Dear Members,
Thanks for this opportunity to lead our club again this Rotary year.
I would like to encourage all members to consider standing for President , currently we have a PE a PE Nominee, we will in November at our AGM select a PE Nominee. If we can maintain this level of commitment to the club management program I am sure other members will reconsider WHY THEY have held back, we will need to recycle some passed Presidents. If you consider the job of President, it is one of the easiest jobs in the club. You set up the clubs program from the information supplied to you by the clubs service chairpersons. Report the program to the DG then you just encourage and support the chairpersons and the program and once a week you stand up and welcome members and guests.
This year we have a Fellowship Chairperson, this was once always part of any Rotary club. Fellowship has always been a part of Rotary but over the last 10 years we have forgotten this important part of what Rotary has to offer members, fellowship. This year I would like us to have 3 or 4 outings these can be just social or could be part Vocational.
Please all think about how we can build on what we currently do and how we can improve and grow this year.
Remember what I said at our Changeover , what I would like to achieve this year.
Consolidate / Improve/ maintain/ Build.
Monday night was just a social get together and we should do more of this.
I look forward to catching up again next Monday.
Yours in Rotary
Ray
Joanne Cairney and Meghna Pathak from Monash Uni (based at the Alfred).
Joanne, an Occupational Therapist, joined the School of Public Health & Preventive Medicine at Monash University, which is conducting large scale population studies regarding healthy aging. She discussed the "Staree" (Statins in Reducing Events in the Elderly) research program, which is being funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), and involves several universities coordinated by Monash Uni.
You can participate in this study if you are aged 70 years or over, in good health and have no prior history of heart disease or stroke, or diabetes.
Your contribution to research into prolonging a healthy life and preventing cardiovascular disease and dementia is greatly appreciated.
For more information, call 1800 770 664 or email staree@monash.edu.
From low gear leaving Docklands at 5 knots, the Port Phillip Bay crossing at an effortless 32 knots (into a howling headwind) was exhilarating for those who wanted some sea air... Melbourne is just visible in the distance.
Portarlington Golf Club excelled at catering Sunday Lunch for Charter Members Barry Hanson and Lavinia, Peter McDermott and Jeanette, and the rest of our group.
L-R: Program Chair Bob Rawson with Dr Steve Carbone.
Steve has worked as a GP, but is now more involved with Health Policy, as the current Chair of "Prevention United", a new organisation with an exclusive focus on mental health awareness and advocacy. Steve has previously worked for Head Space and Beyond Blue. He discussed how common mental health conditions are, covering a wide range including depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar, behavioural disorders. One in two people will experience a mental health condition during their lifetime. While spending on mental health has doubled in real terms during the past 25 years, the proportion of people with mental health conditions is not dropping. Current thinking is that prevention and treatment are complementary, not competing endeavours, and more emphasis on prevention is required. Steve was knowledgeable and complimentary about the work of Australian Rotary Health in the Mental Health Field.
An opportunity awaits for you to learn more about Rotary with like-minded people.
The Rotary Leadership Institute is a four part program where you will learn a little more about Rotary, the early history, traditions, the Rotary Foundation, and its relevance in the world today. You will make new friends in an enjoyable environment.
This program is perfect for members who have joined Rotary in the last 12 months and indeed people who may be interested in becoming involved in Rotary activities. We have two programs awaiting your involvement. You may wish to attend a Program to be held on Sunday the 5th and 19th of May at Montague School in South Melbourne or you may wish to attend a program to be held in Bendigo on Sunday the 28th of July. Please check the District 9800 Web page for more details.
Treasurer Maureen Maunders looks delighted to receive a cheque for $4500 from PP Frank, on behalf of the Charity Golf Day organising committee. The funds will be used for Rotary Projects- Community, International, Youth and Vocational.
PDG Dr Murray Verso lead a group of Rotarians to Gallipoli for the 100th Centenary in 2015, and has researched the Australian Medical Services during the Gallipoli Campaign.
At the start of WWI, there were only 4 doctors in the Australian Army, but over 270 doctors ended up serving in Gallipoli. Lot's of learning on the job, under primitive conditions by todays standards, with no antibiotics and limited resources.
Sir Neville House, a soldier-surgeon, was the 1st Australian to win a VC, and the only doctor to have done so. He was knighted 3 times.
It would be great to have Murray back again- if "Plan B" was so enlightening, "Plan A" should not be missed...
Major beneficiary, Very Special Kids, is a children’s charity which supports over 900 Victorian families throughout their experience of caring for children with a life-threatening condition.
Altona City Rotary President, Bronwyn Fanning, said she was delighted with the record number of teams entered this year, and the generous support by sponsors.
Following the 17th annual Charity Golf Day held at Kooringal Golf Club, Altona City Rotary has now raised a total of over $98,000 for Very Special Kids, together with additional funds of around $60,000 for local and International Rotary projects.
Rotary members throughout the world take action to make communities better. Rotary’s top priority is the global eradication of polio. Rotary launched its polio immunisation program in 1985 and in 1988 became a leading partner in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative.
L-R: Jan Douglas, Marg O’Neill, Charlie Montebello, Michael Wasley and Bill Hearn.
On 24 Oct, ACRC supported the HB Council's School day in Logan Reserve by cooking and serving 800 sausages. Free to school children. A gold coin donation from Adults raised funds for drought relief. (A real pleasure to work with Lauren (who supplied the photo) and other Council Officers who covered for one member who thought working "10 to 12" meant not being required until 11.50am...)
L-R: Program Chairman Bob and Sergeant Tony Jenkins. Tony joined Vic Police in 1989 and has spent 15 years working in Hobsons Bay. Following the 2009 "Black Saturday" event, a revised Emergency Management Act was released in 2013, and Emergency Management Victoria was formed in 2014 to provide overall coordination of emergencies at State level. The Vic Police role is: "Control, Command, and Coordination."
Tony emphasized some practical advice:
The Municipal Emergency Management Plan for Hobsons Bay is available on the City of Hobsons Bay Web Site.
The "Vic Emergency" app for smart phones is very useful and can be used to create "watch zones." (A number of Rotarians used this at the last District Conference in Warnambool).
Sky News provides 24 hr news and is useful for obtaining information regarding emergencies.
Julie Mason (Principal) and Baden Powell College: Julie has received many accolades over more than 40 years’ service to education, including being awarded Victorian Primary Principal of the Year in 2005. Her school, Baden Powell College, was recognized for offering students the opportunity to join service clubs for students - an Earlyact Club for primary students and an Interact Club for secondary students.
Sally Tonge (Wembley Primary School) is an inspirational teacher who has supported students through our Response to Intervention Program. Through a laser like focus on learning, a collaborative culture, and a focus on data, she leads a differentiated program in Literacy and Numeracy for students from years Prep through to 6. As a result, students have achieved high learning growth across all learning areas.
Josephine Montalti (Laverton P-12 College) is a positive influence in the lives of so many students, and an outstanding leader and Acting Assistant Principal. She works with all staff to influence them positively towards the Schools goals each year. She seeks improvement for every student and staff member along with higher expectations for effort and performance.
Amy O’Dowd (Newport Lakes Primary School) was nominated by the parents of Class 10 because she is committed to building strong relationships with each child in her class, understanding their needs and tailoring learning to meet those individual needs. She is an astute communicator, building a strong rapport with families using an amazing weekly blog that keeps parents informed and helps them engage with their children.
Hobson’s Bay Mayor, Angela Altair, presented the Altona City Rotary Club’s inaugural Vocational Awards for Teaching Excellence at a special dinner held at the Kooringal Golf Club on 22 October. Another highlight of this special night was a terrific presentation by best-selling author, actress and online marketing specialist Bernadette Schwerdt. She spoke about how to build an effective online business.
Positive feedback was received from Mayor Angela Altair, Past District Governor Dr Murray Verso, and Guest Speaker Bernadette Schwerdt:
(Emeritus) Mayor, Angela Altair said:
It was very rewarding to be involved in the Altona City Rotary Club’s inaugural Vocational Awards for Teaching Excellence.
What a great opportunity to shine a light on our hardworking teachers who bring so much passion and commitment to their work.
Teachers and principals play a pivotal role in young people’s lives, often becoming a source of inspiration.
Through the good work of our friends at Rotary, Hobsons Bay’s valuable school principals and teachers got the recognition they deserved.
Congratulations to Rotary on this great event and to everyone who received an award. On behalf of the city, thank you for your dedication.”
PDG Dr Murray Verso said:
"The teaching awards night was a great initiative by the Altona City Rotary Club. The outstanding work of our best teachers often goes unheralded. The dinner enabled the wider community to gain some insight into how four exceptional teachers were having positive impacts on the students in their schools. It was inspiring stuff.”
And Guest Speaker, Bernadette Schwerdt, told us:
"Altona City Rotary sure know how to put on an event. It was a privilege to be invited to speak to the club and to see the great work they do. It was great to see those incredible teachers get rewarded for the dedication they have to their students and to see how Rotary plays a part in helping them get recognised."
Congratulations to the four teachers honoured- Amy O'Dowd, Josephine Montalti, Sally Tonge, and Julie Mason, whose citations are summarized below.
L-R: Leon Mancini and Adrian Mancini (no relation).
Congratulations to Leon for arranging an excellent evening, and to Adrian for his heart felt talk about his daughter Mia. Adrian shared the heartbreak when he and his wife Chantal were advised, after genetic testing, in April 2017, that Mia was positive for RETT Syndrome. Adrian and his wife don't want to accept the RETT Syndrome for MIA, now 31/2, and are fund raising for the US-based RETT Syndrome Research Trust.
The Raffle run by Charlie Montebello raised A$615.00 which will be used to support RETT Syndrome Research, as decided by the Board of ACRC.
The StarWeekly published the following notice today (11 Oct) under "Community Briefs:"
"Altona City Rotary Club is seeking nominations for the inaugural vocational awards for school principals and teachers in Hobsons Bay. Nominations, with background material and a short citation, should be sent to info@altonacityrotary.com.au by October 16. Winners will be announced October 22."
Thanks to PDG Julie Mason, Loretta Cormack, Gaye Witney, and Jan Douglas for connecting us with some of the primary and secondary schools in Hobsons Bay. We've also been advised that the new local Police Commander and his deputy will be attending as they see this as a good opportunity for networking.
The club is looking for someone to take up the role of Bulletin Editor for next year 2019/2020.
As we has seen this year that the use of Club Runner to prepare the weekly news bulletin has a good basic format which would make the task manageable .
As I try to put the clubs management team together for next year 2019/2020 l would like all members to have a good level of involvement in running our club.
It would be GREAT if this was the first year in many that we had to take a vote for some of the positions.
I am hoping that all members have the same feeling.
Please think of how you can be of serve and the contribution you have to offer to our club and community.
The club is looking for someone to take up the role of Bulletin Editor for next year 2019/2020.
As we has seen this year the use of Club Runner to prepare the weekly news bulletin has a good basic format which would make the task manageable .
As I try to put the club's management team together for next year 2019/2020 l would like all members to have a good level of involvement in running our club.
It would be GREAT if this was the first year in many that we had to take a vote for some of the positions.
I am hoping that all members have the same feeling.
Please think of how you can be of service and the contribution you have to offer to our club and community.
Since initiation in 2004, Australian Rotary Health (ARH) has administered over 100 PhD scholarships in various health areas.
The program enables Rotary Clubs, or individual Rotarians, to participate in an area of health research of their choice.
A PhD scholarship recipient receives $30,000 p.a., tax-free for up to 3 years, with a possible 6-month extension.
Annual contributions are:
Rotary Club: $12,000.
Australian Rotary Health: $7,000 and
University/Research Institute: $11,000.
Partners (i.e. Rotary Club, individual Rotarians or Australian Corporations) choose the Area of Health, Name of the Scholarship, Location of Research (e.g. Australian State).
ARH organizes:
Advertising of scholarship at Universities, Research Institutes, and Research Centres (such as Hospitals), and directly to nominated researchers known to have interest or expertise in a field.
Selection of Awardee (all scholarship applications are competitively assessed by 3 experts within the Club's chosen health area).
University arrangements and scholarship administration.
All partners receive reports from the PhD scholars and can have regular contact (e.g. speaking on aspects of the PhD scholarship at Rotary functions).
The research must be carried out in Australia, and the scholar must have Australian or NZ citizenship or Australian Permanent Residency.
Preliminary enquiries indicate that a one-off District 9800 Foundation Grant of up to $2,500 may be possible.
Wouldn't it be great if ACRC could commit to fund a PhD scholarship, in a health area of the Club's choice... a worthy challenge for further discussion!
Guest Speaker Sandi Fulcher with (new member) Danny Civitico.
Sandi, accompanied by Tracey (both Rotarians from RC of Chadstone/East Malvern, (also AG Paul Rake's Club)), presented the story of "Seven Women."
Stephanie Woollard, a former Rotary Peace Scholar, at age 22, founded Seven Women in Nepal using her last $200 of travel money, to train 7 disabled women. Since then, over 5,500 women have now been trained using leased facilities at the "Seven Women's Centre," which includes a sewing room, library, and offices. Education programs include sewing, literacy, growing vegetables, and managing money. A project to develop "The Seven Women Boutique Hotel" is now underway.
The Club was inspired by Sandi's presentation (Sandi is the Exec Assistant to CEO Stephanie Woollard) and donated $250.00 for a full year's scholarship to Seven Women. Several members made purchases including Stephanie's book and some scarfs made by the women (see our Fashionista Models in action below).
L-R: Gaye Witney (Altona Rotary's Youth Director) and PP Bob Rawson
Gaye explained that EdConnect is a non-profit organization, that has developed from a collaboration of Time Help (formerly based in Geelong) and a WA School Volunteer Program. The team at EdConnect has been training volunteers and connecting them with local schools across Australia for over 20 years. At any one time they have over 1,000 volunteers active in more than 230 schools across the country. Following careful screening and training volunteers provide tailored support to individual students, or learning support in classrooms. Volunteers can play a key role in boosting student confidence and self-esteem, helping improve literacy and numeracy, and also enjoy new friends and networks... The Vic Dept of Education is now providing $300,000 support for this program over 3 years.
L-R: Marg O'Neill, Charlie Montebello, Cheryl, Mandy and Ray.
Running a "JV" BBQ at the Pier Street Market to raise funds for "Tour de Cure," which has raised A$31 Million since 2007, and funded 266 world-class cancer research, support & prevention projects. While the crowd size was smaller than normal (due to weather) we raised over $400, which will be increased through a 23K walk which Marg is arranging.
Michael Walstrom (D9630) conducted a survey regarding young professionals, and learned that young professionals are looking for networking and mentorship, but have concerns about time, money and family commitments. Rotary can offer considerable value to young people, to enhance their personal and professional development E.g:
Networking: People do business with those they know, like and trust. Rotary can help to expand networks.
Leadership: Through Rotary, young people are able to establish themselves as leaders in the community. "Come, join us, be a leader" is a strong value proposition.
Mentorship: Many young people are interested in working with community leaders and in being mentored.
Time & Money: Clubs like ours have increasing flexibility to address time and money issues...
Family Commitments: Family is important and families are welcome!
What other value propositions does ACRC have for young people? Let's fine-tune our messages to encourage younger members!
L-R: President Bronnie, District Governor Bronwyn Stephens, and AG Paul Rake.
Bronwyn is a DG who leads by example- continuing to involve herself in "hands on" projects like "Donations in Kind."
A key message from Bronwyn:
"Rotary for me allows a person to take an idea to help another person, a community, a country or the whole world... and for like-minded people to join them to make it happen."
"The Governor is part of the District support team. If I can help in any way, please call me... that's what Rotary friends are for.
Thanks again for your help with promoting out Multi District Conference. There are over 1300 registered from across Victoria and around 500 from District 9800.
It's not too late for members to register and we will be offering the Early Bird discount until next Sunday. Payment from now on will need to be by credit card.
Attached is a list for all D9800 Clubs up current until Sunday morning.
I have attached details about the Rotary Showcase “What Rotary does?” which is a fantastic opportunity for your Club to share its favourite projects with other clubs.
I will be emailing all those registered for the conference next week with details of:
Final Program
Leadership and Foundation Breakfasts
Details of dietary requests on file requesting any update of details.
In mid-January I will update information on venue access, carparking, dress for the Gala Dinner etc but most of this information is available on the website www.rotaryconference.org.au
Promoting Rotary Clubs is easier with a creative brochure.
Julie Mason & Kerry Kornhauser would like to help Clubs create such a brochure displaying our strengths, projects and new member opportunities. Who would like to attend with me? Regards,
Congratulations and best wishes to Majors Brooke Jones and John Waskiw (Honorary Members of ACRC) on marrying. We understand (from Facebook) that the ADF has reassigned both to Malaysia. Would love to have an overseas roving Bulletin Correspondent- please send us some pics and stories, or You Tube videos, whenever you get a chance. Ed.
While Marg has worked at CBA for 33 years, covering 17 different roles, she focused on her family background. Her Dad left Ireland, came to Australia, and worked in Tassie on a Hydro scheme, and raised seven children! As a result of her Irish heritage, Marg never works on St Patricks day... After school Marg's ambition was to go into child care, but her Mum highlighted a bank Job. Instead of becoming a teller, Marg became a typist, and after leaving head office for the 1st time, became a Bank Manager.
At Reservoir, Marg became involved in a Women's Refuge, and ended up running an 8 week program at "Wellways" for some years.
Marg raised son Troy (now 31) on her own for 28 years. Troy has Schizophrenia, and this year he finally obtained the help he needs, after some strong advocacy by Marg.
Marg's passions include lots of travel, riding motor bikes, cycling, mountain climbing and gardening. (We are very fortunate Marg has joined ACRC... local Bank Managers have a history of making a wonderful contribution to ACRC...Ed.)
ACRC has been invited to join the Altona-Laverton Historical Society to launch their book "A Bush Hospital by the Bay - Altona Hospital 1932-1996."
Your club is mentioned within the pages and this might be of interest to you. Please join us at Louis Joel Centre 7pm on 21st August for a light supper and launch. RSVP with numbers for catering please. (from Maureen Lane [mlane21@bigpond.com]).
(Note the authors are Ann Cassar, Jim Hevey, Maureen Lane, and Graeme Reilly).
Ann Goodwin presented her 5 weeks "mother and daughter" rail journey from Hong Kong to Helsinki, 10 years ago, around the time of the Beijing Olympics. Highlights included the Panda enclosure at Beijing Zoo, walking on the Great Wall of China, visiting lots of Art Galleries and Museums, and ending up in Finland at former Host Daughter Janna's wedding in Helsinki.
Challenges included:
Interrogations about validity of daughter's passport with officials wanting to inspect her teeth...
Being caught in a hailstorm, while on horseback in Mongolia
Having to self-cater for 3 days on a train segment where the train only supplied hot water... (Just how many ways are there to cook noodles?)
Congratulations Ann and Jane... (Ed. is proud and in awe, but has NO ambition to follow).
On Thursday, 31 July D9800 District Governor Bronwyn Stephens and DIK Supervisors Bob Glinderman, Laurie Fisher and David Dippie awarded Barry’s carer, Rosemary Rogan, a PHF (Paul Harris Fellow) in recognition of the years of service she has given to DIK.
She has been attending DIK weekly as long as Barry, which is approximately 17 years.
While there as Barry’s carer, she has worked tirelessly sorting, packing and organising various areas.
David Sia, originally from Laos, described how things changed in Laos when the Communists won the civil war, and how his family developed an escape plan. On a 3rd attempt, his mother, a Loatian National, crossed the Mekong river to Thailand with 3 young children. After 6 months in a Refugee Camp, they boarded a small boat with 200 people. The boat was stranded off Singapore for 8 months, and then they were sent back to the Refugee Camp for another 6 months. Finally they were accepted as Refugees and came to Australia by Qantas, to start the process of building a better life.
David paid tribute to the Australian Government (under Malcolm Fraser as PM) for accepting 70,000 refugees from Indo China during the period 1976 - 1982.
David's parents had 5 children under 10, but borrowed from friends and family to establish a company called "Techware."
David is currently the General Manager of Techware, a business and IT solutions company based in Melbourne.
David also thanked us for our hospitality. "Everyone was so welcoming, and after speaking to some of the members, the act of giving by the members are so inspirational."
Former Deputy City Engineer and passionate Rotarian, Ivan Board, organized numerous tree planting activities at Truganina Park, in conjunction with Council staff, to help transform a former council tip into a wonderful parkland. The entrance drive is now flanked by a row of trees we planted in 2005. L-R: Rotarians Charlie Hommelhoff, Barry Douglas and three Rotary Ambassadorial scholars from overseas countries who were studying in Melbourne on scholarships funded by the Rotary Foundation.
Rotary is known for its work in developing leaders for the next generation. ACRC has sponsored over twenty 18-25 year olds to attend a weeklong residential program aimed at developing leadership, personal and social skills. Rotaractor Tamara Sullivan (with President Charlie Montebello, in 2001), reported to a club meeting on her experiences at the RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Award program).
Dr Barbara Nanteeza, who spent time studying in Melbourne, demonstrating how to pump clean water at a new well co-funded by ACRC in 2012. Providing clean water and sanitation is one of Rotary's six areas of focus...
Under the leadership of Chairman Frank Landells and his Committee, ACRC conducted 20 Debutante Balls, raising A$93,000 for Charity. Christa Landells (our Deb Trainer) and Frank demonstrating the finer arts of Ball Room dancing...
The "Brainchild" of President Dermot Heron, "Biggles" (Jack Davidson) makes a fly-past of Truganina Park (a former Council tip), while the rest of ACRC show the "100" symbol at the summit.
ACRC hosted a group of International Students from International House, by taking them on a Puffing Billy excursion to the Dandenongs. (Organised by Joe Gianchino in 1991).
Jan Douglas auditioning in 1993/94 for a future Club President role, assisted by Annette Formica, Paula Bridle, and Ann Goodwin (guest speaker). (Jan was inducted 10 years later in 2004).
Before the Local Council arranged waster collections of recyclables, Altona City RC used to collect recyclable papers on Sunday mornings, as both a fund raiser and Community Service. John Burns (L) and Ivan Board in action...
Conductor Charlie Montebello in action with Bob Casley (Sax), John Madrusan (Guitar) and Ann Goodwin (piano). (Organised by Program Chairman Geoff Burnnard).
Although most of the public know the "Rotary" name, latest Research tells us that too many prospective members or supporters do not fully understand Rotary. They don't know what we stand for and what we do in local communities. And nearly 60 percent of those surveyed said they were unaware that a Rotary club exists in their community...
The new "People of Action" campaign helps to bring Rotary's story to life by showing Rotary members as the people of action we are. Telling our People of Action stories in a meaningful, coordinated way builds the public's understanding of who we are and what we do. It highlights the impact we make in our communities and around the world.
The People of Action campaign is designed to inspire and educate others about our dynamic passion for service in our community. Through our photography we want to feature authentic moments of Rotarians working side by side with each other or with project beneficiaries. Staged snapshots of people (e.g. portraits, handshaking, or group photos) do not portray People of Action...
Our photography requires Rotarians in Action, depicting them in powerful images that capture people's attention...this is what will make our campaign successful.
Please send Ed. your favourite photos showing our "People in Action," to help collate and curate our catalogue of Club History.
Program Chairman Bob Rawson with Guest Speaker Donna Campisi… After surviving a stroke at 8 years of age, Doctors said Donna is lucky to be alive, but would never walk or talk again. A Physio called Julie told her there was "No such thing as Can't" and helped Donna to learn to crawl again. In November 2012, Donna chose her own major challenge, inspiring many people along the way. In November 2012, she was only able to run 30 tentative steps, but by October 2013 she completed a marathon. She also created her own campaign called "Run Donna Run," raising over $36.000.00 for the Royal Children's Hospital Foundation. Congratulations Donna... your achievements are awesome...
Charter President, Les Crofts (a metallurgist by profession) prepared the mould into which molten bronze was poured to make the Club's Sergeant's Bell. Les became interested in the moulding, casting and ringing of bells as a result of visiting the Whitechapel Bell Foundry in England in 1961, and decided he would make the Sergeant's Bell when Altona City Rotary Club was formed in 1987.
Les made a number of bells, and gave many lectures on the history of bells including Big Ben (London), The Liberty Bell (Philadelphia), and the Tsar Kolokol Bell in the Kremlin in Moscow. The Tsar Kolokol Bell, cast in 1733, is 5.8 m high, 61 cm thick, weighs 181 tonnes, and is the largest bell in the world.
RI President Ian H. S. Riseley interviewed Helen Clark, former NZ Prime Minister, and Administrator of the UN Development Programme for 8 years...
Q: "Helen, what do you think would be the best and most effective thing that Rotarians could do, working both locally in our communities, and globally, as our Organisation, to bring about a more resilient, sustainable, and equitable world?"
A:
"Food security is so challenged because of what is happening to climate, e.g. in the drylands of Africa...
2016 was the 1st year this century when the number of hungry people in the world went up and that is really the "Canary in the mine."
Some nomadic people will need to transition from being nomadic to growing crops.
For Rotary, focused internationally, she would encourage "joined-up thinking" to support people to build resilience to adverse events, and climate change events like sea level rise...
(Royce Abbey Awards appear to be one way to support this challenge- through the Vocational Scholarships- Ed.)
1. The "Join Us" menu now includes a link to a video on the top 5 Myths about Rotary Membership, and an invitation (if someone is interested in Rotary) to contact us. Also a membership application form and information about Financial Obligations. Please check out the "Join Us" menu and let me know if you have any comments/suggestions for enhancement...
2. There is a new menu "RI Convention News" which has links to some excellent videos. Potential fill-ins if a Guest Speaker has to cancel at the last minute?
3. The downloads menu now includes the 2018-19 Presidential Theme and Citation Goals.
The main reasons the District Website has been moved to ClubRunner was because of the cost and functionality of the old website, AND importantly, the fact that ClubRunner has a smartphone App that allows members in a Club to be in contact with any other member in that Club, and also other members in District 9800.
I strongly recommend members download the ClubRunner App from the App Store. It is free, and allows you to phone other members, send them emails, and read the Weekly Bulletin on your phone. You will need your log in name and password the first time you use it, just the same as logging onto the "Member Area" of the ACRC website. Let me know if you'd like a reminder of your login name and original password. If you have forgotten your password, I should be able to help you login and modify your password. Ed.
Thanks to PP Charlie Montebello for offering to be full time cashier when he returns from LOA on 13 Aug.
Are there also some other members, (perhaps who are not working full-time) who could share the Cashier role?
Sergeant Frank discussed the "Property Duties" which involve putting out the fines box, Sergeant's Bell, Lectern, Charter Certificate, and Rotary Theme Banner. For Special Occasions, there is a President's Honour Plaque also. These items need to be returned to storage at end of meetings.
Year 9 Student Dassakorn (Dass) Saton attended a weekend RYPEN camp in Mansfield and had a wonderful experience. Dass presented a recognition certificate (shown below) to President Bronnie.
From low gear leaving Docklands at 5 knots, the Port Phillip Bay crossing at an effortless 32 knots (into a howling headwind) was exhilarating for those who wanted some sea air... Melbourne is just visible in the distance.
The RYLA program began in Australia in 1959, when young people throughout the state of Queensland were selected to meet with Princess Alexandra, the young cousin of Queen Elizabeth II.
The Rotarians of Brisbane, who hosted the participants, were impressed with the quality of the young leaders.
It was decided to bring youth leaders together each year for a week of social, cultural and educational activities.
The RYLA program gradually grew throughout all the Rotary districts of Australia and New Zealand.
In 1971, the RI Board of Directors adopted RYLA as an official program of Rotary International.
Here is some information about our District RYLA program
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Part of the team which raised over $1600.00, a record for ACRC.
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New style Christmas tree- as supplied by Retail Consultant, Charlie Montebello. (order early to avoid disappointment!)
Courtesy of Charlie Montebello
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Thanks to all who helped. 
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Father Christmas (aka Wayne Bridle) was a great hit with the kids, both small and big... e.g. Jan and Barry Douglas...
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