DISPATCHES FROM THE EAST - February 2024 (Feb 28, 2024)

2024 Program and Duty Roster

Our update Rotary Program is now available (and also updated on our website/ClubRunner).

Remember: if you're not able to do a rostered shift, please find someone else to take your place.

Happy Birthday Rotary!

Happy Anniversary, Rotary! 🎉

One hundred nineteen years ago, a vision for connection and friendship was put into action.

Today, we are a global network that sees a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change. From literacy and peace to water, environment, and health, together, we work to better our world.

Celebrate by learning more about our history: https://lnkd.in/dCUUS7Ss

District 9780 Conference - March 15 - 17, 2024

Nestled amidst the wonders of nature, where the famous Blue Lake radiates its sapphire brilliance, Mount Gambier stands as a beacon of community spirit and environmental splendour.

Our District Conference is more than just an annual gathering. It's a vibrant celebration of our collective achievements, a platform for transformative ideas, and an opportunity to forge enduring connections.

https://d9780conference2024.com.au

AFL Footy Tipping is back for 2024

TO BE IN IT FROM THE START - JOIN TODAY!!

Thank you to those who have already joined. If you're not in footy tipping, now is the time to join. No previous experience required and may even be a benefit :)

Lets have some fun and raise some funds in the process with 2024 Footy Tipping (AFL)

To join or for more details, go to: https://www.footytips.com.au/comps/Geelong_East_Rotary_2024_AFL_Footy_Tipping

This competition is run through the ESPN app so you can simply download the app and select the comp name above to join in the fun.

Each correct tip gets a point, get all correct in the round and you will get a bonus point. Margins will decide the winner if points are the same.

If you miss putting in your tips then you will automatically select the away teams.

First place receives 25% of joining fees. 2nd place 12.5%, last place 7.5% which leaves 50% to put towards our great work in the community. Ends at the end of the home and away games.

PLEAE SHARE THIS WITH OTHERS - family, friends, work mates, etc - this competition is open to all. Only those who donate by paying the entry fee are recognised as winners.

Friend in Me - Family Fun Day 17 Feb 2024

On Saturday 17th February 2024, Rotarians and friends descended on Geelong Racecourse for Friend in Me's " Family Fun Day - Geelong". This is an annual community event for kids of all abilities, their families and celebrating inclusion.

The combined efforts of 4 Rotary clubs: Geelong East, Bayside Geelong, Lara District and Corio Bay allowed us to be a Silver Sponsor for the day. The event is all run by volunteers and made possible by them, and sponsors like us.

Over 2000 people came through the gate on a beautiful summer day. A wonderful event to be a part of - we'll be back next year bigger and better.

Clean Up Australia & Walk Against Waste

The Walk Against Waste will be a bit different in March.

Rotary Geelong East and Rotary Bayside will join together on Tuesday 19th March to clean up areas of Eastern Park. This follows the long weekend and there is usually a lot of rubbish to
pick up.

The activity is the ‘Clean Up Australia” event for both clubs, as the 3rd March (official date) does not suit.

Geelong East is looking for up to 10 participants to join in this activity and we will be inviting members of the public to join with us.

Time and location details will be sent to all members about one week before the activity.

If you are at all able to attend, please join us. Remember, you can invite family and friends as well. All we need beforehand is to know who (names) is attending so that we can have an
Attendance List signed for insurance purposes.

Environment and Sustainability Interest Group

We have applied for a Silver certificate for the work done in both environmental and sustainability over the last twelve months. Should we be successful in obtaining the award, then it will be presented at District Conference.

It may surprise some members just how much has been done by the club over that time:

Planted 660 trees on National Tree Planting Day
Carried out 10 Walk Against Waste activities (that does not include WAW in Bali by Alison & Jenny)
10 E&S Committee meetings
Joint activity with RC Highton in obtaining a grant from CoGG and conducting a Pilot program for Blister Pack collection at 10 pharmacies throughout Geelong
Regular collection and sorting of bottle tops from Eastern Hub by Jenny
Registered for Container Deposit Scheme (not active yet)
Joined with four other clubs to access an Environment & Sustainability grant from CoGG to conduct activities that raised awareness of E&S importance
Provided funding to furnish a Sensory room at Newcomb Primary School for an calming environment
Have two Guest Speakers discussing Environment in second half of the Rotary year

Any old glasses or spectacles lying about?

Do you have any old glasses or spectacles lying about at home? Bring them to the next Club meeting! A great opportunity exists to be able to send those unwanted glasses to those in need overseas! More details to come but don't throw them out!!

Rotary Club of Ballarat South Community Raffle.

Imagine Winning a Car in 2024!!!

That would be a wonderful New Year’s Resolution.

Once again the Rotary Club of Geelong East has the opportunity to participate in the Rotary Club of Ballarat South Community Raffle.

Details
* Raffle books contain 10 tickets which are sold at $ 2.00 per ticket. No discounting is allowed.
* The raffle closes for our club on: Thursday 18th April 2024.
* The winning ticket (one of ours I hope) will be drawn on: Saturday 11th May 2024.

How many books would you like to take?

You can sell them to your friends and family. You can sell them at work. Your friends and family can sell the tickets.

To help us make the most of this opportunity, the RCGE Fund Raising Committee recommends that each Rotarian takes at least 3 raffle books.

Availability
The raffle books will be available for distribution at each Rotary meeting and function until the close of the raffle.

Can you help?

Make Work Experience worth experiencing!

The Enhance Work Experience (EWE) program is part of the District 9780 YOUTH SERVICES suite of programs. It aims to enhance career education & work experience opportunities by increasing access of students to ‘industries of choice’ in larger communities.

The program is coordinated by the Glenelg and Southern Grampians Local Learning and Employment Network (GSGLLEN) in partnership with all secondary schools, the broader LLEN network and the Rotary District 9780 to identify, and recruit Rotary host families to billet rural students in safe accommodation so they can have access to broader industry placements.

From time to time your Rotary club may be called upon to assist with supporting a student who seeks to complete a work placement (usually 5 days for work experience) in your community.

Please consider the information provided here, with a view to engaging your members in this YOUTH SERVICES program. Contact the project coordinator for more information!

District Events:

Volunteers Needed: