Welcome

Look for something positive in each day – even in those days when you need to look a little harder (Cyna)

Welcome to the world of 2022. We’re six months through our first year as District 9620 and it’s certainly been an inspirational one.

Here’re some of the special things of focus:

OUR FIRST EVER DISTRICT 9620 CONFERENCE

If you haven’t registered yet then get onto the website and do it here – the Conference Committee chaired by Jenny Smith (Rotary Club of Sumner Park). The Grow More - Do More conference will be celebrated at the Caloundra Events Centre on 18 – 20 March. Our speakers are confirmed and the committee is focussing on the importance of providing lots of opportunities for us to learn and to enjoy the fellowship that is Rotary.

SELECTION OF THE DISTRICT GOVERNOR NOMINEE FOR THE 2024 – 2025 YEAR

This is one of the most important annual roles we have as a District. Over the past week each President has received two emails for distribution to each of their members.

The first was to ask members to consider nominating for the Selection Panel. There are set roles we need to fill and if you have the experience/qualification to sit on the panel for one of those roles then please put your name forward. Applications are due to be returned to the Administration Director, Sue Mulraney. Past District Governor Patrice Robinson – Chair of the Selection Process - will review the applications and form her selection committee.

The second was to ask for those Rotarians/Rotaractors interested in nominating for the position of District Governor 2024 - 2025 to put their names forward. Again, it’s important that the information circulated to the Presidents is read and the steps that need to be taken are completed by the due date. Just ask your President for the package and we look forward to receiving the nominations. Nominations are due to the District Governor, Wendy Protheroe.

A CHANGE IN THE POSITION OF COORDINATOR OF SERVICES

A very big thank to Debra Lewis of the Rotary Club of Paddington who has been the first Coordinator of Services for District 9620. Due to a combination of family and business obligations Debra has needed to step back from the role for the remainder of the year and following a discussion with myself and also, District Governor Elect Tim Keeler PDG Eric Wood has agreed to take on the role for the remainder of this year and the 2022 – 2023 Rotary year.

While each of the services we highlight as a District has an individual chair or representative with the responsibility to encourage members to get involved, the role of the Coordinator is to gather monthly updates, to provide updated advice to the Board, to encourage each of the Service areas to post information to the 9620 website or to provide opportunities for involvement on The Gist. The coordinator is also available with advice and support regarding ways that the Services can be promoted. Welcome to the role Eric.

ROTARY’S STATEMEBNT REGARDING COVID.

The most important advice we are all given is to ensure that we follow the advice of our governments. Now at the moment that’s a moving frame but please work to keep all of your members up to date and with requirements (see below outline).

For the Year Ahead

Sometimes, in our busy and everyday world we forget to say thank you for all that has come our way – in our families, our communities and in our Rotary family.

So now is the time: Look around you, speak your warm thoughts to those close to you and remember your Rotary ideal of Service Above Self.

Take the time to really look at others - check in that they’re OK. Even when you’re passing others when walking down the street that connection is important – may be the chance to pass on some of your strength, to let your eyes smile and show warmth. Love and care is best given when not expected.

Take the time to consider how we might help others in times of great need. Perhaps your club might consider supporting Shelter Box and the work they are going to be offering in the Philippines. So many struggling after the recent typhoon.

Take a minute and plan for the celebration we’ll share together on 18 – 20 March at Caloundra. It’ll be our first ever District 9620 Conference and together we’ll be sharing, we’ll Do More – Grow More.

I hope that you've had a break and had the opportunity to take the time to have fun – laugh, drink and be merry - or at least take on two of those.

I hope that you have all had a Merry Christmas and I wish you a Happy New Year. I look forward to seeing you again soon.

Wendy

Charter District Governor (2021 - 2022)

Environmental Sustainability Rotary Action Group (ESRAG)

December Activity in Moreton Bay

In December at the Ozfish ‘Oyster World' shellfish processing facility at the Port Of Brisbane, Rotarians from numerous clubs & Ozfish volunteers turned up in their hi viz safety outfit for the site induction. At 8.30am machines started up and each processing station had experienced leads to demonstrate to the new novices how each step of the process was accomplished. From Peter our President shovelling bio secure shells into the holding bin of wally the washer, to Ken the auditor capturing shells into the baskets each activity was carried out to precision. Vivien clipped the cap onto the basket for stacking, meanwhile our newest club members of the clubs environment activities were Julie and Jay & they didn’t miss out. Jay and Julie were in the steel fabrication section cutting and turning the mesh into baskets. Each volunteers rotated around the different work stations there by gaining alternative experiences. Eventually 2 tons of Robust Oyster Baskets (ROB's) where loaded onto a barge ready for placement into the Port of Brisbane.

With 40 volunteers turning up on the morning, this provided an opportunity to launch the Oyster Boat to place the ROB's into the GPS identified locations in the Bay. In next to no time 100 ROB's were loaded onto the barge and 9 volunteers headed out, while it was cuppa time back at Oyster World processing work site.

Our newest environment Rotarians were fortunate to launch ROB's into the bay and create history for on ongoing research into Oyster shell restoration for the Moreton Bay Marine Park.

Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the hands on environment and making a difference...