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Rotary was originally a 'Men's Only' club.  In 1989, Rotary International at its Council on Legislation, voted to admit women to the organisation. It was not simply that men suddenly felt happy to admit women, but that the United States Supreme Court ruled that Rotary International could not revoke a clubs Charter if they chose to admit women as members.
 
Since that time, women have made an amazing difference to Rotary clubs all over the world. Their contribution has been enormous and something that clubs are proud of. In the Rotary year 2022-2023 the organisation had its first female International President, Jennifer Jones, (Canada). In the Rotary year 2024-2025, the second female International President will take office, Stephanie Urchick (UA).
 
Rotary recognises the great contribution that women and men make to the organisation.
 
Rotary - Celebrating International Women's Day
 
 
Each month, Rotary has a different focus in addition to the many projects and programs clubs all around the globe take.
 
March focuses on Water availability for all and suitable for drinking, Sanitation for all to prevent the spread of disease and Hygiene so that people do not inadvertently catch diseases.
 
Healthy people = a Healthy World.
 
Rotary Geelong East - Focused on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene
Friday 23rd February marks the 119th birthday of Rotary International. Started in Chicago on February 23rd, 1905, the organisation was formed by a small group of business people who wanted to be able to do business with people with good ethics and business practices (remember that this was when Al Capone was demanding 'Protection' money from and tax rorts were commonplace).
 
From one club that grew rapidly in Chicago, Rotary International now exists in over 200 countries and territories. Rotary is a non-religious and non-political organisation. As such, it is respected by governments, the United Nations  and religions of all types.
 
Today 1.4 million Rotarians around the world do an incredible amount of work to make the world a healthier and more peaceful place.  There are seven Areas of Focus that Rotarians work within.
 
Rotary Geelong East wishes all Rotarians and Rotary International a Happy 119th Birthday
 
 
At times like this, it can seem as though the world will never have peace.
 
Rotary, it's clubs and members do not buy into that belief. Everything that Rotarians do within their communities, nationally and internationally has an end objective of bringing about more peace.
 
If we as individuals are at peace with ourselves, we can be at peace with our families and friends. It we are at peace with each other, we can build peace within our communities and if we can do that, we can build peace within our nation. Then, we work on the world.
 
Peace starts with each of us, you included.
 
Rotary Geelong East - Building Peace in our Community
 
Rotary is an organisation strongly focused on Peace. Every year, scholarships are offered on a competitive basis to people who meet specific criteria. The study is done at one of seven universities in different parts of the world. The whole course is made up of people there for the same reason - they want to learn about Peace & Conflict Prevention.
 
There are two types of Fellowship. The first is a two year Masters degree and the second, a one year Post Graduate diploma.
 
Are you the right person for this type of study? One way to find out is to go to the link below and check if you meet the criteria and learn about the 1,700 others who have done the courses.
 
https://www.rotary.org/en/our-programs/peace-fellowships?utm_profile=Rotary+International
 
Rotary Geelong East - Working with others toward a Peaceful World
 
There comes a time in most people's lives when they want to give back and help improve their communities, locally, nationally or internationally. With over 1.4 million members in over 200 countries and territories, Rotary provides that opportunity.
 
Whether your interest is in addressing Mental Health, the Environment, Basic Education &Literacy, Women & Children's health, Disease Prevention &Treatment, Water, Sanitation & Hygiene, Community Economic Development or working toward a more Peaceful World, Rotary can provide opportunities for you.
 
Consider what you have to offer as an individual (skills and knowledge) and what a difference you could make. Then consider the support you could gain from joining with others in our community and then, consider the impact you and others could have in different countries with different needs to ours.
 
It is pretty simple really - the difference Rotary has is it's members and you could be one of them.
 
 
Rotary - Changing the World for the Better
Be a part of it!
On Saturday 25th November Rotarians across Geelong and District combined with ZONTA Home | Zonta Club Geelong (zontageelong.org.au) and undertook an awareness walk finishing in Johnstones Park.  Although numbers were small, ZONTA was very happy with the turnout – building on previous years annual awareness walk numbers and community coverage. 
 
During the 16 Days of Activism (25 November – 10th Dec) 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence 2023 (who.int)  activities and awareness campaigns are happening across the world.
 
In Geelong local Rotary Clubs have contributed to the awareness walk, purchased Rotary themed t-shirts, and will be assisting with a Lived Experience Art Exhibition at Deakin University Project Space at waterfront campus – launched Wednesday 29th November – through to end January 2024 (further details will be provided).
 
Many Clubs have also raised funds, donated goods or had local guest speakers along to their clubs. 
 
Rotary Geelong East is providing a grant of $1500 to a Women’s Lived Experience program operated at Meli (previously Bethany Community Support) to enable them to continue their programming and support of women in 2024.  We are also working closely with Barwon Area Integrated Family Violence Committee  Barwon Area Integrated Family Violence (baifvc.org.au) on Family Violence training for Rotarians and community members, planning promotional material for our region and also understanding the current services and supports available in our Geelong region for Women and Children experiencing Family Violence. 
 
 
Rotary - Working with others to rid the World of Violence
Rotary Geelong East has supported ShelterBox, a partner of Rotary International.
 
ShelterBox, as the name suggests provides shelter (10 person tents), utensils, water purification tools and other basic necessities for people in disaster situations from civil war, earthquakes, floods and the like. The various needs vary from situation to situation. Heavy blankets would not be sent to a country with hot temperatures.
 
Rotary clubs throughout Australia have provide over 400,000 ShelterBoxes
 
Rotary Geelong East has just been presented with a Bronze Champion recognition for it's ongoing support. Non-Rotarians can contribute to simply by contacting a local Rotary club.
 
At Newcomb Primary School this year, Geelong East Rotary sponsored the Story Dog program that is designed to assist reluctant readers to become confident, enjoy reading and improve their literacy skills.
 
Koby and his master Graeme visited the school weekly and spent one-on-one time listening to stories read by selected students.
 
The Principal of Newcomb Primary School, Rachael Buck, reports that the reading data for all four students has improved. In the Principal’s own words, Graeme and Koby are the absolute best!!!!
 
The students said:
 
Liam: I love when Koby and Graeme come and we read together. My favourite book has been Dog get Lost. I think Koby likes dog books.
 
Nikita: I like reading with Koby and Graeme and I think my reading has improved because I have been reading more.
 
Scarlett: My favourite thing is reading with Koby and Graeme and seeing them when they get here in the morning. Graeme always brings good new books to read like Pig the Pug.
 
Leslie: My favourite thing is picking out a new book to read and spending time with Koby.
 
Obviously, Story Dogs has achieved its aim at Newcomb Primary School.
 
Rotary, Graeme & Koby working to improve literacy!
Everything that Rotary clubs do, has one objective in mind - Peace.
 
Projects of Community Building, Healthcare for Mothers & Children, Literacy, Environmental work and many other seemingly unrelated projects all lead to more peaceful communities and consequently, a more peaceful world.
 
Rotary has partnerships with the Institute of Economics & Peace, with thousands of Rotarians and Rotaractors undertaking Peace studies.  Since 2000, Rotary has trained over 1600 Peace Scholars in Peace & Conflict Prevention at seven universities around the world and joined forces with the Peace Corp to promote peace through joint activities.
 
 
Rotary - Working toward a Peaceful World for all
Among those who fought and died and those who fought and lived very different lives, were many Rotarians. Rotary as an organisation has a very strong focus on Peace, so that no one has to fight and die, be incapacitated or mentally scared in future. To this end, we have trained over 1,600 Peace Scholars in Peace & Conflict Prevention. These people now work in many organisations from the UN, governments and NGO's to bring about peace in all parts of the world.
 
We will always remember those who fought for our future.
 
Rotary clubs throughout District 9780 are taking part in the "Say No to Violence" campaign. Clubs all around Australia are also involved and each club or group of clubs have their own approach to how they are doing it.
 
In District 9780, clubs are taking part in the "16 Days of Activism" to raise attention to the issue and to determine what actions are required to reduce (preferably eliminate) Domestic Violence in all it's different forms.
 
The Rotary Foundation, Rotary International's charity, has been recognised for 15 consecutive years by Charity Navigator as the top charity for it's management of funds and it's low cost structure.
 
The Rotary Foundation disperses grants to Rotary Districts, Natural Disasters, Major Projects, Training of Peace Scholars and manages the funds required for the End Polio Now campaign.
 
Projects range across the Rotary Areas of Focus which are: Peace Building & Conflict Prevention, Disease Prevention & Treatment, Water, Sanitation & Hygiene, Maternal & Child Health, Basic Education & Literacy, Community Economic Development and Environment.
 
Rotarians are very proud of their Foundation and in particular, it's recognition as a trustworthy charity.
 
This month, we recognise the issues and concerns that many people have with mental heals. We also recognise those who work with them to help them improve their lives.  Rotary the leading community organisation world wide, uses October to raise awareness and educate people about mental health, the issues people face and how we who are fortunate enough not to suffer, can recognise and help.
 
In Australia, The Rotary Health Foundation runs a promotional program, "Lift the Lid". The idea is to expose people to mental health as an issue to be dealt with in medical way and the foundation funds research into mental health.
 
 
When Rotary first began to work toward the eradication of Polio, in a promise to the children of the world, there were on average over 350,000 cases of polio a year. Some recovered, many were permanently crippled and others died of this terrible disease.
 
Today (12/10/2023) there are only 7 cases in the world, one in Afghanistan and six in Pakistan.  Now we have the chance to rid the world of this disease and allow future children to live life without having to worry about catching it.  However, even when the two remaining countries have no more cases, the vaccinations still have to go on for three years before the countries can be declared Polio Free.
 
In Rotary, we have a saying that scares people (and it is meant to): "Polio is just a plane ride away".
 
Together, let's stop Polio - Now!
 
 
Geelong East Rotary has been a passionate supporter of the Indigenous Health Scholarship program
of Australian Rotary Health (ARH). A donation of $2,500 by RCGE is matched 1:1 by the Federal
Government, resulting in an Indigenous student receiving $5,000 to support their university studies.
 
This year, ARH selected Jasmine John as our 2023 Indigenous Health Scholar. Jasmine recently provided a
report of her first semester at La Trobe in which she discussed the challenges she faced and the personal and
professional growth she has gained.
 
Jasmine is originally from Broome, Western Australia and relocated to Melbourne at the beginning of 2023
to commence her studies at La Trobe University. She previously completed two years of university studies
in Physiotherapy, during which time she participated in tutoring Indigenous youth through the
Graham Polly Farmer Foundation. This kept her connected to her community and taught her a
lot about herself. She also decided to change her focus to Occupation Therapy as it provides a greater
range of opportunities to work in Indigenous communities.
Another Walk Against Waste group of 8 picked up rubbish along the Rail Trail today. Lots of rubbish
was picked up and Jenny and the group were very impressed by some extremely large bones.
We had coffee at Betty’s Laneways Coffee shop in Wilsons Rd afterwards.
Many thanks to Warren, Julian, Keith, Bill Bailey, Jenny and Sue and James.
 
Rotary Geelong East - Cleaning up the Environment
 
 
 
World Peace Day occurs on the 21st of September every year. The idea behind the day, is to hold a day when there is no violence at all - domestic or war.
 
How can we achieve this? We can do our part by ensuring that 'our' world, is peaceful. No arguments, no physical or psychological violence and doing things in a way that create an environment of peacefulness and tranquility.
 
Do your bit and make the world just that little more peaceful.
 
Rotary Geelong East - Working toward a Peaceful World
Two members of Rotary Geelong East were in Bali for much earned break. However, in addition to carrying out a Walk Against Waste(see story below), they made time to visit two Rotary clubs in Bali and get to know some of the people.
 
This is one of the great advantages of Rotary. Anywhere a Rotarian travels, if there is Rotary club in the town or city, they are warmly welcomed.
 
The piece below was written by one of the Bali visiting Rotarians, Jenny Acopian.
 
Rotarians Alison Marshall and Jenny Acopian were on holiday in Bali recently and soon became aware of the work of
Rotary District 3420 as we strolled along the beach front at Kuta.

The tap and basin shown was provided by local Bali Rotarians during the COVID epidemic. It encouraged people to wash their hands thoroughly as a means of preventing contagion.

We then decided to visit two local lunch-time Rotary Clubs. The first was the Rotary Club of Bali
Seminyak (chartered 2002) the second was the Rotary Club of Bali Nusa Dua (chartered 1992). We
thoroughly enjoyed the experience and had great fun comparing the clubs to Geelong East, and to
each other.

Both Bali clubs have adopted English as their official language, and each state that their members are mainly expatriates, representing 12 nationalities. This is reflected in the names of the current presidents: Marie Francoise de Saint Priest d’Urgel, a French woman, is President of Bali Seminyak, and Matthias Frenzel, a German gentleman and restaurant owner, is President of Nusa Dua. During our visits we met no indigenous Balinese Rotarian. Indeed, our host at Seminyak (the US Consul Agent in Bali) indicated he would like to attract local members but there has been no progress so far.
 
He was of the view that the cost of meeting and dining at a five-star hotel was an inhibiting factor.
Nusa Dua also meet twice monthly for a two or three course lunch at a luxurious five-star hotel.

While similar in many ways, there were two stark differences. We were advised that Nusa Dua Rotary, the larger club, has two female members while Seminyak was made up of around 50 per cent women.

 
The second major difference was the degree of formality of their meetings. Proceedings at Seminyak commenced
with an extended grace cum prayer, followed by the Four Way Test recited by all present. Alison and I were formally presented with a small club banner by President Marie.
 
At Nusa Dua we heard of one of their signature projects the Cleft Lip and Palate project. Since 1994, Nusa Dua Rotary has provided over 2,100 operations to children from Bali and its surrounding islands. This year, they plan to provide 210 operations in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Pittsburgh-Collier.
 
Each meeting hosted an outstanding guest speaker from whom we gained fascinating insights into Bali life and culture.

 
Two members of Rotary Geelong East were in Bali on a well-deserved holiday. The timing meant that they were going to miss the Walk Against Waste the club was conducting along the Geelong Rail Trail.
 
Knowing the litter situation in Bali, they decided to do their own Walk Against Waste there.  In less than an hour, they had picked up a significant amount of waste. Their work did not go unnoticed by locals who gave them the thumbs up. Hopefully it may inspire locals to do the same thing.

 
Rotary Geelong East - Cleaning Up the World - One Beach at a Time
Just over 600 trees were planted on a property at Murgheboluc on Sunday 30th July, as part of National Tree Day.
 
Involved were: Four members of Rotary Geelong East, One from Rotary Geelong West, families and friends as well as the property owners. The idea of the owners is to plant trees in designated areas of their small property with a view to encouraging birdlife. In addition to the area planted yesterday, the owners have already planted hundreds of trees on several hills on the land.
 
All trees were planted in 2½ hours. It doesn't take long - but it sure makes a difference!  All trees planted were a variety of four natives.
 
This was followed by a BBQ and people getting to know one another. A great activity and a great morning.
 
Mark West Foundation Donation
The Rotary Club of Geelong East donated $1,500.00 to the Mark West Foundation during the senior game of football at St. Albans ground.
The funds will be used to assist disadvantaged children from missing out on the opportunity to play football. In the 2019 season, there are sponsored children playing at 25 Geelong clubs, due to the assistance of the Mark West Foundation.
 
The Mark West Foundation was established following the tragic death on the football field of Mark West at the age of 19.  Mark had played football at all levels of club football and began coaching at the age of 17.  A very talented footballer and someone who believed that he had to give back to the game, for the enjoyment he gained from it.
 
The Foundation has two Mission Statements:
 
To ensure no child in the greater Geelong region misses out on being able to play Australian Rules football due to financial reasons.
 
To strengthen the legacy of Mark West who set an amazing example of how to make a difference to those around him through participation, community involvement and striving to be the best you can be.
 
Details on the Mark West Foundation can be found at the website: http://www.tmwf.org.au/the-foundation
 
 
The Rotary Club of Geelong East – Connecting with Other Community Organisations
Barwon River Safety Marker Project
The Rotary Club Geelong East, together with the City of Greater Geelong and the Corangamite Catchment Authority, launched the Barwon River Safety Markers.
This six year start-to-finish project was the brainchild of Rotarian Keith Dawson of Rotary Geelong East. The idea of the project was to TRANSFORM and make SAFER the activities areas along both sides of the Barwon River. Safer for Walkers, Runners, Riders, Tourists and Families.
 
A total of 46 double sided Location Marker signs were installed along the Barwon River on both sides. Along approximately 10 kilometres of river on both sides stretching from the Breakwater to the Ring Road.
 
The two most important pieces of information during a Triple Zero call is the nature of the emergency and its location. When an incident occurs at a specific street address, it is generally easy for emergency services to find the caller. However, if it takes place in large open-spaces, walking trails or beaches where no obvious reference points exist, it takes extra, valuable, life saving time to identify and verify the specific location and vehicle access point.
 
 
Another Community Service of The Rotary Club of Geelong East
Dinner Auction Recipients
River’s Gift and Sailability were the recipients of a combined $15,000.00 from the most recent Rotary Club of Geelong East Dinner Auction.
 
River's Gift is the largest source of funding for laboratory-based SIDS research in Australia. To date, River's Gift has generated over $1 million to save babies lives, by funding scientific research, delivering Safe Sleep Education and raising awareness of Sudden InfaMaster Logo - Navy RG-Sky tagline-Sky hent Death Syndrome (SIDS).
 
Sailability is a “not for profit” organisation, volunteer-based, and through the activity of Sailing enriches the lives of people of all abilities – the elderly, the financially and socially disadvantaged as well as people with physical challenges.
 
The Dinner Auction attracted 150 Guests and was MC’d by media personality and Rotarian, Gary Newton and the auction was conducted by Joe Grgic.
 
Dozens of local businesses supported the auction by donating goods and services to be auctioned on the night and the club thanks them.  The club’s Dinner Auctions are held every two years.
 
Rotarians working in the Community
Canadian Visitors
The Rotary Club of Geelong East hosted ten Canadians visiting our District. Four couples and two single women travelled from Canada to Australia on a Rotary Friendship Exchange.  Ten Australians will go to Canada in August on the return leg of the Exchange.
The visitors were home hosted by local Rotarians both on their way into the District and again on their departure.  In Geelong they toured the Bollards, Narana, National Wool Museum, did a tour of Corio Bay, Anglesea Golf Club, attended an AFLW match at GMHBA Stadium, toured Queenscliffe and a Picnic in the (Eastern) Park.
 
They spent time in Portland, Warnambool, Grampians, Port Fairy and Drysdale.
 
The feedback from all, was that they thoroughly enjoyed their 14 days in the area.
 
The Rotary Friendship Exchange allows small groups of Rotarians to go to other countries and meet with locals and experience the culture and so see local sites of interest and animals.  A component of the Friendship Exchanges is creating greater understanding and friendships between people of the world.
 
Rotary Friendship - Worldwide
Rotary Convention Comes to Melbourne
It is with great excitement that we announce Melbourne as the host city for the 2023 Rotary International Convention, the largest conference secured this century for Victoria.
 
 Melbourne is a Big Events City! Set to deliver over $88 million to the Victorian economy, the Convention is the most valuable conference ever won for the state, with the four-day event anticipated to attract more than 20,000 Rotarians from around the world. The global spotlight will be on Melbourne and how we present ourselves to the world.
 
 The Convention will take place 27-31 May 2023 using superb venues; Rod Laver Arena and the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre. All activities and events are within the Heart and Soul of Melbourne. Over 7000 hotel rooms over 50 properties across Melbourne. Our transport plan uses our famous trams, ferries and buses to quickly and easily move delegates between venues, hotels, event and restaurants. And of course, Melbourne is a very walkable city with many interesting routes and laneways to tantalise visitors.
 
 In addition, the Victorian visitor economy will be bolstered with expenditure from thousands of visiting Rotarians utilising transport, hospitality, entertainment, venues, attractions, tourism services, event planning, freight customs broker services, technology rental, security and various other members of the local business event and tourism supply chain, as well as the flow on benefits across regional Victoria for pre and post touring. Rotary has a business heritage as well as community service. We are proud to make an impact on local business and create jobs.
 
 
Rotarians Supporting Victoria
Making the World a Better Place
Rotary world-wide, is dedicated to making the world a better place for all.
 
Through its 32,000 clubs, the organisation and its 1.2 million members work in their local communities, internationally, through youth and professions to do those things that will lead to a more peaceful world.
 
The illustration below shows Rotary’s Six Areas of Focus.  Working to improve five, will help the world move toward the sixth, Peace.
 
 
Rotarians - People of Action
Rotary News

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The 2024 Sylvia Whitlock Leadership Award recipient promotes women’s health and empowerment

Rotarian saved hundreds of children at risk of being killed by the Nazis in the lead up to World War II

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