As I was thinking about what to write in this month’s newsletter a television news story about the natural disaster in Indonesia flashed onto my TV screen. As I watched the images of whole towns that had been destroyed by the water and the valiant efforts of the rescuers this quote by Jane Goodall came to mind. How lucky are we that Rotarians around the world are generally not apathetic?
Almost at the same time as I saw the first story on my TV, Disaster Aid and Shelter box were springing into action to send aid where it is needed most. The same applies to the continuing efforts of Rotarians in District 9685 to assist the drought relief. A special drought relief update appears in this newsletter. I would like to thank you all for the wonderful efforts you have made and are continuing to make on the drought relief front.
September saw about 40 Rotarians and partners travel to Hobart to attend the Australian and New Zealand Rotary Conference and the associated preconference meetings and trainings. The conference which was previously called the Rotary Institute and was only open to past district governors is now open to any one who wishes to attend Rotarians and Non-Rotarians alike. It was a great event with many interesting presentations ranging from known rotary programmes to subjects such as Cyber Security.
The G-Trains along with the membership and Public Image Chairs attended training prior to the Conference starting. This opportunity was enhanced by the attendance of the G-Trains and chairs from the 6 Rotary districts in New Zealand. A full report on the event will soon be posted on the Conference website.
On Thursday 27 September, The Hills-Kellyville club were the guests of the doctors and staff of the Eye Clinic at the Children’s Hospital Westmead. The gathering was to thank the hardworking members of The Hills-Kellyville for the provision of a much needed and very expensive piece equipment. This OCT machine will enable the doctors to better monitor the eye health of small children, many of whom suffer from genetic eye disease and cannot use conventional eye monitoring equipment because of their size.
It was a great example of the Rotary Foundation funds being used in Australia. Districts in Australia and India contributed their District Designated funds towards the purchase.
On Friday 28 September, many Rotarians from both Sydney districts took part in the wonderful initiative of Mark and Dave Anderson from the Rotary Club of Beecroft – ‘Ride the Train to End Polio’. This mad adventure across all 187 metropolitan railway stations raised $240,000.00 towards the End Polio Now campaign. All of us who took part in any way at all had a wonderful time. Thank You Mark and Dave for your idea and for all the work that went into making it a success. Being on the platform at Emu Plains Station waiting for the train and the crew to arrive was also a fun time. Rotarians do know how to have fun.
Friday also saw The Rotary Club of Gosford City celebrate the 10th Anniversary of its charter with a Gala Dinner. A great evening of reflection, Rotary friendship and fun. John and I were honoured to be invited to join the club for this special evening.
The NSW Police Officer of the Year State finalists have been announced and District 9685 has 5 finalists this year. The winners will be announced at a Gala function in Sydney on Friday 16 November at The Hyatt Regency in Sydney please join John and I as we support those Police officers from our District who have been nominated for one of these prestigious awards.
The District has been asked to provide a silent auction item for the gala dinner, if you have a suitable item; a piece of art, a gift basket of goodies or a gift voucher that you would like to donate please contact me.
I wish you much success this month as you continue to work towards “Being the Inspiration” in your communities and around the world.
