We gather together on the lands of the traditional custodians, the Wurundjeri and Woi Wurrung people. We pay our respects to all of Melbourne’s First Peoples, to their ancestors and Elders, and to our shared future together.
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As you would already know, Türkiye (formally Turkey) and Syria were struck by a devastating earthquake on 6 February that killed over 40,000 people to date, destroyed thousands of homes and other structures, and left people across the region without shelter in bitterly cold winter weather.
In response Rotary International President Jennifer Jones activated our disaster response efforts. The Rotary Foundation Trustees will allocate all donations made from now until 31 March, to the Türkiye/Syria Disaster Response Fund and has made available more than $125,000 to Rotary districts affected by the earthquake through District Response Grants. Rotary's project partner ShelterBox and Habitat for Humanity International are also responding.
At the Camberwell Rotary Club, following last week’s Board meeting, $6,000 earmarked for Rotary Foundation will be paid immediately in order to fall within the Foundation’s timeframe of allocating funds to the disaster efforts. Individual members who generally make private annual donations to the Foundation or anyone else who may wish to donate funds, are encouraged to do so during this window of time if you wish to support the earthquake efforts. At the request of Balwyn Rotary Club, we have agreed for the proceeds of the next Camberwell Sunday Market to be donated towards the earthquake response.
The Rotary Club of Balwyn is also proposing to grant AUD$50,000 to Rotary District 2420 in Türkiye and is applying for a District Grant. District 2420 will construct a mobile Multi Clinic needing funding of US$300,000 and is applying for a Global Grant. This clinic will serve the victims in the disaster area and can be disassembled, relocated and then reassemble. Balwyn Rotary Club is inviting all members to contribute to their donation if they wish, to minimise international transfer fees.
Last week’s club meeting presentation was by Club Secretary Justine Paragreen and Vijay Susarla, who is a past member of the club. They outlined the WASH (Water, sanitation, and hygiene) Timor Lester Project which started in 2017 in the remote area the Baguia region. Since that time, a consortium of clubs has joined the project resulting in the completion of 52 water tanks and 7 multi-cubicle school and community toilets from a total of around $160,000 of funds raised. The ongoing project plans to add another 20 water tanks 10 toilets with funding of around $120,000 from contributing clubs.
At the end of the presentation, I was grateful to be presented with a traditional Timorese outfit (pictured above).
Last November, enduring extreme heat, heavy rain, lengthy overland transportation through almost impassable terrain and language difficulties, Justine and John Walsmsley visited the region to review the status of work since the Covid lockdown and to identify additional needs. Club members donated further funds just prior to them leaving for the trip which provided disadvantaged students with sporting equipment as well as school stationery, baby clothes, water filters and soap. This project has had an immense impact on improving the quality of lives in this impoverished region. An improved level of sanitation reduces the risk of diseases such as cholera and typhoid. Through the leadership of John Walmsley, Vijay Susarla and more recently Justine Paragreen the WASH Project is a perfect example of what is possible. Thank you for sharing your experiences and inspiring club members to model future initiatives on your valuable contribution.
A reminder to volunteer for the Hawthorn Makers Market roster on Sunday 5 March at the Boroondara Town Hall. Also, on the same day at the same venue, at 11:00 am the national 38mate Walk will be held along Glenferrie Road. Admission fee is $20 and Myeloma tee shirts and 38mate caps available for sale at $20 each. Please support our signature club project.
Thank you to Nick Pane, Brett Campbell and Murray Anderson for assisting at the last Camberwell Sunday Market.
Next week, the guest speaker will be Rotarian Alick Osborne . His presentation will be on the topic of ‘Regenerative Agriculture’. As Chief Executive of Seasol International since July 2015, Alick is well qualified to deliver an informative session.
Melbourne is an impressive location for Rotary's Sustainable Convention for many reasons, including the city's transport system, green hotels, sustainable venues, and resources for event planning. The city also has many policies and initiatives in place to promote environmental, social, and economic sustainability.
Our transport system: We are providing attendees access to an extremely safe and reliable transport system (train, trams, buses) to travel for free across the Metropolitan Melbourne area during the duration of the convention! The Melbourne tram network, the largest operational urban tram network in the world, is powered by electricity and has a high capacity. It helps to reduce the number of vehicles on the road and decrease congestion with low carbon emissions. You can offset your flight CO2 emissions using ESRAG's Flight Carbon Estimator and download our transport recommendations and sustainable itinerary.
Our venues: Our venues are exceptionally sustainable. The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre is a 6-Star Green Star rated building and a LEED Gold certified building, which means it is designed and constructed to be energy-efficient and sustainable. The building features rainwater harvesting, green roofs and solar panel generation, and has a strong commitment to sustainability. At the venue, you will be served delicious low-carbon meals from locally-sourced products. Our food waste reduction program will ensure you have a positive impact.
Find out more about the story behind RICON's Sustainable Convention in Melbourne.
All Club members can join our Hawthorn Makers Market team at Hawthorn Town Hall on Sunday 5th March - it's the second highest fundraising vehicle the Club has & involves over 60 stallholders promoting their craft - please support it - and also participate in a leisurely walk down Glenferrie Rd at 11am to raise awareness for those living with myeloma.
You can register to walk on the myeloma website for $20 per person - www.myeloma.org.au - follow the 38mate prompts, to "Hawthorn Vic Walk"
Both maroon and white TEAM MYELOMA tees are available here as well in most sizes ($30 ) and white 38mate baseball caps ($25) - but please order before 24th Feb to ensure delivery before the walk on 5th March.
We will bring extra caps and tees to the market stall to purchase on the day - to ensure you can kit out to help build myeloma awareness during the walk.
All families and pooches are welcome - as well as all Rotarians.
It also coincides with the Glenferrie Festival Day on 5th March - so there will be road closures along this section of Glenferrie Rd to open it up for the festival and other community stallholders - expect music and good food options as well - so arrive early to secure any parking or come by train.
Be there or be square - let's hope for a good sunny day.
All other queries - contact Adrian on 0431 146 530
The Rotary Leadership Institute Program presents a wonderful opportunity for experienced Rotarians, new members and indeed people interested in finding out more about Rotary to take some time to experience the history, current and new initiatives related to this great organisation we call Rotary.
Part 1 and 2: Saturday 4 March at 10am for 90 minutes
Part 3: Saturday 18 March at 10am for one hour
Part 4: Saturday 25 March at 10am for one hour
To register email Jane Pennington
Jane.Pennington@rotary9800.org by 28 February.
There is a limit of 20 people for each program.
THE BIG SERVE
"Rallying Together" for Mental Health
An exclusive event to follow the Australian Open, but played with super-sized racquets and special rules. It is a fun networking day that captures the excitement of the Australian Open, in its home ground, whilst raising funds and awareness for mental health programs (for disadvantaged children and disaster affected communities).
As part of this bold initiative, Australian of the Year Dylan Alcott, AO will appear as our guest speaker, Friday 24 March 2023 at Melbourne Park.
Join us fighting for mental health support and register your team of two. This is your chance to be part of Melbourne’s inaugural ‘The Big Serve’ Tennis event.
Welcome assistants at major entrance venues to Melbourne as well as the two Convention venues Rod Laver Arena , Melbourne Convention and Entertainment Centre as well as the various Event venues during the Convention.
Marshalls at the Convention venues.
Assistance for Delegates at the major Melbourne accommodation Hotels and Motels.
VIP transport
Assistants in the House of Friendship
Assistants at the Host Organisation Office - providing general information to delegates
Rotary Peace Fellows use their training to amplify their work at the local, regional, or global level. Clubs and districts can partner with them on peacebuilding initiatives before, during, and after their fellowships.
But we need your help finding candidates. Rotary and Rotaract members can get involved by:
Taking the All About the Rotary Peace Fellowship course to learn about the qualification criteria, eligibility restrictions, the application process, and more
Forwarding the fellowship announcement to your contacts and including it in club and district communications
Using our referral form to tell us about potential candidates so we can contact them
Sharing a PowerPoint presentation about the fellowships with your club members and community
This great day of music, from 1pm to 10pm is happening on 17 March at the Seafarers Mission in Docklands, and Rotarian, Sue Foley's band, Bhan Tre, is performing at 9pm.
The event raises money for Rotary Mental health programs through Australian Rotary Health and Foundation.
If you just can’t get there you may still like to get some raffle tickets or just make a donation to this very worthy cause.
If you have any questions please call Sue on 0418 557 751
Hope to see you there and please share with your friends and family!
