, is our collective strong desire as Rotarians to help and assist those in need, but we must not do this at the risk of becoming infected or infecting others.
Please follow the advice from the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services, available through this link:
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