Stories
From Your Presidents Desk………..

Hello Fellow members! This month is Peace Building and Conflict Prevention Month

Here is a link https://images-cdn.dashdigital.com/rotary/february_2024/data/imgpages/139/0055_ipelae_fg.png?lm=1705943166000  which is an extract from this month's Rotary Magazine….Read it at your leisure or if you receive Rotary Magazine read it in full.
 
I have had the opportunity to be in contact with our Environment director, Judy Charnaud to resolve some operational issues with district which I must say we have resolved.
 
Judy has been also been working overtime liaising and coordination her local council, her environmental network and your club environment committee of Ross Johnson, Doug Vincent and Lucy Hopgood Brown in preparing the club Eco-Pole project.
 
Marilyn is organising with Myall Koala & Environment Group for a tree planting for Dudley’s grove of trees….. watch this space.
 
Haran has a fund raiser on Saturday 3rd February details are as follows:-
 
 
 The Quarterly Eastern Region General Meeting. The meeting will commence at 9am at Club Macquarie, Argenton. If you are unable to attend in person, a zoom link is listed below. Please be aware that the time for the meeting is 9am (not 8am).
 
Grab a coffee and peruse the attached documents which will keep you up to speed on the amazing work being done in this Region.
 
Topic: RAWCS Eastern Region Meeting 4 February 2024
Time: Feb 4, 2024 08:00 AM Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney
 
Join Zoom Meeting
 
Meeting ID: 963 2473 0391
Passcode: 722831
 
Our Fundraising activities in 2024
  • We were at $ 290 raised, thank you to those members who have sold or bought tickets as we have reach $520 on our way to our target of $1000. I encourage you to share the online raffle with your networks. The raffle will be drawn on 27th March 2024.
  • Our 5th Sunday Activity on the 31st March fundraising target is $1250. We need a concerted effort to reach our target. I encourage you all to get involved either in the organisation or supporting these events.
Vacant Club Membership director 2024-2025
 
I am re-sharing the email sent to all members
 
URGENT: Membership Director needed for 2024-5
Due to various circumstances, it has become necessary for us to elect a new Membership Coordinator for the Rotary E-Club of Greater Sydney.
Membership is vital for the continued existence of our club.
Just like “spelling “at school, where spelling is not just the responsibility of the English faculty, “Membership” is not the sole responsibility of the Membership Director.
It is a shared responsibility for ALL members.
We need to do 4 things:
Identify, Invite, Induct, Involve!”
 
The Membership Director works with the President, Secretary and Treasurer on all aspects, as well as receiving the support of the club Members.
 
Your club needs YOU to really consider taking this leadership role in our club particularly if you have never been a Board member before.
 
Please contact current Membership Director Marilyn Mercer if you would like more details,
marilynmercer10@gmal.com        0416 026 848

 
 
 
Read more...
This Week's Meeting - Sunday February 4th
Our Speaker this week is our newest member Dr Hasan Sarwar  
 
Hasan works as a doctor in the emergency departments at Blue Mountains Hospital and Nepean Hospital NSW. He has been in Australia for last 20 years, since 2004. He lives in Claremont Meadows with his wife and 2 children - Imran aged 20, and Amelia aged 14. Previously, he worked as a plastic surgical CMO at Nepean Hospital for 10 years.He has a background as a paediatric plastic surgeon in Bangladesh. He has a special interest in cleft lip and palate for the underprivileged. 
Before coming to Australia, he did about 500 of these operations free of cost. He has been a member of Rotary Club of Nepean for 15 years. In 2007 he established Aussi Bangla Smile with the help of colleagues from Nepean Hospital, Rotary Club of Nepean and RAWCS. His team travelled to Bangladesh to provide cleft lip palate and burn reconstructive surgery free of cost to the underprivileged, majority children, as well as to provide medical education to rural hospitals in Bangladesh. They visited about 10 times with a medical team from Australia and have successfully completed almost 800 operations. During this time, they also established a Women's health project for prolapse and VVF, which is now running under the DAK foundation. You can see his presentation here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWxLgufgVEI&t=51s .
He has a special interest in global health, and his philosophy is to help the underprivileged in the world. "We are very fortunate to be living in Australia, so we have the ability to do more good in the world, and RAWCS and Rotary is a great umbrella to work under."

 

RYLA Report - Kian Safaei
2024
Rotary E Club of Greater Sydney has been an active supporter of many youth programs offered by Rotary and our District.
We each year chose candidates for our Rotary Youth program of Enrichment (RYPEN) summer and winter camps as well as Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA). We have been able to support many worthy candidates over the years who have been able to build on their experiences and networks created through these camps to further themselves in their personal and professional lives.
This year we had the pleasure of supporting a very interesting candidate to the RYLA camp.
Bayan is a very interesting young man with huge potential in leadership in the future. At tender age of 25 he has already completed 5 Bachelor degrees and has been accepted to Sydney University to study for his Masters degree.
He is active in leadership groups, especially those working with refugee youth. He arrived in Australia with his family as a refugee himself and has a wealth of personal knowledge that he can draw on to help others.
We have created close links with our RYLA candidates, and most have gone to become members of Rotaract.
We wish Bayan all the success in his future and will be in contact with him to join us in our future endeavors.
 
And From Bayan, reprinted with his permission
 
 
Dear Kian,
 
As I reflect on the profound experience of the RYLA program, I find myself overwhelmed with gratitude, and it's only fitting that this message carries the weight of my appreciation. Your nomination was the catalyst for a transformative journey, one that has left an indelible mark on my life.
 
From the very beginning, your unwavering support has been my guiding light. Your belief in my potential fueled my determination, and I cannot express how profoundly grateful I am for the opportunity you provided. The week-long RYLA program became a crucible of growth, challenge, and self-discovery, and it's thanks to you that I had the privilege to embark on this impactful journey.
 
Throughout the program, the values upheld by Rotary and the meaningful connections forged with fellow participants resonated deeply with me. RYLA not only honed my leadership skills but also instilled in me a profound sense of responsibility and commitment to making a positive difference in the world.
 
The impact of RYLA extends far beyond the confines of the program, as its lessons and experiences continue to shape my perspective and aspirations. Your instrumental role in this journey is something I will forever cherish.
 
In expressing my gratitude, I want to acknowledge not only your role but also the collective effort of the Rotary community. The commitment to fostering leadership and positive change is evident in every aspect of the program, and I am sincerely thankful to be a part of this inspiring community.
 
As I navigate the future with the newfound insights and skills acquired through RYLA, please know that your support has been a beacon of encouragement. Your belief in my potential has fueled a sense of purpose that will undoubtedly guide my endeavors in the realm of international relations, social science, and creative leadership.
 
Once again, thank you from the depths of my heart for making this journey possible. Your kindness and dedication have left an indelible mark on my life, and I am excited to carry the spirit of RYLA forward in all my future endeavors.
 
With heartfelt appreciation,
Bayan ��

 
Australia Day BBQ at Glenbrook Pool
 
Australia Day at Glenbrook pool. was a good Hot day  and with the help of Katoomba club, Rotarians, family and friends, volunteering, we gave away 500 sausage sizzles.
 
Thank you to Lucian Keegel and his team of willing helpers.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
From Our Environmental Director Judy Charnaud
 

We are constantly being bombarded with information re the dangers of overuse of plastic. The life cycle of plastic materials is fraught with environmental dangers at every stage – production, use, recycling. Why have we become so in love with plastic that we can not do away with it?

I have attached here two reports which may make you think twice about your use of plastic:
1. How to avoid micro-plastics in your home.
2. Bottled water not as pure as we thought.

And to give you hope:
1. NSW Plastics, Next Steps.|
2. Plastic Free Checklist.

Your Enviro team will be talking more about this in future meetings.

How to avoid microplastics in your home by by Brad Lockyer15 November 2023,
Microplastics are tiny particles of plastic less than 5mm in size and have become ubiquitous in the modern world, infiltrating not just our environment but also our homes.
They are found in everyday items, from cleaning products to the food we consume. To safeguard your home and your health, follow these practical steps to minimise your exposure to microplastics.
Opt for natural fibres
Choose natural fibre textiles such as cotton, wool, and silk over synthetic fabrics. Synthetic fibres like polyester shed microfibres during washing, contributing to microplastic pollution.
Natural fibres shed less and are kinder to the environment.
Use microfibre catchers
Often polyester microfibres are shaken free from your clothes during washing. Consider using a  microfibre catcher in your washing machines. These devices capture microfibres, preventing them from entering the water supply and ultimately your home.
Say no to single-use plastics
Try to reduce your use of single-use plastics at home. Replace disposable plastic utensils, plates, and cups with reusable alternatives made from glass, metal, or bamboo. This not only reduces potential microplastic spread but also limits plastic waste.
Filter your tap water
While the quality of tap water in Australia is very high, it is still a potential source of microplastics. Use a high-quality water filter that specifically targets microplastics.
By filtering your tap water, you ensure that the water you use for cooking, drinking, and cleaning is free from these harmful particles.
Choose glass or stainless steel food storage
When storing food and beverages, opt for glass or stainless steel containers instead of plastic ones. Plastic containers can leach microplastics, especially when exposed to heat. Glass and stainless steel are safer alternatives.
Avoid plastic cooking utensils
When cooking, use utensils made from wood, bamboo, or metal instead of plastic. Plastic utensils can release microplastics when exposed to heat, potentially contaminating your food.
Avoid non-stick cookware with plastic coating
Non-stick cookware often comes with a plastic coating that can degrade over time, releasing microplastics into your food. Opt for ceramic or cast iron cookware, which are durable and safe alternatives.
Educate yourself
Stay informed about microplastic sources and share your knowledge with friends and family. The more people know about the sources and risks of microplastics, the more equipped you’ll be to make informed choices and protect our homes and health.
By taking a little care, you can create a microplastic-free environment in your home. Every small change you make adds up, not only benefitting your health but also preserving the environment for future generations.
Are you concerned about microplastics in your home?
 
Bottled water not as pure as we thought by Andrew Gigacz19 January 2024
 

Escaping plastic is no easy task these days. And, according to the latest science, it’s even harder than we realised. If you seek refuge from impurity through bottled water, sadly, the latest revelations will disappoint you.

You may already be aware that microplastics are commonly found in bottled water. Very small pieces of plastic – ranging from one microgram to around five millimetres – have been recorded in bottled water for some years.

Now, through improved scientific detection methods, even more startling discoveries are being made. A new technique used by US scientists has found a proliferation of nanoplastics in every bottle of water tested.

The scientists, from New York’s Columbia University, found that on average, one litre of bottled water contained an incredible 240,000 detectable plastic fragments. That falls somewhere between 10 and 100 times previous estimates.

“Previously this was just a dark area, uncharted,” says environmental chemist Adjunct Associate Professor Beizhan Yan. “Toxicity studies were just guessing what’s in there.”

What does this say about the risk of bottled water?

That is something of a $64,000 question. So small are some of these nanoplastics, there’s uncertainty about what damage – if any – they are capable of inflicting.

Escaping plastic is no easy task these days. And, according to the latest science, it’s even harder than we realised. If you seek refuge from impurity through bottled water, sadly, the latest revelations will disappoint you.

You may already be aware that microplastics are commonly found in bottled water. Very small pieces of plastic – ranging from one microgram to around five millimetres – have been recorded in bottled water for some years.

Now, through improved scientific detection methods, even more startling discoveries are being made. A new technique used by US scientists has found a proliferation of nanoplastics in every bottle of water tested.

The scientists, from New York’s Columbia University, found that on average, one litre of bottled water contained an incredible 240,000 detectable plastic fragments. That falls somewhere between 10 and 100 times previous estimates.

“Previously this was just a dark area, uncharted,” says environmental chemist Adjunct Associate Professor Beizhan Yan. “Toxicity studies were just guessing what’s in there.”

What does this say about the risk of bottled water?

That is something of a $64,000 question. So small are some of these nanoplastics, there’s uncertainty about what damage – if any – they are capable of inflicting.

Escaping plastic is no easy task these days. And, according to the latest science, it’s even harder than we realised. If you seek refuge from impurity through bottled water, sadly, the latest revelations will disappoint you.

You may already be aware that microplastics are commonly found in bottled water. Very small pieces of plastic – ranging from one microgram to around five millimetres – have been recorded in bottled water for some years.

Now, through improved scientific detection methods, even more startling discoveries are being made. A new technique used by US scientists has found a proliferation of nanoplastics in every bottle of water tested.

The scientists, from New York’s Columbia University, found that on average, one litre of bottled water contained an incredible 240,000 detectable plastic fragments. That falls somewhere between 10 and 100 times previous estimates.

“Previously this was just a dark area, uncharted,” says environmental chemist Adjunct Associate Professor Beizhan Yan. “Toxicity studies were just guessing what’s in there.”

What does this say about the risk of bottled water?

That is something of a $64,000 question. So small are some of these nanoplastics, there’s uncertainty about what damage – if any – they are capable of inflicting.

Click on the image below to view the Plastic Free Checklist.

acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:ap:a1dfef8a-a5ed-4a40-a961-4dd937d6078d

Click on the image below to read the Article supplied by Judy.  Unfortunately I was unable to insert them into the bulletin, but the two articles are available by click on the links or the image.

 

https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:AP:299793e2-17d8-4c11-96f2-0a3890888d75


 
Read more...
RI President Gordon McInally January 2024 Message to Rotarians around the world
In President Gordon McInally's January 2024 Message, he says that Rotary always stands against harming and displacing civilian populations and using armed aggression instead of pursuing peaceful solutions. We advocate for the observance and respect of international law. We believe in strong action to defend and promote peace, even in the darkest of times and we always take our position as an international, nonpolitical, nonreligious organization seriously. He adds that our members and nonmembers alike can learn more about peacebuilding through the Rotary Positive Peace Academy, a free online course available to anyone with an internet connection. You can find it at positivepeace.academy/rotary He concludes by saying, "May our ability to unify in common purpose be a spark that helps light the path out of these dark days.
 
LIGHT THE PATH OUT OF HARD DAYS
“In difficult times like these, it’s impossible to avoid feeling heartbroken over the devastation and loss of life caused by war and destruction.
Rotary always stands against harming and displacing civilian populations and using armed aggression instead of pursuing peaceful solutions. We advocate for the observance and respect of international law. We believe in strong action to defend and promote peace, even in the darkest of times. But we also take our position as an international, non-political, non-religious organization seriously. To respect the global perspectives and experiences of our members, and to work most effectively in our peacebuilding efforts, we do not choose sides in conflicts.
Rotary is made up of 1.4 million people in communities all over the globe who are united in our commitment to building a peaceful world. We strive to ensure that our words and actions prioritize the health and safety of our global membership and the communities where we live and serve.
Our members seek to offer humanitarian assistance to those affected by conflict, and our global reach requires that we promote peacebuilding and conflict prevention with cross-cultural, cross-border connections and friendship through Rotary.
For decades, Rotary has harnessed these connections to carry out service projects, support peace fellowships and scholarships, and establish programs like Rotary Peace Centers to help build lasting peace. Our members also take action to promote Positive Peace, addressing the underlying causes of conflict, including poverty, discrimination, ethnic tension, lack of access to education, and unequal distribution of resources.
Rotary members who wish to wage peace can use district grants and Rotary Foundation global grants to support projects with other Rotary members that help refugees and displaced people, District provide medical support, and more worldwide. Members can also work with or join peace-focused Rotary Action Groups, Friendship Exchanges, Fellowships, and intercountry committees. And Designated Funds or district cash can support our peacebuilding and conflict prevention efforts.
Members and non-members alike can learn more about peacebuilding through the Rotary Positive Peace Academy, a free online course available to anyone with an internet connection. You can find it at positivepeace.academy/rotary.
There is no denying that incidents of violence and atrocities being perpetuated around the world seem to be escalating. Global peace is fragile, and the stakes are getting higher.
Still, we know that it is possible to bring all people together to work toward a shared goal. Rotary members do so every day in every part of the world. May our ability to unify in common purpose be a spark that helps light the path out of these dark days. Together, let’s Create Hope in the World. Created by internationally renowned think-tank the Institute for Economics & Peace, this free short course introduces the transformational framework Positive Peace. Learn how Positive Peace is associated with better performance on ecological sustainability, improved wellbeing, stronger GDP growth rates and better business outcomes.
You can access this free online Positive Peace Academy at: https://www.positivepeace.academy/offers/tQYYFiQh/checkout

 
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Online Raffle
 
Online Raffle
We are nearly half way there.  Our aim is to raise $1000. 
Have you purchased tickets?
Have you sent the link to family and friends?  If not, please do so.  All ticket money paid through this link goes to our club.
 

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