Only 2 months until the end of this Rotary year but who is counting?? Well, The Rotary Foundation is counting because of the extraordinary generosity of District 9685!
PDG David Rands and PP David Dean issued the “End Polio Challenge” and 43 Clubs responded. This response provided A$1,153,743 of extra funding for finishing the job of Polio Eradication. This is a BIG DEAL!!!! And will probably be the largest donation from any District in this part of the Rotary World. See the announcement from David later in this edition of e-News and Well Done to those Clubs.
The combined Blue Mountains Rotary Clubs held their Local Area Command Police Officer of the Year Awards this month. The well-organised, well-attended event was a very supportive “Thank You” recognition to the Police Award nominees, their families and their friends. Many Clubs are conducting these Awards leading to the Multi- District NSW Awards later this year. Again this is Rotary doing Good in their communities.
Easter 2017 has been and gone, so has ANZAC Day. I hope both holidays allowed you to enjoy time with families and friends. With our veterans aging, the
ANZAC Day celebrations are involving more Community groups than in the past. My Rotary Club marched with other local groups for the first time this year.
It was a great day. The Club showed respect for the occasion, was very visible during the event and increased the community participation. I would encourage Clubs to consider getting involved next year, if they are not already.
The Central Coast was buzzing with “Toast the Coast” arranged by RC Gosford City on the first of the month. The good Food, good Wine, good Living festival was raising funds to support Coast Shelter, who are striving to reduce domestic violence. Good job, President Michael and Rotarians.
During the month PDG Barry Philp convened 2 New Member Seminars at Thornleigh and in Gosford. Assisted by PDGs Graeme Davies, Pam Pritchard and PP Mike Hallen, Barry introduced 25 new members into some of the mysteries of the greater Rotary World. The feedback from the sessions has been favorable and so more sessions will be scheduled following a content review and tune up.
D9685 2016-17 First Lady, Bette Lakin, has been busy supporting the Days for Girls program. This hands-on program produces Hygiene Kits for young ladies in under-developed countries. This assists them to continue at school when, due to the lack of facilities, they would otherwise drop out. Many Clubs, Rotarians and friends get involved under the spirited leadership of Matriarch Janelle Dodd and the Dodd Family. What does a Days for Girls workshop look like? Well, here is a pix of the recent workshop at William Clark College, Kellyville. 40 young people, guided by Rotarians manufactured 300 kits and 1300 components during a holiday camp, conducted by SoleSurvivor.
District 9685 has an advisory board of management. Did you know that? Called the Committee of the Association, in conformance with the Corporations Act, this group of Rotarians advises the District Governor on matters of governance. The members include 5 elected representatives of D9685 Clubs and the GTrain plus the District Secretary and Treasurer as non-voting members.
Only 2 months until the District Changeover at Hornsby RSL on 1 July, but who is counting? It is too late to Save the Date so you will just have to put the date straight into your diary! Come along, Bring your Club…It should be a good party..See you there…..
Have a great month and Enjoy Rotary!
