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:
Last Week's Meeting
8th October 2024
Club Meeting
Peter, Rotary Club of Mt Eliza
VDC & Peninsula update
Club Meeting
World Polio Day 24th October
Speaker to be advised
Club Meeting
8th October 2024
Guest Speaker: Peter from Rotary Club of Mount Martha
This week, we welcomed Peter from the Rotary Club of Mount Martha, who shared the club’s initiative and success with their Containers For Community program. Not to be confused with Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme, this innovative project has had a significant impact in their local area.
Peter and President John are pictured below holding a sample of this valuable empty commodity, which is contributing to a cleaner environment and stronger community connections.
We extend our thanks to Hans Van Dyk for kindly providing photos from the evening.
Discover Two Engaging Plays
During our club meeting, Terry Valentine recommended two compelling plays by the same playwright and production company, which tackle contemporary societal issues:
"Marooned": Book tickets here. Terry had the opportunity to see this play at its debut and again at Frankston.
"My Brother, My Brother, My Brother": Book tickets here. A new play by the same team, addressing similar themes.
Consider attending as a group! It could be a wonderful way to share thoughts and have engaging discussions after the shows.
Joint Club Meeting Thursday, 3rd October
Last week, instead of our regular meeting, our members joined the Rotary Club of Noble Park-Dingley and the Rotary Club of Springvale City for a special cluster meeting held on Thursday, 3rd October. The highlight of the evening was a keynote address by District Governor (DG) Colin Byron. Over 40 members and friends, including representatives from the Rotary Club of Greater Dandenong and Endeavour Hills, attended the event.
DG Colin shared his vision for the District and encouraged clubs to explore innovative ways to attract and retain new members. His presentation was both insightful and thought-provoking, inspiring attendees to consider fresh approaches to strengthening Rotary’s impact.
We also heard from Leanne Byron, who presented her project. The evening included a generous contribution from Val Glenn of The Jewellery Ladies, who presented Leanne with a $1,000 cheque in support of her initiative.
It was a wonderful night of collaboration and camaraderie. DG Colin remarked that events like these exemplify Rotary's spirit of working together and should happen more often to foster stronger connections between clubs.
We extend our thanks to DG Colin Byron for kindly providing some photos from the evening:
Show Your Support for World Polio Day
In her World Polio Day message, Rotary International President Stephanie Urchick calls upon the Rotary community to build on our incredible progress, face the challenges ahead with tenacity, and stay focused on our ultimate goal: a polio-free world.
We still have a few gaps we need to fill for Sunday:
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 / _____
Please get in touch with Phil Thurgood if you can fill a spot.
We appreciate your support!
UPCOMING EVENTS
DAA Annual Conference 2024 Saturday, 19th October
The DAA Annual Conference is shaping up to be a great day with presentations from our newest DARTs on their deployments to Thailand, Brian will present on his recent trip to Bhutan, and we'll hear from Sharing Hope about the work they are doing in Myanmar. Along with the usual update on what DAA achieved last year and our plans for the future. We will also have a dinner on the night.
Register now and come along to share a day of inspiration and fun with like-minded people who want to make a difference in the world.
"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.
Let’s come together in support of this extraordinary event. We look forward to seeing you all there!
Invitation to District 9815-3 Rotary Club of Casey Monday, 18th November
We are very pleased to have accepted 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) to join them on the evening of Monday, 18th November 2024.
The meeting will commence at 6:00 pm and will be an interactive session followed by a complimentary vegetarian meal.
This is an excellent opportunity to learn about the sustainable projects undertaken by the Gurdwara and gain insights into the significant community work being carried out.
Harpreet has shared some background information on their community efforts, which will guide our discussions for the evening. You can explore more about their activities here.
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 COMMUNITY EVENTS
DISASTER AID AUSTRALIA
Disaster Aid Australia – September Update
September was a highly productive month for Disaster Aid Australia (DAA) as we continued our mission to provide clean water and disaster relief across multiple regions. Alongside extensive conference planning, here’s what our dedicated team achieved:
Aid Delivery
Flooding Disaster Response – North Thailand: DAA installed 4 SkyHydrant GEM Rapid Response Packs across three communities and a school. Recovery Grants were also provided, and administered by local Rotary Clubs. The situation continues to be monitored with the potential for a second response.
Ongoing Support in Bhutan: 5 SkyHydrants were shipped to Bhutan as part of our ongoing school program.
Partnership Initiatives:
Handed over 2 SkyHydrants to our partner, Safe Water for Every Child Myanmar.
Shipped 2 SkyHydrants to Timor Leste for Rotary Projects Timor Leste East.
Our partners in the Philippines—Safe Water for Every Child-Philippines and Balay Mindanaw—successfully installed 3 SkyHydrants.
Restocking for Future Deployments: Rapid Response Packs are being assembled to replenish stock used in the North Thailand deployment.
Disaster Aid Response Team (DART) Activities
Conducted our second post-lockdown DART training weekend at the DAA office, welcoming two new volunteers. Planning is already underway for next year’s training camp (15-17 August at Camp Getaway).
Reviewed and updated our Operational Manual, incorporating learnings from the recent North Thailand deployment.
Marketing and Outreach
Provided regular updates on Facebook and the DAA website during the North Thailand deployment, raising awareness of our efforts.
Promoted our upcoming conference and hosted a vocational visit to our office.
Engaged in discussions with Disaster Aid Thailand, who are looking to acquire SkyHydrants for their operations.
Connected with Hong Kong Rotarians interested in supporting our work in Bhutan, facilitated through a meeting with KG Tan of Disaster Aid Malaysia.
Administration
Renewed the organisation’s travel insurance policy and alerted Safe Water for Every Child-Philippines about a potential grant opportunity as a new NGO.
Ordered 10 MAX SkyHydrants to ensure we have sufficient stock for upcoming projects.
Participated in the ACNC webinar on "Charities Working Overseas" to stay updated on compliance and operational best practices.
Dispatched DAA Champions Packs to supporters.
Completed routine financial and administrative tasks, including monthly financial reporting and BAS processing.
We extend our thanks to Brian Ashworth for the update.
DAA’s ongoing commitment to providing clean water and disaster relief across the globe is made possible through the collaboration and support of the Rotary community. Thank you for your continued backing as we strive to help communities rebuild and thrive.
Women members say Rotary offers a wide range of professional benefits. It helps them make contacts, expand their skillsets, and — perhaps most importantly — find the inspiration to set higher career goals. “Being brave enough to step into [Rotary] leadership roles teaches you so much,” says Nicki Scott, a former RI director and vice president. “It’s a priceless MBA of leadership skills.” Read more on Rotary.org.
Rotarian police officers talk peace
What do policing and peacebuilding have in common? Surprisingly, a lot, says Chris Offer, a Canadian Rotarian and former officer with the Vancouver Police Department. He met three other former police officers during a training event for Rotary Positive Peace Activators in Evanston, Illinois, USA. The officers learned that empathy and de-escalation are critical to both pursuits. They say police departments and Rotary clubs can work together to promote peace in many ways. Learn more in Offer’s blog post.
NEPAL LANDSLIDES & FLOODS
Urgent Support Needed for Landslide & Flood Victims in Nepal
We are sharing a heartfelt appeal from Ranjeev Shrestha, President of Disaster Aid Nepal, who is seeking support for the victims of the devastating landslides and floods that struck Nepal between 27th and 29th September. These disasters have displaced numerous families, leaving them in urgent need of shelter, food, medical care, and psychological support.
Ranjeev and his team at Disaster Aid Nepal are leading efforts on the ground, but the scale of the devastation requires additional assistance and collaboration. Any support from the Rotary community—whether through direct aid, financial contributions, or connections to further resources—would be invaluable in helping these communities rebuild their lives.
If you or your club can assist, or if you know of any contacts or resources that could be of help, please reach out. Together, we can make a significant impact and offer hope to those affected.
Click here for more details on how you can contribute to this urgent cause.
October is Rotary International's Economic & Community Development Month
As we step into October, Rotary International invites us to focus on the theme of Economic and Community Development.
As Rotarians, we are uniquely positioned to make a meaningful impact. Through our projects and initiatives, we can:
Support Local Economies: By championing local businesses and entrepreneurs, we can help stimulate job growth and economic resilience.
Invest in Education and Training: Education is a powerful tool for economic empowerment. Supporting vocational training and educational programs can equip individuals with the skills needed to succeed in the job market.
Promote Sustainable Practices: Encouraging sustainable economic practices is vital for long-term community development. We can advocate for environmentally friendly initiatives that benefit both the economy and the environment.
Strengthen Community Bonds: Building a strong sense of community is essential for economic development. Rotary can facilitate connections among residents, local businesses, and government entities to foster collaboration and support.
Rotary Clubs around the world work to empower communities and individuals through projects designed to foster sustainable development and long-term assistance, not just by providing immediate charity.
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.
