It has been another busy month for Jude and myself as we approach the midway point of the Governor term. Christmas is fast approaching and after that only seven weeks to District conference.
I would ask all those many Rotarians who have advised that they will be attending to register as soon as possible, easily done via the district website or click on https://form.jotformpro.com/72652318807965
The past week has seen the completion of DG Official visits to all “conventional” Rotary clubs,there now remains only eClub Latitude 38 and our two Rotaract Clubs to visit. An extraordinary experience with fabulous hospitality extended to us by Clubs and Rotarians across the District.
For those Clubs who are seeking information on how they can participate in our Rotary Australia wide project to end Trachoma by 2020, you can contact PP Sally Dell of RC Warragul who has taken up the role of District Trachoma Champion for the next three years .
Some decisions which will affect the future of Rotary across Australia have been taken by the currently 21 AustralianDistricts over the past four months. With falling membership across Australia, we lost 1000 members nett last year,which is 3% of our total,and the trend not looking to improve in the short term many districts had already or would soon fall below the minimum numbers to continueunder Rotary rules as independent Districts. Amalgamation of Districts will occur in the immediate future in all states other than Victoria and Tasmania.
A specially designed Rotary Leadership (Learning) Institute program is planned to be held in EastGippsland over the weekend of 20-21 January 2018can accommodate 20 participants and will be run for a minimum of twelve participants. A great opportunity for EG Cluster Clubs and perhaps the Sale, Sale Central and Maffra Clubs to undertake this program locally and over one weekend. Information available from PP David Hanlon david.hanlon@sandhurst.net.au
Last week along with PDG Tony Spring we hosted more than 100 Rotarians from 24 Clubs from District 3232 Chennai in India. Over a period of 4 days in Victoria they visited D9800, D9820 and D9878 including visits to our fabulous Phillip Island, the MCG with an inspection followed by Dinner in the Long Room and a day trip to the Great Ocean Road.
Any Club that would like to develop a sister club relationship with one of these vibrant and often young Indian Clubs can contact me or PDG Tony for contact details.
One of the things which has stood out amongst the Clubs I have visited either officially or for changeover is the difference between those who have undertaken a future planning or club visioning program and those who have not. Our District Club Visioning team is ready and available to assist any club to secure their future. Please contact PP Phil Dressing to enquire orexpress you interest in the Rotary Visioning program.
Christmas or not, the Rotary year keeps rolling on and I am reminded that Rotary International's fight against Polio, an insidious disease which has held the world to ransom for thousands of years grip looks to be all but over, due to the enormous efforts of Rotarians across the world and more recently the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Polio is now only active in only two countries and with a sustained effort over coming months that should soon be zero. Rotarians across District 9820 recently got together to raise money to continue the fight, watching the blockbuster film `Murder on the Orient Express' at various charity showings. Thousands of dollars were raised. Many thanks to those who attended and even bigger thanks to those who put in the effort to organise the nights, suppers etc. It's all worthwhile.
More news in the December Bulletin which, Peter tells me, should be published just before the Christmas break. The first issue for 2018 will be published in February.
