Induction of Rhonda Hoare

President Heather proceeded with the induction of Rhonda Hoare as proposed by Val Bonython. After a career in teaching, Rhonda is now semi-retired and teaches “Effective Communication’ at Flinders Uni. Rhonda has been appointed to the International Committee, has a classification of “Education Tertiary” and will be mentored by Graham Beckett.

Rhonda was warmly welcomed into the club by all Rotary members and guests present. District Governor Bob Cooper reminded us all that as the newest member, Rhonda, was the most important person present this evening and she will always remember this night.

District Governor Bob Cooper

Tim Klar introduced DG Bob Cooper who has a background working at AGL/ETSA and now breeds cattle at Flaxley.

This years’ ‘Make a Difference’ theme was introduced graphically as people magically transformed into trees in the Rotary logo using SFX. Ian Riesley President 2017-2018 would like all Rotarians to plant a tree. Locally plans are afoot to start the ‘Riesley Forest’ at Calperium to regenerate an area that has been overgrazed.

A gentle reminder for all Rotarians to pay fees on time.

Future activities and goals to be recorded and measured in the ‘Club Rotary’ section of the ‘My Rotary’ world website. We are already kicking goals by introducing new female members into Rotary (Rhonda) and also recruiting more members under 40 years of age.

Public image and awareness of Rotary International is very important. The ‘End Polio Now’ message is being driven forward, quite literally, with the aid of a ‘Ute Relay’ (Ute supplied with thanks by Paradise Motors).The ute will start from Broken Hill on Sept 15^th travelling via Sunraysia, Riverland, Murray Bridge, Goolwa, Adelaide Hills and finishing in Adelaide. Rotarians will be selling $2 raffle tickets with the draw being held on World Polio Day October 24^th.

Don’t miss your chance to get a raffle ticket at our Bunnings Mile End Sausage Sizzle on October 15^th. With 7 reported cases this year, compared to 1000 per day when Rotary International first started this project 35 years ago, the presentation concluded with the message ‘Lets Finish It’

A copy of the ‘District Resources Guide’ was kindly supplied to each Rotarian by Bob Cooper and Tim Klar. It contains details of Rotary International history, current programs, local contact details as well as demystifying the many acronyms associated with Rotary International. Heather has been very busy doing her homework on the citation. With over 110 documents, well done, Heather!

A reminder that the Barossa conference is scheduled for March 23-25^th 2018 which will see the coming together of districts 9500 and 9520. Guest speakers are Hon. Christopher Pyne, Dr Tim Cooper (hopefully with beer samples), Rod Hook (engineering project genius who has worked on Adelaide Oval), Sophie Thompson of Gardening Australia fame and Prof. Tanya Munroe of UniSA, a recipient of Rotarian support early in her science career.

Attendees will be fed by the ‘Maggie Beer’ family and entertainment is from the ‘Flaming Zambuccas’

Accommodation is at a premium so if you haven’t already booked something, best to bring a sleeping bag!

A cinema quality video of local Rotarians was played talking about the many benefits of being a Rotarian and what it means to individuals. See rotaryaustralia.org.au for more details.

Heather was given a USB with details of the “Wild Dog Fence” video available for all interested parties to view.

August 26-28^th will see a Membership Seminar at Flinders Uni with IT expert BD Chang all the way from the US of A in attendance.

Bob delivered the sad news that the incoming World President, Sam Awahli, passed away last Thursday after complications following an operation. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.

Open Forum

David Middleton wanted clarification on the proposed merger scheduled for July 1^st 2020 of 9500 and 9520 clubs. The need to redistribute is driven by the ideal district having 2400 members which allows enhanced publicity and joint district training. Both clubs already work closely together on Shelterbox, and RAWCS projects.

Spots

David Middleton made an impassioned plea for 4 Rotary members to make time to do a Saturday stint at the Thrift Shop. His main concern is that the Thrift Shop may need to close on a Saturday if Rotarians don’t make a 2 ½ hour commitment once a month.

Judi Corcoran is happy to get involved and suggested a mentor to help newer members to get the hang of things. Pam was happy to spend time with any new Rotarians wishing to learn the complexities of the Thrift Shop.

All interested parties please email David Middleton your availability and preference of either 10-12.30pm or 12.30-3pm shift.

Rachel Harding has been approached by a male work colleague regarding his efforts to raise funds for awareness of men’s mental health by holding a charity football match this weekend where all players will be wearing blue socks in support of Beyondblue. Details to be sent to Wendy Andrews for further consideration.

Trevor McGuirk reminded all that next weeks’ meeting is also our ‘Christmas in July’ extravaganza. Meal is $25 with an additional $8 for Christmas pud. Please remember to dress for the part and bring your $5 Kris Kringle. Maybe Santa Claus will make a special appearance but be prepared to be asked if you have been naughty or nice?

Beginners luck for our guest Peter Hicks as Bob picked out his ball (number 25). Lucky Peter!

Finale

This action packed meeting closed at 8.05pm

Rotary News

Rotary President-elect Sam F. Owori dies

Rotary International President-elect Sam F. Owori died unexpectedly on 13 July due to complications from surgery. Sam was a member of the Rotary Club Kampala, Uganda, for 38 years.

“Rotary has become a way of life for me – with the intrinsic value and core belief in mutual responsibility and concern for one another as a cornerstone,” Sam said when he was nominated last year. “I feel immense satisfaction knowing that through Rotary, I’ve helped someone live better.”

Sam's term as Rotary’s 108th president would have begun on 1 July 2018.

“Please remember Sam as the outstanding, hard-working Rotarian he was,” said Rotary International President Ian Riseley. “In this difficult time, I ask you to keep his wife, Norah, the Owori family and Sam’s millions of friends around the world in your thoughts.” Under Sam’s leadership, the number of clubs in Uganda swelled from nine to 89 over the course of 29 years.

Sam saw in Rotary members "an incredible passion to make a difference," and wanted to "harness that enthusiasm and pride so that every project becomes the engine of peace and prosperity."

Sam was the chief executive officer of the Institute of Corporate Governance of Uganda, whose mission is to promote excellence in corporate governance principles and practice in the region by 2020. Previously, he was executive director of the African Development Bank and managing director of Uganda Commercial Bank Ltd., and director of Uganda Development Bank. He has also served as corporation secretary of the Central Bank of Uganda.

He served as member and chair of several boards including FAULU (U) Ltd., (now Opportunity Bank), the Uganda Heart Institute, the Centre for African Family Studies, Mulago Hospital Complex, Mukono Theological College, and the Kampala City Council.

Sam also was the currently vice-chair of the Hospice Africa Uganda, and member of the board and chair of the Audit Committee of PACE (Programme for Accessible Health, Communication and Education) in Uganda.

“Sam was a special person in so many ways, and his unexpected death is a huge loss to Rotary, his community and the world,” Riseley said. “In addition, we are establishing details on plans to celebrate his life as they become available.”

Rotary is establishing a memorial fund in Sam's honor and will provide further details soon.