As I reflect on the year so far, on my front deck with No. 1 assistant, I have to admit that I had an idea that in 2019-20 things would be different. I had an idea we would dare to be different and ‘Break the Chains”. Little did I know just how different this year was going to be. Reflecting on what has happened both in Australia and the globally, the changes are far beyond my imagination - it’s not quite what I had in mind. However, among the famine, flood, fires and plague there are opportunities to create a better world, and a better Rotary. We need to seize them, to look for them and incorporate them in our clubs, in our district, in our communities and beyond.District Conference Cancellation
It was a very sad day when I had to advise everyone that the District Conference was cancelled. The rapid development of COVID-19 subsequently however, has showed it was indeed the right decision. I mentioned in that message “We will now begin the process of negotiating with suppliers in order to minimise those costs to in turn maximise refunds.” The fantastic news is we have been very successful and will be able to provide 100% refunds to those registered for conference.
COVID-19 Coronavirus
Since I put out the first edition of COVID-19 Coronavirus Guide for Rotary Clubs on March 14th, there has been almost daily changes to the recommendations and regulations from our State and Federal leaders, as every effort is made to slow the new infection rates to save our health system being overwhelmed. The most important message right now for us all is to stay at home and avoid all gatherings of people. An updated version can now be viewed on the District website and on Facebook. Here’s a quick link COVID 19 Rotary Club Guide Updated 29th March 2020. This updated version contains some important mental health additions.
We are still seeing growth in COVID-19 cases though there is some guarded optimism from the Government. Our duty is clear, do everything we can to support all efforts to “flatten the curve”, so our health system can cope. If collectively as Australian citizens and residents we don’t, then when the infection rate peaks we will not have enough ventilators for everyone who needs one. That means unnecessary fatalities. Please do NOT treat COVID-19 lightly.
Controls put on Indoor and outdoor gatherings mean our clubs can no longer go about normal business. We can no longer hold physical meetings or run most of our fundraisers or projects. In District, many programmes and events have been curtailed or switched to alternative delivery methods. Later stories in Chain Mail cover the current status of District Programmes and Events and guidance for Clubs to maintain communication and engagement with their members.
East Gippsland Fire Relief
With the focus very much on COVID-19 it is not surprising that donations to the various relief funds have largely dried up for now. That doesn’t mean the relief efforts have stopped though. Our East Gippsland Rotary Fire Aid Committee are continuing to do excellent work. District Emergency Chair PDG Janne and I visited Mallacoota (before the Coronavirus lockdowns) to investigate how we can assist and met with several key community leaders. You’ll see the photo of a tinnie that didn’t come through the fires well!. Updates are included later in Chain Mail from EGRFA Committee Chair Pearl and District Emergency Chair Janne.Brilliant Efforts by Clubs
I am amazed and very heartened by how clubs are adapting to these difficult times. There are clubs I would never have expected to that have embraced Zoom and other online meeting tools, and WhatsApp and other group communication tools. Wow! I am so impressed. Well done everyone. I know you have some members who haven’t embraced this. Please use your more I.T savvy members to mentor and assist those not so early to embrace. Communication right now is critical, so if you can’t get some members over the line, please be sure that they get regular telephone contact to keep them up to date. Do you know, most who don’t embrace the technology wrongly fear it is too complicated or difficult for them? Seriously, it is not, that’s why I ask that mentoring assistance is put in place for these members. Just remember, despite the world as we know it falling apart, we are current, we are cool, we’re right there so as Rotarians we can continue the great work we do, even when in isolation. Prove me right!
Stay safe everyone
Froggie
