Welcome to this week's edition of the Gateway Bulletin!
We're here to provide you with the latest updates, events, and stories from our Rotary community. Whether it's new initiatives, upcoming meetings, or opportunities to get involved, we'll ensure you're kept informed and up to date.
Our Facebook page is also an excellent way to stay updated on our club's activities. If you haven't connected yet, click the icon to follow:
DISTRICT 9815 CONNECTIONS Episode 3, September 2024
The September edition of 9815 Connections brings us highlights from Traralgon, showcasing the incredible work being done at Gippsland Rotary Centenary House—a project dedicated to providing accommodation for those in need.
September is Basic Education and Literacy Month! We extend our heartfelt thanks to the clubs across the district who are actively making a difference in their communities and beyond. Your efforts continue to inspire us all!
Key Updates:
Polio Giving: A big shout-out to 11 clubs that donated $1,000 each towards the fight against polio! District 9815 also contributed an additional $10,000 USD. Let’s keep pushing for a polio-free world!
Membership Growth: Exciting news! Our district has grown by 8 new members, and we’ve just launched a new satellite club - Traralgon Central Hybrid. Congratulations to all involved!
Interact Success: We are now home to the largest number of Interact Clubs in our zone! With our 22nd Interact Club soon to be chartered in Frankston, we’re setting a new standard for youth engagement.
Leanne’s Partner Project: Over $15,000 raised for the Monash Children’s Cancer Centre. Thank you to everyone who contributed! Next up: our gala dinner on November 16th.
Lift the Lid on Mental Illness is Australian Rotary Health’s annual national fundraising day dedicated to raising much-needed funds and awareness for mental health research. Held every year on World Mental Health Day on 10th October, this initiative encourages all Rotary clubs, members, and communities across Australia to come together and support this vital cause.
The funds raised contribute directly to research that aims to better understand, prevent, and treat mental health conditions affecting Australians of all ages. With an alarming increase in mental health challenges, particularly among young people, supporting this research has never been more crucial.
"Colour Their Lives" Gala Ball A Rotary District 9815 Partner Fundraising Event
Saturday, 16th November
Mark your calendars for the highly anticipated "Colour Their Lives" Gala Ballin support of the Monash Children's Cancer Centre (MCCC). This special event is dedicated to raising vital funds for the treatment of childhood and adolescent blood diseases and cancer at MCCC’s state-of-the-art facility. Every dollar raised will help prolong the lives of seriously ill children and improve their quality of life.
We would love to see our club strongly represented by filling two tables of ten. This is a fantastic opportunity to support a life-changing cause while enjoying a memorable evening with fellow Rotarians and friends.
Event Highlights:
A delicious 2-course meal, complete with soft drinks, tea, coffee, and chocolates.
Alcoholic beverages are available at bar prices.
Dress to impress in colourful attire – add a splash of Hollywood, Bollywood, or even your national costume to light up the room and the dance floor!
Live music by the Baker Boys Band.
Exciting raffles, silent auctions, and inspiring guest speakers.
With the Gala just over 6 weeks away, now is the time to secure your spot! For booking details, click here.
Let’s come together in support of this extraordinary event. We look forward to seeing you all there!
UPCOMING FUNDRAISING EVENTS
Bunnings BBQ Fundraising Event
13th October 2024
Thank you to those who have volunteered so far:
Sunday, 13th October:
8am - 10am: Phil T / Brian A / Anthony B / Leanne B
10am - 12pm: Peter F / Hans VD / _____ / _____
12pm - 2pm: Ken T / Lynn T / Babar J (+ son) / _____
2pm - 4pm: John P / Joe I / Terry / _____
We still have a few gaps we need to fill. Please get in touch with Phil Thurgood to see if you can fill a spot.
We appreciate your support!
UPCOMING EVENTS
World Polio Day is coming soon...
Join the Fight Against Polio
Last year, an impressive 10% of Rotary and Rotaract clubs around the world registered an event for World Polio Day. Let’s continue building momentum and show the world that Rotary’s commitment to eradicating polio is stronger than ever!
Every year on 24 October, Rotary joins with our partners, global health organizations, and public health advocates to mark World Polio Day. Rotary clubs play a crucial role in this global initiative by hosting events and activities to increase awareness and raise much-needed funds to eradicate polio.
This year, let’s exceed expectations and make an even bigger impact! Consider hosting a fundraiser, organizing a public awareness campaign, or partnering with local businesses to spread the message. Together, we can make a difference and help Rotary achieve a polio-free world.
Please check out the menu on the left-hand side for useful links including FAQs, Accommodation, Tourist Information, Exclusive Winery Tour details, and Committee information.
We look forward to collaborating and celebrating with you in Bendigo.
Rotary commits funds to polio outbreak response in Gaza
A recent detection of polio in Gaza is a reminder that as long as polio exists anywhere, it is a threat everywhere. Rotary committed US$500,000 to support the polio vaccination campaign in Gaza that began earlier this month.
Rotary started with the vision of one man — Paul Harris. The Chicago attorney formed the Rotary Club of Chicago on 23 February 1905, so professionals with diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas and form meaningful, lifelong friendships.
Over time, Rotary’s reach and vision gradually extended to humanitarian service. Members have a long track record of addressing challenges in their communities and around the world.
That commitment endures today through an organization that remains truly international. Our members span the globe, working to solve some of our world’s most challenging problems.
We’re not afraid to dream big and set bold goals. We began our fight against polio in 1979 with a project to immunize 6 million children in the Philippines.
Today, polio remains endemic in only two countries — down from 125 in 1988.
From 26th to 28th September 2024, relentlessly heavy rains triggered widespread flooding and landslides across Nepal, resulting in a devastating humanitarian crisis.
The impact has been severe, with over 100 confirmed casualties and many more missing. Thousands of families have been displaced, their homes swept away or buried under landslides.
The flooding has exposed significant gaps in Nepal’s disaster management system, particularly in the Kathmandu Valley, where the lack of an immediate response system has hampered relief efforts. Despite the involvement of the Army and Police, the shortage of rescue equipment has made it difficult to reach and support affected communities quickly. The government is struggling to form a clear plan for the next steps in response to this crisis.
Adding to the immediate concerns are health risks that have emerged due to the flooding. Stagnant water and poor sanitation conditions have increased the risk of outbreaks of diseases such as dengue, malaria, and cholera. Authorities and health organizations are working to prevent the spread of these tropical and infectious diseases, which could complicate recovery efforts.
Rotary and other organizations are encouraged to support the relief operations in Nepal. Donations and resources for medical supplies, rescue equipment, and long-term recovery planning are critical in helping the people of Nepal navigate this challenging time and build a stronger, more resilient future.
shortness, the ability to say something briefly and succinctly
Brevity is the soul of wit.
-William Shakespeare (1564 - 1616)
Wallkill East Rotary Club Contributes Dictionaries to the Students of Pin Bush, NY
Thank you to the Wallkill East Rotary Club for sending in these pictures! Bill Basset had this to say of his Rotary Club's donation:
"I explain to the students that in 9 years they will be getting their HS diploma at graduation from the School Board president. They have to 'shake with the right and take the dictionary with the left hand,' just like the HS diploma. Good practice. Then I give them a homework assignment: Write your name in the book because these are your personal dictionaries. Look up the word SERVICE because that is what ROTARY is all about. This is our 16th year."
Attendance and Participation: Regularly attend club meetings and participate actively in club activities and projects.
Service Projects: Engage in community service projects, both locally and internationally, aimed at addressing humanitarian needs, promoting goodwill, and fostering peace.
Fundraising: Contribute to fundraising efforts that support Rotary's service projects and charitable activities.
Vocational Expertise: Share their professional skills and expertise to benefit others within the club and in service projects.
Ethical Standards: Adhere to high ethical standards in their personal and professional lives, reflecting Rotary's commitment to integrity and ethical behavior.
Networking and Fellowship: Build relationships and network with other Rotarians and community leaders, fostering goodwill and understanding.
Membership Growth: Support efforts to grow Rotary's membership and extend invitations to prospective members who embody Rotary's ideals.
Rotary Foundation: Contribute financially to the Rotary Foundation, which funds international scholarships, humanitarian projects, and other charitable efforts.
Public Image: Promote Rotary's mission and achievements within the community and advocate for Rotary's values and initiatives.
Leadership: Serve in leadership roles within the club or district, providing guidance and direction to advance Rotary's goals.
Overall, Rotarians are dedicated to making a positive impact in their communities and the world at large through service, fellowship, and ethical leadership.
All members are invited to contribute to our newsletter.
If you have an interesting article or some great pictures, please share them with us by Thursday so we can include them in Friday's edition.
Send all articles and notifications to our Editor, David Langworthy, at david@bevmarks.com.au.
