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Welcome to a new Rotary year!
Greetings everyone
 
During this extended lockdown and with the steady rise in the numbers of people affected with COVID, it is important to remember our members and friends who are finding life difficult.  We have several members who are elderly, living alone or in poor health.  I ask you all to make a commitment to ring someone every week just to say hi!
 
Sadly, our Honorary Member John Heyes lost his battle with liver cancer on 9th September and was farewelled at a Celebration of Life last Friday.  Many members took the opportunity to attend the live viewing and tributes were read from me on behalf of the club, from Edith Chen and Anthony McManus.  Please keep Anne in your thoughts as she begins her new journey.
 
September 11/12  I had the pleasure of participating in the Virtual Zone 8 Conference.  What an amazing event this was and sincere congratulations must go to the organizing committee and to our Zone Director PDG Jesse Harman.
 
The speakers were inspirational and I highly recommend that members view the recording when available to hear from Dean Rohrs, Lee Anne Hussey and Robbie Francis.
Another very thought provoking and challenging presentation was from Mark Pearce, CEO of Volunteering Australia.  He spoke on the changing nature of volunteering and how we must adapt to what volunteers want and how we can engage them.
 
Last Saturday was Morning Tea with the DG, and District Governor Dale Hoy and his team had a range of speakers and events to engage us all.  Our own Betty Kitchener spoke about Mental Health First Aid and how even more important and relevant this program is in the current situation.  
David Dippie, the new Chair of the District Environment & Sustainability Committee spoke about how all clubs can be involved in some simple yet effective activities.
 
For now, wear a mask, get vaccinated, stay healthy and be prepared for a resumption of Rotary People of Action again.
 
Lesley
Morning Tea with the DG
 
District Governor's visit to our club
On Wednesday 6 October District Governor Dale Hoy will join us for our ZOOM meeting.
Please make every effort to attend this special event.
 
7.45am for an 8am start.
 
 
This is a must do for every member as Dale will speak to us about the coming year and the challenges and benefits ahead.
Op Shop and Fit4 Use Store
Both shops are closed due to lockdowns but both Mel and Lorry have been taking this opportunity to clean out, refresh and tidy.
 
Mel has put up some posters on the windows encouraging our customers and sending messages of hope.
 
Meet Kira, Mel's new puppy.
 
Rotary Op Shop Facebook page
At our last meeting, we heard from Yvonne Farquharson,Profile photo of Yvonne Farquharson
a former Rotary Youth Exchange student who went to South Africa in 1977. 
Yvonne described her year abroad and the impact it had on her and her life, especially in the context of apartheid.
 
She has worked as a teacher and spent several years abroad with her husband for his work.
Yvonne then presented to us on her current work, the Filter your Future project focussing on education for healthy kidneys and on diabetes.
 
OCTOBER IS WALKING MONTH

ast October, Anne Heyes, Edith Chen and Lesley walked 100kms over the month to raise money for End Polio.  Together they raised over $1500.

The Rotary Walk With Us campaign throughout October is a fun way to raise awareness and funds to End Polio Now.  It’s easy. Register to walk and donate at www.rotarywalkwithus.org  

Join us as we again take up the challenge.

 

 
 
 
 
October is also Australian Rotary Health's
Lift the Lid campaign month for mental health.  This year, they are encouraging us all to get outside for a walk and help us
 Lift the Lid on Mental Illness.

Mental health should be on everyone’s agenda and that’s why the Lift The Lid Walk for Mental Health is just that, a walk, not a race. It offers members of our communities an opportunity to get together, to have a chat, “Lift the Lid” on mental illness, and in the process, raise much needed funds for mental health research.
 
Please let me know how you will participate in these events and I will register our teams.  We are all walking in lockdown - these are great challenges to fundraise for 2 of our causes and make our exercise matter.
 
 
Fundraising raffle for the Its Time Foundation and our club

Paradise Taveuni Resort and Its Time Foundation are giving you the chance to win a holiday of a lifetime on the beautiful island of Taveuni, Fiji. The Fijian people will make you feel welcome like no other.

The prize is fully donated, so the  $20AUD per ticket is split:

  • 50% to the Rotary Club you select to spend on their community projects.
  • 40% to Its Time solar schools projects & 10% to Plastic Free Oceans (an initiative of Its Time Foundation).  After the prize is drawn you will get an update showing the school you helped.

Your holiday, or a gift for family and friends, includes for two people:

  • 5 nights in an air conditioned room, right on the waterfront, near some of the world’s best diving.
  • $500 cash spending money (check back as this may increase with further sponsor support)
  • Full cooked breakfasts, lunches and two course dinners (drinks not included).
  • Ground transfers to and from the airport.
  • Rainbow Reef snorkelling experience.
  • Garden tour.
  • Visit an Its Time school solar project – you will be welcomed by many smiles from the appreciative kids.

Drawn 20 Dec. 2021. Prize is valid for 18 months after travel restrictions from your country are lifted. Flights are not included, but ‘spending money’ above is to assist there. And good to know that you are supporting solar in schools, so your travel is certainly carbon offset.

The prize is transferable to a friend or family member. Your receipt has a link to a printable gift certificate where you can enter name and message.

 

 
Click Me!

 
ESRAG Oceania
The ESRAG Writing competition based on the UN Climate Change Conference has been announced.   Aspiring journalists and science enthusiasts in years 7-10 are invited to submit an article.  Winning articles will be published in the ESRAG Oceania newsletter, on the website and receive a financial prize.
 
Please share with schools and people you know.
 
 
 
ROMAC Update         
 
Unfortunately due to COVID lockdown, children are unable to enter Australia for treatment.  There are over 40 children on ROMAC's waiting lists and it is hoped they will be able to enter soon.
Did you know that ROMAC has supported 537 children since its inception in 1988?   Our club supported twins from Papua New Guinea in 2000.
 
These children from Pacific Island countries have a range of severe, life threatening and dignity impacting conditions which are treated free of charge in Australia and New Zealand.   www.romac.org.au
 
10 year old Penny from Tonga was fortunate to have heart surgery in New Zealand in July.  She was granted to a humanitarian visa due to the severity of her condition and due to Tonga being COVID free.  Outbreaks in New Zealand delayed her treatment which has now been completed.  She and her father will return to Tonga in the coming weeks.
 
 
 
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RIMERN has received Permitted Activity status and as such are calling for volunteers to begin the task of sorting, unpacking and organising donations.  According to the COVID protocols, volunteers may only volunteer for one half day a fortnight {Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday 9.30-12.30 or 1.30-4.30} and must be fully vaccinated and wear a mask while at the store.
Other jobs will emerge as time goes on, but if you can help with the tasks above, please send your details, including full name, DOB & home address (for permit info) and task/day/shift preference to Rohan Williams rdwrcm@gmail.com asap
 
Any questions re tasks, please contact susie.cole@rotaryprahran.org.au or 0414 907 263.
 
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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.
 
 
Membership, Marketing and Club Service Seminar
Saturday 9 October 10am to 11.30am.
Calling Membership Chairs, Communication & Public Image Chairs, Club Service Chairs, Bulletin Creators, Webmasters, Presidents, Presidents-elect and any other members of your club to join us.
 
 
Click Me!
 
 
Speakers
Oct 06, 2021 7:30 AM
District Governor Dale Hoy
District 9800 - Serve to change lives
Oct 20, 2021 7:30 AM
Lift the Lid
Mad Hat Day
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
The Earthshot Prize
Rotary Leader
ClubRunner Mobile