1. Reminder to Register for the DISTRICT 9685 CHANGEOVER 2024 - 29TH JUNE 2024 - Register here: https://www.crsadmin.com/EventPortal/Registrations/PublicFill/EventPublicFill.aspx?evtid=dc8c59c0-d89f-459c-ae0a-a32434b29562
Click on the image below for a larger view
2. The Rotary Social Impact Network - Special Extra Meeting by Zoom
On behalf of President Elect Ben Brown, the Rotary Social Impact Network is inviting you to their first meeting of the 2024/25 year where RIPE Stephanie Urchick will be our guest speaker.
They are hosting a special extra meeting, as the then newly inducted, RI President Stephanie Urchick has agreed to be our special guest, 10th July. Please note the time is 10pm AEST to allow for our RIP to be available.
Here are a couple of other images that you can use when inviting people to join this meeting.
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3. The Alzheimer’s / Dementia Rotary Action Group (ADRAG) would appreciate your assistance in distributing the following information to the membership of District 9685
June marks an important time for all of us as we recognize Alzheimer's and the significant impact it has on individuals, families, and communities. At the Alzheimer's / Dementia Rotary Action Group (ADRAG), we are dedicated to raising awareness, providing support, and fostering hope for those affected by these challenging conditions. Our mission at ADRAG is not just to bring attention to Alzheimer's but to mobilize action and resources that can lead to meaningful change. This month, we call upon you to join us in our efforts by supporting the initiatives and programs that ADRAG champions
One way to support ADRAG is by encouraging others to become members. For a minimum annual donation of $25, individuals can join ADRAG and help us in our mission to assist those living with Alzheimer's and dementia. Membership not only supports our initiatives but also connects members with a network of individuals committed to making a difference. Additionally, members can take an active role by organizing fundraising activities. By filling out the ADRAG fundraising request form, we provide the tools and resources needed to run various fundraising events on behalf of ADRAG. Creativity and dedication can make a significant impact in raising funds and awareness. Another powerful way to make a difference is by participating in a Community Benefit Business Network (CBBN). The concept of the CBBN echoes the very principles upon which Rotary was founded. When Paul Harris established Rotary in 1905, his vision was to create a network of professionals who could exchange ideas and form meaningful, lasting friendships while making a positive impact on their communities. The Community Benefit Business Networks we are developing today are a modern extension of this vision, fostering collaboration between businesses and Rotary to drive community support and development.
CBBNs are innovative business networks being established by Rotary Districts nationwide. These networks involve local businesses that commit to contributing a portion of the proceeds from their products and services to causes supported by Rotarians, such as ADRAG. By doing so, they create a sustainable flow of funds that can significantly bolster our efforts to combat Alzheimer's and dementia. For additional information or assistance, Please contact:
Chris Nakea
Chris Nakea
Public Image Coordinator, ADRAG
4. Congratukations to PDG Lindsay May OAM and Tania May
PDG Lindsay May and President Elect Tania Mace, both of Lane Cove Rotary. Lindsay was awarded the honour of Lane Cove Citizen of the Year last Wednesday evening and Tania was given a Leadership Award.
5. PNG Landslide Appeal - Message from DG Paul Roger D9620 (which includes PNG)
Many of you will have seen the media reports of a significant landslide in PNG that has reportedly buried an entire village. Media reports can be confusing (and sometimes exaggerated) so Rotarians in PNG are travelling to the site this week to make a accurate assessment. I will let you all know of their report when it comes through. We have released the attached update.
We have liaised with Rotary partners, such as ShelterBox, and other organisations, and the small scale of the disaster, its location and security/safety concerns mean that a local response to aid recovery is likely to be most effective.
Donations to the RAWCS fund are welcomed.
Papua New Guinea Landslide Disaster Relief Appeal
Description: To provide relief and support to those impacted communities of Papua New Guinea (PNG) in response to the landslide Disaster at Yambali in Enga Provence.
Sponsored by: RAWCS National
Donations can be made to the RAWCS project using this link
Update
The situation is rather sad, in that there is little we can do to assist at this time due to the tribal rivalry in the area.
Our District 9620 Area Governor who was able to visit the Disaster Coordination Centre near the landslide site has advised that the situation remains unclear, and is probably likely to be never confirmed, what the exact population of the Mulitaka village was as there have never been any official surveys of the villages in the area.
The best estimate by the officials at the disaster coordination centre are that approximately 600 villagers have lost their lives when buried under the landslide. The number of home/huts, and families, is not known.
The tribal nature of the area, with frequent disputes/fights and deaths, has meant the area was very much a no go area in the past. This situation continues.
The PNG Government has set up a Disaster Coordination Centre in a nearby town, but are not permitting entry to the actual village area where the landslide occurred. The area is to become a grave site, with no further attempts to recover those buried.
Local villagers in the area have been fighting over the aid contributions that initially flooded in from overseas and from businesses in PNG. Unfortunately a lot of the aid had been stolen and in one case a container (reportedly sent by the UN) was ransacked and the contents burnt. The media continues to publish inaccurate and exaggerated stories.
Our District Area Governor has advised, and her view is supported by other senior Rotarians in PNG that at present it is better to wait until the Wabag Disaster Committee in PNG is able to come to us with accurate information and aid requirements. In this respect fundas are accumulating in our RAWCS project in readiness. I also understand, but do not have confirmation, that there is continuing land movement in the area and the PNG Government may consider trying to relocate other villages. However I stress this is not confirmed, and given the misleading stories from the area we need to wait for more accurate and official information. I hope this gives you a clear picture. I am giving similar advice to other RI groups and similar agencies who often partner with Rotary.
It is gratifying to see the support being offered, but at this time there is sadly not much that can be done effectively and safely.
Best Regards
Paul Roger,
District Governor 2023-24
District 9620
6. Club Buzz Articles
There are a few articles in Club Buzz that are well worth reading which are imn addition to Club News and events. Don't forget to click on the Club Buzz link to view them.
7. Club Changeovers
As we come to the end of the Rotary year, there are many celebratory events being planned by each Club. To advertise or promote one of them is criminal. To advertise or promote all of them is impossible. We wish you all the best for your Club's event and the best of luck for the new Rotary year.