This week the District Governor Ian McKay was kind enough to speak to us about the current priorities for RI and District 9780. Ian shared that the RI President had observed that ‘The Rotary Foundation is the fuel that provides energy for Rotary service.’ The RI President had also dedicated his Rotary service to ensuring his grandchildren could live and thrive.
Current priorities include;
- Mental health. The Australia Rotary Health, which is wife Sherril’s chosen project, does important work in mental health awareness and treatment. Australian Rotary Health has a rich history of making significant differences to the management of a range of health conditions. For example, ARH funded research that cut SIDS infant mortality by 80%. Our district has so far donated more than $1.25 million to ARH.
- End Polio remains a focus. It is important that we finish the job and not allow polio to get out of control after all the work we have done to get us to this point. You can help by joining the Polio Plus Society (see information below). The Polio Plus Society is run by Gary Newton, who’s life has been significantly affected by polio. Immediate past DG John Clue is also a polio survivor.
- ‘Say no to domestic and family violence’ is an important project. The Maryborough and Portland clubs have done amazing things in this area. All clubs are asked to do something to raise awareness of this important issue.
- Tbe Rotary Foundation, our charity, has invested more than $3 billion in Rotary projects. It is important to keep contributing to the foundation.
- We need to let people know what we are doing. Promote Rotary to the broader community.
- Rotarians Against Malaria has now freed some countries completely from malaria. Aside from the direct health benefits, this has tripled the economic growth potential of these nations.
- Interplast remains an important Rotary project producing wonderful outcomes for people.
DG Ian left us with the advice to ‘Celebrate the difference Rotary is making’. He also invited us to the District Conference in Mount Gambier next year. We thank Ian for his service to Rotary and for taking the time to come and speak to us.
