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eNews - December 17th, 2020

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
We wish to acknowledge and pay respect to the traditional owners of this land
– the Aboriginal people past and present.
It is upon their ancestral lands where we are today.
As we share our knowledge, Rotary practices and ideas, through this newsletter and all of our activities, may we also pay respect to the knowledge embedded forever within the Aboriginal Custodianship of Country.
 
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL
Best viewed on-line
 
R100 PROJECT
 
Merry Christmas everyone!
 
As you move into the holiday season, and seek something to do with your time, here is a simple option if you are a gardener!!
We need plants from your garden to help rebuild the gardens of those devastated by the bushfires. Check out your garden for any of the following (deemed most suitable for affected garden areas) and use the coming weeks to propagate them for distribution early next year.
 
GREVILLEA ROSMARINIFOLIA  “Juniperina” or “Bronze rambler”
AGAVE
BRACHYSCOME MULTIFIDA
AGAPANTHAS
CHORIZEMA CORDATUM  “Flame Pea”
FRENCH LAVENDER
CALLISTEMON CITRINUS
OSTEOSPERMUM
SCAEVOLA AEMULA  “Fan Flower”
VIBURNUM TYNUS
HARDENBERGIA VIOLACEA “Happy Wanderer”
 
BRACHYCHITON POPULNEUS “Kurrajong Tree”
 
ANIGOZANTHUS
We hope to have these available from Mar-May 2021.
LOMANDRA LONGIFOLIO  “Tanika”
Thank you again for all your generous donations of funds,
CHRYSOCEPHALUM APICULATUM
time and seeds.Thank you also for the growing
DIANELLA  “Little Rev”
excitement in anticipation of the centenary celebrations
CORREA REFLEXA
across our District!!
ACACIA COGNATA  “Wattle”
PDG Kalma McLellan
PHILOTHECA MYOPOROIDES  “Waxflower”
 
 
Read more...
OTHER NEWS
 
1.   THIS IS THE REALLY GOOD NEWS.... As a result of COVID restrictions reigning during 2020, District costs have been reduced. As a consequence, District Governor David Clark has announced that there will no charge at all for our Rotarians to attend the District Conference in 2021. Previously it had been announced that each Club would be asked to contribute $5 per member for all to attend. This cost is now cancelled. We still encourage everyone to register for the Conference so that all registrants can receive the links for the Conference sessions. Spend the time remaining on planning how your Club will view the sessions - individually, small groups, larger groups in a meeting venue. We are also still pursuing a Conference Dinner on Saturday, 13th March, 2021, however, venue booking is still uncertain. Everyone will be kept fully informed about any new announcements or clarifications and the program.
The link for Registration is HERE.
The link for the Conference website is HERE.
 
2.  Rotary International has recently announced the certifying of  the Rotaract Club of Pennant Hills – Cherrybrook !  The current Rotaract club president, Jason Terry, has also been registered in the RI database for this newly registered Club. Congratulations to Jason and his team who have worked so hard to bring this to fruition.
 
3.  A reminder about the 3-5 minute video for the District Conference in  2021.  There are only two restrictions about the video.
  1. Length – 3-5 minutes
  2. Date due – end of January
Other than that, it is a video about your Club and what it has been doing in recent times, no specification. That could be from this Rotary year or the last, or possibly older if relevant. Too old would be obvious to the viewers and the Conference attendees. The emphasis should be on the most recent activities, particularly the ingenuity of your members in coping with COVID. The reason that there is this flexibility is due to the nature of the last 11 months and the impact that has had on all of our activities.
Good luck.
 
4.  DGN Mina Howard is currently District 9685 Vocational Service Chair and was contacted by Maria Muzaaki from District 9211 (Uganda and Tanzania) for an article for their magazine equivalent called The Wave. They don’t have a Vocational Director. Following the referral to Mina by John Fenessy, Mina sent her 3 of the Vocational newsletters sent out in the last few months. Maria put together the attached article and added her name to it! Mina was asked for a photo, so the article will be in the January or  February publication. Needless to say, Mina is feeling quite chuffed. Congratulations, Mina.
5.  We wish DGE Lindsay May, and any other District 9685 Rotarians who are competing in the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, our best wishes, and lots of luck. Sail safely.
 
6.  The Bo Childrens' Hospital in Sirerra Leone is a project of the Rotary Club of Turramurra. The last few months have been a testing time for people everywhere. In June Bo Children's Hospital was lent to the government for use as a Covid 19 treatment centre so that COVID cases could be isolated from the rest of the community. Fortunately, Sierra Leone has not had many COVID cases so a treatment centre is no longer needed. We are delighted to announce that from December 1st Bo Children’s Hospital will start caring for children again.
Read more...
A LETTER TO THE DISTRICT GOVERNOR
From one of our District 9685 Rotarians
 
I just read your District newsletter and I could not agree with your more. Clubs have to STOP fundraising for other charities and stay doing community Projects and supporting our Foundation. There is a giant disconnect between the Rotary Website ( what Rotary says we do and we do) and what clubs actually do. Below is a page from our latest Rotary Foundation Club Presentation.  Let’s start talking about RAISE FOR ROTARY if the focus is on Fundraising. We have a great brand. People trust our brand and we waste that brand power on funding other charities. Ask any Club about their mail box. It is FULL of begging letters. Other charities see Rotary as an extension of their fundraising. We fail in membership as new members soon find out that Rotary is not a Service Club, but a fundraiser.  At Beecroft we DO NOT raise money for other charities and our membership is growing and is growing every year because we focus on Rotary Projects and Programs and are seen by our community as a doing Club. Yes we are a great supporter of The Rotary Foundation, but we get back in project value MUCH MORE than we give. The Club really understands the power of our brand.
 
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RDU 2021 MONTHLY THEMES
I hope you are all well and looking forward to the festive season.
 
Just passing on our monthly themes for Rotary Down Under next year (please see attached). We are basing them around Rotary’s People of Action campaign. I have loosely tied them to RI’s monthly themes, but the focus is on the “Together, we Xxxxx” as opposed to the RI theme. Sometimes these line up specifically, other months not so much. So, first up is Together, We Promote Peace. If you are able to give this some thought over the next week and pass on any interesting ideas/thoughts/projects you have, that would be amazing.
 
Many thanks and happy holidays to you all!!
Warm regards,
Meagan Martin | Editor
Mobile. +61 413 067 717
Post. PO Box 779, Parramatta, NSW 2124
Read more...
UPDATING CLUB INFORMATION
A friendly reminder has been sent by RI Data Services to each of the current and incoming Rotary Club officers  for the clubs in our district to update their club membership and officer information in preparation for the January 2021 club invoice. The messages were tailored to each club individually whether they update club information using a local country or district database (in our case ClubRunner) connected to RI or directly via My Rotary. Please use your Club’s ClubRunner link, or the ClubRunner link on the District 9685 website https://www.rotarydistrict9685.org.au/
Please refer to the message below, and we encourage you to support your clubs in submitting their membership data to RI by 1 January.

For any questions, contact: communications@rotarydistrict9685.org.au
Read more...
NEW STYLE ROTARY CLUBS FORUM  3RD SESSION – CAUSE BASED AND SATELLITE CLUBS
 
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LOOKING AHEAD TO 2021 — IMPORTANT YEAR-END UPDATES
Extract from Membership Minute Newsletter, December, 2020
This year has been a challenging one, and 2021 brings hopes for better times and new opportunities. In-person meeting possibilities remain limited in many places, but now is the perfect time to visit and connect with other clubs around the world through online meetings and virtual events. The newly improved Club Finder tool can help with this. Don’t forget to update your club meeting information (time, place, meeting language, and whether your club meets in person, online, or both) so fellow Rotarians and clubs can easily find you.

Every January, we see a significant increase in inquiries about joining Rotary. District and club leaders, these future members are waiting to hear back from you. Remember to follow up with these prospective members and ensure that their experience with Rotary is a positive one. Consider generational or other cultural communication preferences when contacting them. Some prospective members may prefer phone calls, while others might be more likely to reply to a text message.

Whether it’s by building new relationships or helping expand Rotary’s reach, a new year is the ideal time to set new goals and work toward achieving them.
LINKING DRAGONFLY HEARING TESTS WITH MODERN RESEARCH
By Ian Salek for the Rotary Radio Show on 94.1FM 3WBC
An extract from the newsletter Networker 2020-2021 Edition 23 - Rotary District 9800
Extract from an interview with Professor Amanda Leach, Leader of the Ear Health Research Program of the Child Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research on campus at Royal Darwin Hospital.
Whilst indigenous Ear Health support has come a long way since Aboriginal grandmothers tested babies’ hearing using a dragonfly, there is still plenty of work needed in this field.
Read more...
RECORD ATTEMPT ON THE 9TH AND 10TH APRIL 2021
It is with great pleasure that I have been given permission By Australian Rotary Health and Past District Governor Richard (Dick) White, to email you personally and send an introductory video of both myself and the purpose I am doing a special Mental Health Awareness project in our R100 Downunder Centenary year. I realise your time is a precious commodity so the video is brief. 
 
Read more...
DONATION OF NOZZLE
From L to R: 
Pres. Paul Campbell, Capt. Ray Lowe,  
Hon. Susan Templeman, Peter Bennett, 
PP Phill Isaacs
Upper Blue Mountains Sunrise Rotary Club made a presentation to the Katoomba Leura Rural Fire Service (RFS) in the presence of Hon Susan Templeman, Federal Member for Macquarie at our regular Tuesday meeting.
The presentation of two Akron ProVenger Select Flow Fire Fighting Nozzles was made possible from donations of funds from both Rotary in New Zealand and Rotary in Japan. These Rotary Groups gave donations to Rotary District 9685 to help with Bushfire Recovery.
Katoomba Leura RFS  were very active in the disastrous fires in the Blue Mountains.
Upper Blue Mountains Rotary were very happy to provide support to the RFS. Both groups are volunteers and Susan Templeman praised the efforts of both groups.
ROTARY MATTERS
 
Rotary Matters
 
On air Friday 3.00 pm - 4.00 pm
 
Radio is a powerful way to spread your Club stories. If your Club has a project, local or overseas, which would interest the wider general public, discuss it with Rotary Matters presenter Ian Stuart who will be glad to help spread the word. Ian.stuart@optusnet.com.au 0416 138 860
  • Community Building and Empowering Women in Nepal....Before and After the Earthquake. Jan Pryor by Rotary Matters | Free Listening on SoundCloud
  • Carols On the Common...Online! Roseanna Gallo by Rotary Matters | Free Listening on SoundCloud
 
For these latest podcasts, see "Read More"
Read more...
NEWS FROM THE ROTARY CLUB OF BRISBANE WATER
forget me not
Cafe
Community groups, including Dementia Australia, are working to tackle the stigma and isolation which has been identified as a priority by people living with dementia and their carers.  A practical way to do this is by creating community cafes for people with dementia and their carers.
The café can create opportunities for people to connect with others who understand what they are going through, and by attending feel much more socially sup- ported.
The café is designed to be a safe and welcoming social get-together where people with dementia can continue to be connected and engaged and address the common feelings of isolation that are too often experienced as a result of a diagnosis of dementia.
 
The Rotary Club of Brisbane Water has talked  with CWA to use their hall to run a “D’ café” commencing in February 2021.
 
WHAT IS ROTARY?
 
               
Read more...
ROTARY FELLOWSHIPS AND INTEREST GROUPS—INTERNATIONAL YACHTING FELLOWSHIP OF ROTARIANS

All hands on deck!

The International Yachting Fellowship of Rotarians (IYFR) is recognised as the oldest, and possibly the largest of the Rotary Fellowships. It began in England in 1947 and quickly spread all over Great Britain, and then throughout the world. It now has well over 3,000 members in 44 countries, including Australia. The International Bridge (loosely meaning the location of the controls of the yacht–or in this context, the main Administrative Body) has a World Commodore as its leader, a Vice Commodore and a Rear Commodore. Members from all parts of the world hold these positions for two years and then each person moves up a position in succession.

Read more...
MERRY CHRISTMAS AGAIN
Australian Christmas #australianchristmas | Aussie christmas, Christmas in  australia, Australian christmas
 
 
District 9685 Governor
2020-2021
David Clark
 
In Memoriam
 Tom Drake-Brockman - Galston Rotary
to let us know of any bereavements you would like published.  
You may also inform your Assistant Governor, the District Secretary, or the Governor.  Remember to also update your club's member database on the District website.
 
 
FEEL THE ENERGY IN TAIPEI, 2021
Click on the above for more information
There’s more time to save! Due to the global pandemic, the early-registration discount deadline has been extended to 15 February 2021.

 Attending this year’s convention will allow you to connect with new friends, find new opportunities for service, learn fresh skills, and explore innovative ways to make a lasting impact in your community.

You won’t want to miss the energy of the 2021 Rotary Convention in Taipei, Taiwan.
ROTARY DISTRICT 9685 VIRTUAL ANNUAL CONFERENCE
13th to 14th March, 2021
Rowan Price from the Rotary Club of
Ryde, is riding his bicycle to find a cure
for cancer and will participate in the 
Tour de Cure South Australia Discovery
Tour in April 2021.
 
Tour Information:
We rescheduled the 2020 SA Discovery
Tour due to Covid-19, it will now take
place in April 2021. You can read our statement here.

When: 9 - 11 April 2021
Where: Clare, Barossa, Adelaide Hills, McLaren Vale
Ride: 300 - 450km over 3 stages 
 
Information about Tour de Cure can
be found here:
 https://www.tourdecure.com.au/about-us/our-purpose/
 
If you want to support Rowan in this cause the link will direct you
to his fundraising page where you
simply follow the instructions.
Please click HERE.
 
THE ROTARY LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE COURSE 61
26th to 28th February, 2021
There is still time to register
for this Virtual Learning Opportunity.  RLI60 has just recently concluded with great success. Don't miss out on this great opportunity .
Register Here Icon Png , Free Transparent Clipart - ClipartKey
 
STREET LIBRARY PRPJECT
Lower Blue Mountains Rotary presented 14 year old Dakota Smith with a certificate of appreciation for her outstanding contribution to our street library project.
Dakota and her Grandmother Rotarian Jan Clark decorated the libraries. Dakota’s library is the first photo. Both are located in Glenbrook and are stocked with books suitable for all ages. They have proved to be very popular in the short time they have been in place.
 
 
Membership Minute
Newsletter
December 2020
  • Improve your communication skills to be a more effective Leader
  • Why I finally joined a Rotary club
To read, please click HERE
NEWSLETTER 
NOVEMBER, 2020
Click on the above for the Newsletter
ROTARY IN REVIEW
Newsletter
11 December 2020
  • Doing Good through the World Fund 
  • 3 ways to create a harassment-free Rotary
To read, please click HERE
NEWSLETTER
NOVEMBER, 2020
Click on the above for articles such as :
"World Toilet Day"
"Webinars on global grants for WASH projects in schools"
"WASH Videos"
UPCOMING EVENTS FOR
YOUR DIARY
 
Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) Course 61
TBA
Feb 26, 2021 5:00 PM –
Feb 28, 2021 4:00 PM
 
COTA Meeting
To be advised by District Governor
Mar 06, 2021
9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
 
District 9685 Conference 2021
Zoom / On-Line
Mar 13, 2021 8:00 AM –
Mar 14, 2021 4:00 PM
 
District 9685 Conference 2021
Mar 13, 2021 8:00 AM –
Mar 14, 2021 4:00 PM
 
President Elect Learning and Development Day
Details to be confirmed
Mar 21, 2021
8:00 AM – 11:05 PM
 
District Assembly Part A
Zoom
Apr 18, 2021
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
 
District Assembly Part B
Zoom
Apr 24, 2021
8:00 AM – 9:35 PM
 
Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) Course 62
TBA
May 14, 2021 5:00 PM –
May 16, 2021 4:00 PM
 
Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) Course 63
Zoom
Jun 18, 2021 5:00 PM –
Jun 20, 2021 4:00 PM
 
District 9685 Changeover 2021
To be advised by District Governor
Jul 04, 2021
12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
 
View entire list
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District eNews is reviewed weekly for publication on Thursday at least every two weeks. Content provided and all rights reserved by Rotary International District 9685 Inc