I’m energised and enthused to be welcoming you to our 2024 District Conference on the Central Coast next weekend! Carpool with your club members and come to hear inspiring guest speakers like Greg Page AM, Gemma Sisia, Rosemary Kariuki OAM and Dr Andrew Browning AM. There will be a plethora of projects in the Project Showcase to inspire you and stimulate opportunities for clubs to collaborate on service projects. Rotary District Conferences offer fabulous experiences. They show the breadth and depth of projects and activities that Clubs engaged in. They inspire us to continue upholding the value of Service above Self, as we continue to serve our communities in D9685 and beyond. Join me ahead of the Conference at 2.30pm Friday 15 March for a walk against Domestic and Family Violence at Terrigal. Register here. $20 registration with proceeds to our Education Scholarships Fund for victims of Domestic Violence.
A CHALLENGE:
I appreciate not all Rotarians and conference delegates will be able to participate in the walk, but maybe Clubs take could take a leaf out of the Rotary Club of Beecroft's book. They have decided to donate the registration fee for the walk for the entirety of the club's membership. Way to go Beecroft! A great contribution to bolster the walk's coffers which are being dedicated to funding the establishment of educational scholarships for women and children impacted by DFV.
Could you club consider meeting this challenge!
March 8, International Women's Day 2024. Campaign theme is 'Inspire Inclusion'
According to the United Nations the campaign theme for International Women's Day 2024 is Inspire Inclusion.
Given Rotary’s DEI policy and focus we should be able to inspire others to understand and value women's inclusion, we forge a better world.
How will your club celebrate IWD?
Consider some of these options:
Collect female pamper products and give to a local shelter
Collect new baby items and donate to your local hospital maternity ward for distribution
Honor brave women at a meeting – brainstorm examples at the meeting
Make an e-list for sharing of recommended good books or movies written or directed by women about women.
Make you raffle prize this week something that would particularly appeal to your female members
Present each female member with a flower or a chocolate
Have a female guest speaker to talk about ‘Inclusion’ or a relevant topic
Be kind and inclusive and have fun!
Thanks
There is such great work happening around the globe by members of D9685. Many thanks to all the Rotarians who have given and are giving their time, funds, and expertise to implement projects through District and Global grants. Your contributions support The Rotary Foundation's mission to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education, and the alleviation of poverty. You have my thanks and gratitude for creating hope in the world.
Rotarians Against Malaria(RAM)
The World Health Organisation’s (WHO) World Malaria Report (2023) notes that in 2022, there were 249 million new malaria infections and 608,000 malaria related deaths. The report also states that worldwide, ‘A child dies of Malaria every 68 seconds’.
Rotarians Against Malaria (RAM) needs your help to continue to fund its important activities to help eliminate malaria and then keep it from returning in our Pacific neighbour countries of Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Timor Leste, West Timor and Vanuatu.
Since 1995, when RAM was first established, Rotarians and Rotaractors in Australia have been joining with partners like the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Global Fund and a range of government and non government organisations to fight malaria in the countries mentioned above.
You and or your Rotary/Rotaract club can become a Gold Malaria Funding Warrior by donating $2000 or more per Rotary year, a Silver Funding Warrior by donating $1000- $1999 and a Bronze Funding Warrior by donating $500 to $999.
Please consider making a donation to RAM this Rotary year and or consider adding a donation into your club budget for the 2024-25 Rotary year. The activities that RAM help to fund include:
long lasting insecticidal bed nets,
residual insecticidal spraying in villages,
education programs for villagers in malaria affected countries
activities to control mosquito larvae in breeding grounds and
university research projects on malaria.
Donations: Go to ram.rawcs.com.au and then click on the donations tab.
If you would like to know more about RAM, please contact me to arrange for one of our small D9685 RAM team to be a guest speaker at one of your future club meetings, either in person or via ZOOM.
It was great to meet so many of you at the Rotary and Future Generation Event.
The Future Generation Companies are Australia’s first listed investment companies to provide both investment returns for shareholders and funding to Australian not-for-profits. To date, they have given more than $75 million to Australian not-for-profits – many of whom are also supported by the Rotary Foundation, including Raise Foundation. Click HERE to see thank you letter and invitation from CEO Caroline Gurney
March brings with it a powerful theme of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene, and what better way for our district to embody this theme than by inaugurating a significant project in this Area of Focus? This week marks the inauguration of Global Grant "GG2346114 Siksha Aur Suraksha - Toilet Infrastructure for Less Privileged Students,” sponsored by the Rotary Clubs of Madras Magnum and EClub of Greater Sydney. This project is poised to address the lack of proper sanitation and hygiene facilities, particularly affecting girls' attendance. In Chennai, the construction of 8 toilet blocks will benefit 3600 girl students and 7500+ students overall from lower-income groups. These improvements are not just about infrastructure; they are about boosting school enrollment, improving community relations, and potentially paving the way for additional infrastructure enhancements.
We, as Rotarians from District 9685, should take immense pride in this achievement, as each one of us has contributed in some way through the allocation of DDF. Our district stands at number one in our Zone for Global Grant Participation, with 15 approved Global Grants to the value of USD 1.13 Million. This is a testament to our commitment to creating hope in numerous communities, providing them with access to healthcare, education, and other essential opportunities.
To continue this impactful work, growing our seed bank is critical. I humbly request Presidents, secretaries, treasurers, and foundation chairs who have not yet made a contribution to Our Foundation – Our Charity, to lead by example and make a contribution using Rotary direct. It's a simple and easy way that almost 195 Rotarians from our district have utilized to create hope in our world. If you need assistance navigating the Rotary website, please reach out so that we can assist you.
For clubs that are yet to contribute, I urge you not to wait until the end of the Rotary Year. Do it today; the earlier we grow our seed bank, the greater the outcome for our Foundation. Thank you to the 82 Paul Harris Society Members for their continued support and trust placed in our Rotarians to use their donations effectively year after year.
Congratulations to the clubs that have completed their district grants. For those yet to complete, please ensure you finish your project on time so that we can submit our final report. This will allow us to commence our application for the following Rotary year, enabling you to create hope with the magic of Rotary. Let's spread the word with a post on Rotary Showcase of your wonderful work.
Your Foundation team members are here to assist you and your members in navigating the grant applications. Please reach out to us, and we will be more than happy to be a guest speaker to share what your fellow Rotarians are doing with the contributions you and your club have helped build our Seed bank.
Last Sunday, Ahsha and I had the honor of participating in the Polio Vaccination Campaign in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. We visited two locations: a primary health center and the central Bus Terminus of Madurai. It was an incredible experience to contribute to each Rotarian's dream of a world free of Polio and ensuring no child is left behind.
If you ever have the chance to join a Polio vaccination day anywhere in the world, I urge you to seize the opportunity. Being part of such a historic cause is something to be proud of, knowing that your efforts will have a lasting impact beyond our lifetimes.
In Tamil Nadu, 43,051 centers vaccinated over 5,635,000 infants with the oral polio vaccine. This achievement fills us with pride and joy, knowing that we are making a difference in the lives of children and communities. Remember, continuous support for PolioPlus Funds is crucial to realizing our dream. Together, we can make a polio-free world a reality.
Together, let's continue to make a difference and create a positive impact in our communities and the world.
There are many pathways to peace, and in Rotary, we are fortunate to have Rotary Peace Fellows who demonstrate this truth time and again.
Each year, Rotary awards up to 130 fellowships for leaders around the world to study peace and development, and what these peace fellows learn prepares them to work in conflict prevention and resolution and promote Positive Peace. Here are a few examples of the creative ways peace fellows advance peace:
Promoting sustainability
Alejandra Rueda-Zarate combined her Rotary Peace Fellowship in peace and conflict resolution with her master’s degree in energy and resources to support her dream of protecting the Colombian countryside.
She founded the organization NES Naturaleza in 2011 to help farmers in Colombia and across rural Latin America gain access to knowledge and training to uphold sustainable farming standards. That support has improved the lives of nearly 4,500 farmers, inspiring many of them to become entrepreneurs. And it’s helped promote both natural and social sustainability throughout Latin America.
Ending racism
Peace fellows Geoffrey Diesel and Kathy Doherty have applied their fellowships in peace and development studies toward co-founding the Racial Equity Project, a subcommittee of Rotary Positive Peace Activators in North America committed to studying ways to create a more peaceful society through anti-racism efforts.
The Racial Equity Project takes a deep look into how the eight Pillars of Positive Peace could support efforts to address racism, and it works to spread this message to communities across North America. The organization initially grew from Rotary’s strategic partnership with the Institute for Economics and Peace, a global think tank dedicated to promoting Positive Peace.
Managing disasters using data
Through a Rotary Peace Fellowship, Jamie LeSueur earned a master’s degree in social science within peace and conflict research. He now leads emergency operations for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, setting a management and operational framework for agency collaboration in emergency response situations.
Jamie has found that research data is a powerful tool to bring calm to the complex world of disaster response. No matter what an organization’s protocols might entail, letting research be the foundation for decision making helps clarify even the most complicated emergencies.
These stories — and hundreds like them — show how Rotary is creating a generation of leaders ready and able to build peace worldwide. Nearly 1,800 peace fellows have graduated from Rotary Peace Centers, and they are applying their craft in more than 140 countries.
May the continuing work of peace fellows and the Rotary members who support them inspire you to continue to Create Hope in the World through service, fundraising, and creative thinking.
Thank you to all clubs who have now had a chance to send representatives to Community Group Establishment meetings in the last week or so. Discussions were broad and animated, providing insight into the style of Community Leader you would like as well as potential RCG projects. So much to look forward to!
Customised Community Leader Position Descriptions will be made available for each RCG very shortly, then it will be up to each community, each club, to nominate potential candidates. This is a brand new way of approaching leadership in our Rotary world, where Clubs and their members drive the options, so get involved and have your say!!
Details are on this web page – scroll to the bottom for the generic Position Description.
Excitingly the team have received 60 applications for the Specialists roles, and another 40 applications for the Committee roles. This is a great start on the new approach to support for all our clubs and I hope to see some familiar names on those lists.
Join us on the afternoon of Friday 15 March, 2.30pm for the Say No to Domestic and Family Violence Walk along the Terrigal foreshore. Open to everyone (all Rotarians, –partners, family and friends are all welcome whether you are registered for the District Conference or not - – wear a Say No to Domestic and Family Violence shirt, or a Rotary shirt. Register here. Proceeds to support education scholarships for victims of domestic and family violence.
On Friday Night, come dressed up with your club members, for the Good Vibrations Beach Party Dinner at the Crowne Plaza, Terrigal. Beginning at 6.00pm for 6.30pm – it will be a fun evening – so be ready for a Beach Party!
If you haven’t yet registered for the Plenary Sessions on Saturday 16 March, you have 24 hours to register! Registrations close 5pm Thursday 7 March! Register here. We are offering a great array of guest speakers, a mammoth Project Showcase and your registration includes morning tea and lunch (only $120 for the day!). Add to that lots of onsite parking at EV Church, Erina – but why not make a day of it and car pool with your club members! This will be a great opportunity to be inspired, motivated and have the opportunity to catch up with old and new friends from across our Rotary District.
Further information about the District Conference, can be found at the Conference Website. To register for the Saturday Plenary Sessions, click here
2. RESCA Nominations 2024
3. Inspire Inclusion Webinar
Join the Zone 8 Public Image Team as we host the International Women’s Day webinar “Inspire Inclusion” on Sunday 10th March 2024.
If you are celebrating International Womens Day, you can find some ideas in this free downloadable planning toolkit.
Just click on the image below.
5. Rotary International Speakers Confirmed (Click on image at right for more information)
It gives me great pleasure to confirm for Zone 8 Conference in Queenstown 1-3rd November 2024, we have the following Rotary International speakers.
Our Rotary International Representative will be none other than our incoming RI President for 2025-2026 Mario de Camargo. And then we have our Rotary Trustee representative being the Chair himself, Past RI President Mark Maloney.
As you can see we have hit the jackpot, as this is a huge line up already.
We are working hard on an exciting programme for everyone, so mark your diaries now, (Friday 1st Nov 2024 to Sunday 3rd Nov 2024) & I would also recommend looking at accommodation now, as Queenstown is a very popular place & we know it is going to be a very busy weekend.
Check the programme highlights on the conference website, which will give you an idea of timing, especially for booking flights etc.
PDG Leanne Jaggs
6. CLUBRUNNER NOVA
The next era of ClubRunner - webinar recording now available!
We are proud to introduce ClubRunner Nova, our vision for the new version of ClubRunner, slated for release in late 2024! The webinar recording is now available on our Community site through the link below:
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
rich in culture and unique attractions. Here are just a few of the reasons to register early.
Give yourself a vacation to look forward to. Whether you’re making the trip of a lifetime or a return visit, you’ll find inspiration and wonder in Singapore.
Save significant money. The last day for the early registration discount is 15 December. You won’t get a lower rate.
Have your pick of airfares and hotels. It’s the right time to lock in a good airfare rate before prices almost certainly go up closer to 25-29 May.
You’ll have more room choices when you book your hotel at a special rate. Looking for a deal? A city view? Enough space for your kids? Check your options.
Book a special experience. Exclusive excursions for Rotary members can sell out, and organizers have curated tour packages to see hidden gems in Singapore and nearby countries.
Leave time to gather your entourage. Veronica and Johnny Yu, of the Rotary Club of Cubao, Quezon City, Philippines, committed to Singapore while still in Melbourne and have been encouraging others to take advantage of early registration. “You can only believe in the magic of Rotary if you go to the convention,” Johnny Yu says. No two conventions are the same, so even if you’ve been before it’s a chance to reconnect with friends and be inspired. This convention is when members turn ideas into actions for Sharing Hope With the World.
This month's theme is Water, Sanitation and Hygeine
Clean water, sanitation, and hygiene education are basic necessities for a healthy environment and a productive life.
When people have access to clean water and sanitation, waterborne diseases decrease, children stay healthier and attend school more regularly, and mothers can spend less time carrying water and more time helping their families.
HOW ROTARY MAKES HELP HAPPEN
Through water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) programs, Rotary’s people of action mobilize resources, form partnerships, and invest in infrastructure and training that yield long-term change.
to let us know of any bereavements you would like published. It would be much appreciated if you also sent a short biography and photo for an information
link in In Memoriam.
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
RLI is a training course offered to Rotarians to develop their skills in leadership and management within Clubs to improve performance, knowledge and enjoyment in leading or helping to lead Clubs in the District.
The courses consist of three parts over one weekend, all delivered by Zoom. Course materials will be sent to registered participants directly.
The RLI Convenor for 2023-2026 is Amanda Barnes.
ROTARY ON THE MOVE
FEBRUARY 2024
Great articles such as:
What’s your club’s why?
2025-27 Zones 8 and 10 RI Director, Jennifer Scott
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"The Club Buzz" is where you will find some exciting and relevant programs or events happening in our Clubs and in District 9685. 
Monthly theme for February is Water and Sanitation Month
