We gather together on the lands of the traditional custodians, the Wurundjeri and Woi Wurrung people. We pay our respects to all of Melbourne’s First Peoples, to their ancestors and Elders, and to our shared future together.
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As the impact of the Victorian floods continues, District 9800 is preparing a Disaster Relief team similar to the previous established Bushfire Relief, through RAWCS, to start preparation of an appropriate response as displaced communities rebuild their lives. District will work through the affected Rotary clubs. Similarly, our Community Service Committee will consider options for club members’ involvement following consultation with known contacts on the ground.
Club Forum last week discussed a number of club related issues that were pre-submitted to the Secretary. Many members contributed to the robust and considered debate. Sentiments raised were noted and where consensus reached, suggested actions are being considered by the Board. One of these will be fortnightly briefings to the club from each of the Committee Chairs. The Secretary is setting up a roster starting 9 November.
A central message from the discussion was the importance of attending club meetings, not just for the sake of it but for continuity of friendships. It was the basis of Rotary’s beginning in 1905 when lawyer Paul Harris and three friends met in a small office in downtown Chicago with the purpose of providing service to their community. Although the world has become more complex since then, it continues to be the foundation of Rotary clubs and member connection remains as important as ever particularly after the Covid lockdown. This view is consistently reflected in Rotary member surveys globally.
The importance of ongoing engagement was also highlighted as a driver of member well-being and retention. Much effort is put into place annually to ensure that all members are appropriately placed in committees as a vehicle to engage in service and fellowship. Similarly, members are given the opportunity to take up club services roles. Members are also encouraged to take up board positions including nominate for presidency in 2024, as well as any other responsibilities that may interest them. From personal experience, it is rewarding to develop new skills and friendships by participating in the running of the club.
Of course, service is at the core of what we do, and members have every opportunity to participate in a range of ongoing activities subject to ability and availability. These include the Camberwell and Hawthorn markets, Bunnings sausage sizzles, RIMERN (Rotary Inner Melbourne Emergency Relief Network) , DIK (Donation in Kind), the Myeloma Foundation and our flagship annual Art Show and many other District programs.
Next week’s meeting is a Member behind the Badge presentation by Kieran Healy. This promises to be of interest given the positive experiences of previous MBTB sessions. Two new members will also be inducted – Brett Campbell and Nav Muniratna. It’d be great to have your presence to support all three members.
We are making great progress towards eradicating polio, however recent news reminds us that polio anywhere is a threat everywhere. Polio is being detected around the world in places where it hasn’t been found in decades. In the United States, an unvaccinated man was paralyzed by polio. In the UK, poliovirus has been detected in sewage samples. In Malawi, a child contracted polio. And Mozambique announced its first polio outbreak of wild poliovirus in 30 years.
The time for urgent action is now. A new vaccine has been deployed to stop outbreaks. Malawi, Mozambique, and nearby countries are conducting immunization campaigns to stop the spread of the virus. With our partners and advocates like you, we continue to encourage communities worldwide to provide vaccinations.
As we approach World Polio Day, 24 October, you can help us make an impact and stop the spread of polio. You can take action by donating to Polio Plus.
World Polio Day will help us provide the resources needed to protect children from the U.S. to Mozambique and around the world. Join us so that no child suffers the paralyzing effects of polio ever again.
Here at Camberwell, we will be donating the funds raised through the weekly Club raffle this Wednesday 26 October.
Two ROMP Nurses’ Scholarships awarded “The returns are in and we’re delighted!”
It’s good to be a Rotarian. The returns are in and we’re delighted. The last two weeks have seen your ROMP Committee successfully wrap up the selection of two candidates for ROMP nursing scholarships for the 2023 academic year.
While a single funded scholarship was offered by the Rotary Club of Camberwell, that offer was doubled when the Rotary Club of Warrnambool Central chose to add their own local scholarship. Both scholarships were completed concurrently and the successful candidates have been notified.
We look forward to announcing the successful nurses at the October ROMP Forum on Tuesday 25th October.
We are grateful to the committed people who made the project work. Trish O’Hara and Adrian Campbell from the Rotary Club of Camberwell with Hayley Beer and Emma-Jane (“EJ”) Furphy from Myeloma Australia. A special “shout out” must also be provided for the tireless Bob Mc Millan of the Rotary Club of Warrnambool Central.
Our simple purpose remains. “People living with myeloma (and all cancers) in regional Victoria need and deserve the same resources that are provided in Melbourne.”
A Rotary event showcasing the work of professional garden designers across Victoria (Rotary Clubs of Kew, Brighton North and Central Melbourne)
Tickets for Garden DesignFest 2022 are now available for purchase.
For your convenience, tickets to individual gardens can be purchased any time before visiting a garden, or at the entrance to the garden using your phone.
The popular “All Garden Tickets” (Weekend Pass) allowing entry to all gardens on the relevant weekend are again available to garden lovers who want an all-day or weekend experience.
