Stories
   
The Phoenix 20th November 2022

Tonight we welcome DG Mina Howard and induct two new members
Kim Mannion and Wendy Stein
Member Satisfaction Survey
The results are in and the 22/23 board will now use them to develop the plan for the club. Members will be advised in Phoenix, of access to a summary of the results, as soon as the plan has been developed and implemented.
PE Marilyn thanks everyone who contributed. There was a statistically positive response with 71% of members contributing. This is an extraordinary return.
RAWCS Photo Competition
There is still time for your photos to be submitted.
For all project managers.
 
  RAWCS Photo Competition Opportunity to promote your project and win some funds for your project.
 
How?
  • Submit the best 3 photos from the project – action photos to tell the story of the project illustrating an activity in the 2021-22 year.
  • When submitting - specify, the project number and description e.g. [23-2009-10 food garden] or [45-2020-21 wheelchair] etc
  • Each photo selected and used in the RAWCS Annual Report receives additional funds for your project. Winning entries will receive funds for your project
  • Entries close on June 30th 2022
  • Email photos to RAWCS National Manager Communications, John Stockbridge - national.comms@rawcs.org.au
DG's Newsletter

DISTRICT GOVERNOR'S MESSAGE

In Rotary it’s often said that we hide our light under a bushel.
Rotarians take pride in our club and project achievements and we need to let the world know. I will argue that we are the lead district in Australasia. There are many measures and whilst we’re not the largest by membership, we pack a mighty punch in project output and contributions to Rotary-related charities.
Thank you for your generous response to the D9685 Greater Sydney Flood Appeal.
Rotarians, Clubs and public donations resulted in our appeal reaching $130,000 add to that $34,250 from a Rotary Foundation Disaster Response Grant.
Since early March, clubs in the Hawkesbury River area have been distributing store gift vouchers to those impacted. They continue to do so and by means of a 5% discount on Woolworths gift cards, our district will distribute about $170,000 of value for the purchase of; food, hardware, clothing, fuel and other essentials.
 
Speaking of generosity, my club visits reveal substantial funds raised and tangible engagement achieved with the community to support the community. Astounding results from raffles, fun runs, golf days, art shows, markets, music festivals, blood donations, bucket collections, gift wrapping, flower sales, tree & plant sales and even the humble barbecue, have all contributed as we Serve to Change Lives.
 
With just 6 weeks to go of this Rotary year I urge clubs to focus on the goals set and do all you can to achieve or surpass them. It’s not too late to update the Rotary International Goal Centre and achieve a Presidential citation.
I ask you to share your stories publicly, encourage others to join with us to sustain and expand the wonderful work we do, step out from under that bushel.
 
In this year alone, through 34 district and 17 global Grants you have converted AU$291,000 into AU$1,192,198 worth of projects and your contributions to the Rotary Foundation, allow others with the capability, to deliver positive change in the world.
 
These figures do not consider the value of the benefits to those who will receive the advantage of these humanitarian projects. Children educated, lives saved, villages with clean water and sanitation, crops improved, conflict resolved. The list is vast, and it can happen each time a Rotarian donates $100 to the Rotary Foundation to become a Centurion.
 
Where else do you get a return like that?
Stay safe.
Yours in Rotary
DG Lindsay May and Tania
Lindsay May OAM
District Governor 2021-2022
1. Shelterbox Australia
ShelterBox Australia expressions of interest for two director appointments.
For those interested please read the explanatory document HERE and also contact DGN Christine Owen for further details.
 
2.  CONSTITUTION & BY-LAWS FOR CLUBS
  • Rotary International advised the 2022-25 Manual of Procedure is due by October 2022. This will contain the Model Constitution and By-Laws that are to be adopted by clubs as their guiding documents for the next three years.
  • RI office (RISPPO) will engage experienced professional Rotarians to meet federal legislation, state-based associations, and fundraising requirements. Once complete, the state-based model documents will be available.
  • The Constitution in essence cannot be changed. There are some simple ‘insert detail here’ sections.
  • The club Bylaws however will need to reflect; when and where the club meets, Board of Directors minimum and maximum numbers, director titles and service terms, dues, committees, will be some of the details that will determine how your club is managed.
  • These are important documents and once approved by the members, need to be lodged with NSW Fair Trading. They provide clear guidance as to how a club operates and should be referred to whenever issues arrive.
  • Perhaps the most important clause in the current Constitution dictates that in part,
            “Authority. The board has general control over all officers and committees . . . . . . .”
            It is not expected this clause will be changed.
 
3. Breaking News
Bruce de Graff, that zany, lovable, skateboarding Rotarian from the Rotary Club of Crows Nest has achieved a remarkable milestone.
At age 60 he is one of only 60 Australians to have made 600 blood donations, saving the lives of over 1800 people.
 
 
Keep your eyes open for the next Rotaract Australia blood cup where they call upon Rotarians to support your local Rotaract club by donating blood.
In 2022 the Hills Rotaract club was the #1 Rotaract club in Australia.
Congratulations and thank you, Bruce.
 
4. BANNER PULL DOWN PROJECT - AN OPPORTUNITY TO HAND-IN OLD PULL UP BANNERS AND GET A $50 CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS A NEW ONE.
The District 9685 Banner Pull Down Project is currently underway, and many clubs are taking advantage of the opportunity, not only to declutter their storage cupboards of old, outdated banners that are no longer brand compliant, but also to claim a $50 buy-back contribution from District towards the cost of a brand-new banner.
All banners that are handing in will be dismantled by the Public Image team and the various components recycled appropriately.
Participating Clubs should liaise with their Assistant Governor to organise for the old banners to be collected.  They should then contact Rotary Down Under to order a new, brand compliant banner and to claim their $50 from District.  Only banners ordered through RDU are eligible for the $50 buy-back.
For more details on the project, see the attached flyer HERE, or contact Public Image Chair, Gina Growden on 0412 128 106 or gina.growden@bigpond.com.
 
5.  2022 COUNCIL ON LEGISLATION OUTCOMES
The COL Report of Action is anticipated to be made available in late May, followed by Draft constitutional documents (in English) by late June. A draft club constitution in French is expected to be available in October.
Once our office has received the updated Standard Club Constitution, we will be asking for support from suitably qualified Rotarians to ensure a version is created for New Zealand, and each State/Territory of Australia. This ensures we have a standardised and consistent approach to meet the local regulations for Incorporated Associations. This process may take several months, and our office will disseminate to you the finalised documents as soon as practical.
At the moment, we ask clubs to sit on proposed changes until the new documents are ready (of course they can change their Bylaws if they have something urgent pending). 
To view the Council on Legislation Recommendations, please click HERE.
With many thanks to the District 9685 COL Representative, PDG Ian Scott OAM.
 
6.  THE ULURU STATEMENT FROM THE HEART AND ROTARY
You may have seen the first in a series of advertisements such as this one, about support for the Uluru Statement from the Heart. Sydney Morning Herald 9th May 2022.
A number of Rotary Clubs in District 9685 have already come out in support of the Uluru Statement from the Heart with statements on newsletters, Facebook, and the like. Many Clubs have introduced Acknowledgement of Country as part of their meeting procedures.
You are cordially invited to an open forum discussion hosted by the Rotary Club of North Ryde on Friday 3rd June at 7.30 am via Zoom.
Join Zoom Meeting at
Meeting ID: 878 2165 6014
Passcode: 2113
The Forum will canvass views from participants with a view to encouraging Clubs to support the three key elements of the Statement: Voice, Treaty, Truth.
The background paper can be accessed at
 
Please let me know if you are able to join us. The session will be recorded and posted on the Club’s Facebook page.
Bob Selinger
Rotary Club of North Ryde
Coordinator
District 9685 Aboriginal Support Programs
Ph 0403 003 257
 
 
 
REMINDERS
 
Hornsby RSL Club – FleXem1. District Changeover 2022
The end of the year is approaching at an alarming rate. Let's all celebrate the end of another somewhat unusal year due to circumstances beyond anyone's control. The Changeover will be celebrating the achievements of DG Lindsay May and all Clubs in our District, and welcoming incoming DG Mina Howard and her teams.
This will be another fantastic Rotary event to be held at Hornsby RSL - another sign of normality returning. The date is Saturday, 2nd July 2022. Commencement time 6.30 pm for 7.00 pm.
 
2.  Environment Action Weekend 4th and 5th June
A Calendar of events is planned for preparation for the Environment Action Weekend 4th and 5th June. Click on the image to the left for a larger version.
Click HERE and HERE for more information.
 
3. World Water Summit 14 - WASH Away Polio! Learn about Rotary's progress eliminating polio webinar.
Jun 03, 2022 10:00 PM - 8:00 AM  (AEST)
WWS14 explores the role of water, sanitation, and hygiene in stopping the transmission of infectious disease, including Polio.
 
Register now for WASH-RAG's hybrid event - scheduled for time zones around the world, and in person in Houston. Login and registration required.
THE CLUB BUZZ
 
"The Club Buzz" is where you will find some exciting and relevant programs or events happening in our Clubs and in District 9685.
Just Look HERE for the latest activities and news. In almost every case, the headings or whole item are linked to either a larger copy of the document, or more information. So just click on the headings or item in the Club Buzz pages. To view the Club Buzz Design Guidelines for Clubs to provide information for Club Buzz, click HERE.   
In this edition of Club Buzz, you will find news about:
 
 *
The Rotary Club of Strathfield (D9675) - Rotary Charity Ball
 *
The Rotary Club of Brisbane Water - Raising funds for the Cancer Council
 *The Rotary Club of Ku-ring-gai - Flood Donations
 *The Rotary Club of Gosford City - Flower Sales for Mothers' Day
 *The Rotary Club of Ryde - Mothers' Day gifts
 *The Rotary Club of Lower Blue Mountains - Sunflower for Ukraine
 
 
 
 
 
 
ROTARY MATTERS
 
 
Rotary Matters
 
Triple H 100.1 FM
 
On air Friday 3.00 pm - 4.00 pm
 
 
Radio is a powerful way to spread your Club stories. If your Club has a project, local or overseas, which would interest the wider general public, discuss it with Rotary Matters presenter Ian Stuart who will be glad to help spread the word. Ian.stuart@optusnet.com.au 0416 138 860
  • Decarbonise Or Die.. Jeremy Wright
  • Rotaract...Rotary For 18 - 30 Yr Olds. Krissie Webb
For these latest podcasts, see "Read More"
Read more...
DISTRICT 9685 ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2023
 
A heads up about the Rotary District 9685 Conference 2023
Click HERE or on the poster below to go to the Conference website
 
YOUTH SERVICE MONTH
 
Read more...
Decades of improving life in Uganda and Kenya

Although this s addressed to me, it is really to the club as a whole.

Dear Dudley,

My name is Janepher and I am the Director of Community and Welfare at School for Life in Uganda. I want to personally thank you for your incredible support to the children and the communities we serve.

Education has changed my life and thanks to your support we are seeing it change the futures for many children in Uganda.

I attended a private school in Uganda, but at 16 years old, I was orphaned and sent to live with my grandmother.

My new school had untrained teachers and no running water or windows in my classroom. I had no money and no access to food all day. 

I wanted more! I began working after school and weekends so I could afford to put myself through a private high school. I was determined to change my future.

Fast forward to years of hard work, I trained as a teacher and I’ve been with School for Life since the beginning (2010!). But my future didn't always look this way.

Right now we have 350 new students, without sponsorship support. Many are starting out just like I did, determined to change their futures.

Christine knows first hand the benefit of your support. Christine has been with School for Life since she started Kindergarten in 2012. Against all odds she graduated primary school at the top of her class and she has now started high school with us. She dreams of becoming a school teacher and building a new school in her community.

But none of this would have been possible without the generous support of her sponsor family in Australia - people just like you!

"It is rewarding to be given the opportunity to help and support girls like Christine who have so much potential,” the Priestley family shared.

 

Rotary Youth Exchange travel may resume now!
Rotary Youth Exchange travel may resume now!
 
On 23 May the Board of Directors of Rotary International met to discuss Rotary Youth Exchange and the continuing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. President Mehta and our Board agreed that in light of the easing of travel restrictions, availability of vaccines, and increased public confidence in safety protocols to mitigate the risk of transmission or serious illness related to COVID-19, in-person travel for Rotary Youth Exchange may resume effectively immediately.
ESRAGF Newsletter
 
Environment Matters
The Rotary Action Group, ESRAG, (Environmental Sustainability Rotary Action Group) holds regular seminars. Because of time differences these are recorded. Some of those for May 2022 can be seen at the following URL-YouTube
Topic
Domain Focus
URL-YouTube
Watershed Restoration in Ontario
Biodiversity
B.I.G. Global?
Circular Economy
Shrimp Farming & Mangroves in Ecuador
Biodiversity
Li-ion battery Recycling
Circular Economy
Art from Waste
Circular Economy
 
School for Life May Newsletter
Image

UPDATES FROM UGANDA 🇺🇬

 

TERM 2 KICKS OFF

 

On May 9th we welcomed our students back to the classrooms after a well-deserved Term 1 break.

 

For many of our students were excited to be back in school, learning alongside their friends and enjoying the three nutritious meals that School for Life provides daily.

 

Our boarders enjoyed settling back into their dormitories and the boarding school routine.

 

KATUUSO AT NATIONAL ATHLETICS

 

On April 21st, towards the end of Term 1, four students from Katuuso Primary proudly represented School for Life at the National Athletics Competition.

 

With their schoolmates cheering them on, our students participated in many of the day's sporting activities including running, discus, long jump, high jump and hurdles.

 

We are pleased to share that our student Rogers placed 2nd in the under 14's race 60m sprint and student Janepher placed 3rd in the 800m. 

GROWING OUR TEACHERS

 

Over the school holidays, groups of teachers undertook professional development and training to enhance their skills and knowledge to further improve classroom learning.

 

One group saw three high school teachers trained in how to properly teach and assess the new abridged curriculum to support students' lost learning over the past 22 months. Another group consisted of six teachers who took part in the Wezesha Impact training course from April 19th-23rd that focused largely on developing business skills in our students including how to write up a business plan and how to pitch business ideas.

EMPOWERING JOB CREATORS OF TOMORROW

 

Recently our High School entered in the National Schools' Championship - an initiative launched by Stanbic Bank in 2016 to build entrepreneurship skills and develop leaders of tomorrow.

 

This year over 100 Ugandan secondary schools and 60,000 students got involved. Even though we were not successful to the next round of the competition, unlike last year, all of our students who participated walked away from the experience with excitement and energy to try new ideas for next year's competition.

 

CONSTRUCTION UPDATE

 

A NEW 70,000L WATER TANK

 

We have started construction of a 70,000L water tank at the boys' boarding school to increase water supply for the boys' dormitories and the school at large.

 

Providing access to safe and clean water is essential to our holistic model of quality education.

 

EVENTS 📅

 

GALA BALL BREAKS A NEW RECORD

We are thrilled to announce the tremendous success of our annual Black Tie Gala Ball on May 7th, which surpassed it's $1M target with a record-breaking $1.1M raised on the night thanks to our generous community.

 

We cannot express our gratitude enough for all those involved, from our Event Partners, our guests, our wonderful MC Hamish Blake, all the entertainers, businesses that donated, our volunteers, team and volunteer Event Committee. It would not have been possible without you all!

 

STUDENT IN THE SPOTLIGHT

 

Meet Annet!

 

Annet joined us this year and is in Pre-Primary at Mbazzi Primary School

She is 7 years old and it's no surprise that her favourite subject is music as she loves singing.

She tells us that after she gets home from school to her grandmother, she enjoys playing with her friends. Her favourite food is rice and beans, and her favourite animal is a cow.

 

SUPPORTER IN THE SPOTLIGHT

 

Last week, May 16-May 22, was National Volunteer Week and to celebrate we wanted to give a massive shout-out to all the incredible School for Life volunteers.

 

Special mention to our fantastic volunteers that helped us raise $1.1M at the Gala Ball. Your energy, enthusiasm and hard-work did not go unrecognised. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

Read more...
More about bees
Lucy met the Slovenian Ambassador in Hall.
 
Dear Ambassador -
 
It was lovely meeting you and your family this weekend! First, thank you to Slovenia for championing bees and ensuring that through the United Nations the world recognises World Bee Day. Your family is a wonderful, friendly link to your country.
 
Below are some photos that I took during our memorable walk through beautiful Hall village. I hope the photos will help you remember this happy 2022 World Bee Day and some of the many friends you have made,  when you have returned to Slovenia.
 
Please stay in touch with Rotarians for Bees and perhaps you can help us expand our fellowship network to Rotary clubs in Slovenia!
 
With warm good wishes, Lucy
 
 
 
Grant Applications
SPECIAL ALERT ABOUT GRANT APPLICATIONS
 
Applications for Foundation Grants for both District and Global will soon close. They must be in to the board by May 31st If you have a project in mind please contact Tony Castely on  0414 801 888 for the form. Complete it and return it to me at mrdgm41@gmail.com as soon as you like. The new board will consider any/all applications and promote them to the District Foundation chair, David Dean  
 
District Grant Applications;
 
  We do have increased funding available for District Grants this coming year so can offer the support to more clubs. It is a great way to double the effectiveness of your club’s contribution to a project.
Here's a quick summary about grants
  • Up to $2500 for local projects and $5000 for international projects.  
  • Must be matched by the club
  • Must be completed within the Rotary Year
  • The project must be a new one and not already be started
  • Preference will be given to clubs that plan full club member involvement
  • The Rotary Club is responsible for the simple recording of payments and the grant funds and will be required to give a summary when the project is complete.
  • The club must be qualified to take part with the Rotary Foundation. We are as I have attended the District Assembly Foundation talk and will complete the webinar.
 
We look forward to Boards and Avenue of Service chairs discussing their project plans prior to the new Rotary year starting and making applications for Foundation assistance through District grants.  Applications should be in before the end of June 2022.
 
PDG Tony Castley has advised that the time for the district grant applications to the club can be extended to Friday June10th. Applications will be assessed and the most worthy will be forwarded to District by end June. 
 
Also Tony's contact details were accidentally missed off his first email to you. His email is     tonyc@sewgroup.com
More about Bees
  • Rotarians for Bees are swarming into NSW  
  • The Environment is Rotary International’s latest area of focus. Rotarians are asked to join the buzz around the Environment and one way to do that is for your club to join Rotarians for Bees.
  • This initiative was started by the Canterbury VIC Rotary Club but now we have NSW and ACT Rotarians facilitating expansion in Australia and globally.
  • Those of you with RAWCS projects overseas can also play a part by sharing ideas with your project partners.
  • Flyers are available with more information and the contact info of NSW Rotarians who can be resources.
  • There are lots of small easy changes you can make, to help our bees and pollinators thrive, your gardens to flourish and support our future food supply.
  • Contact Lucy Hobgood -Brown handupcongo@gmail.com
  • image.png
 
International Convention 2022
 
 
 

As Rotary members, we use our connections to create lasting change in our communities and around the world. And although we’ve all faced the challenges of the pandemic for the past year and a half, we’ve continued to take action, solve problems, and make a positive impact. So we are optimistic that we can gather in person to explore new opportunities for friendship and service at the 2022 Rotary International Convention, 4-8 June in Houston, Texas, USA. We invite you to join us!
At the convention, you will:

  • Develop new friendships and strengthen old ones
  • Share your Rotary experiences and learn more ways to get involved
  • Find inspiration in the family of Rotary

Register now to take advantage of our reduced rate, available until 15 December. You’ll be able to cancel for a full refund, minus a $50 per person administration fee, until 30 April. 
Don’t miss this chance to strengthen your passion for Rotary.

 
Membership Corner

 

What do you know about Rotary
Diversity of Rotary International Presidents.
1942-43 Fernando Carbajal (civil engineering)  
Rotary Club of Lima, Peru
 ROTARY VISION: The application of practical action in solving problems, locally and worldwide
" The prevailing Rotary attitude is rendering service is practicality. Its aim in performing a useful action is to be helpful and serviceable, not sentimental...As Practical idealists, we temper the fanciful flights of the dreamer with the limitations of common sense."
 - Address to 1943 Rotary Convention, St Louis, Missouri, USA
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