Welcome

Individually we are one drop, but together we are an ocean. (R Satoro)

Our conference

Let’s focus on the celebration we’ll share together in Caloundra on 18 – 20 March next year.

The Conference team under the leadership of Jenny Smith is working as one to prepare us for the celebration we’ll share – we’ll be one year old and together have the chance to share fellowship, listen to some inspirational stories – both from within and without our Rotary family – and be a part of moving our District further forward.

I’ve been in the amazing situation of spending time with individual clubs across the district and have seen inspirational leadership taking place – have seen fellowship in practice. I’m very much looking forward to sharing the same during our conference in Caloundra. We’ll do more to grow more.

REGISTER NOW – GO ON LINE AND MAKE SURE THAT YOU HAVE YOUR NAME DOWN TO JOIN IN THE FUN WE’LL HAVE TOGETHER – SEE YOU AT THE CONFERENCE

Membership

Some of the Clubs had planned Membership drives this past month. I enjoyed visiting the Salisbury Club members as they shared a coffee on the footpath and the Centenary Club as they shared a sausage sizzle breakfast with neighbouring factory staff. I also enjoyed being a part of the induction for many new members. Jitendra and his team are available to help with your attraction strategies. We’re now at a total of 110 new members since we chartered- the strongest growth of new members of any club in Australia or New Zealand.

Again, some of District Governor visits were to more than one club. In Noosa, three clubs joined together for a cruise on the Catalina – on the Noosa River. We talked about Rotary strengths and we laughed and danced the night away (timed it well too with the storm passing over about half an hour before we boarded)

The clubs in the Kenny Cluster joined together and we met for a breakfast meeting at Australia Zoo. The Glasshouse Country Club manage the car parking at the Zoo during very busy times and it is their biggest regular fund raising event. One of the things I like about that is how near-by clubs often join in the activity so that sufficient Rotarians are available and the returns are shared.

Toowoomba Garden City Club celebrated at their Spring into Jazz afternoon. A packed venue enjoying jazz over lunch, drinks and fund raising activities. Don’t miss it if an opportunity comes to join in the next time it comes round.

The Beenleigh Club put in lots of energy to bring back the Beenleigh Community Cane Parade followed by the Cane Ball where 250 locals and guests joined in a celebration of all things Beenleigh. It was such a successful weekend that locals (young and old), councillors and other supporting Rotary clubs are already planning for next year.

We went back to Kingaroy – to the same venue where we’d enjoyed PDG Neil’s Conference last March for a celebration of 100 years of Rotary in Australia and a celebration of 50 years of continuing service from Lex Peterson. Again, the students of the school provided the catering.

Youth Programs

Planning is underway for the RYTS program happening at Lake Perseverence next month – a week long program for students leaving years 11 and 12. It’s a practical course and students leave after learning and practicing together. I don’t know if there are any places still available – but it’s quite the opportunity for clubs to support young people.

The Orientation morning for the NYSF students occurred on-line during the month. Melody and her team provided opportunities for the students to share and learn in preparation for their course in January. While it’s difficult to connect quickly during zoom meetings it was obvious that all were familiar and comfortable with on-line communication. At the moment a call has gone out for support from Rotarians to accompany students during their sessions. Please follow up so that we can be sure they all have opportunities to visit places where science can be seen in practice.

We remain in limbo in relation to the re-start of the Youth Exchange Program. We will not be starting again until we can be certain that students coming to stay with us can be accommodated in a safe and secure environment and similarly with students travelling overseas. I have been advised that some students have asked if we are ready to re-start the program – please be open in saying that we can’t give a start date at this time.

Foundation – Polio eradication

Thank you to all of the Clubs that participated in activities to raise funds towards the polio eradication campaign. In particular David Field and Jitendra Prasad in organising the polio march to Parliament House and to Bruce McNaught for leading our Gin, Bubbles and High Tea. Both were exciting and many Rotarians and Rotaractors gave of their time and their support to increase awareness for the cause and fund raise. We’ve been advised that to date there are still only two cases of wild polio in the world this year.

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR WEDDING: Special celebrations this past month to Assistant Governor Donelle Paul and Rotarian Mark Whitely of the Greater Springfield Club. While we couldn’t be there in person to share the celebrations in Western Australia we were able to share the joy by watching on-line. Two beautiful people starting their married life together. Best wishes from all.

Just so you know!

Rotary Clubs are liable for penalties when we don’t comply with the government’s ruling for COVID – just as any other club. While some of us meet at venues that set the rules and check for compliance each club must be sure to follow the legislation. In Queensland that means no access if we don’t have two jabs. Don’t take any unnecessary chances.

Remember: Don’t hoard bright ideas – share them with your team

Wendy Protheroe

Charter District Governor