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 here to follow.
The Musings of Socrates
470-399BC
The really important thing is not to live, but to live well.
Everything is plainer when spoken than when unspoken.
The more I know, the more I realize I know nothing.
Last Week's Meeting
19th November 2024
Club Meeting
Special Presentation, Judy Martin from Andrews Centre
Special Presentation: Judy Martin from the Andrews Centre
We extend our thanks to Hans Van Dyk for kindly providing the photo.
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Since its inception in 1994, the Andrews Centre has been a steadfast source of crisis support in our community, addressing the needs of those facing hardship with compassion and practical assistance.
The Centre’s journey began during the challenging days following the recession of the early 1990s, when two remarkable women, Judy and Anne, envisioned a way to help financially struggling families in Endeavour Hills. Their idea was simple yet powerful: establish an Op Shop to provide affordable clothing and household goods, using the proceeds to fund food vouchers and emergency aid.
With no initial funding, they approached a local estate agent about leasing an empty shop behind the main shopping centre. Touched by their vision, and with his wife’s involvement in St Vincent de Paul, the agent offered a discounted first-year rent of $13,000—an amount that seemed insurmountable at the time.
In a remarkable twist of fate, Judy shared their plan with a friend who attended a meeting of the Andrews Foundation, a philanthropic trust. That very day, the Foundation stepped in to cover the first year’s rent, turning the women’s vision into reality. Volunteers soon fitted out the shop, and it became a vital resource for families impacted by the economic downturn.
From these humble beginnings, Endeavour Ministries was born. By 2000, the Andrews Centre had expanded its services to include a range of programs aimed at ensuring even the most financially disadvantaged could access the help they needed.
The Rotary Club of Endeavour Hills has been a proud supporter of the Andrews Centre for many years. This enduring partnership reflects our shared commitment to serving the community and empowering individuals and families in crisis.
On Monday, 18th November 2024, members of our Rotary Club were delighted to accept an invitation from Harpreet Kandra Singh, Cardinia Citizen of the Year in 2019, on behalf of the Gurdwara Sri Guru Nanak Darbar Officer (Sikh Temple Officer).
The evening began at 6:00pm with an interactive session where members learned about the Sikh faith and its emphasis on equality, compassion, and selfless service. The session also highlighted the temple’s remarkable sustainable projects and their impactful work in our community.
Following the discussion, the temple hosted us for a delicious vegetarian meal in their Langar Hall, generously provided at no charge. Witnessing the Langar in action was both humbling and inspiring, showcasing the Sikh community's dedication to serving others without discrimination.
The visit fostered a deeper understanding of the Sikh culture and strengthened our connection with this vibrant community. It served as a wonderful reminder of the value of cultural exchange and the power of unity in diversity.
A special thank you to John Ternel for providing some great event photos.
Support Community Projects Enter the Thermomix Raffle
The Rotary Club of Casey is running an exciting fundraiser, and they would love your support!
They’re holding a raffle for a Thermomix—a highly sought-after kitchen appliance valued at $3,000 that could transform the way you cook and eat. With only 200 tickets available, you’ll want to act fast!
All profits from this raffle will be directed towards community projects.
If you’re interested, please click the link above to purchase a ticket and join in supporting this fantastic cause!
DISTRICT EVENTS
Inaugural District 9815 Conference 8 - 30 March 2025
The Inaugural District 9815 Conference will be held in Bendigo from 28 to 30 March 2025. Partners, family, friends, potential members, supporters, and alumni are welcome.
Individual session details and costs are outlined on the booking site.
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.
The Annual Ride for Medical Research 2025
The next annual “Ride For Medical Research” will take place March 16 - 21, 2025, celebrating 40 years of fundraising. Having now raised over $1.32 million for Australian Rotary Health, we look forward to pushing this to over $ 1.4 million in the near future.
This will be the first ride organised under the banner of D9815.
Registration for this popular fundraising event will open in November 2024, with strictly limited places, so get in early to secure your place. (Cost for riders is $998.00, support crew/drivers $800.00)
For early bird registration, please pre-register your interest, in either riding or driving, please send an email to Stephen Spiers: - jsthecrest3154@outlook.com
(Registration will open approximately 2 weeks prior November for those who have pre-registered.)
Join us for the “Ruby Ramble” 2025, Baddaginnie to Benalla.
Approximately 580km over 6 days
Day 1: Baddaginnie - Wangaratta -76km
Day 2: Wangaratta-Chiltern-Rutherglen Loop-98km
Day 3: Wangaratta-Yackandandah-Myrtleford Loop – 125km
Day 4: Wangaratta-Yarrawonga Loop - 115km
Day 5: Wangaratta-Milawa-Eldorado Loop - 100km
Day 6: Wangaratta-Glenrowan-Benalla - 64km
(Distances subject to change due to road/traffic conditions.)
The ride this year will be centered around the greater Wangaratta region, taking in many of the towns in the area. See the website for more information and registration details: - https://rotaryrideforresearch.raisely.com
If you can’t make it why not consider joining in with the Mad March Cycle challenge which will run in conjunction. Details of this will be released closer to the date. https://madmarchcyclechallenge.raisely.com/
Please note, we are also seeking support drivers for the ride, if interested please see the website for contact details Stephen Spiers on: - 0411 675 330 (Cost for Support crew is $800.00)
Begun in 2021 as a way of helping to raise funds for Australian Rotary Health during Covid-19 lockdowns, it continues now as a compliment to the annual bike ride.
In the spirit of supporting healthy minds, bodies and communities, it allows anyone to take part in a manner that suits them anywhere in the world. (In fact, over the last 4 years we have had people join in from not only other parts of Australia, but also America, India, Indonesia and South Africa).
Participants can challenge the riders on the Annual Ride and see if they can cover 580km over the month of March, the Annual ride participants have to do it in 6 days, or they can choose their own form of exercise and set their own goals.
It is Free to join in, although not compulsory, all we ask is that participants try and raise some funds, via sponsorship, for Australian Rotary Health. The typical goal participants set is $200 and all donations of $2.00 or more are tax deductible.
All funds raised go direct to Australian Rotary Health.
So go on, challenge yourself, your Club and friends, join in the fun and Make A Differfence, to not only your health, help Australian Rotary Health make a difference to everyones health.
Every year, about 4,000 deaths occur from cervical cancer. Rotary member Isabel Scarinci intends to deliver a knockout blow to the preventable disease. Scarinci is a behavioral psychologist and vice chair of the Global and Rural Health Program in the University of Alabama’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Read more about how she hopes to wipe out cervical cancer.
ROTARY LEADER
The secret to a flourishing club
One thing successful clubs have in common is effective goal setting. When club leaders plan for the future, they give the club a sense of direction. Whether you aim to welcome more members, complete more service projects, or improve the experience your club offers members, setting goals motivates members to work toward a common purpose.
Rotary Club Central makes it easy for Rotary and Rotaract clubs to plan and track their goals. Club leaders can now set yearly goals for up to three years and record the club’s accomplishments, and all members can view the club’s progress. Plus, future leaders can use past goals to make informed decisions about the club’s direction. It’s never too late to start planning for your club’s future. Visit Rotary Club Central and get started.
Rotary Community Group renewing treasured local landmark
Most Rotary Community Groups (RCGs) have finished or are finalising their Growth Plans, which include at least one shared project clubs that can collaborate on to increase their impact and reach.
For one of its shared projects, an RCG in New Zealand is rejuvenating Dunedin’s Rotary Park, a lookout on the Otago Peninsula established in the 1950s by the Rotary Club of Dunedin.
Despite providing stunning views of Otago Harbour and the Pacific Ocean coastline, the park has remained underdeveloped and is largely unknown outside the local community. The RCG hopes to increase the use of the park by making the facilities more accessible and appealing over the next few years.
Recently, club members and other volunteers planted 700 native trees and shrubs in the park. Work will soon begin on features such as graded walking and cycle paths, a bike jump and skills track, shelters and viewing platforms, seating and picnic tables, signage, and art installations.
Project partners include Dunedin City Council, numerous local businesses, and a large corporation. To date, over $200,000 has been raised for the project, and several businesses are providing discounted or donated supplies.
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.
The next annual “Ride For Medical Research” will take place March 16 - 21, 2025, celebrating 40 years of fundraising. Having now raised over $1.32 million for Australian Rotary Health, we look forward to pushing this to over $ 1.4 million in the near future.
Begun in 2021 as a way of helping to raise funds for Australian Rotary Health during Covid-19 lockdowns, it continues now as a compliment to the annual bike ride.
