Welcome

We’re one month old and shining like a star

What a month this has been – we’ve focussed on new leadership and establishing new ways of taking the best of two worlds, along with new ways of living Rotary to an emerging culture that is Rotary District 9620.

A key feature of Rotary is our regular transference of leadership – it gives us opportunities to re-focus our clubs and remind ourselves of the principles that are Rotary. Along with other Past District Governors, and even taking into account the covid lock downs we’ve visited 70 clubs to help celebrate Changeovers. I consider that to be a strong example of the family that is Rotary. Vibrant and effective leadership. Thanks for the invites and as soon as you’ve decided on your changeover date for next year send the details to Sue Mulraney as we’ll allocate PDGs by the date of booking with Sue (the first has already been received).

An inspirational focus of changeovers is to see the different cultures on display and the way in which the clubs plan to celebrate. I’ve been in smart casual wear, cocktail outfits, denim, and a 60’s theme just to name a few. I’ve seen formal programs, casual programs, member only changeovers and families joining in.

I’ve learned to hone my listening skills because whenever you’re given the privilege of joining with a well formed club you hear the inevitable chats that involve inside stories. Sometimes I leave the night with a set of questions wondering what was really meant and on other occasions there were explanations…. For instance, at the Mount Gravatt changeover I was wondering for most of the night why members were taking their binoculars to the Mount Gravatt lookout – only to learn later in the night that the club has a project to construct large binoculars at the top so that visitors can view the outlying country. (Comment back to those members – No I don’t recall trolley buses passing Cavendish Road High School when I was a student – not saying they weren’t there, just that I don’t remember them. Age can do wonders with our memories).

Each month Rotary has a focus. In August it’s MEMBERSHIP

At a time when we are needing to focus on bringing in more members and starting new clubs it’s timely that have enjoyed our first membership Summit. A big thank you to PDG Jitendra Prasad the 9620 Membership Coordinator who facilitated our August summit – if you didn’t make it then please make contact with him and organise for a speaker for your Club or your cluster.

During July the Rotary Club of Toowoomba Metropolitan was chartered with twenty eight members. PDG Patrice and PDG Neil and I shared a lovely night of celebration as the Club confirmed their commitment and received their Charter document. We’re looking forward to hearing about their achievements in this their first year.

A new Satellite Club was formed with the Alexandra Headland Club – the Sunshine Coast Passport Satellite Club – Past AG Wendy Gilson has been an important mentor. Speaking of Wendy, I was privileged to present her with a Paul Harris pin – 3 Sapphires from the Alexandra Headland Club after having received her two sapphire pin only a few weeks earlier from the Buderim Club. Great recognition for a passionate Rotarian.

The Sunnybank Hills Club is working on the establishment of a new satellite Club too. I personally haven’t had the opportunity to meet with them to date but Jitendra has told me they are developing well. Welcome aboard – see you soon.

At quite a few of the clubs that I’ve visited I’ve had the privilege of inducting new members including Sam at Mount Gravatt who was a Youth Exchange student and went to school with PDG Doug St Clair’s son. During his induction when invited to speak Sam reminded us all of the Four Way Test and how much it meant. It’s really good to be with others motivated to live by the Rotarian values. A leader of the future.

In discussion with RI President Shehka

Last Tuesday DGs from around the world had our zoom meeting with RI President Shehka – he gives us an update about global Rotary events. Last time in this position we certainly did not have such a close relationship with the RI President. It was exciting to hear the Rotary International has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize this year – we’ll learn the outcome during October, but win or not – what a humbling experience to know that our own organisation is thought of with such high esteem.

The key points he asked us to focus on were:

• Each One Bring One. Particularly valid in this our Membership month – but it won’t be any less relevant over the full twelve months. Remember the value of the ‘ask’

• Empower Girls: Across the world girls have fewer opportunities to access education, live without support for their hygiene needs and face life in equitable ways. What are we doing?

• Grow More Do More: The two keys for our Rotary lives….. if we do more we will grow more – people are attracted to people of action - and if we grow more we can do more – we’ll have more resources.

• Rotary Days of Service: President Shehka has asked if we could brand some of our services, particularly when clubs come together to give service, as a Rotary Day of Service. Market well. We have one developing right now. On April 10th we’ll be doing a tree planting. Brisbane City Council is working with our facilitator – David Kearney - and he’s been in touch with many of our clubs to ask them to join in. Maybe clusters could come together, or clubs might make contact with their local council and ask them if they’d join with Rotarians and Rotaractors to have a tree planting day on 10th April in 2022. Make contact with David on dkals@aussiebb.com.au for some advice regarding how it could happen.

Our Foundation

We did tell everyone about the slower start to our Foundation year as far as grants are concerned. As part of the merge we were not able to get qualified before the start of this year and so could not submit to access our District funds till after that process. On July DGE Tim Keeler, Foundation Coordinator PDG Elwyn Hodges and I all completed the assessment tool and were formally notified the work had been accepted. Our Grants Chair, PDG Allan Stephens was advised on 14 July that the District Grant submission could be submitted and did so. We are now awaiting approval, or renegotiation and hopefully we’ll know the answer by the time that this newsletter is published.

It’s been an unfortunate slow down but a situation outside of our management – remember, if you’re hoping for success with a District Grant application you need to be waiting – don’t start the project before you’re officially notified by Allan of your success. Your receipts all need to be dated post the date that you receive that notification or the funds won’t be available.

While we’re discussing the Foundation Bruce Aitken has asked that we consider a special request this year to support the Polio Eradication campaign. He’s asking if Clubs could approach each of their members to donate $10 towards it. Just imagine it – if your club has 15 members could you remit $150 to Polio Plus – just go on-line. It’s easy to do it. A streamlined process. Added to this are those individual donations many of us make annually – Let’s get this done.

Also to support polio eradication Bruce McNaught and his Polio Plus team are putting on a High Tea – with a Gin twist. Tickets are on sale so watch ‘The Gist’ for details and get in early.

The Rotary Foundation is getting ready to release a new website and they’re going to feature stories about Foundation funded projects. Watch for news and be ready to profile your club and your project. Stories will only be for about 200-300 words.

During the past Rotary year donations to the Foundation from Zone 8 were the highest since 2011 - $6,774,274. It’s our charity, it enables us to achieve outstanding services. Well done to all who gave financial support.

Thanks for the Feedback:

A big thank you for the feedback we’ve received about The Gist. Mark and Sue make sure that it’s compiled weekly to go out to all Rotarians and Rotaractors – We’ve received comments about how it’s made life easier for the Club secretaries and also the members are appreciating receiving only one email each week. Take the time to peruse the information – stay up to date with what’s happening.

Remember:

THE STRENGTH OF THE CLUB IS IN EACH INDIVIDUAL MEMBER.

THE STRENGTH OF EACH MEMBER IS THE CLUB.

(adapted from a quote from Phil Jackson)

Start planning – We’re coming together in Caloundra in 18 – 20 March for our first ever 9620 Conference. Don’t miss it.

Wendy Protheroe

Charter District Governor