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Town & Country Weekly

Your e-Zine from District 9800

Volume 3  Issue 41 - 5 May 2007

 

DG Bernie's Weekly Message
2007 COUNCIL ON LEGISLATION

The Council on Legislation is Rotary's "parliament" and meets every three years to deliberate and act upon all proposed enactments and resolutions submitted by Clubs and District Conferences. The Council is comprised of more than 500 representatives from every part of the Rotary world. Voting members include one representative from each District and 9800's representative was PDG Ian Knight.

The 2007 Council has just concluded in Chicago and it addressed some 337 items over the five day period.

Rotary leaders were present during the sessions and were keenly interested in the democratic process and debate from the members. President Bill Boyd stated "It was very democratic. The Board tried not to intrude and the Trustees were there to hear what the delegates had to say. It was the delegate's Council. I don't think anybody gets everything they want, but that's the beauty of democracy, isn't it?"

RI President Elect, Wilf Wilkinson, agreed and said "This week was another example of the internationality of Rotary and a great example of democracy in action".

The results regarding every item presented are now available on the RI website and they are summarised in the following comments.

The growth of Rotary was a key emphasis of the deliberations of the Council and ways to bring new members into Rotary and keep the family of Rotary growing, were key themes during the first two days of the meeting. Overwhelming support was given to the resolution that adds a phrase to the RI Constitution that says community leaders can join business and professional leaders in Rotary.

Resounding endorsements were given to two key initiatives; that the eradication of polio is a goal of the highest order of Rotary International and the mission, motto and priorities of the Future Vision Plan for the Rotary Foundation.

The Council debated the need for more transparency in Rotary business matters and approved the increase in RI dues by US$1 per year commencing 2008-09 through 2010-11.

The requirement for attendance at Rotary meetings was reduced from 60% to 50% in each half year.

Rules for selecting the RI President Nominee were amended in that the best qualified Rotarian be selected for service and that campaigning and canvassing are forbidden.

Zoning issues were hotly debated during the week with the result that proposed enactments failed to increase the number of Directors from 17 to 18 and to revise the criteria for setting zone boundaries. However, rezoning was seen as a big issue over the next two years.

Closer to home, I notice that the resolution put up by the Rotary Club of Melton Valley 'to allow Clubs to temporarily suspend membership during termination proceedings' was successful, however, the proposal for corporate representative membership by the Rotary Club of Melbourne was defeated.

All resolutions will take effect from 1st July 2007.

Lead The Way by considering proposals for the next Council in 2010.

Bernie Walshe

District Governor
 


Calendar of Events:         Click here
 

 

RI PRESIDENT BILL'S MESSAGE FOR MAY
When I speak before a Rotarian audience, I often find myself quoting the words of others. And although the quotations I use rarely come from Rotary sources, they speak to the universal lessons of Rotary and to our tasks as Rotarians. Khalil Gibran wasn't thinking of Rotary when he wrote: "You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give". Yet these are perfect words to apply to the pleasure we experience in giving to our Rotary Foundation and doing our humanitarian work as Rotarians.

I frequently come across a quotation from Eleanor Roosevelt, who said, "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams". That surely is so, for the world needs people of vision, people who are capable of dreaming dreams. We see in Rotary day after day how these dreams influence the things we do, for it is not enough just to dream: You must put your dreams into action.

Last year in Copenhagen, Denmark, I began a speech by quoting from the sundial that stands outside Union Station by Alameda Street in Los Angeles, a historic part of that city. The inscription on the sundial reads, Vision to see, faith to believe, courage to do. That line struck me as a perfect representation of what is required of us to be successful in Rotary. We must see the needs around us, believe we can make a difference, and step forward to act.

Over and over throughout this year, Lorna and I have seen Rotarians who have done all of this. They have had the vision to see - to look at their community and to look even more broadly at the global village. But that vision alone is not enough. It is essential that we as Rotarians have the faith to believe we can make a difference. We see so many statistics that horrify us: how many are hungry, how many are illiterate, how many are denied access to clean water and sanitation. It would be so easy to say these problems are too great for us to attempt to solve.

But as Rotarians, we do not walk away from these tremendous challenges. Not only do we have that faith to believe we can make a difference, we have the courage to do. That courage is the difference between dreaming great dreams and putting them into action.

In all our travels this year, Lorna and I have seen projects that, one by one, are changing the world. They are succeeding because Rotarians everywhere are acting on their courage to do. I have always been proud to be a Rotarian, but as I see more and more of what Rotary can accomplish, I am ever more honoured to be a member of the first and the greatest service club in the world.
 

MAY IS AUSTRALIAN ROTARY HEALTH RESEARCH MONTH

 

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN CLUBS

RC Central Melbourne - Sunrise
Hypothetical - It is on again     
This will be the best yet - combining a fascinating (even controversial) subject matter with an extraordinary and diverse panel under the moderation of the incomparable and feisty Jack Hammond QC. You will be both entertained and enriched. The panel includes;
Dr Peter Hollingworth, The Hon Joan Kirner, Rod Quantock, Alexandra Richards QC, Arnold Zable, Prof Homer Le Grand, Paul Sheahan, The Rev Jason Kiao and probably another couple of panellists - both household names.                Click here to read about "Paradise Lost"
As in the past years, this event is to be held at BMW Edge, Federation Square
Click here for the booking form to complete and return sooner, not later, as it will be a sell out!
6.30pm for 7.30 start with canapes and drinks served from 6.30, Wednesday 13 June 2007

RC Elsternwick      
The Club has changed its meeting venue effective 24 April as follows:  

London Tavern      414 Hawthorn Road           Caulfield South 3162          7.15 for 7.30am

RC Hoppers Crossing                 
Join the Club for its big Beard Shave for Charity Evening on 23 May with all proceeds to The Gabrielle Jennings Palliative Care Centre at the Werribee Mercy Hospital.
Click here for booking details             

RC Kew    NEW
Read all about the "Candles of Inspiration and Fragrances of Hope" initiative from RC Kew on behalf of Interplast.
This is a chance for your Club to also raise funds.
Click here for details.

RC Malvern         
Forum on Mental Illness & Ageing
RC Malvern is holding a free public forum on Mental Illness & Ageing.
When:               Sunday 20th May   3:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Where:              Malvern Town Hall Cnr High St and Glenferrie Rd
Chair Person:      Beth Wilson               Victoria's Health Services Commissioner
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Simon Stafrace
Director of Psychiatric Services, The Alfred Hospital
Other panel members will include a carer and consumer.  
This is a free forum open to the whole community.  Click here for details
For further details and enquiries contact Rotarian Paul Lom on 0408 586 672.

RC Prahran       
Venue changed for the Club meeting on Monday 14th May, 2007 to Lago Lounge Bar, Queens Road, Melbourne at 1.00pm.                  Des Jones will be the guest speaker.
Thereafter meetings will revert to Club Tivoli

RC Richmond        
Monday 14th May will be an evening meeting at Riverwalk instead of a lunchtime meeting, as this will be our annual Ern Ainger Public Speaking Final and Award Presentation evening.

RC Tullamarine      
All are cordially invited to attend the dinner dance organised by RC Tullamarine to raise funds for the RCH heart ward. PLEASE NOTE THE DATE IS FRIDAY 18TH MARCH.
Click here for details and do make note of the incredible door prize!

RC Werribee       POSTPONED
The Rotary Club of Werribee has had to postpone their BUSINESS BREAKFAST advertised for Wednesday 9th May 2007.        
However they will be featuring none other than JULIA GILLARD when the event is rescheduled!
New details will be advised shortly.

RC Woodend    
Normie Rowe concert and Dinner to fund raise for an International Water project in PNG.
Dining Hall Braemar College Woodend - Friday 11 May 2007 7pm
3 course dinner and show $75 per person.        Drinks at bar        Bookings: 54271629 Tables of 8 available

RC Yarraville           
Yarraville Rotary Club invites all Clubs, Rotarians and their Families to a special Family of Rotary screening of "SHREK the THIRD".      
To be held on Tuesday the 12th of June at the Wonderful "SUN" Theatre in Yarraville
Click here for flyer with full details
Further details from PP Gerard White - king67@optusnet.com.au or 0438 072153



Speakers Bank Update:  Click here

District 9800's website: http://www.rotaryd9800.org/

DISTRICT NEWS

  1. DINNER WITH BILL & LORNA BOYD     

    Dinner to be held on 2nd June at 6.30 for 7.00pm       Moonlight Receptions, 622 Nicholson Street, North Fitzroy
    Pre-dinner drinks and canapes followed by two course dinner (includes beer, wine, champagne and soft drinks)
    Car parking has been arranged. All this for only $60
    All Clubs should be represented for this visit by our World President.
    This dinner will cater for the five Districts in Victoria plus Tasmania and a total of 600 can be accommodated so book early to ensure a place. Tables will be allocated strictly in order of payment.
    To assist with containing of costs it would be greatly appreciated if payments could be made by cheque wherever possible.                            Click here for booking details                         

  2. PROTECTION MATTERS - WORKING WITH CHILDREN CHECK        
    It has become apparent that clarification is needed around the Working with Children Check (WWC). District 9800 is committed to supporting clubs actively involved in projects with young children, young persons & vulnerable adults.
    It should be noted that with current legislation, clubs will need to arrange WWC checks for their members and any volunteers they recruit to assist them.  Please note that those clubs leading activities involving overnight camps with children must have WWC checks prior to June 30, 2007.
    The District 9800 Protection Policy still applies if your club is organising activities relating to young persons and vulnerable adults.
    Please refer to the policy and/or contact the committee members should you require any further information. A summary presentation is available - Click here
    CONTACT
    John Walsh (DPO)         0419 637 689                        Trevor Pang                0413 618 883
    Athena Vass                   9345 6053 0419 573 509     Julie Mason                 97488688  0402 324 093
    Anthony Langley            95994380                              John Wheller               0412 760 783

  3. TSUNAMI UPDATE          NEW
    Click here     to see photos of ShelterBox at work in the Solomon Islands

  4. YACHTING FELLOWSHIP FOR ROTARIANS - Victoria Fleet          NEW
    Since the IYFR Victoria Fleet was re chartered in December 2004 it has undertaken various boating activities across the State along with weekend lunch meetings at Sandringham and Royal Yacht Clubs.  On May 27, members will be joining the Ocean Racing Club of Victoria on a practical tour of the Rip aboard the "Nepean" which will include expert commentary by experienced offshore navigators and yachtsmen.
    The Victoria Fleet covers Districts 9780, 9790, 9800, 9810 and 9820 with the exception of the Gippsland Lakes which has its own fleet.  The 2007 AGM will be held on Sunday June 3 at Hastings Yacht Club as part of expanding the Fleet's activities and membership base beyond the metropolitan area.  Both Port Philip and Westernport Bays provide an opportunity to increase fellowship for Rotarians that have an interest in all forms of boating.
    The IYFR is the oldest Rotary Fellowship (established in England in 1947).  At the 2007 Rotary International Convention, the IYFR will hold its pre convention activities in Salt Lake City followed by 5 days of Post Convention Cruise fellowship in the beautiful San Juan Islands just below Vancouver Island in Washington State.   
    To become involved contact Fleet Commodore, PP Bill Chapman on 0410583532 or email:  chappies@wccm.com.au

  5. MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT & EXTENSION AWARDS         NEW
    The annual RI Membership Development and Extension Award is given to clubs within a district based on their achievements from 1 July to 15 May in the following categories:

    • Overall growth — the club with the highest growth rate (percentage)
    • Recruitment — the club with the most new members inducted
    • Retention — the club with the highest retention rate (percentage)

    • New clubs — clubs that sponsored new clubs
      It's up to each governor to determine which clubs in the district have achieved these goals and to submit the clubs' names to RI headquarters in Evanston.
      If your club would like to be considered for this award, be sure your membership roster is updated at RI headquarters before 15 May. Also, inform DG Bernie of categories your club would like to be considered for.

  6. GSE WELCOME BACK DINNER
    President Peter Shepheard of the Rotary Club of Altona cordially invites all to come and join them at the Welcome Home Dinner of our outbound GSE team for 2007.   
    Click here for details of the event to be held on Tuesday 12th June 2007.   
    Invitations & booking forms will be sent to all D9800 clubs but feel free to email Peter with your booking requests.      

  7. NEW ALLIANCE WITH TURKEY              NEW
    The Alliance between Districts 9800 and 2420 (Turkey) reached another milestone on 1st May with the Rotary Club of Balwyn signing a Twin Club Agreement with the Rotary Club of Goksu (Istanbul).
    The signing took place over a video link with representatives of both Clubs present. Rotarian Owen Tassiker (RC Balwyn) was in Istanbul and witnessed the signing. Owen is in Turkey after leading another successful RAPT tour that was present at the Dawn Service at Gallipoli. DG Bernie commented "I congratulate President Hugh Trumble and President Adil Guler for their initiative in cementing this strong Rotary bond".

  8. THE PAUL HARRIS SOCIETY OF DISTRICT 9800       
    We have already received a pleasing number of pledge applications for our PHS of D9800.
    At this stage we plan to Charter the Society, late afternoon on Saturday June 2nd 2007, prior to the Bill Boyd Dinner. More details to follow.
    Information and Pledge Applications are available from Chris Don Foundation Chairman.
    M 0413434503    BH 93126933     AH 95685675
    PLEASE NOTE THAT CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE PHS ARE FULLY TAX DEDUCTIBLE

  9. INVITATION FOR HOST COUNSELORS          
    FOR OUR VISITING 2008/2009 AMBASSADORIAL SCHOLARS
    Prospective Host Counselors are now being invited to apply for our next group of visiting Ambassadorial Scholars.
    Interested Rotarians should make initial contact with Chris Don, District Foundation Chairman for general information or application forms.                                          M 0413434503   BH 93126933   AH 95685675

  10. GSE TEAM UPDATE      UPDATED
    The team departed has arrived in The Netherlands just in time for the Queen's Birthday holiday on Monday 30 April. Apparently this is a holiday of all holidays and our Team did their bit to help the celebrations. Read all about it in the Team blog on http://d9800gse.blogspot.com/    Click here for photos of the Team's arrival in Amsterdam

  11. MENTAL HEALTH FORUM               
    Every day somewhere in Australia a number of young people will attempt to take their own lives. Some will be "successful". For each of those tragic cases, many others are deeply troubled & in urgent need of help.
    RC Camberwell is moving to address this "national mental health epidemic" and will mount its first free Youth Mental Health Forum on 9th May at Camberwell High School. The organisers aim to help parents, carers, grandparents and siblings to understand youth mental health issues and how to support troubled young people.
    The forum is a joint venture between the Rotary Club of Camberwell, Australian Rotary Health Research Fund and Orygen Research Centre supported by Camberwell High School.
    The Youth Mental Health Awareness Forum will take place from 7.20 PM on Wednesday 9 May, 2007 at the Assembly Hall, Camberwell High School, Prospect Hill Road, Canterbury. For further information email to: mhmunro@netspace.net.au or     phone 9889 4322    Click here for a press release and Click here for further details

  12. APPLICATIONS FOR AMBASSADORIAL SCHOLARS, WORLD PEACE FELLOWSHIPS & UNIVERSITY TEACHERS NOW OPEN FOR THE 2008 / 2010 ROTARY YEAR
    Application process & eligibility: www.rotary.org/foundation/educational            
    Please contact District Foundation Chairman Chris Don     for additional information  

  13.  APPLICATIONS FOR ROTARY WORLD PEACE SCHOLARS        
    Click here for details for Rotary Clubs to nominate a suitable candidate to apply for Rotary World Peace Scholarship

  14. CAFE INTERNATIONAL
    The Organising Committee wish to thank all Rotarians who have supported this event. They are both delighted and sorry that the event was a sell out and many requests for tickets had to be declined.    

RI Exchange Rate
The May Rotary exchange rate for the AUD is 1.20


FOLLOW THE D9800 GSE TEAM ON THEIR TRAVELS AROUND THE NETHERLANDS:     
http://d9800gse.blogspot.com/

You can always check the back issues of Weekly News if you missed something:
2005-2006 Issue  01  02  03  04  05  06  07  08   09  10  11  12  13  14  15  16  17  18  19  20  21  22  23 24   
25  26  27  28  29  30  31  32  33  34  35  36  37   38   39  40  41  42  43  44  45  46  47  48  49  50
2006-2007: 1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10  11  12  13 14 15  16  17  18  19 20  21  22  23  24 25  26  27  28  29  
30   31  32  33  34  35  36  37  38  39  40