Rotary International Convention in Singapore concludes with optimism
The 2024 Rotary International Convention in Singapore began with a sweeping global vision, as international humanitarian Graça Machel and Rotary International President R. Gordon R. McInally called on people to take action to make the world more equitable and more peaceful.
Environmental protection was a central theme on the third day, which featured an appearance by a globetrotting activist and environment-focused breakout sessions.
After five days of friendship, excitement, and cultural connections, the Convention ended with a focus on the future. Speakers emphasized Rotary’s continuing mission to promote peace and goodwill and previewed next year’s gathering in Calgary, Canada from 21-25 June 2025.
Our own member, James Dunlop, who was at the Convention said there was "a real buzz of Rotarians working together".
This annual event is organised by RCGE with the University of Newcastle and Deakin University, with sponsorship through industry and Rotary clubs. Rotary volunteers also help with managing the 8 engineering challenges.
The program encourages students’ participation in STEM subjects and engages with 400 year 10 students from 16 schools.
Book for the S&EC dinner on 19 June at Waurn Ponds Hotel via this link
Federation University held its Foundation Scholarship Presentations at the Mount Helen campus last month.
This academic year, Rotary District 9780 provided four $1,000 scholarships to students who are disadvantaged and/or financially struggling. The recipients were:
Alex Dales, Bachelor of Psychological Science
Kristen Cornwell, Bachelor of Sport, Physical and Outdoor Education
Stephanie Camera, Diploma of Conservation and Ecosystem Management
Taylah Walters, Bachelor of Psychological Science.
Jenny Acopian, District 9780 Scholarships Chair, had the honour of presenting the scholarships, and is pictured above with two of the recipients, Alex and Taylah.
You are warmly invited to join Rotary Geelong East for our Annual Celebration event on Tuesday 2 July at 6pm.
To be held at the marvelous Royal Geelong Yacht Club, the night will be a showcase of reflection and aspiration, celebrating the power of connections in our community, all under the 2024/25 theme of "The Magic of Rotary".
With special guests. prizes and entertainment, we can promise a great night to see in the 2024-2025 Rotary year.
Don't miss out on the District 9780 Changeover event happening Sunday 23 June at The Sands Resort, Torquay. DG Ian McKay will recap the achievements of 2023-24 and welcome DGE Lesley Shedden as the District Leader for the coming year.
If you can't make it in person, why not tune in online? Event formalities will be livestreamed from 1.30pm. Register to watch online here.
Defying the Drift is a Rotary District 9780 program designed to empower young people identify and explore agriculture and agribusiness career opportunities; build communication skills; and develop career networks.
Who: Year 10 and 11 students
When: September 18-20
Where: Longerenong College, Horsham
Chair 2022-24: Dale McIntyre, Beaufort
Early bird applications close 23 July. Final applications close 23 August (or earlier if all places are filled).
More than 850 entries were received for this year's Rotary magazine Photo Awards, covering a broad range of genres, from landscape and nature to portraits, events, and food. “The Photo Awards enable us to share the work of Rotary members and learn from each other,” says Thangavelu Saravanaraj, a member of the Rotary Club of Madurai North, India.
If you haven't visited the website yet, it's easy to do and provides lots of useful info.
Visit www.rotarygeelongeast.org
Log in to our ClubRunner (with your username and password)
Click on the 'District Site' icon.
For help, reach out to Warren Norton or David Sykes.
Rotary projects around the globe
In England, seven high school students whipped up three-course menus in two hours. Students in Ohio were outfitted with 6,600 pairs of glasses for a once in a lifetime event, and three toilets, five kitchens and washing areas were constructed in Malaysia.
Rotary values diversity and celebrates the contributions of people of all backgrounds, regardless of their age, ethnicity, race, color, abilities, religion, socioeconomic status, culture, sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity.
June is internationally recognised as Pride Month, an annual celebration to recognise the many contributions made by the rainbow community to history, society and cultures worldwide.
Did you know that Rotary has a dedicated LGBT+ Rotary Fellowship? The Fellowship works to connect members in friendship, educate clubs to be more inclusive and work with the Rotary Family to develop and support service projects that impact and benefit LGBT+ communities.
Membership in the Fellowship connects you with other members of LGBT+ communities and allies within the Rotary family, allows you to join as in supporting Rotary in being an inclusive organisation, one that strives to build a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change,
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Useless fact of the month
A cubic inch of human bone can bear the weight of five standard pickup trucks.
