Rotary District 9620 | District Newsletter 2021/22
July 2021
It’s often said that the best celebrations of new unions and birthdays come about when strong and positive people come together to merge and grow – in ways that surprise and motivate us.
That’s what 9620 is – a merge of two strong and successful Rotary Districts joining together to start the journey of DOING MORE and GROWING MORE
It’s interesting that in a year when our Rotary International President Shekhar Mehta asks that we take on that mantra – we’re having the chance to live it every day of this our inaugural year.
We’re expanding clubs that will and can work more closely together, we’re growing in our ability to see more broadly across the District and therefore respond more quickly to our communities.
From the privileged position I’ve enjoyed of being inside both 9600 and 9630 for the past few years I’ve been regularly amazed by the surprises that clubs and their members give as they undertake their service and grow in fellowship. We’re now at the cusp when we can build on all that has been great, develop further where we need to and be proud of the passion that both Districts radiate.
Take the opportunity to learn and coexist with clubs that are new to you, ask other clubs to share their experiences and be open in sharing yours.
Wish I could remember where I first captured this quote – but it seems to be so applicable:
Together we are stronger, our voices louder and the synergy of our actions more powerful
Come together in Caloundra next March to share the fellowship that is Rotary – see the world the way we want it to be – full of peace, service and energy.
Continue to value your club and the basis that has been your solidity over the past years in District 9600 or District 9630.
Celebrate the new energy and opportunity to be part of a wider Rotary family as we merge into District 9620.
Give service, have fun and cherish your fellow Rotarians.
I look forward to seeing you – in person or on-line in this our charter year.
WELCOME ALL TO ROTARY DISTRICT 9620
Wendy Protheroe
Charter District Governor (2021 - 2022)
The D9600 Buzz and Unlocking D9630 have been combined in format into a new weekly e-bulletin of events and announcements called "The Gist". This is sent out weekly to all active and honorary Rotarians in the district, but if you want it and aren't getting it, you can subscribe to The Gist at:
District Leadership Team meetings:
Thursday 22nd July
Thursday 26th August
Thursday 23rd September
Thursday 28th October
Membership Summit: Sunday 8th August (Zoom), RSVP: Friday 6th August by email
Don't forget to check out (and like and share) the new District Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/RotaryDistrict9620
While it has been a month since the announcement of the Queen's Birthday Honours for 2021, District 9620 would like to acknowledge those recipients here.
Martin White OAM (Medal of the Order of Australia) has been recognised for his services in Music and charity. Specifically for starting the Bribie Island Orchestra and keeping it going strong for 27 years and counting, also for teaching astronomy and music appreciation at U3A and 20 years service to Rotary.
Denise Schellbach OAM (Medal of the Order of Australia) has been recognised for her service to Community through a range of organisations include The Lord Mayor's Charitable Trust Ambassador, Daniel Morecombe Foundation Ambassador, and Ambassador QIMR Berghoffer for Medical Research Foundation. Denise is most noted for her commitment to Eddie's Van, St Joseph's College and ensuring that this service continues in school holidays when students are not available to volunteer between semesters.
PDG John Leddy OAM (Medal of the Order of Australia) has been recognised for his service to Community and to Engineering. John's citation lists his many contributions to Engineering in his professional life, as well has his contribution to Engineers Australia, the Engineering Faculty at QUT and to assessment committees for Civil Engineering Associate Diploma and Bachelor qualifications, and the contributions to Building and Design Professions and TAFE Institutes.
DGE Tim Keeler AM (Member of the Order of Australia) has been recognised for his significant service to the Community and to Education. Tim's contributions include board roles with Youth Suicide Prevention Community Organisation: Alive, Logan and Redlands Regional Development, Youth and Family Services, Refugee Welfare Action Group, Logan Arts Festival and Brisbane Indigenous Arts Festival, as well as a number of leadership roles in professional secondary eduction across Queensland.
As an enduring component of the work of Rotary in Southern Queensland, the study report by District 9630 is made available here, digitally, and in The Gist. Please feel free to share this document widely, and know that you can refer to it and download it from the 9620 website at any time.
For your convenience, it is included in this Inaugural District 9620 newsletter for all clubs and members.
The author, Shen Huang is a Peace Fellow Masters Program graduate and was hosted by the Rotary Club of Wooloongabba, hailing from District 5230 (Visalia, USA).
For more information on Peace Fellow studies: https://rotary.centre.uq.edu.au
Friday 18th June in LightSpace, Fortitude Valley played host to the ever-successful Shine for Shelterbox event. Rotaract Rivercity always puts on a great show, and this was no exception. The Rotaractors were disappointed to have to cancel the event last year due to Covid restrictions and were keen to make up for it with their annual cocktail event - and didn't they just?
Exceeding the attendance of the previous event despite the blustery evening, the formula of selecting local and emerging talent, representing the youth is definitely a winner. Prizes were donated by local businesses, many from the hospitality industry who have battled the economic and social effects of Covid lockdowns.
All proceeds are directed to Shelterbox, and this year with a total of $5400, the Rotaractors and their supporters are proud to continue their event tradition.
Congratulations to Lachy Murray and the members integral to the organisation of Shine, to raffle prize winners on the night, and to all who attended for their generosity making this contribution so significant: Shelterbox and Rotaract thank you.
Colleen Caruana is the District Youth Programs Coordinator and has forwarded a note to all club Presidents by way of introduction. Colleen's early Rotary life started in Rotaract and has a natural affliation for the opportunities that young people have through Rotary, but most particularly, the opportunity to serve the Community.
If you haven't yet heard from Colleen, or would like to know more about what District 9620 is offering in Youth Programs, there is an outline of specialty contacts below. And equally, feel free to contact Colleen directly to advise your Club Youth contact (by clicking the link), and make your interest known.
Earlyact is a school-based community focussed program for primary school students. A Rotarian supports students as they offer service to others. Earlyact enables students to set goals, plan collaboratively and develop leadership skills.
Michelle Goulter – 0449 720 192 earlyact@rotary9620.org
Interact is a school-based program for high school students. Support is offered by a mentor Rotarian. Interact enables students to work collaboratively in teams, set goals and plan ways of offering service both locally and internationally.
Ishbel Taylor – 0421 971 090 interact@rotary9620.org
RRAP provides children aged 3-5yrs living in drought affected areas with one reading book per month for as long as funds are available.
Sue St. Clair – 0417 787 356 rrap@rotary9620.org
The Youth Exchange Program fosters world friendship and understanding by providing opportunities for young people to experience life in another country for a period of 12 months.
Julian Field – 0402 907 500 yep@rotary9620.org
RYDA provides information and personal experiences targeting positive attitudes and awareness for young drivers and passengers. The program is for Year 11 students.
Bryan Payne – 0427 379 909 ryda@rotary9620.org
This program for year 9 and 10 students involves 3 - 4 days of hands-on science at universities. The program supports students who have an interest in science and enables engagement in a wide range of hands-on science activities under the guidance of experienced scientists.
Tracey Wyatt – 0422 996 246 tse@rotary9620.org
Rotary Clubs select senior high school students for a 2-week science & technology experience at Australia’s leading institutions in Canberra. The program fosters greater knowledge of, and passion for science and technology.
Melody Dobrinin nysf@rotary9620.org
The program involves a weekend interactive program to help build and develop self-confidence, leadership and social skills for students aged 14–17yrs.
Jane Hillyard – 0400 798 688 rypen@rotary9620.org
RYTS is a week-long live in Training Seminar sponsored by Rotary Clubs and/or families. Through a series of life skills sessions, RYTS will equip school leavers with the confidence to step out into the real world.
Simon Thomas – 0458 874 666 ryts@rotary9620.org
RYLA is a week-long live in Training Seminar sponsored by Rotary Clubs and/or Employers. RYLA promotes citizenship, personal development and leadership to young people aged 18 – 26 years. It aims that young people will gain skills to facilitate positive change in the world.
Julian Field – 0402 907 500 ryla@rotary9620.org
District Office: Bostock House, Ellerton Road, Wacol. QLD. 4069
https://rotary9620.org Webmaster: Mark Williams: webmaster@rotary9620.org