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
Be nicer than necessary to everyone you meet ~
Everyone is fighting some kind of battle.
Good actions give strength to ourselves and inspire good actions in others.
Never discourage anyone who continually makes progress, no matter how slow.
Last Week's Meeting
3rd December 2024
Club Meeting Special Presentation by Phil Thurgood
on his visit to Morocco
At Tuesday's meeting, club member Phil Thurgood shared captivating highlights from his recent journey to Morocco in May 2024. Over the course of 16 days—14 of which were part of a guided tour—Phil explored the rich culture, stunning landscapes, and vibrant history of this remarkable destination.
Describing Morocco as a "very moderate Muslim country with some spectacular sights," Phil recounted how every day offered a unique and unforgettable experience. From bustling markets and ancient medinas to breathtaking natural wonders and architectural marvels, the trip left a lasting impression.
Phil highly recommended adding Morocco to everyone’s travel list. His presentation, enriched with stunning photos, brought his adventure to life and left us all dreaming of our own Moroccan escape.
Thank you, Phil, for sharing your journey and reminding us of the wonders of exploring the world!
Vocational Visit to ASRC
As mentioned during our recent meeting, we've arranged a vocational visit to the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) on Tuesday, 10th December.
This will be a wonderful opportunity to come together as a community and support a great cause by helping with repacking rice for ASRC clients.
Event Details:
Date: Tuesday, 10th December
Location: ASRC, 205 Thomas St, Dandenong
Time: 5:30 PM (or later, if this suits you better)
Following our time at ASRC, we’re planning to enjoy dinner together at a local restaurant from 7:00 PM.
RSVP Required:
To ensure everything is well organised, please confirm your attendance for the rice repacking activity and let us know if you’ll be joining us for dinner.
Kindly RSVP via the Club Runner event link.
We look forward to seeing you there and making a positive impact together!
🎄 Club Christmas Function 🎄
Celebrate the festive season with us at our Christmas Function on Tuesday, 17th December 2024.
Time: 6:30 PM for a 7:00 PM start Cost: $45 per person, including a delicious two-course traditional Christmas dinner Dress Code: Red & Green – embrace the holiday spirit! Drinks: Available at bar prices
Special Dietary Requirements: Please let us know when you RSVP.
Payments:
Rotary Admin
BSB: 013312
Account Number: 305698876
RSVP via the Club Runner event link, including your attendance and numbers.
Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate with fellow Rotarians and friends as we wrap up the year with festive cheer. We look forward to seeing you there!
December 2024: Disease Prevention and Treatment Month
As we turn the calendar to December, we spotlight one of Rotary International’s most impactful areas of focus: Disease Prevention and Treatment. This month is a reminder of the significant role Rotarians play in creating healthier communities and addressing global health challenges.
Disease knows no boundaries, and Rotary’s work is instrumental in preventing illness and improving access to essential health care. Through initiatives like polio eradication, clean water projects, and education on hygiene and nutrition, Rotary clubs worldwide demonstrate the power of collective action to save lives.
Rotary’s Impact on Global Health
From vaccine campaigns to medical mission trips, Rotary clubs have been at the forefront of disease prevention and treatment. By mobilizing resources and expertise, we’ve brought communities closer to a world where preventable diseases are no longer a threat.
In December, let’s reflect on milestones such as Rotary’s contribution to the global fight against polio. Thanks to these efforts, polio cases have decreased by over 99% since 1988, proving what we can achieve when we work together.
Together, we can continue to champion health equity and ensure everyone has the opportunity to lead a healthy, fulfilling life.
ClubRunner Recorded Webinar Sessions
Great news! For those who inquired about recorded sessions of our recent ClubRunner training, they’re now available for you to access. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your ClubRunner skills!
Important: These recordings are only available until December 14th, so be sure to watch or download them before then.
Training Sessions:
Beginner ClubRunner Training Focus: District version for Club Members and Executives Watch Recording Passcode: 2PaEqkT
Intermediate ClubRunner Training Focus: Club version for Club Members and Executives Watch Recording Passcode: 4@+?n!s$
Advanced ClubRunner Training Focus: Club version for Administrators, Website Designers, and Public Image Chairs Watch Recording Passcode: 1!iT90eA
How to Download:
To keep a permanent copy of these sessions, open the recording and click the ‘Download’ link in the top-right corner of the page.
Training Slides:
Attached below are the slide decks from each training session for your reference:
Take advantage of these resources to make the most out of your ClubRunner experience!
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.
D 9815 Conference Newsletter #2
We’re pleased to share the latest updates as preparations for an unforgettable Rotary Conference are well underway! Inside this newsletter, you’ll find everything you need to stay informed and inspired.
Haven’t secured your spot yet? No problem—there’s still plenty of time and space! Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to connect, collaborate, and celebrate with your fellow Rotarians.
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.
Rotary International President Stephanie A. Urchick has an important message for you:
Don’t miss out on Rotary’s biggest event of the year! Register and pay for the 2025 Rotary International Convention by 15 December to get the discounted rate so you can join thousands of other committed changemakers in picturesque Calgary, Canada 21-25 June.
Mental Health Grant Recipient Completes Study into the Optimal Amount of Therapy for Kids with Anxiety
Childhood anxiety refers to feelings of worry or fear in children, which can lead to significant challenges at home, school and in social settings. This disorder is unfortunately common and can severely impact a child's development.
Throughout Australia, 30% of children lack access to evidence-based treatments. Current research indicates that online interventions are less effective for children and teens compared to adults and that consistent support from therapists is necessary alongside these programs to achieve positive clinical outcomes, raising costs and limiting accessibility.
Dr. Lauren McLellan, supported by an ARH Mental Health Grant since 2020, is researching whether children could also benefit from online-only interventions. Her study involves 300 children divided into three groups: those receiving regular phone calls from a therapist, those with on-demand access to therapists, and those completing the program independently. Results from this study are expected by the end of 2025.
Dr. McLellan is a registered psychologist and Director of the Centre for Emotional Health Online Treatment Programs. To read more about her work with ARH click here
WASH ROTARY ACTION GROUP
WASH Ambassadors Get Training
Through a generous donation by Wallace Genetics and the support of Emory University, six WASH Ambassadors from around the world participated in the online certificate course: Fundamentals of WASH in Healthcare Facilities.
Also, this month, over 75 WASH Ambassadors participated in a WASH Ambassador Orientation program. The program has expanded significantly this year, and we wanted to make the Ambassadors aware of their responsibilities at the District level, their role in encouraging and assisting with Club WASH projects, and the resources available. You can watch a recording of the Orientation to understand the program, which might encourage you to apply.
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.
