RI Board decisions – January to April 2022
The RI Board has met four times to date in 2022, virtually and in-person. Amongst its decisions, the Board:
  • Agreed to approve, in principle, the pilot proposal for a new governance structure for Zone 8, subject to two conditions: (1) approval of the pilot by clubs and districts in Zone 8 (via a vote on or before 1 October 2022) and (2) a review of Rotary International’s costs to support the pilot.
  • Extended Rotary’s service partnerships with Habitat for Humanity International, Institute for Economics and Peace, Mediators beyond Borders and Shelterbox.
  • Affirmed its commitment to deliver the 2022 RI (Houston) Convention as an in-person event.
  • Elected Greg E Podd to The Rotary Foundation Trustees, beginning 1 July 2022.
I encourage you to review minutes of the RI Board Meetings available at www.rotary.org
Continue reading the report in "Read More".
 
Council on Legislation 2022
For the very first time, Council on Legislation was held as a hybrid event from 9-14 April 2022. It ran smoothly, although the time difference for delegates from our zone made virtual participation (overnight) challenging. 92 enactments were considered by delegates, 26 were passed.
Decisions passed will mean (amongst other things): changes to timing of distribution of club minutes, ability to sponsor prospective members to a club other than your own, revised timelines for election of RI President and Directors, increased RI dues and elimination of member attendance reporting requirements. Please consult your district delegate for information on all COL decisions.
 
Ukraine
I have been inspired by the power of Rotary to respond to the crisis in Ukraine. Clubs in Europe are supporting Ukraine citizens to evacuate, providing food and shelter to evacuees and organising and transporting much needed supplies, including medical supplies, into Ukraine. Rotarians right around the world are also raising funds and organising and transporting supplies.
The Rotary Foundation has prioritised disaster response grants for districts impacted by the crises and is working quickly to ensure grants are channelled to areas of need. Our Rotary related entities RAWCS and NZWCS are similarly raising funds and providing support, as are Rotary clubs and districts around the world.
 
Floods
I am equally impressed to see how Rotarians rallied to support those affected by flooding in New South Wales and Queensland. The stories of the impact of floods have been harrowing, yet Rotarians right across our zone are raising funds and providing much needed supplies. The Rotary Foundation has approved four disaster response grants to affected areas, while Districts, RAWCS and NZWCS are also conducting successful fundraising appeals.
 
Membership
The Zone membership numbers at the end of April 2022 have been released (1,284 clubs, 31,670 members). Our membership decline continues. Compared with the same time last year, the Zone has 1,327 fewer members and 23 fewer clubs. Despite this, there are some positive actions occurring, particularly with the development of new types of clubs. We need to continue to charter new clubs and improve retention, particularly for newer members.
 
Rotary Foundation Global Grant to District 9910
In other Rotary Foundation news, District 9910 has successfully applied for a Global Grant which will enhance children’s wellbeing in 60 Northland Primary Schools in New Zealand. The TE TAI TOKERAU TAMARIKI MENTAL WELLBEING project will train teachers and provide resources to help students develop emotional literacy and self-regulation through the Think and Be Me (TBME) Program vocational training and resources. It will support 60 schools, 450 teachers, and approximately 9,000 children. For more information, visit Feelings for Life Charitable Trust
 
Polio
Polio case numbers continue to be low, with three cases recorded to date in 2022 (1 Afghanistan, 2 Pakistan). Numbers of circulating vaccine derived polio are also low. If you haven’t visited the Global Polio Eradication Initiative site lately, I encourage you to do so – it’s very informative with all the latest numbers, news and reports. GPEI – Global Polio Eradication Initiative
 
Zone appointments
I am pleased to advise that PDG John Prendergast has been appointed to the role of Zone 8 Training Leader to lead development and delivery of GETS and GNTS.
PDG Murray Verso will take up the role of Zone 8 End Polio Now Co-ordinator from 1 July 2022, succeeding PDG Bob Aitken who finishes his term at the end of June.
 
Zone Conference (Institute) 2022 – 28-30 October 2022, Canberra – Save the Date
 
It is absolutely time for us to get together in person once again!
 
Please join us in Canberra, Australia for the Zone Conference from 28- 30 October 2022. To be held at the National Canberra Convention Centre the event will run from Friday evening to Sunday 1.00 pm and feature great speakers, lively breakout sessions and a dinner at Old Parliament House on Saturday evening.
 
There will be time for class dinners on Friday evening and an opportunity to meet incoming RI President Gordon McInally. Governor-
Elect and Governor Nominee Training will be held at the same venue from Tuesday to Thursday 25- 27 October.
Event planning is well underway. The website and registrations will go live in late May, with an early-bird discount to encourage early registrations. Canberra is a great base for a mini-break! Please save the date.
 
 
Any questions?
  If you have any questions or just want to chat, please don’t hesitate to contact me via email at: jessieharman@gmail.com or via phone on 0407 835 954.