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 Rotary and Service . . .
Hello to everyone,
 
With the relaxation of restrictions, members have been able to engage with our community again and begin to rebuild our work.  It is important that we all remember the reasons why we Joined Rotary in the first instance.
 
For most of us, it was because someone invited us to come along to a meeting, an activity or a BBQ.  But the reasons why we remain are mostly the same - we all want to give back in some way, being grateful for what we have.  But also, because Rotary has brought us friendships, relationships, connections and that feeling of happiness which is found through service.
The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” ― Mahatma Gandhi.
 
This is why Rotary's key message is "Service Above Self".  We gain more than we give when we serve.
 
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5th March 1987 was a momentous date for Rotary with the formal charter of the Rotary Club of Flemington.  Sponsored by Rotary North Melbourne and under the leadership of President Les Williams, Secretary Vance Hilton {PDG 1999-2000} and Treasurer Geoff Maunder, 38 members were inducted by then District Governor John King of the Rotary Club of Brighton.
 
Join us to celebrate the 35th anniversary on 5th March at the Mercure Rydges Hotel in North Melbourne.
See flyer below - and please share with anyone who would be interested in attending.
 
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   I spoke with Rena Quick, mother of
   Tommy recently and she reported that   
   He is recovering well from his injuries. 
You may remember that Tommy was involved in a horrific accident while on his 4 Points Ride in South Australia.  He is working on his rehab and recovery with the hope of continuing his ride.   He had a good report from the surgeon on the healing of his pelvis at RMH on 2nd February.   The scans showed the bones had reunited well but also highlighted the two metal straps and about 15 screws that will stay with him forever.
 
I attended the Flemington Traders meeting last week and was delighted to meet and re-engage with a number of people.  The Traders are planning a major arts event in Pin Oak Crescent later in the year and we will be invited to participate.  More TBC.
I spent some time chatting with Jose from Kultur Garage, a new arts,crafts and furniture shop in Pin Oak.  Jose is from Mozambique and works with many young people in the area.   I also caught up with MVCC Craig Skelton.  Craig is liaising with us on a proposed project in conjunction with council.
 
On Wednesday, Edith and I attended the 40th anniversary celebration of the Flemington and Kensington Community Legal Centre.   At the event, they shared a video made for the anniversary entitled "40 years Challenging the System", a confronting but through provoking tale.
A panel discussion hosted by Jon Faine, AM with Jude McCulloch; Rob Hulls, AM; Venetia Bombas and our own Gregor Husper discussed the early days and the power of grassroots legal services to drive reform.
 
It was lovely to see Geoff and Len at the meeting this week.
 
 
Len reported that he and Allan Bruno had visited Ted Frank and spent 2 hours with him.  He reports that Ted doesn't speak much still but was happy to see them.
 
Geoff reported that Maribyrnong Park Bowling Club was the new home for Essendon Rotary's Bee Happy Project.  More information TBC.  🐝
 
Betty Kitchener reports from Korora NSW that she and Tony have settled well.  Their property in Kensington is now listed for sale.  https://www.realestate.com.au/property-townhouse-vic-kensington-138502891
 
Lesley
 
Club Meeting report:
Our weekly meeting was held at the Doutta Galla Hotel for dinner and we were joined by
Stephanie Balaburov who is the newly appointed  Leading Teacher - Student Leadership and Empowerment, having taken over from Kate Stevanovich who has moved into a new role. 

Stephanie grew up in Shepparton and came to Melbourne to study Science at the  University of Melbourne.  Her first career ambition was physiotherapy working with children, however she changed direction into teaching and has now been at MAC for 5 years.
 
Stephanie then spoke to us about the major building works which are taking place at MAC.  Most of you will have read of the delight felt by the school community when the building project was announced: $26 million to construct a new 5-storey Learning Hub with an amphitheatre around a central square.
 
The builders commenced demolition works late in 2021 and have installed a number of 2 storey portable buildings to replace classrooms.   VCE students are being housed at Debney Meadows Primary School this year.

 
Students and staff are excited about the new buildings which should be complete in Term 1, 2023.  Read more
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At our next meeting on 2nd March at Mama Bear Cafe, Zoe and Inas, our 2 NYSF students from MAC will report to us on their experiences.  They will be accompanied by science teacher Miriam.  7.30am for a 7.45am start.
 
                                                                           Lesley
 
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President Elect Learning
Shraddha Sharma attended President Elect training last weekend at the Hyatt at Essendon Fields.  She met up with incoming Presidents from our cluster and surrounding clubs, and also met Assistant Governor Tony Laycock in person!
 
Shradd found the weekend very exciting and was inspired by what she heard from the various presenters.  In the coming Rotary year, Shradd will focus strongly on re-invigorating membership after 2 very difficult years.
 
She also has the challenge and opportunity provided by the International Convention which will be held here in Melbourne from 27-31 May 2023.  She asked and the Board approved our nomination as a host club for the convention with opportunity for members to host a group of visiting Rotarians for dinner.  More TBA.
 
Congratulations Shraddha!  
 
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ROTARY ON THE MOVE - Zone 8 News
 
PDG Murray Verso will take on the role of End Polio Now Coordinator from 1 July 2022. A strong supporter of Rotary’s Foundation, Murray has served at Zone level as an Assistant Regional Rotary Foundation Coordinator and is currently the Rotary Foundation Chair for District 9800. He is a Major Donor and member of The Rotary Foundation’s Bequest Society and Paul Harris Society. Murray is a member of the Rotary Club of Williamstown in Melbourne and was Governor for District 9800 in 2014-2015.
 
In other news, on 27th January PAKISTAN was declared POLIO FREE FOR 12 MONTHS!
 
In this edition, there is also an excellent story on RORP submitted by Rotary Nunawading.
 
 
Please let me know if you would like to attend.  
 
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Donations in Kind Update
DiK continue to be badly affected by Covid19.  The Store operation has been modified to handle this and we have been prudent in our activity.  When cases have been high, we reduce activity to essentials.
 
Shipping worldwide continues to be a challenge, but so far, countries in our region are faring fairly well.  Costs have risen, but the shipping schedules are manageable.   
Club shipping funds have been significantly reduced.  The other serious worry is that some Clubs are no longer thinking about DIK projects.
 
One bright spot is that there is an increasing focus on the environment within Rotary and the realization that DiK is Rotary’s main recycling project in Australia.  We have the opportunity to get more support from people who care about the environment.  There will also be a push next year for getting more people involved in hands-on projects. We need to highlight the opportunities that DIK offers.  
 
In 2020-2021, our district clubs have shipped 16 containers to Timor Leste, 2 to Uganda and 2 to Congo.  D9780 shipped a container to Zimbabwe.  This small effort is due to COVID restrictions, lack of ships, berths and club funds which has seen DiK repurpose 1200m3 of material less than usual.
 
A project is planned where clubs can contribute a small sum to support a multi club container rather fund a container individually.  This should be available soon.
 
For more information speak to David Dippie.
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RIMERN continues to power ahead but needs your help!
 
We are still short of volunteers to help with sorting, unpacking and organising donations.  According to the COVID protocols, volunteers {Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday 9.30-12.30 or 1.30-4.30} must be fully vaccinated and wear a mask while at the store.  Volunteers are asked to attend for one day per fortnight to assist with COVID safety.
 
Our club has nominated Thursdays so if you have some spare time and want to actively serve, this is the job for you.  It's fun, friendly, easy and rewarding.  Contact Lesley or Carolina to join us.
 
Any questions re tasks, please contact susie.cole@rotaryprahran.org.au or 0414 907 263.
 
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Check out the conference video at: https://youtu.be/yxRKiXEzLAE

Bookings can be made at: https://www.trybooking.com/BWKQC

District 9800 remains the only district in the world to have successfully nominated one or more peace fellows each year since the program began in 2002.
 
Have you seen North West Inner City News yet?  We are pleased to be able to contribute stories each month and share our work and activities with residents of Melbourne, North and West Melbourne, Flemington, Kensington, Parkdale and Carlton.
 
Check out the latest edition here.  See the story about Royal Park Golf Course.
 
Upcoming Events
March meeting
Mama Bear Cafe
Mar 02, 2022
7:30 AM - 9:00 AM
 
35th Club Anniversary
Mercure Hotel
Mar 05, 2022
6:30 PM - 10:30 PM
 
35th Anniversary
Mercure Rydges Hotel
Mar 05, 2022
6:30 PM – 10:30 PM
 
Harmony Day
Mar 21, 2022
 
View entire list
Links
Links
District 9800
The Rotarian
Rotary On The Move
ESRAG
Moonee Valley Council Green Action Plan
Donate to The Rotary Foundation
Australian Rotary Health 2022 Report
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