Peter and Sharon are the Co-Founders of BeyondWater, a charitable trust which alleviates poverty across East Africa through the provision of safe drinking water and sanitation facilities. These include school toilets, water tanks and guttering, deep bore wells, health education days and distribution of sanitary products. They have spent the last 9 years based in Nairobi, Kenya raising a team of nationals who oversee the many projects. They started BeyondWater in 2007, which has grown to an organisation that works across 10 countries and has assisted over 100,000 people every day to receive clean water. In addition, over 200 girls have gone through their leadership and mentoring program - The Girl Project. Their focus is to transform one life, one school, one community. w www.beyondwater. Pete’s role is to oversee the financial integrity of BeyondWater, as well as the building of the projects. Sharon is the CEO and focuses on team growth, corporate partnership.
Both Peter and Sharon must be congratulated on the work they are doing.
Zone 8 Conference
Both Cheryl and I attended the Zone 8 conference via zoom last weekend. The area of focus we both attended was ‘Impacting Lives - How our Foundation Changes Lives’. The guest speakers were very informative and many with life experiences that commanded our attention.
Garry Browne and Bridgette Sancho spoke to us about the ‘First National Indigenous Residential College’ that is being built in Sydney at a cost of $100 million with a 250 bed residence and scheduled for completion in 2025.
The Indigenous Residential College will cover costs for students, improving access to tertiary education for indigenous Australians.
General Secretary John Hewko talked to us about Polio and what Rotatry have achieved in the last decade. Currently there is One case in Afghanistan and One in Pakistan.
John also spoke about Rotary’s Strategic Plan with emphasis on the Structure and Product. The question is ‘does Rotary have the right structure for the future, and do we have the right product to attract young people’.
Facebook
Facebook defamation ruling by High Court exposes all page owners to lawsuits, not just the media
News Corp and Fairfax, the latter now owned by Nine, wanted a ruling on whether they could be held liable if defamatory comments were made by the public on their Facebook posts.
The message from the High Court is that if a company wants a presence on social media, it's also responsible for moderating the content made in response to its posts.
Communications law expert Brett Walker, from the Australian National University, said the decision had even broader consequences.
"Any organisation which administers a social media account could also be liable for defamation on the same basis — for example, businesses, sporting clubs and community groups," he told the ABC.
Rotary Clubs like Daybreak
Fund Raising Ideas
From PDG Anthony Ohlsen
It intrigues me just how differently we approach what we do in our communities, be it local, national or overseas, also how we fundraise to do what we do.
Some that I have read about include, on line photo competitions, Hi Tea for Father’s Day, book sales, drive through BBQ and many more unique means of raising Club funds.
So, what am I asking for? I'm hoping you are willing to share with me and ultimately all of our District Clubs your fundraising projects.
The information you provide will be put into a database and put on the District website so that the other Clubs can draw on your experience and hopefully reverse the current trend of dwindling Club resources.
It would be appreciated if you wish to provide any information that this can be provided by the end of October.
Backpack 4 Kids Vic Inc
From Jennifer and Peter King
Hi Dear Backpack Friends,
As Christmas approaches (REALLY!!!) we are considering our needs for packing and storing the Santa Sacks ready for distribution this Christmas.
Would any of you know of some empty space, such as a shop, hall or equivalent we could lease (or be offered gratis), we could use to store donations, pack the sacks and store completed orders? Ideally we could use such a space for half of October, all of November and half of December, but any amount of time running up to Christmas would be gratefully received.
We also have the possibility of leasing a space in an ongoing way for the backpacks due to the potential donation of an interested business with local ties. We are looking for a shop, a house or a small factory.
If you have any ideas get in touch with us via email or phone.
In the meantime we are taking donations for the Santa Sacks. Attached is the list of items we need….of all ages birth to 18 years. We'll be in touch soon to organise the filling of the sacks.
Take Care
Jennifer and Peter King
South West Victoria Distribution Centre
District 9780 Newsletter
Polio
African region marks one year since being certified wild polio-free |
Together, we’ve made tremendous progress in the fight to end polio. In August 2020, the World Health Organization’s African region was certified free of wild poliovirus — an incredible milestone that was made possible by the leadership, dedication, and support of countless Rotary members and health workers, our partners in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), and African region leaders.
The eradication of wild polio in the African region shows that total wild polio eradication is possible.. |
Get ready for World Polio Day |
Take action for World Polio Day on 24 October by promoting awareness of Rotary’s polio eradication efforts, raising funds, and planning club events. Let’s engage our communities in the fight against polio, because as long as polio exists anywhere, it remains a threat everywhere. Download the World Polio Day Toolkit for resources and tips for participating in promoting a polio-free world.
Be sure to register your club participation for World Polio Day on endpolio.org |
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Rotary International Convention 2023
Rotary International (RI) and the Melbourne Convention Host Organising Committee (HOC) are now seeking potential sponsors and exhibitors for the Rotary International Convention to be held in May 2023.
International Day of Peace 21st September 2021
To mark International Day of Peace (21 September) this year, we are encouraging clubs and districts to prioritize projects that improve the health, well-being, education, and economic security of girls in their communities and around the world.
Shekhar Mehta is asking clubs to take on an initiative, district grant, or global grant that engages members of their community in a project that will protect and empower girls and increase equity by ensuring their access to resources that will improve their lives.
NYSF
From Allan Mckinnon: (PP Rotary Club of Ballarat South) Chair NYSF. District 9780
This letter is to inform you that the student (Will Gleisner) your club agreed to sponsor for the NYSF has been successful. The selection Day was held on Sunday September 12th, when the selection committee and the students met via zoom. All students were successful with their application in fact some the applications were outstanding. As a result each student had to supply the Selection Committee with additional school reports, a small bio, references (at least three) and a CV/resume. Each student submitted all the required information. The stories and achievements these 2022 students told about themselves in some cases were truly amazing. Many students were doing wonderful things outside their school. Some were involved in sporting teams, youth groups, local theatre and community bands. Many had part time jobs in local cafes, bake shops and supermarkets. It was a humbling experience reading through the applications.
This year in excess of 800 students have applied for the NYSf about 67% are female. What amazes me is, in spite of everything there is a spirit of optimism with them. They want to do great things; they want to contribute something to make the world a better place. They are indeed our future.
Next Step
Once NYSF has been notified that students were successful, an invoice for $1900 will be sent to the parent / guardian. There will be no invoices sent to the Rotary Clubs. The Rotary Club needs to contact the student’s parent /guardian and arrange a transfer of the amount of sponsorship to the parent’s bank account.
I have also attached a letter of agreement between the Rotary Club and the parent/guardian.
It is an expectation that the student returns to the club after the event and tell the members of their experience. The students will be told to expect an invitation to the club for a “reporting back session” I have found that March / April is a good time for that.
Warrnambool Landcare Coastcare Group
Warrnambool Landcare/Coastcare are looking to have more trees planted again at the Flume. If you have a spare hour they would be very grateful.
Contact Bruce on 0428347984
CFA Clothes Dryer Fire
A friendly reminder to clean out the lint in your dryer and DO NOT leave the house and leave the dryer running or this will happen!!
Strategic Planning Committee
6 members met on Tuesday for 1.5hrs and had a very productive session ably conducted by Jennie.
Romac
Tyrells Wines are supporting this program
Fundraising
DG wishes to collate a database of Fundraising activities conducted by all District Clubs
ROTARY CELEBRATIONS
BIRTHDAYS
Janey Preston Sept 1
Mary Bouwman Sept 13
WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES
Drew Giblin Sept 17
ROTARY ANNIVERSARIES
Geoff Grec Sept 3
MEALS ON WHEELS
10 Sept Fiona Steenhuis
17 Sept Jan Read
24 Sept Cheryl Bellman
Minutes of Meeting held on 15th September 2021
Format: Zoom at 7am
Attendance: 16
Apologies: 5
Guest Speakers: Sharon and Peter Crean
A very informative and inspirational talk by these two NZ Rotarians who aim to provide 240,000 East Africans with potable water, proper sanitation and support & education for girls.
Supported by 5-7 NZ Rotary Clubs and District Grants.
Members Announcements:
Andrew: MOW not operating with volunteers at the moment. Four gaps in the Rosterin October and November, members enthusiastically responded to fill those gaps.
Sandra: - Warrnambool Football Club effectively closed, capacity issues
Peter S:- Warrnambool Racing Club’s “Jump Charity Partner Initiative” is seeking submissions by interested Charities, Clubs and Organisations for 3 categories of financial grants.
- “Spring Clean your Patch 21” is on 26th September. A one-hour clean up & recording on an App of what was picked up. Levi’s beach suggested.
- “West Side Story” is opening on 26th December, considered not a good time for a Foundation Movie Night
Barry: Mary’s birthday, Andrew Giblin’s 27 year anniversary
Quiz: “Liza on Fire”
Meeting Closed: 8.23am
