Joining the Rotary world has allowed me to continue to help others in need and I still marvel at how the effects of the simplest act of kindness can last forever. Rotary is indeed a phenomenal and unique organisation consisting of members worldwide, there are no boundaries, we have different backgrounds and cultures, and yet, we come together as one to better the lives of those in need. We belong to an organisation that has had a profound impact on our world through effective, sustainable service. Since Rotary was founded we have formed partnerships with like-minded organisations, launched the worlds’ largest joint public-private health initiative and funded countless projects that have improved both local and global communities. In Rotary, we unite because we know that we are far stronger together than we ever could be alone. It’s only by coming together that we’re able to accomplish so much. We work to create lasting change for the good, change that will continue long after our involvement has ended, change across the globe and in our communities – reaching out to those we may never meet, and those closest to our hearts. And perhaps the most important of all – change within ourselves. This way of thinking is reflected in the new vision Statement from RI released in San Diego this year which is. “together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves”.
As a Club, you may at times feel a little weary, some of you may wish you were a couple of years younger…and yet you make a considerable contribution to your community.
Your involvement and contribution to all avenues of service is extensive, and I commend you on just how many you participate in. The Willetton Community Garden, Rotary Residential College, Oberthur Primary School, and other various primary schools and Salvation Army are just a couple of the worthy beneficiaries of your generosity. You nurture and guide the Youth in your community by supporting the Leadership programs; attending these programs builds confidence in participants; instilling in them the desire to aim high and conquer their fears; the Pride of Workmanship Awards acknowledges employees for their outstanding efforts – this lifts their spirits and encourages them to continue to be outstanding in their field; the science experience provides a unique opportunity for clever minds – and may open the door to many opportunities. It is both surprising & rewarding to see the confidence that is instilled in participants of the 4 way speech test. The opportunity to overcome fears of speaking in a public arena is highly beneficial. Your International programs provide vital supplies & infrastructure for long term sustainability & growth. Due to your contribution to Shelterbox, and indeed the majority of Clubs in our District, a Shelterbox Response Team was despatched to Lombok following the devastating earthquakes.
Your tireless efforts contribute to lifting spirits, building confidence and making dreams a reality; definitely fitting the theme of “be the inspiration”.
I would like to encourage you to aim for a Rotary Citation – There are 3 areas of focus and at least 3 goals in each must be achieved. You’re a supportive Club, and I am confident you could achieve a Citation. I believe it has the capacity to lift morale within a Club as all members are striving for the same outcome, you’re working together, being inclusive – it can only have a positive outcome as a feeling of belonging and achieving something together is rewarded. Assistance is always available – you only need to ask. I would love to make headlines with a record number of Citations for our District!
Let’s continue to promote Rotary - Wear a shirt on February 23rd, hold a Rotary Day, flood the community with your stories & contributions that benefit so many. Have a display with balloons, banners, photos. A colourful display should peak some interest…. a fairly easy accomplishment with great potential. Let’s be noisy about wearing a Rotary shirt on February 23rd - and be proud to be a Rotarian.
I have a better understanding of Rotaract since joining the District team and taking the time to meet with our younger Rotarians. A Rotaract Club in Katanning has just been chartered, and hopefully Bunbury will be next. We need to ensure Rotaractors’ make the transition into Rotary – unfortunately, we lose far too many after their Rotaract days. Consider inviting Rotaract members to assist your Club on projects where you could benefit from younger, energetic, like-minded souls, and let’s build a stronger tie with Rotaract.
And of course, I know you know where Collie is – Google does if you don’t, so I don’t need to give you a mud map to find your way to our Conference next year. I plan on showcasing country hospitality; no need for high heels – they’re not permitted due to the special flooring of the conference centre. As you can imagine, no matter what style chair I provide – with the exception of a lounge chair, you’re going to become a little uncomfortable, so I don’t mind if you bring along a cushion. And for the Governor’s dinner, I would love to see you wearing checked shirts & comfortable footwear to stomp the night away. Shuttle buses will be available, so there’s no excuse for not letting your hair down. We also have a 9 hole 2 person ambrose game planned for Friday.
There will be a significant event happening during the Governor’s dinner. I have chosen to support the end Polio campaign. A campaign we have been diligently working on for some 30 years; however, having been so close, we have had a setback recently and cannot afford to let our guard down. It is devastating to have 12 reported cases in PNG – and as close as Port Moresby. It has proven very difficult to reach the remote villages where the cases have stemmed from. This number includes 2 vaccine derived poliovirus cases. It proves more than ever, that we need to focus on education with hygiene & clean water. When we declare no reported cases for 12 months in the world, we need to continue reporting and vaccinating & educating the children of the world for another 3 years – only then, can we declare we are Polio free when after those 3 years – there are NO new cases. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation believes in our cause and have pledged to continue their funding. I wanted to do something significant, something a little different & unique to encourage Clubs, and indeed individual members and friends, to consider donating to this vital project, so I thought shaving my head will certainly be different and hopefully a big enough bribe for you to consider contributing. My USA counterparts I met in San Diego this year cannot believe what I’m going to do – and at times, I can’t either, but I hope it will be a big enough impact to raise awareness of our campaign.
Finally, Thank you.
Thank you for being Rotarians and doing good in the world; and I would also like to acknowledge friends, family and partners; their support and contribution is a vital part of your success.
To assist with your continued support and hopefully boost your contributions, as a personal thank you gift, I would like to present you with this scratchie – may you scratch to win $100,000!
Thank you for your support – I look forward to the next 12 months and being your inspiration!