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
22nd October 2024
Club Meeting Jane Penning OAM World Polio Day 24th October
This past Thursday, 24th October, markedWorld Polio Day, a time to reflect on the incredible progress made in the fight to eradicate polio. At our Club Meeting on Tuesday, we had the privilege of hearing from Jane Pennington OAM, who provided an inspiring update on the global campaign.
Rotary’s End Polio Now initiative, started over 30 years ago, has brought the world to the brink of eliminating this debilitating disease. Once prevalent across the globe, polio now remains active in only two countries, where even these nations have seen significant reductions in cases thanks to sustained efforts.
This success wouldn't have been possible without Rotary's unwavering commitment and the support of countless partners and volunteers worldwide. While remarkable progress has been made, our work is not yet complete, and Rotary remains dedicated to eradicating polio for good.
As we reflect on World Polio Day, let’s celebrate the achievements so far and reaffirm our commitment to a polio-free future.
Reflection of the Week
The Four-way test of everything we say and do as Rotarians
Is it the truth
Is it fair to all concerned
Will it build goodwill and better friendships
Will it be beneficial to all concerned
Rotary Club of Rowville-Lysterfield Berwick Antique and Collectible Fair 2024
On Sunday, 20th October, John Ternel, DG Colin Byron, and Leanne Byron attended the Berwick Antique and Collectible Fair at the Berwick Leisure Centre. The event was a great opportunity to explore unique antiques and collectibles while connecting with the community.
We extend our thanks to Colin Byron for kindly providing photos from the event.
DISTRICT EVENTS
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.
The Gurdwara can accommodate a maximum of 50 people, so please RSVP as soon as possible.
No alcohol or tobacco is permitted on the premises.
Kindly cover your head and remove your shoes when inside the Temple.
We look forward to this enriching experience!
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 lock downs, 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 commits funds to Polio outbreak response in
Gaza
The recent detection of variant poliovirus type-2 isolates in environmental samples and the confirmation of a 10-month-old child who has contracted polio in Gaza is a stark reminder that as long as polio exists anywhere, it is a threat everywhere. Learn what Rotary and our partners are doing to respond to the situation in Gaza.
Hard-fought resilience: My testimony against Polio
Aimé Césaire Mpangaje, District 2150 deputy polio coordinator and member of the Rotary Club of Fleurus-Aéropole, Belgium, knows the challenges and resiliency that come with being a polio survivor. In his personal testimony, Aimé shares the role of resilience in his life and concludes that true victory against polio will include not only eradication of the virus but also continued support for survivors.
The legacy of John Sever, a beloved Rotary member, physician, and advocate of polio eradication, will not be forgotten and, in fact, grew a little more in August. Rotary had intended to present John with the International Service Award for a Polio-Free World for his historic role in polio eradication efforts, but he died before the award presentation could happen. On 22 August, Gerane Sever, John’s wife, accepted the award on John’s behalf from Trustee Chair Mark Daniel Maloney in a special presentation with the Sever family in Rockville, Maryland.
“It is an honor to receive this award on my late husband’s behalf,” Gerane said. “He was an inspiration to all of us and is beyond deserving of this accolade. His legacy and efforts towards eradicating polio will forever be remembered.”
"Safe Toilets for all by 2030" is one of the targets of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SD6)- But the world is seriously off track.
This year's theme is "Toilets: A Place for Peace." This essential space, at the centre of our lives, should be safe and secure. But for billions of people, sanitation is threatened by conflict, climate change, disasters, and neglect.
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 lock downs, 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).
physician, and advocate of polio eradication, will not be forgotten and, in fact, grew a little more in August. Rotary had intended to present John with the International Service Award for a Polio-Free World for his historic role in polio eradication efforts, but he died before the award presentation could happen. On 22 August, Gerane Sever, John’s wife, accepted the award on John’s behalf from Trustee Chair Mark Daniel Maloney in a special presentation with the Sever family in Rockville, Maryland.
