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Last Week's Program

 

 

No Club Meetings since 3 March

Members met in their service committees offsite on 10 March and we have not had a Club meeting thereafter due to the need to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

We look forward to gathering together and resuming normal Club activities as soon as it is safe, prudent and lawful to do so.

 
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Announcements, News and Help Required
 
From the President’s desk (at home) – 23 March 2020
Yes, I am socially responsible and have distanced myself from the physical world – but not the virtual world!
This is a difficult time for everyone – our well-being is being threatened not only from a health perspective but also a financial one as well. The one thing that is certain is that it will end. How long it will take and how the world will change is unknown. We have already seen how the electronic age of computers, smart phones, smart televisions and ipads have influenced the way we live. Some good, some bad. One of those changes has been social media. Yes, it has its problems with so much garbage being so easily passed around but it is also an opportunity for people to communicate, interact, participate and to try and make changes, changes for the better in a world that needs a lot of change for the better. Now let’s just imagine the possibilities.
 
Facebook is one of those possibilities. I know – it is not it is not everyone’s “cup of tea”. But just imagine!
               A Facebook page where posts are based on:
  • Is it the Truth?

  • Is it Fair to All Concerned?

  • Will it Build Goodwill and better relationships?

  • Will it be Beneficial to All Concerned?

Well guess what – our Facebook page is based on these principles as is other Rotary Facebook pages.
Ignore the rubbish, ignore the nastiness, ignore the unkind, ignore the ignorant and focus on the great pages. You can choose who you follow.
 
Gary is doing great work on social media – check it out and the more you like our posts and share them the stronger our presence will be. Why not post something yourself?
Stay safe and stay connected.
 
Pres Tony
 
Watch'a Doin'?
No doubt many Rotarians have had their social, work and travel plans "impacted by the corona virus.
And those Rotarians, being creative and thinkers of a lateral persuasion, have developed new and innovative ways to work and deal with the disruptions.
Maybe you have a new hobby or have picked up a book or a musical instrument and taken up where you left off a month, a year or a decade ago?
The Bulletin Editor invites you to share your ideas, your news, your plans with fellow members and friends.
 
Ward Rounds
Jonathan Hepner reports that he has spent a week in hospital brushing up on his knowledge of medical terminology ahead of the upcoming Trivia Nights.
Jonathan has the answers to the questions:
1. whether platelets are (a) things in your blood and if so whether more is better? or (b) small items of crockery?; and
2. whether a nephrectomy involves (a) a kidney? or (b) the appropriate part of the anatomy to which one should apply 9 sheets of toilet paper?
 
Youth Service Committee Report
 
We had our meeting at the home of Robyn Campbell which included our newest club member Ellen Verrier.
 
Have arranged for two students from Tate Street PS, with guardian, to have a trip on one of the Tall Ships that was in Geelong for the labour Day weekend Wooden Boat festival.
 
Our RYLA nominee James Wilson has attended our meeting, unfortunately due to COVID-19 the 2020 camp has been cancelled.
 
Rotary Exchange student Eyran Morgan has provided an excellent and confident report to our club.
 
Our meeting also took the opportunity to inform Ellen about the many aspects of Rotary and the various activities our club, district & RI undertake.
 
Regards
 
PP Graham Thomson
Chair Youth Committee
 
Rotary Foundation Committee Report
Three of us met at the 9 Kings Thai Restaurant on Tuesday 10 March.  We spent a great deal of time studying the current District Grants’ program and decided that it was "do-able "the Rotary year after next .  The most important thing will be finding a worthy project. We also examined the polio figures for the year which are creeping up again and how we are tracking with our budget.
 
YIRS
Ross Taylor
Chair, TRFC, RCGE
 
Successful conclusion to a great project that continues to benefit our young people
 
A final report of our successful 2019-2020 project with the Junior Program of the Newcomb Power Football and Netball has been submitted to District 9780 officers this week and we can expect to see the promised grant of $3,000 released to our Club very soon.
 
In this Rotary year 2019-2020 Geelong East Rotary partnered with the Newcomb Power Football and Netball Club (NPFNC) to extend the reach of their successful Junior Program that is currently based in five primary schools and four pre-schools in the 3219 postcode.
 
In March 2019 Geelong East Rotary applied successfully for a District 9780 Rotary Foundation Grant of $3,000 that was matched by our own funds, enabling $6,000 to be available for the purchase of additional equipment, and for scholarships for severely disadvantaged children. In addition, the NPFNC contributed over $2,500 of their own funds in order to extend the program to development schools and to commence a junior netball program.
 
Peter Cook, Chair of the Community Service Committee, led Rotary’s efforts and developed a very productive relationship with Scott Smith, convenor of the Junior Program at NPFNC. Thanks to Peter, Rotary’s contribution to the project is there for all to see, with the Rotary logo appearing on footballs, handball targets and the football gear worn by the junior players and club officials. Well done Peter!
 
The success of the program has become widely known and in early March Channel 7 descended on NPFNC’s home ground to film a feature for morning television on the uptake by young girls of the sport of AFL. National TV exposure no less!
 
 
The expected long-term community impacts of the project are:
  • increased physical activity of young people (4 to 17 years) in the 3219 postcode

  • improvement in their health and general wellbeing

  • a stronger sense of community

  • the provision of mentors where positive adult role models are lacking

  • improvement in educational outcomes through stronger school connections.

 
 
Update on the Barwon River Emergency Markers – graffiti free
 
On Monday 23 March two energetic Rotarians were walking along the Barwon River east of Landy Field where they spied graffiti on two of our wonderful safety signs. Their intention was to alert the COGG who is responsible for sign maintenance.
 
To the Rotarians’ delight, on Wednesday 25 March all graffiti had been removed, without a report being made to COGG.
 
Let’s hope such careful and prompt attention will continue.
 
Bunnings Barbeques on the Back Burner
Not only is COVID-19 interfering with The Great Australian Pastime (that is, football in its various codes) but it has now disrupted The National Diet by causing the suspension of the sale of cooked sausages at Bunnings!
So we will not be selling on 12 April nor on Anzac Day.
The good news is that Bunnings have given our Club a $500.00 gift voucher as recompense for the loss of 12 April and perhaps we will be favoured likewise for the 25 April.

Rotary Friendship Exchange – Expressions of Interest - FORM District 5060 Washington B.C.
District 5060 Washington/British Columbia has been in touch with District 9780 regarding a Rotary Friendship Exchange (RFE) between the two Rotary Districts. As this is their first exchange there has been a few complications regarding dates and due to the size of their District getting the team from the South side to the North side.  But we think we are now ready to go now!!!
 
Again we are looking at Expressions of Interest only at this stage as the coronavirus may be still around and if that is so,  no one will be going anywhere.
The dates for this exchange are Saturday 12th September 2020 to Friday 25th September 2020.
 
The RFE to D 5970 Iowa has been popular and the team is now in place and the team leaders have been selected and the team are now just waiting to see what happens next.
 
I know that some of you may not be meeting weekly but if you can get this information out to your club Rotarians by email and in your bulletins that would be amazing and much appreciated.
 
Again, this is for Expressions of Interest only at this stage. There will be no RFE trip if the coronavirus continues to spread through the world.
 
Thank you,
Gail Barrett-Chair
Rotary D 9780 Friendship Exchange.
 
Public Relations Committee Report
Committee chair Gary Newton reports that he has paid a deposit for 8-10 new polo shirts for the Club of various sizes so that members can see, feel and try on the garments for themselves prior to them purchasing them.
Gary is hopeful that by the time we get back to regular meetings they will be with us.
Gary is also working on a new brochure for the Club.
 
Place mats a great success
Robyn Campbell reports that the place mats produced for the 50th anniversary were a great success.
As Robyn says: “From 100 we now have only around 60 for re-use, 40 souvenirs prove that!”
 
 
Cancelled - 30 March 2020 Christ Church Community Meals
To comply with government directives and to promote the safety of all who would be involved, we will not be taking part in this project until further notice.
 
RI Peace Fellowship
We can still think about nominating an outstanding person in the community who could benefit from a RI Peace Fellowship in 2021.
Rotary International is now accepting applications for 2021 Rotary Peace Fellowships and we need your help to identify possible candidates.
Two types of fully funded Rotary Peace Fellowships are available for the 2021-2022 academic year.
  • Master’s degree in a range of disciplines related to peace and conflict resolution. This program is aimed at leaders near the start of their careers. Program is 15 to 24 months, based at a partner university in one of the Peace Centres in UK, USA, Sweden or Japan.

  • Professsional Development Certificate in peace and development is intended for social change leaders with extensive experience working in peace-related fields. Program is year-long, based at the Rotary Peace Centre in Bangkok, Thailand. A new Peace Centre in Uganda is restricted to people already working in Africa.

The Fellowships cover tuition, accommodation, living expenses, travel, research and field work expenses and insurance.
Information about each Rotary Peace Centre, the academic programs offered, eligibility criteria, how to apply, application form, endorsement process, role of Rotarians and the District can be found at www.rotary.org/en/peace-fellowships
 
Whilst the deadline for submission to the District was initially 31 May 2020, this date may have changed.
 
Please direct enquiries to D9780 Peace Fellowships Officer Jenny Acopian at jennyacopian@hotmail.com
 
In the COVID-19 world, international peace and understanding will be more important than ever!
 
Boosting Bushfire Impacted Economies
The people in our fire affected communities have copped the triple blow - drought, fire and now the COVID-19 pestilence!
We look forward to the ending of the current restrictions on movement and gatherings so the Club’s proposed trip later in the year can take place
 
Program – Suggestions for Speakers invited
Kris Adam advised that we have vacancies for the remainder of the Rotary year. Please pass on your ideas to Kris.
 
Rotary District Grants
Our Club has achieved some excellent results in our local community with the assistance of these grants.
Our Club Secretary Jenny knows all there is to know about the process and what information and supporting information is required to Get Granted.
Rotary's service, skills and funding is more important than ever so take the time to consider the guidelines and think how a District Grant might improve the lives of so many of those around us in great need.
 
Trivia Nights – 17 July and 6 November
All being well, these events will take place so we have plenty of Socially Distanced time available to brush up on our knowledge of all the things we knew back then and nearly don't need to know now. 
 
Paul Harris Fellow Recognition
Nomination forms are available for members to nominate any member deserving of a Paul Harris Fellowship recognition or multiple recognition this Rotary year. 
You need only fill in one section of the form and the work recognized should have taken place in the last 3 years.
Nominations will be open until the end of April and should be handed to the President.
The Club’s Recognition Committee will consider all nominations.
 
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Upcoming Events Coming Up
Our Club meetings have been cancelled until further notice and District events have been cancelled or postponed.
Updates will be supplied as the situation becomes clearer.
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
The Next 3 Weeks
Meeting Roster
Meetings have been cancelled due to the coronavirus.
Members will be advised when meetings are to resume.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Attendance
 
 
 
Attendance for the meeting of 10 March
Committee chairs are requested to provide details of members' attendance at the offsite committee meetings on 10 March.
 
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Recognitions
 

 
Birthdays: Happy birthdays to Val Loughnan for 1 April, to Yannick for 5 April, Jenny for 6 April, Sue Dunlop for 8 April, Alison and Katherine for 9 April.
Wedding Anniversaries: Sue and James Dunlop celebrate 24 years on 30 March.
Rotary Anniversaries: We celebrate Andrew Rofe's 17 years of membership of our Club on 1 April and Jane Bolton's first anniversary with our Club is 3 April.

 
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