Town & Country Weekly

Your e-Zine from District 9800

Volume 3  Issue 21  25 November 2006

WORLD PEACE SCHOLAR SHINES
The Rotary Centers for International Studies in peace and conflict resolution are part of an educational program funded by the Rotary Foundation and it is a major educational priority for achieving the Foundation’s mission of improving health, supporting education and alleviating poverty.

Six Rotary Centers have been established with outstanding Universities throughout the world. Each year, up to 60 Rotary World Peace Fellows are selected on a world-competitive basis to study for a one to two years graduate program leading to a US masters degree or equivalent in international relations, peace studies and conflict resolution.

We are very pleased and proud to write about Jonathon Kolieb, the third scholar selected from District 9800, who was nominated by the Rotary Club of Caulfield.

Past RI President, Cliff Dochterman reported the following activities of Jonathon and he and Past Foundation Trustee Chairman, Frank Devlyn, are full of praise for the initiatives taken following his studies at the University of California in Berkeley. Excerpts from Cliff’s report follows:

"Jonathan Kolieb, is a young attorney from Melbourne, Australia, who just graduated from the Rotary Peace Center at the University of California in Berkeley with a Master of Laws degree. He came to visit with me last week to discuss and show me a new project in which he is engaged - The Peace Portal. Jonathan has the vision of creating "peacebuilding" as a business operation (he cites arbitrators and negotiators as one form of peacebuilders) just as military operations are a form of business and huge economic operations. 

He believes that there may be a place for the people in the world who believe in peaceful relations and goodwill that could somehow facilitate them in joining in promoting activities which promote peace, just as there are those who promote conflicts and civil disturbances. He notes that there are currently 59 internationally armed conflicts being fought in 25 locations around the world today.  He clearly recognizes that those who participate in anti-war and peace marches and similar activities are usually fringe or radical groups - when in fact, the great majority of people in the world desire peaceful relations. He believes this is a whole market of concerned individuals who could be using this website.

Jonathan's passion has led him to create, with no budget or income, a website, The Peace Portal, which he considers could be a platform through which Rotarians and other people could communicate and express their views, or seek factual information directly from the areas in which international conflicts are taking place. The website encourages people to connect with others to talk and share viewpoints about conflicts and how to resolve them.  There are many aspects to the website which I do not understand, but it is a new innovative peace-education venture. He believes that there is a market-niche for social networking for peacebuilding and interested people in conflicts around the world.  In addition, there are issues of racism, religious tensions and other issues which the world continues to grapple and there is no clearinghouse for sharing or seeking information.

All of you are far more knowledgeable than I am about the internet, computers, websites and various associated aspects of this idea.  So, I am sharing the information with you, and perhaps other Rotarians who frequently communicate on the internet.  The Peace Portal website is up and running at http://www.thepeaceportal.com/  

The goal of The Peace Portal is to become the 'Grand Central Station' for all things peace and conflict resolution related on the Web.

He is a very bright example of our Rotary Peace Centers."

Congratulations Jonathon and Lead The Way by promoting peace throughout the world.

Bernie Walshe

District Governor

Calendar of Events:
 

Click here

FOUNDATION NEWS

Ambassadorial Candidate confirmed
The District Foundation Chairman Chris Don is delighted to confirm that our candidate Holly Anigone Bannon-Murphy sponsored by the RC of Castlemaine has had her application for a 2007 - 2008 Ambassadorial Scholarship to the University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana approved by TRF Trustees.

Congratulations to our Foundation Educational Grants Committee, Chaired by Michael Elligate and with great support from Bob Fells and the other Committee members for their valued work in the initial selection and preparation of Holly’s presentation to TRF.

Congratulations to the RC of Castlemaine.

Donation to PolioPlus Partners
The District Governor in conjunction with the District Foundation Committee has approved a donation of $5000 from our DDF to assist in the ongoing fight against the scourge of polio.

With this donation our District is now officially recognized as a PolioPlus Partner.

Further information relating to this program as well as opportunities for individual Clubs to participate and financially support PolioPlus through the Open Projects List* can be obtained from The Foundation Chairman, Chris Don or PDG Don Jago.

* Download the PolioPlus Partners Open Projects List at: http://www.rotary.org/foundation/poliplus/partners/about.html

Your Foundation Contributions at Work

1. PERHAPS YOUR CLUB CAN HELP:
   Robbie Wright, President of the Rotary Club of Mt Edgecombe which is a northern suburb of Durban has contacted DG Bernie to seek support from a club in D9800. The Club is supporting Mt Moriah aids orphanage  and they have ongoing need for food, medicine and clothing. They are desperate to find a club with which they can do matching grants.

   Rotary Club of Mt Edgecombe is a new club (in their 3rd year) and have an excellent web site http://www.rotaryme.za.org/  where you can read all about the Club.

   The situation in South Africa is dire. The country has 1.5 million aids orphans and by 2015 this will rise to 4.5million and then level off. South Africa has a population of 40 million so more than 10% will be orphans !!!

2. ROTARY VOLUNTEERS
   The Rotary Volunteers program is the embodiment of Rotary's motto Service Above Self. Rotarians are considered Rotary volunteers whenever they give their time and energy to provide a service to someone in need.

   To find out how you can help as a volunteer click on the following links:-http://www.rotary.programs.org//volunteers/information/about.html
   http://www.rotary.org/programs/volunteers/participate/volunteer_local.html

   Want more information? Email lyndonjoss@optusnet.com.au
    

3. CONFERENCE REGISTRATION
   SAVE!! AND WIN!! HURRY!!
   EARLY BIRD SPECIAL!!! NOT TO BE MISSED
   Register by 13th December 2006
   To Be In The Running To Win A Weekend Of Luxury
   Courtesy Of Lexus Of Blackburn.

   Just a short 45 minute drive from central Melbourne, The Sebel Heritage Yarra Valley is part of the prestigious Heritage Golf & Country Club and Heritage Retreat & Dayspa. This weekend includes one night's accommodation at The Sebel Heritage Yarra Valley in a deluxe room, including buffet breakfast for 2, access to all recreational facilities and the first private Jack Nicklaus designed signature golf course in Australia.
   To travel to your destination in style and comfort, the winner may select a Lexus vehicle of your choice for the duration of a weekend, courtesy of Lexus of Blackburn.
   
   Rotarians, please to let us know of anyone who should be receiving Conference updates.....send an email to: conference@rotaryd9800.org  or Telephone: 03 9810 3509
    

4. NOTE OF THANKS FROM ROTARY CLUB OF KEW
   President Mike McFarlane advises that GARDEN DesignFest 2006 was an outstanding success as RC Kew's Club's major fundraising event for this year with their selected charities; namely, ROMAC, InterPlast, Children First and Angel Flight being their delighted beneficiaries.   There is no doubt that the net funds raised will be in the order of double the amount raised by the GDF 2004; however, the Club is waiting to finalise the last of the income and expenses for the event before announcing the amount.
   
   The joy and sheer delight on the faces of the garden visitors, the enthusiasm of the designers and their staff in showing off the fruit of their labour, the welcoming smiles of the volunteers and the financial support of very generous sponsors all contributed to a memorable weekend; ultimately, making a real and visible difference to the lives of many in need by literally touching their lives through the work of the charities supported.
   
   This event would not have happened without the dedication of a great number of people including; the talented GDF 2006 Committee, the sponsors, the landscape designers, the garden owners, and the many, many  enthusiastic volunteers who were sourced from the wider community.  There were lots of Rotarians from several  supporting Rotary Clubs; friends and family of the designers, friends and family of Rotarians, friends and family of ROMAC, InterPlast, Children First and Angel Flight.
   
   President Mike would like to take this opportunity to thank each and everyone personally and on behalf of the Rotary Club of Kew Club for their contribution to the great success of this wonderful fundraising event for without those supporters it would not have happened.

5. RI PRESIDENT ELECT WILF WILKINSON VISIT TO MELBOURNE:
   About 450 Rotarians from the 5 Victorian Districts enjoyed the opportunity to meet with and hear from RIPE Wilf at the MCG on Monday night 20th November.

   Also, with the compliments of the Rotary Club of Melbourne, RIPE Wilf had an English Elm tree dedicated to him in Rotary Park on the corner of Anderson Street and Domain Road (Melways 2L:D2).  RIPE Wilf now joins many Rotary Presidents including Paul Harris in having trees dedicated in that Park.
    

6. IMPORTANT NOTICE: Salt Lake City 2007
   When is it?    June 17-20 2007
   1. Why is it significant?   It's our last practical opportunity to pay tribute to the work done by RI President Bill Boyd (ably supported by wife Lorna) from New Zealand for a wonderful year of service.
   2. Where can I read more about it?   Try pages 14 to 31 of the November "Rotary Down Under" for a start; if you need more information, email Keith Ryall on kfryall@adesse.com.au  
   3.  Do we have a dedicated Travel Agent?  Yes; Pauline Hill from Travel 41 in Adelaide is the new Australian Rotarians Corporate Alliance Partner; she has an exclusive Rotary phone # on 1 300 414151.
   4.  Flights and Accommodation?   Pauline has already arranged some excellent packages; DG Bernie Walshe and Keith Ryall are staying at the Courtyard by Marriott Downtown; we also have some D9800 Rotarians staying at the Residence Inn by Marriott City Centre. There are 2 other Hotels available but rooms are quickly being snapped up.
   Update: Shortage of Hotel Rooms! Only 2 rooms remain at the Courtyard by Marriott; our preferred Hotel. We will also book rooms at the Holiday Inn & Garden Inn that are both reasonably close to the Convention Centre (Salt Palace). If any D9800 Rotarians are thinking of attending Salt Lake City in June 2007, please advise Keith Ryall ASAP.
   5. What else? Past D9800 DG Greg Ross is on RI President Bill Boyd’s Convention Team and reckons the Host Committee’s program is stunning and the atmosphere of the city is friendly and easy going. The best rate for those registering will be gained in this calendar year, and it is a good saving. There are lots to see on the Rotary website; follow the links re registration, accommodation and the host city’s program of events. Finally if any Club wishes to view an entertaining 10 minute travelogue, I have a 10 minute DVD specially prepared by the Host Committee which details some of the places to see and things to do in Utah, USA. We will also have a Stand at the D9800 Conference in March 2007, Canberra.
    Keith Ryall, Rotary Club of Carlton - On to  RI Convention Chair 2007
   (w) 9347 3988  (h) 9439 5007  (m) 0418 589 144  kfryall@adesse.com.au  
    

7. RYLA PROGRAM DINNER
   Michelle Blanchard, RYLA Co-director, on behalf of the District RYLA Committee reminds those clubs who are yet to nominate a candidate, it's not too late!  Please contact Michelle (0403 171 989) if you have a young person in mind who you think would benefit from attending RYLA. Find further information about the program at http://www.ryla9800.org.au/
   
   All Rotarians from District 9800 are invited and encouraged to join the program for the RYLA Presentation night at Wonga Park on Wednesday 6^th December 2006. The presentation dinner will be 6.30 for 7.00pm with a guarantee of a prompt start because the program is jam-packed, concluding by 9.45pm. Should you wish to attend, please RSVP by Thursday 30^th November by phone to John Leske (New Generations Representative, Rotary Club of Glen Eira) on 0419551769 or email leskej@tpg.com.au 
   
   The dinner will cost $20 per head to be paid on the night, preferably in an envelope clearly marked with your club's name.  The dinner qualifies as a make-up.
   
   The dinner will provide an excellent opportunity to see the impact that the RYLA program has on the young people who attend. Some clubs have used the evening as an opportunity to bring along prospective members or new members, to demonstrate Rotary at work. 
    

8. ROMAC in the News
   ROMAC had a full segment on a burns patient on Sunday night news. This news item related to a Westmead Hospital patient.   The Royal Children's Hospital PR Department is looking at doing a PR video release on Afu, possibly informing about the complexity of the procedures. 

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN CLUBS
RC Bendigo South
The regular meeting of RC Bendigo South scheduled for Thursday, 30th Nov has been cancelled and rescheduled for Friday 1st Dec at Camp Getaway.

RC Elsternwick
Change of Venue - As from Tuesday November 21, the Rotary Club of Elsternwick will meet at Hopscotch, 313 Glenhuntly Rd Elsternwick 3185 at 7.15 for 7.30 am

RC Gisborne
CHANGE OF VENUE: from Tuesday 5th December The Rotary Club of Gisborne Inc. will meet at the Victorian Tavern Hotel - 22 Aitken Street Gisborne at 6.45 for 7.15 pm.

RC Port Gellibrand
Early notice for the big Masked Fort Ball - 31 March 2007
With Christmas on the way early booking is recommended so that you do not miss out on this stellar occasion to be held at historic Fort Gellibrand.

Numbers are strictly limited and bookings need to be made well before 1 February when tickets will be mailed out - click here for details

RC Prahran
Christmas Function will be held at Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club at 6.30pm for 7.00pm on Thursday 14th December. This function is in lieu of the luncheon meeting 11th December

RC Richmond
FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITY FOR YOUR CLUB - Click here High quality hamper with your personalised Club gift card for member's to sell as staff, customer, other gifts.  Please take time to look at the attached brochure

RC St. Kilda
AUSTRALIA DAY 2007 INVITATION
The Rotary Club of St Kilda invites Rotarians, friends and family to the annual celebration of our National Day on Friday 26^th January 2007. Join us for brunch from 10am at the South Melbourne Town Hall. We look forward to seeing you there.

Australia day is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy and appreciate the benefits of our remarkable country and its people, to reflect upon and acknowledge the history that led us to where we are now and to look forward to the future that we can create.    

So have some fun and help to improve the lives of those with less cause to celebrate.  Mike Williamson, OAM is our guest speaker and some items to auction include autographed Brownlow Medal memorabilia.

For most of us, Australia is indeed a Lucky Country.  Help us to share that around.

Booking is essential - please click to access the booking form.

RC Wyndham
RC Wyndham is meeting at the Shining Palace Restaurant, 96 Watton Street, Werribee on Wednesdays at 6.30pm until further notice.

RC Yarraville
Yarraville Rotary Club would like to invite all Rotarians, Family and Friends to a special screening of the brand new James Bond Movie "Casino Royale" on its opening night Thursday the 7^th of December at the "SUN Theatre" . For details click Here