April 2021
Table of Contents
“If mothers are empowered and healthy, so are their families, leading to an alleviation of poverty and hunger.”
Robert Zinser, co-founder of the Rotarian Action Group for Population and Development and retired president for Asia at chemical giant BASF
Despite many restrictions, it has been wonderful to be able to visit and connect with so many Rotarians across this District and neighbouring Districts during this Rotary Year. With the conference behind us, and I hope you'll enjoy the images supplied (other than those you captured yourselves), we look to the events ahead. I draw your attention to this weekend's R100 Celebration with Rotary in the Park. Please book your tickets through the link provided in the Coming Events section - you can navigate there easily from the Table of Contents index (above).
Next weekend is the District Tree Planting, organised and catered by the Karana Downs-Bellbowrie Club (looking forward to scones), and then following that is the World Malaria Day event: RAM Fun Run on 30th April. When you are stopped in the street or elevator and asked, 'What does Rotary do?', it's no wonder we each struggle to succinctly articulate the impact and activities of Rotary when there is so much for us to choose from.
With a full calendar to the end of the year, please participate in as much as there is on offer, take note of your Club Clusters in 9620 (reprinted by request), and catch up on the events and recognitions that have taken place around 9600. See you on the weekend...
DG Neil (2020/21)
District Leadership Team Meetings:
No April meeting
District Presidents' virtual Meeting: last Friday of the month, 6.30pm - links will be sent ahead
District Tree Planting: 24th April
District Grants Applications Close: 30th April
Rotary Centenary in Australia and New Zealand: baton exchanges
We hope that you've enjoyed viewing DGTV this year. It was designed to give you, the members of the District, a perspective of what DG Neil has been seeing and partcipating in during his visits to clubs and events across the year.
Of course, the facility is still available if you haven't signed on, and these images will remain available for a few months into the new Rotary Year.
If you have any suggestions for DGTV, please forward to the editor, or DG Neil directly. If you'd like to submit your own videos of the DG visiting, please feel free to submit these too.
(For more information, please contact the editor: 9600dgnewsletter@gmail.com )
Don't forget to register to the planned Covid-safe event on Saturday 17th April at EE McCaskie Oval, Kelvin Grove (there is a small fee). See the advertisement in this issue and link below.
Tickets are available through Eventbrite, and more information via Facebook: 2x MC's on stage, DJ playing all day, multicultural dancers, multicultural food and Rotary Projects Showcase. All welcome - please like and share the event through all social media.
Pics, videos, and commentary for your celebration of this occasion are welcome: 9600dgnewsletter@gmail.com
Thank you to all who made the trek to Kingaroy across the last weekend in March, and it's hoped that you're glad you did, with lockdown across greater Brisbane, following hot on its heels: it was a spectacular celebration of country hospitality, free and clear surrounds among all our Rotary friends. Many thanks to the Conference team led by 9620 DGN Tim Keeler, and the Rotary Club of Kingaroy. Congratulations to DG Neil and President Kat on an unmitigated triumph. That was a weekend we'll never forget. And to ensure that it is clear in your memory, there are photos to prove it... enjoy!
Did you know that you can now access the Rotary Learning Centre on your mobile device? You can click here for detailed instructions, or following these steps to get started:
On your mobile device, use a browser to go to my.rotary.org and sign in to My Rotary.
Tap the ≡ menu at the top left of your screen.
Tap the plus sign next to Learning & Reference, and then choose Learning Center.
Go to your app store and download Go.Learn. Don’t open it from here.
Return to your browser. From the same Learning Center page in My Rotary, tap the link to the Learning Center.
For more information on Go.Learn, you can email learn@rotary.org. You can browse the Learning Centre accessed from My Rotary at any time.
World Malaria Awareness Day on 25 April throughout the world but, for obvious reasons, celebrated on 30 April in Australia. Despite impressive gains against malaria, half the world still lives at risk from this preventable, treatable disease. In 2021, RAM is hosting a fun, safe and virtual event that challenges you to walk, swim, or ride 4km on Malaria Awareness Day to represent the over 400,000 lives lost to malaria each year.
Sign up and donate, ask friends to get involved or sponsor you, and take a selfie doing the challenge to share on RAM Social Media.
We aim to raise $100,000 for RAM projects in the coming year and are challenging each District to raise a little over $5000 to meet that target. Help us reach our goal!
For more information about the importance of combating malaria, visit: http://www.ram.rawcs.com.au
For a visit to your club, email (by clicking their name) District RAM Supervisor, Russ Stephenson (Nambour), Jacqui Hunt (Noosa Heads) or Dr Ivor Harris.
This year we’ll be undertaking our District Changeover on-line. Put it in your calendar: Saturday 3rd July (2.30pm – 4.30pm).
We’ve decided that the major time when we’ll come together each year will be at our District Conference, much the same as Rotary International and our Annual Conventions.
Lots of ideas came into finalising this decision - Our District covers a large area and it doesn’t seem equitable to hold a District event for a couple of hours when so many of our Clubs would find it difficult to participate.
Some consideration was given to the situation with COVID though, like many of you it’s my hope that by the time July comes round we’ll be moving freely across our great country. A Rotarian in America this morning assured those of us talking with him that everyone in America will be able to get the vaccination as they wish quite soon, there’ll be no supply issues and therefore Americans will be able to travel anywhere in the world. Let us hope that will be the case but also think of the many countries that will be looking for support to make that happen. Let’s keep our safety high up on the list of priorities.
So – Join us on the afternoon of 3rd July and hear from District Governor Patrice from 9630 and District Governor Neil from 9600 and as we prepare to take off, and then frame our Chains of Office and move to recognise the start of District 9620.
The celebrations that come with the Club Changeovers will be where Rotarians and Rotaractors share the annual handing of the baton to a new Club President or confirm the continuation of the current President. Please send an email to Sue Mulraney (jpscrc@tpg.com.au) and share the details of your Club Changeover. We’ll attempt to have the District Governor or a Past District Governor share the event with you.
We’re rapidly reaching the closing date for applications for District Grants for the 2021 – 2022 year……. and so far only three applications have been received. We have a significant fund base that we can allocate so please, think about the projects your Clubs want to be involved in and submit those applications.
Under the new rules of the Rotary Foundation funds that we don’t allocate will be returned (after five years) to core Foundation programs - perhaps Polio Plus, Peace Centre or the Annual Fund. Let’s be active and have 9620 clubs decide what projects they’d like to be involved in.
The closing date is 30 April so get a move on.
A very big thank you to the Assistant Governors who are working with the Clubs in their clusters to confirm dates for DG visits. It’s a bit like playing chess trying to manage each of these.
A special thank you to those clubs who are agreeing to join with others for the visit and congratulations to AG Rutian Mi and the Clubs in the Kinross cluster – all information forms from the Presidents elect have been submitted and all of the DG visits have been confirmed.
Some dates earlier in the year will become available as Clubs combine and I’ll get in touch if there can be some movement.
I have made the decision that I won’t be planning my DG visits to Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands or Nauru until there is more certainty around international travel. I am sad about that as our Rotarian friends in the Clubs in those countries are inspirational to visit and to share their commitment to our Rotary values. Hopefully I can make those visits before the end of the 2021 -2022 year.
Save the date: We’ll be together at the Caloundra Events Centre on 18-19-20 March 2021.
Conference Chair Jenny Smith of the Sumner Park Club is working with a very active committee on the organisation of what will be the chance for us to celebrate District 9620 at our first ever District conference.
The Rotary International District 9600 Brisbane West Cluster celebrated the 100th anniversary of the founding of Rotary in Australia and New Zealand in style on the 5th of March 2021.
A full-capacity dinner was hosted in Samford Valley for members of the Brisbane West Cluster – Paddington, Toowong, Brookfield, Bellbowrie/Karana Downs, Brisbane Inner North, Kenmore, Mitchelton, Ashgrove/The Gap and Samford Valley.
The evening commenced with MC Bob Millar from Samford Valley welcoming all guests and leading all in the Royal Toast, Toast to Australia and it’s people, and the Rotary Grace.
Assistant Governor for the Brisbane West Cluster, Judy Xavier, then officially welcomed all, played an R100 video, and called all to join in a Toast to Rotary International.
Past District Governor, Dai Mason of Samford Valley, then responded to Judy’s Toast on behalf of Rotary International.
A Rotary Trivia Quiz was then conducted by Gary Bray of Samford Valley, which everyone thoroughly enjoyed! Hopefully everyone also learned something new about the organisation and it’s foundation! First prize was donated by Mitchelton, and Judy Xavier and Samford Valley provided prizes for the runners up.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of Paul Harris Fellow recognition by Samford Valley President Amanda Miller to Assistant Governor Judy Xavier, in recognition of her 20+ years of service to Rotary and substantial contributions to a range of organisations outside of Rotary. This occasion was chosen by Samford Valley as it provided a wonderful opportunity for Judy to receive this recognition in front of representatives of the entire Cluster.
The night then ended with Judy thanking all for attending, and Bob Millar wrapped up the event in his inimitable style!
A memorable night for all in celebration of this significant milestone for Rotary in Australia!
AG: Jan Lawton (Woombye Palmwoods)
Cooroy
Eumundi
Gympie
Gympie Cooloola
Nambour
Nambour 76
Woombye Palmwoods
Port Moresby
Wewak (Community Corp)
"Reach Out"
AG: Mary Kearney (Karana Downs-Bellbowrie)
Albany Creek
Ashgrove-The Gap
Aspley
Brisbane Inner North
Karana Downs-Bellbowrie
Kenmore
Mitchelton
Samford Valley
Honiara
"Rotary Making a Difference"
AG: Nirmala Prasad (Brisbane International)
Beenleigh
Brisbane International
Browns Plains
Logan
Loganholme
Ormeau Pimpama
Rochedale SE Technology Park
Bulolo-Wao
Kimbe
"Be a Gift to the World"
AG: TBA
Brisbane International
Brisbane Rivercity
South Brisbane
South East Brisbane
Southwest Brisbane
Toowoomba
Sunshine Coast
Brisbane Pride
Honiara
"Be The Inspiration"
AG: Bill Dominguez (Toowong)
Brisbane Inner West
Brisbane River City
Brisbane Taylor Bridge
Brookfield
Hybrid (to be chartered)
Paddington
South Brisbane
Toowong
Woolloongabba
Mt Hagan
"Light Up Rotary"
AG: Tony Long (Glasshouse Mountains)
Buderim
Caloundra
Caloundra Pacific
Glasshouse
Maleny
Sunshine Coast Passport (to be chartered)
Lae
Buka (Bouganville)
"The Future of Rotary is in Your Hands"
AG: Bryan Payne (Roma)
Charleville
Chinchilla
Dalby
Kingaroy
Mitchell
Murgon
Roma
St George
Arrawa (Bouganville Community Corp)
Nurses and Midwives
"Reach Within to Embrace Humanity"
AG: Peter Brown (Caboolture)
Bribie Island
Caboolture
Kippa-Ring North Lakes
Pine Rivers
Pine Rivers Daybreak
Redcliffe City
Redcliffe Sunrise
Goroka
Sunshine Coast (Community Corp)
"Rotarians: United in Service; Dedicated to Peace"
AG: Grant Symons (Sunnybank Hills)
Archerfield
Carindale
Forest Lake
Mt Gravatt
Salisbury
Stones Corner
Sunnybank Hills
Wishart
Kokopo
"Real Happiness is Helping Others"
AG: David Field (Capalaba)
Capalaba
Cleveland
Nomads
Port of Brisbane
Redland Sunrise
Wellington Point
Wynnum & Manly
Manus Island (Community Corp)
"Service Above Self"
AG: Donelle Paul (Greater Springfield)
Booval
Brisbane Centenary
Goodna
Greater Springfield
Ipswich
Ipswich City
Ipswich North
Jindalee
Sumner Park
Boroko
"Lead The Way"
AG: Bernie Wilson (Bribie Island)
Alexandra Headland
Maroochydore
Mooloolaba
Noosa
Noosa Daybreak
Noosa Heads
Sunshine Coast Central
Gizo
Nauru
"Put Life into Rotary - Your Life"
AG: Syd Owen (Toowoomba Garden City)
Lockyer Valley
Pittsworth
Toowoomba
Toowoomba City
Toowoomba East
Toowoomba Garden City
Toowoomba North
Toowoomba South
Madang
"Rotary Shares"
AG: Rutian Mi (Hamilton)
Balmoral
Brisbane
Brisbane Airport
Brisbane High Rise
Brisbane Mid-City
Fortitude Valley
Hamilton
New Farm
Nundah
Nondugl
"Show Rotary Cares"
The collaborative effort undertaken by the Leadership Team and members of the Rotary Club of Ashgrove The Gap through Meals On Wheels in Mitchelton and Pine Rivers has provided essential and on-going support for the most vulnerable in the community, as the pandemic unfolded. PP Dr Padma Lal was quick to conduct community assessment and need in the immediate crisis and for the future support of those in the broader local area, by borrowing from a Rotary project idea that began Pine Rivers Meals On Wheels in 1975.
This time, the club secured a grant of close to $US25,000 for a freezer vehicle enabling the '... Pine Rivers Meals On Wheels to feed more people, more effectively across five service areas: Bribie Island, Burpengary, Caboolture, Pine Rivers, Samford, and Moreton Bay,' Queensland Meals On Wheels CEO, Evan Hill stated.
Of course, Meals On Wheels provides more than just meals to those in need: it provides vital health and well-being checks and a personal connection for clients who may not have the opportunity to see and talk to anyone else over the course of days.
The Rotary International grant enabled the Mitchelton Meals On Wheels team to purchase outright the additional freezer they had been renting due to high demand for food and home visits, and continues to serve the community in periods of lockdown.
Congratulations to the Rotarians in Ashgrove The Gap and the Meals On Wheels teams across the region for their collaboration and quick response.
For more detail on club events and activities, please refer to the weekly Rotary Buzz email, and the District Website.
When: Saturday 17th April | 9am - 3pm
Where: EE McCaskie Park, Kelvin Grove Road, Kelvin Grove (click on the map link below for directions)
For Rotary Showcase, contact:
Jitendra: 0402 422 777 or Chris: 0413 055 177
Where: 85 – 91 Ross Road, Upper Kedron (not the Mt Nebo end)
When: 8.30am for 9am (Sat. 24th April)
Aim: 2500 – 3000 trees to continue theextension of biodiversity in this area and
the Brisbane City Council’s 2 MillionTrees program.
Refreshments provided by Karana Downs-Bellbowrie Rotarians.
Please wear/bring: Sun protection, waterto drink, long sleeves and comfortable footwear, gardening gloves.
Please note that the Rotary Convention 2021 is now a virtual event. Details are available through the convention site and ticket refunds are available through the organisers.
District Contacts
Webmaster: Mark Williams: d96x0webmaster@gmail.com District Governor: dg2020-2021@hotmail.com District Directory: rotarydistrict9600@gmail.comDistrict Information
District Leadership Team Meetings: as aboveRegional office: Rotary International South Pacific and Philippines Office: RISPPO@rotary.org