Rotary Exchange Student

Rotary Club of Keilor is sponsoring a Rotary Exchange student Irene Anderson Pett who is now in Germany.
 
             
Recent photos were taken at the Blazer Presentation for our outbound students:
 
      
Rotary Exchange students are recognised by their Rotary Youth Exchange blazer.  The colour of the blazer usually depends on which country or region the exchange student is from, Australia being Green.  One Rotary tradition is that students cover their blazers in pins and patches they have traded with other students or bought in places they have visited as evidence of their exchange.  It is popular for the students to bring a large collection of national- or regional-themed pins and trade them with students from other areas. This tradition is popular worldwide.
We had the pleasure of District 9800 Governor Ron Payne presenting the blazers to the students.
To add to the occasion, a special presentation from PDG Grant Hocking to Barry and Vanda Mullen recognising their significant contribution to The Rotary Foundation
Our Club wishes Irene great happiness for her Rotary Exchange in Germany with her host families
Rotary Exchange Student Ted Haydon 2024-02-27 13:00:00Z 0

Christmas Bags Appeal 2024

For more than 25 years, the Rotary Club of Keilor has undertaken an annual project to source the contents for, and pack, 100 Christmas Bags for distribution by Bolton Clarke community Nurses (previously the Royal District Nursing Service) in the lead up to Christmas.  We are supported in this project by a number of supporters whose assistance we greatly appreciate, especially the support with a Grant from Greater Western Water
 
 Our Club was again able to undertake the project in the lead up to Christmas 2024.  Each bag contained personal hygeine products including soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, tissues, cotton buds, as well as food items, including baked beans, spaghetti, soup, biscuits, minced tarts and a Christmas Cake - together with some miscellaneous items, including a book, pen, a cleaning product, small can of wine, sunglasses, beanie and Christmas treats etc.  For Christmas 2024 we also had assistance from Rotary District D9800 Donations in Kind in the form of some donated products.
 
The Bags were packed by more than 25 members, family and friends at the Aberfeldie Bowls Club in what is a traditional evening working bee, concluding with pizzas and fellowship.
 
 
On the following morning, a fleet of Bolton Clarke cars arrived with the Nurses at the Bowls Club to receive the Bags, and pick them up for distribution over the following few days to the most elderly, isolated and lonely residents under their care in the Moonee Valley & Brimbank local government areas. 
 
The Nurses regularly tell us how the Bag "pick up" and their distribution to recipients is one of their favorite activities.  The thanks we receive from the Nurses and, more particularly the recipients, is reflected in a report, including recipient photos and stories, received from Bolton Clarke each year  It is this report, highlighting the delight and thanks of recipients, which enthuses our members to continue this annual project. 
 
        
     
 
    
Christmas Bags Appeal 2024 Ted Haydon 2024-02-21 13:00:00Z 0
February is Peace Building and Conflict Prevention Month TH 2024-02-03 13:00:00Z 0

Voluntary Assisted Dying Regime

                                                                                      
Rotary Club of Keilor
 
A special information night on the Victorian Voluntary Assisted Dying regime
 
Tuesday 13 February 2024 – 6.30pm for 7pm at the Wine Bar, Keilor Hotel
$20pp includes your meal
 
Guest Speaker – Laurie DRAPER
Clinical Nurse Consultant with the Victorian Voluntary Assisted Dying Care Navigator Service
 
Victoria was the first Australian State to pass voluntary assisted dying laws. The Voluntary Assisted Dying Act (2017), which came into effect on 19 June 2019, provides the legal framework for people who are in the late stages of advanced disease, and dying, to choose the manner and timing of their death.
With comprehensive safeguards and rigorous protections, the process for accessing Voluntary Assisted Dying in Victoria is considered among the safest and most conservative in the world.
Our Guest Speaker, Laurie Draper, is a Clinical Nurse Consultant in the Victorian Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) statewide Care Navigator service which is based at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. Laurie is a Registered Nurse with 19 years nursing experience, spent predominantly in cancer care, and she joined the VAD navigator service in January 2020. In her presentation, Laurie will explain:
  • The role of the Care Navigator service in the Victorian VAD regime;
  • The eligibility criteria for VAD in Victoria;
  • The VAD Assessment process; and
  • Current data on the operation of VAD in Victoria.
If you are interested in attending contact http://secretary@rotarykeilor.org.au
 
Voluntary Assisted Dying Regime TH 2024-01-23 13:00:00Z 0

Swim 4 Life Project in Thailand

The Rotary Club of Keilor financially supports the Swim 4 life Project, managed by
The Rotary Club of Sammui- Phangan our Club donated $3000 to fund a 12 week learn to swim program for 20 children between 8 - 12. The first cohort has just been completed with every child receiving a medallion and certificate.
Information recently received was that 40 students are about to start thesecond cohort. Unfortunately in the same update, a news item stated that  4 children decided to play and  cool off in a nearby stream, none of them survived.The World Health Organisation has proclaimed Thailand as the number one country in ASEAN for child deaths from drowing.
 
 
Swim 4 Life Project in Thailand TH 2023-11-29 13:00:00Z 0

George Petrou Guest Speaker

On Tuesday 26th September our Rotary Club Had a great guest speaker George Petrou who was talking about his art and his book
                           
The book tells George’s personal story – of his commitment to honouring the service of many of Australia’s
service personnel, of how this commitment helped him personally through the challenges of chemotherapy,
and how his work has touched thousands across Australia and overseas.
Over 70 portraits, 63 stories, 425 pages and numerous serendipitous moments, George explores the idea of
valour, of courage, bravery, and of sacrifice. Using images of the past and stories of today, he connects the
past with our present within a unique and powerful environment. This resulting creative act, an adaptive
response to the challenging environment of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This is a book supported by almost as many decorated connections as it hosts. We’re initially introduced
to the idea of sacrifice by our current Governor General, the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC and her
excellency Mrs Linda Hurley. General Sir Peter Cosgrove AK CVO MC also authors the foreword.
All profits from the sale of this book go directly to supporting veteran charities.
Extracts from The Art of Sacrifice Foreword:
What a fascinating book — full of images and words which capture the eye and give voice and further life
to the stories of some wonderful men and women. It is a book of keen insights, indeed reverence and love.
We learn within the first few pages of George Petrou’s journey as a migrant and then as an artist, whose
life-changing illness in 2010 inspired him — and then his many collaborators — to focus their wonderful
talents on this work, The Art of Sacrifice, as a tribute and expression of gratitude to so many men and
women whose service has uplifted and protected the nation we love.
Sometimes works of this nature can be somewhat dry or mawkish. Not so here! The Art of Sacrifice is vivid,
striking and attractive — it’s pithy descriptions are often juxtaposed with the faded photos and painted
portraits which leap off the page. You will be at once reluctant to turn from one story to the next but
impelled to do so by the reward of what you will find.
I am so glad I was asked to write this foreword: this is a magnificent book, a wonderful contribution to our
Australian urge to learn and commemorate and to understand that notion of ‘sacrifice’. I commend George
and his contributors for what you are all about to experience.
General Sir Peter Cosgrove AK CVO MC (Ret’d)
 
George Petrou Guest Speaker TH 2023-09-26 14:00:00Z 0

Welcoming Two New Members

At out club meeting on October 25th President Harold Simpson inducted new member Michael Howsen  and presented membership certificates to both Michael and Beverly Thoms.
Michael is a retired medical practitioner from the Niddrie area
 
             
Welcoming Two New Members Ted Haydon 2022-10-28 13:00:00Z 0

New Member Beverley Thoms

Mrs Beverley Thoms was inducted into the Rotary Club of Keilor by President Harold Simpson at a club meeting on Tuesday 12th July
Beveley is the wife of current member Gavin Thoms.
It is the first time in several years that the club has both husband and wife as current members.
 
Welcome Beverley
                                   
New Member Beverley Thoms TH 2022-07-15 14:00:00Z 0
Keilor Rotary's 60th Birthday Ted Haydon 2022-07-07 14:00:00Z 0

Visit to Foodbank Yarraville

On Tuesday April 5th the Rotary Club visited Foodbank's wharehouse at Yarraville, to understand how Foodbank operates and to inspect the "Ride on Sweeper' donated by our club from the Rotary Club of Keilor Community Trust in June 2020 Covid-19 prevented earlier planned visits to Foodbank.
 
Foodbank's CEO Dave McNamara, gave a lengthy description of Foodbank operations, while showing KRC members around the wharehouse.
 
 
President Harold wanted to take the Sweeper for a test drive
 
Visit to Foodbank Yarraville Ted Haydon 2022-04-17 14:00:00Z 0

Social Event Cliff Harvey Reserve Keilor

Keilor Rotary Club held its first face to face meeting in several months at Cliff Harvey Reserve in Keilor on Tuesday 15th February.
President Harold Simpson and Ross organised a BBQ which was attended by 22 people and one pet (Poppy)
 
 
 
A successful event enjoyed by all, which was closed by a fly past of the International Space Station at 8.54pm
Social Event Cliff Harvey Reserve Keilor Ted Haydon 2022-02-19 13:00:00Z 0

Happy New year 2022

                   75 Graphics - New Year's ideas | newyear, happy new year, new year images
 
Happy New Year to all Members of the Rotary Club of Keilor. Let's hope that this year will see the end of Covid outbreaks
 
According to Chinese Astrology 2022 is the year of the Tiger
 
                     Year of the Tiger - 2022 Chinese Zodiac
 
Let's hope it is not the year of the Tigers in the AFL.
Happy New year 2022 TH 2022-01-16 13:00:00Z 0

McAuley House Update
 

One of the organisations to which the Rotary Club of Keilor  Community Trust, donated funds to was McAuley House to build a children's playhouse. The playhouse located in their crisis centre has now been completed and used by children to it's full extent.
             {unfortunately we do not have any photos to publish at this time}
McAuley House is very happy to be able to help the children at the crisis centre and thank the Rotary Club of Keilor for the generous donation. A staff member from McAuley house will attend a club meeting via Zoom in the near future to update the club on the finished project and how the playhouse is helping the community
McAuley House Update  2022-01-16 13:00:00Z 0

Rotary Dues

If you have not paid your full Rotary dues for the 2021-2022 year then your final installment is now due
Please transfer you remaining dues to the Club's Account
 
BSB: 633000 Account: 161272422  Rotary Club of Keilor Inc.
Rotary Dues TH 2022-01-15 13:00:00Z 0

Coffee for Hospital Staff Project

                 
 with support from:
  • Essendon North Rotary Club
  • Essendon Rotary Club  
  • Footscray Rotary Club
  • Keilor East Rotary Club.
  • Airport West Uniting Church  
  • Weda Partners
  • Rotarians and friends of Rotary
Raised $3150 for the Rotary Project “Supporting Doctors, Nurses And Health Care Staff to show support during this time of crises, by offering a coffee to say “THANK YOU
 
               
The donations were greatly appreciated by staff at Western Health, which were used at their Christmas celebration when the Doctors , Nurses and Health Care staff were given a cup of coffee and a doughnut in recognition of their untiring work during the Covid-19 crisis. Rotary was advised that while staff at Western Health are struggling to cope, they will remember the kind thoughts and generosity behind that last cup of coffee.
 
Unfortunately due to Covid restrictions the staff are no longer to meet together to have a cup of coffee.
 
 
Coffee for Hospital Staff Project TH 2022-01-15 13:00:00Z 0

Medical Recycling Project

It is with regret that due to Covid and resourcing issues, the Rotary Club of Keilor  is unable to continue with the medical recycling project that the Rotary Club of Keilor has been running for a number of years
Medical Recycling Project TH 2021-09-26 14:00:00Z 0

Charter Day for Keilor Rotary Club

Our Rotary Club celebrates it birthday (Charter Day) on the 31st of August each year. The Charter was presented on the 31st August 1962
Unfortunately due to Covid-19 restrictions our club could not celebrate it's 59th birthday.
So we look forward to a spectacular 60th birthday in August 2022
Charter Day for Keilor Rotary Club Th 2021-09-06 14:00:00Z 0

Vale June Madex

              
 
June Madex passed away early this morning (August 15) after a lengthy illness. June had been an inpatient at John Fawkner Hospital for many months, but came home on Thursday. Our thoughts are with Kevin, Melinda and Rian. Kevin had his own health issues for all of the time that June has been in hospital, and it's appropriate to acknowledge here the extraordinary generosity and friendship of Mary and Joe Engert, shown in the support that they have given to Kevin (and June when she was home), all of which enabled Kevin to focus on June.
 
Funeral arrangements will be advised when known, although all members need to be aware of the current attendance limitations for funerals (10 persons only), so we anticipate that our attendance will be online. Thanks to Glenda Bryson for the photo.
Vale June Madex TH 2021-08-14 14:00:00Z 0

Coming Up August 17 – Marlene Boulos.

                                                                  Marlene Boulos.
               
                                                   
Marlene is the optometry director at Specsavers Keilor Downs and will be talking to us about how important eyecare is to our greater community in saving sight. Marlene has attended several international eye camps with Global Hand Charity (globalhandcharity.org.au), providing free glasses and eye examinations in Sri Lanka Cambodia and Fiji. Global Hand Charity has received support from other Rotary clubs. Marlene also works with an audiologist who will provide information into the importance of correcting hearing for the community. Whether that means the audiologist will be attending or not I have absolutely no idea. Either she did not “say”, or I did not “see”. Maybe we will hear from the audiologist another day.
(Now, this picture may not be of the Marlene we will hear from on Tuesday, but Google said the image is of (someone called) Marlene and the eye chart at least indicates the topic for Tuesday.
August 24 and August 31. We have speakers for the Zoom meetings on both nights. But in any publishing venture content is king. So you will have to wait until next week to find out who you will hear from on August 24. And 31 August is just too far in the future.
 
Coming Up August 17 – Marlene Boulos. 2021-08-14 14:00:00Z 0

On a lighter note:
 

And on a lighter note:
I offer the following:
The things that come to those who wait, will be the things left by those who got there first.
Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach a man to fish and he will sit in a boat all day drinking beer.
On a lighter note:  2021-08-14 14:00:00Z 0

Around the World, The Neighbourhood, Head Office

Around the neighbourhood
The plan is to include in this part of the bulletin (from the next edition) is a review of work and other activities being undertaken in our neighbourhood clubs which, for the purposes of the bulletin will be:
East Keilor, Essendon, North Essendon, and Kensington Newmarket.
I looked at the East Keilor Bulletin, and its 12 pages.
 
Around the world
Each bulletin I will pick a district (if you've got a favourite please let me know) and I look at the activities that they are doing. There may be something that we find attractive there that we could adopt here
 
From head office
From district, from zone, and from Evanston. Next bulletin.
Around the World, The Neighbourhood, Head Office DW 2021-08-14 14:00:00Z 0

Zoom Meetings

The board decided on Thursday night that there will be no attempt to undertake physical meetings between now and the end of August. The current lockdown rules, and capacity concerns at Keilor Hotel following a relaxation of the lockdown rules were the catalysts for this decision.
It also means that while I offered to hold the Club charter anniversary at my home, there will only be two people here that day. Marie and me. The rest of you are not welcome. Well, not that day anyway.
On average we get 16 members at a Zoom meeting, but it would be good to try and get a few more. If technology is the concern, can I suggest the following for those suffering from technophobia.
Start at 6.45PM on a Tuesday
On your device, open your browser.
Type in zoom.us, and click enter
Click or tap on “Join a meeting”
When asked for the meeting number, insert: 847 6030 7121, and enter
When asked for the password, insert: RCK3036, and enter
In you’re there.
 
Kinda voyeuristic. Your microphone will be off, and your camera will be off. So while we will know that you are there we will not be able to hear you, or see you.
Now, if you would like to ratchet up your level of engagement, go to the bottom left-hand corner of your screen and you will see a microphone. If it has a red line across it, your microphone is off. Tap it, or click on it, and your microphone will become live. To turn the microphone off click or tap it again. We know that you have extraordinarily important things to say, but there might be some background noise in your environment that you may not want to share.
Next to the microphone icon is an icon of an old-fashioned movie camera. If it has a red line across it, the camera is off. Click it or tap it, and your camera is on. You will be able to see what we are able to see of you and your background. That may cause you to tidy up the room in which you are in, or move to another space. There are any number of members who would be willing to act as your "buddy" for the purpose of improving your zooming skills before a Rotary meeting.
 
 
Zoom Meetings DW 2021-08-14 14:00:00Z 0

Hand Brake Turn Happy New Year

Happy New Year from the team at Hand Brake Turn.  We kicked off with our first 1 Week Taster course on Monday 11th January.  Places for our newly formatted 5 week course were still available, kicking off on the 18th January.   If you are aware of potential students please contact us.
 
 
 
 
Hand Brake Turn Happy New Year 2021-01-25 13:00:00Z 0
Rotary Network in Celebration 2021-01-25 13:00:00Z 0

Return to Rotary Meetings

Last Tuesday 19th of January we took the liberty of meeting face to face again to enhance our fellowship, following the yearly model of meeting at the home of Mary and Joe Engert. The difference this year was that due to Covid-19 we restricted by not being allowed more than 15 people at their home . It was then decided to hold the return to Rotary function at two homes. President David Whiting invited another 15 guests to come to his home expanding the attendance . It was a wonderful occasion giving us all an opportunity to enjoy personal conversations .It was particularly a joy to welcome Alan Fryday and District Governor Philip Archer . Many thanks to Mary and David for opening their homes and making us all feel so welcome.
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Return to Rotary Meetings 2021-01-25 13:00:00Z 0

Christmas Function at Brunswick Park 8th December

Last Tuesday 8th of December our Rotary meeting took a wonderful change from the Zoom meetings we have used for the past 9 months. With the planning of our Ted Cunningham and Mary Engert we met face to face in the Brunswick Park not far away from the home of President David Whiting . There were over 30 attendants . This included 2 visitors who are considering becoming members of our Club. As well we had 3 dogs in the park thanks to the contribution of Leon and Jeanette .Some of the attendants were recovering from serious illnesses and it was very pleasing to see them again and confirm that their health is improving . Ted Cunningham gave all present a Xmas gift of sweets . Kevin Nolan won the prize for the most appropriate headwear . The meeting lasted nearly 2 hours and now we look forward to resuming face to face interaction 
           
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Christmas Function at Brunswick Park 8th December 2020-12-14 13:00:00Z 0

Return to Bunnings Sausage Sizzle 12th December

Our 1st post COVID Bunnings Sausage Sizzle happened last Saturday 12th of December. It took place at the  nursery end at Bunnings Taylors Lakes. It was great to be back fundraising for those less fortunate.
 
Return to Bunnings Sausage Sizzle 12th December 2020-12-14 13:00:00Z 0

Board Report

The Keilor Rotary Club Board met face - face for the first time this year at the home of president David Whiting on Thursday 10th December.
One of the important decisions taken by the Board, was how the club would meet as Victoria manages the Covid-19 threat in the New Year.
President David Whiting suggested that the monthly meeting arrangements could be as follows
  • 1st meeting of each month will be a Zoom meeting with a guest speaker.
  • 2nd meeting of each month will be a face-to-face meeting at a hotel or restaurant.
  • 3rd meeting of each month will be a Zoom meeting with a guest speaker.
  • 4th meeting of each month will be a face-to -face social meeting with partners and friends at a restaurant or hotel.
The first meeting of the year will be a return to Rotary meeting at the home of Mary and Joe Engert 6 Monica st. Essendon (thank you to Mary & Joe) on Tuesday 19th January 6.30pm. Followed by
  • 26th January Keilor Hotel - club meeting.
  • 2nd February Zoom meeting – Members to be advised of links for Zoom meetings.
  • 9th February Keilor Hotel – club meeting.
  • 16th February Zoom meeting
  • 23rd February Social meeting with partners and friends at Funky Thai in Keilor.
  • 2nd March Zoom meeting with guest speaker.
  • 9th March location TBA
  • 16th March Zoom meeting with guest speaker
  • 23rd March Social meeting with partners and friends location TBA
  • 30th March possibly a Membership/Marketing meeting at Taylors Lakes?
 
Board Report 2020-12-14 13:00:00Z 0

Resumption of Bunnings BBQ

After many months of not seeing each other face to face and of course not being able to sell sausages at Bunnings the restriction has now eased and on Saturday 12th of  December we will resume our fundraising at the Taylors’ Lakes Bunnings. We enjoy recalling  the view of our workers working and producing at  Bunnings many months ago as per the shown photo but of course the model will be somewhat different as we will have to wear masks and still enact the compulsory distancing.   
 
Resumption of Bunnings BBQ 2020-12-07 13:00:00Z 0

The Hand Brake Turn Program
 

 
The speakers from Hand Brake Turn were Jonathan Sugumar and Geoff Manton
It was a proud moment for our Club as our Rotary Club of Keilor has been a proud supporter of Hand Brake Turn for many years . Handbrake Turn helps turn around the lives of disadvantaged young people. by providing hands on training in automotive skills for young people aged 15 to 21 who have difficulty within the mainstream education system.  The program now takes seven weeks and it provides
  • Technical skills include automotive care skills, OH&S, industry knowledge, computer skills, finance, numeracy and literacy skills, and language.
  • Life skills include self-reflection, goal setting, managing expectations, creative expression, self-confidence, social and communication skills.
For more than 25 years, Handbrake Turn has been successfully delivering this program to more than 10,000 students already trained and a high completion rate. We have been improving wellbeing for participants and increasing their engagement with their family and communities – our program works!
As part of our fiXit initiative we are able to sell or refit donated cars to clients or community members. Last year, 57 cars were donated which raised $31,000 for Hand Brake Turn. We appreciate donations of cars, bicycles, tools, and other resources to support our program and community.
SUPPORT HAND BRAKE TURN BY BOOKING YOUR CAR IN FOR A SERVICE
You can strengthen Hand Brake Turn for the future through our fiXit program by booking your car in for a service, or donating old cars.
Fix it has two main elements:
  • We repair and service donated cars that are then sold or gifted to members of the community who are in need.
  • We service cars for staff, community partners and members of the public, and make minor necessary repairs where needed.
Any income made from servicing and selling cars goes back into the Hand Brake Turn program to support disengaged young people discover a career path.
DONATING CARS
To donate cars please contact Josh Niclair on joshua.niclair@concernaustralia.org.au or 0449 195 359.
The Hand Brake Turn Program  2020-12-07 13:00:00Z 0

What a load of Crocs

This is a wonderful opportunity and an interesting new challenge.
D.I.K. now have 8,000 pairs of new footwear in their Store, that we know will make many people happy, but it’s up to our Clubs to find the people who need each particular pair of shoes.
Over the years we have developed an excellent relationship with Global Hand, an organization that encourages recycling reusable goods and links potential donations, with people who need them.  The organizations who want the goods, state their case, how the goods will be distributed and why they should be chosen.  Our track record in the goods we have pitched for is excellent.
Our bid was selected by Croc’s and after five van loads, we now have 8,000 pairs of new shoes, in around 500 cartons in a range of colours and sizes – Male, Female and Children.   The goods have to be given to people in need in Australia for free.
We need to compliment good corporate citizens like Croc’s, who make the effort to recycle surplus material and make it available for people in need.
After a considerable effort by the DIK Volunteers the rough sort, is complete.  The result is around 40 pallets containing an average of 200 pairs of shoes. We think there is around 50 different styles in different colours and sizes.  We have a full list of what we have received, but no way of identifying in detail what is in each carton.
 
 
Very few shoes are in individual cartons.  Some are in the original bulk cartons; at a glance you can see that all of the shoes are the same type, but not the number or the size.  Many are the same type, but not in the original carton, so the label on the carton may not match the contents.  Some are mixed cartons.  Even trying to establish if some styles are male or female is a guess
.
 
The Store is not designed for the feet coming to the shoes and the distribution needs to take place off site.  The volunteers in the Store will do what they can to indicate what is in a pallet, but the individual cartons won’t be opened for people to inspect when being collected.  The shoes only available in pallet loads.
Rotarians are creative and we are confident that you will find a way to get the shoes to their new owners.  We know that Clubs will only give them to deserving people.  DIK does not need the full recipient details, but we are obliged to give the donors an indication of where the shoes have gone. 
DIK does not wish to interfere with how each Club handles the distribution, but we would like to know you have thought it through. 
One idea is for Clubs to combine their efforts and share a display and distribution outlet.   The greater the range available, the easier distribution will be.
This is a great opportunity to help some of the people who are struggling at the moment.  It will be a great boost for the people who receive them and for the people handing them out.
How Clubs want to handle this is up to them.  Our focus is on “Doing good in the world” and some Clubs may see this as a Comminity, DIK or Recycling Project. The recipients wont know the difference.
 
It’s a lot of Croc, but this time
the Quakka’s are happy
 
If our Club is interested please contact David Dippie marketing@rotarydik.org
What a load of Crocs 2020-11-30 13:00:00Z 0

Annual General Meeting of the Rotary Club of Keilor
 

The Rotary Club of Keilor AGM last Tuesday was opened at 6.50pm and immediately adjourned to 7.20pm to allow additional members to attend.
Unfortunately at our meeting last week we were unable to have a guest speaker. which allowed time for reports before the AGM.
 
Norm Draper & John Dean reported on the progress of the Christmas bags appeal. The Aberfeldie Bowls Club has been booked for 6.30 pm on 15th December to pack the bags, unfortunately we are 8 Rotary bags short for this year. If you have a spare Rotary bag please advise Norm Draper.
 
Glenda Bryson gave a brief report on the District 9800 AGM and discussions she has had with Bunnings in preparation for our return to the Sausage Sizzle on the 12th December.
 
David Whiting produced 200 leaflets advertising our club for distribution in the Keilor area.
 
President David Whiting resumed the  AGM at 7.20 pm .
We had  17 members present on Zoom. The meeting went quickly and concluded at 7.27 pm.
Significant outcomes of the meeting were, the financial report, and President’s report for the 2019-20 year were accepted and PP Harold Simpson was elected unopposed as President-Elect and will be President the 2021-2022 Rotary Year. Dr Leon Lewi nominated for a board position, possibly the Membership Chair to assist Harold in his year.
Annual General Meeting of the Rotary Club of Keilor  2020-11-30 13:00:00Z 0

Rotary International President Nominee

 
 
It's now official! Rtn. Jennifer Jones, member of the Rotary Club of Windsor-Roseland, Ontario, Canada will become RI President for 2022-23. She will become the first woman to hold that office in Rotary's 115 years of History. Jennifer Jones says she sees Rotary’s Action Plan as a catalyst for increasing Rotary’s impact.
 
The collar that Jennifer will wear is significant as it represents Jennifer's tribute to a woman who enabled Jennifer to break through the glass ceiling that is Rotary.      Jennifer was selected on merit and her work as a Rotarian and deserves our congratulations.  It is also fitting that our 9800 District Governor in 2022-2023 will be another woman  DGN Amanda Wendt from Rotary Club Melbourne
Rotary International President Nominee 2020-11-30 13:00:00Z 0
Christmas Break up - Brunswick Park 2020-11-30 13:00:00Z 0

Rotary Working with Local Schools

The Rotary Club of Keilor working with two local schools
  • Providing Scholarships for year 11-12 students at Keilor Downs College for the past three years, ensuring students who may not have had an opportunity to complete HSC without a scholarship can continue their schooling and possibly continue on to tertiary studies.
  • Providing an opportunity for two students from the Catholic Regional College North Keilor to attend a two day Rotary Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA)
Rotary - Model United Nations Assembly
Each year, Rotary Clubs around the world host an international youth program for senior school students which simulates the workings of the United Nations Assembly.
The event, known as MUNA - Model United Nations Assembly aims to build good will and understanding
challenging students to research the history, politics, economics, people, international alignment and policies in current world affairs from the viewpoint of an assigned country. Teams participate in debates which reproduce genuine UN debates - often with a fine flow of rhetoric, points of order, motions of dissent and bloc walkouts!
This year, College Captains, Reshaiah Ratnayake and Christian Pino have been selected to represent CRCNK and the Rotary Club of Keilor for what will be an online event held over the weekend of 5-6 December.
 
Adopting the role of China's UN Ambassadors, our students have an unenviable task ahead, debating on the COVID-19 crisis and China's role in it. They are up for the challenge and ready to take on a number of prestigious local and international schools.
Please join me in wishing Reshiah and Christian all the very best as they enter the formidable world of International Politics in an experience that will prepare them for some of the real life challenges that lay ahead
 
 
 
 
 
Rotary Working with Local Schools 2020-11-23 13:00:00Z 0

District Governor's Message

Building our networks and centres of influence

Talking to many Rotarians and clubs in the District, I’m incredibly moved by the amazing array of projects that are undertaken to help those in need, or improve the lives of others. Bringing projects to fruition requires considerable effort, and influence! This in turn places emphasis on those in our networks who can help us to achieve our project goals. I recently read an article on this topic, which highlighted the importance of identifying and cultivating three specific social types who can help us to bring about success: Connectors—people who like to make introductions that will aid your network growth; Informational Powerhouses—people who have strong knowledge of Rotary as an organisation and the broader business/community; and, Influencers—those who help to get things done outside of your scope. With these three types of people in your network, you will have what it takes to make your project ideas happen. To read more about these types, click here.
I’m delighted to advise that a new satellite club will be chartered next Tuesday, 24th November. The Rotary CEO Satellite Club of Southbank is a new concept, bringing together a team of senior leaders from corporate, not-for-profit, research and government backgrounds whose aim will be to develop strategy to influence key stakeholders to support nominated projects; and, to adopt the United Nations’ Four Principles for Social Investment and drive corporate social responsibility. This club complements the already-established Rotary Millennial Satellite Club of Southbank with the added aim of the CEO Club members mentoring and supporting the future leaders within the Millennial Club. These two clubs accommodate the flexibility needed to attract new members to Rotary and allow us to build for the future.
District Governor's Message 2020-11-23 13:00:00Z 0

Breaking News

The District 9800 Secretary has advised that nominations are now open for role of District Governor for the Rotary Year 2023-2024. The nominated person must have been a Past President of a Rotary Club. If you wish to nominate, or nominate a person for the role of District Governor, please contact the Secretary Ted Haydon who can provide further information and the required nomination form.
Breaking News 2020-11-23 13:00:00Z 0

Return to Bunnings 12th December

Our Rotary Club is planning to return to the Bunnings Sausage Sizzle, our major source of fundraising on December 12th using this Covid-19 plan provided by Bunnings.
Note there are 5 volunteers on each shift. - With the following descriptions and their roles listed below (All volunteers must wear a face mask)
The return to Bunnings was discussed at length at the club meeting last week. We have several members who are available to assist on the 12th and several members for very relevant reasons are not availble to volunteer. The club respects each members decision in regard to assisting at a Bunnings Sausage Sizzle.
 
 
 
 
1.BBQ CAPTAIN the key volunteer to ensure the fundraiser runs smoothly and is successful.
The responsibilities of the BBQ Captain include:
➢ Ensure that all members of the team do not attend the sausage sizzle if they are unwell or have any cold or flu like symptoms
➢ Must wear clean clothes
➢ Must maintain at least 1.5m physical distance from other volunteers and customers
➢ Captain must be on site at all times
➢ Ensure all volunteers are feeling well and wearing clean clothes. Volunteers should not attend the sausage sizzle if they are unwell or have any cold or flu like symptoms
➢ Ensure volunteers immediately report to the  Captain if they start to feel unwell during the day
➢ Ensure volunteers adhere to hygiene requirements
➢ Adhere to and complete the clean schedule checklist, by ensuring the team clean and sanitise all surfaces in the area every 60 minutes
➢ Clean and sanitise the Cook area every 60 minutes
➢ Ensure all volunteers handling food wear gloves
➢ Ensure all volunteers wear a clean, cloth, individual-use apron during the course of the day – 
➢ Assists Cook if needed, by getting sausages and onions ready for placing directly on hotplate
➢ Ensure gloves are changed when shifting between roles
➢ Fill in for group members when they need breaks or to clean/sanitise hands
➢ Ensure volunteers maintain at least 1.5m physical distance from other volunteers and customers
➢ Have ample supplies to run the BBQ until 4pm
➢ Complete the BBQ checklist at the end of the BBQ with the store team (BBQ Supervisor).
 
2.GREETER
➢ There is a limit of 50 customers only in the line – please ensure this is adhered to
➢ Explain how to order (and pay if group brings their own contactless device)
➢ Remind customers of physical distancing requirements whilst queuing, and that hand sanitiser is available.
 
3.ORDER
➢ Take orders and accept payment by cash (or card if group brings own cashless payment system)
➢ If a drink is ordered, the preferred drink is collected from the esky and placed on the table for the customer
➢ Clean surfaces of the Order area with a general-purpose cleaner and then food grade sanitiser every 60 mins
 
4.COOK
➢ Cook sausages and onions and placed them in foil trays on the wire frame above hotplate to keep warm
➢ Places the sausage/onion on bread provided by the ‘Collect’ group member
➢ Minimum hand washing/sanitising every 60 minutes
➢ Standard rules around food safety – all food to remain covered except when cooking
➢ The cook is to call on the BBQ Captain for any assistance
 
5.COLLECT
➢ Collects bread and napkin from supplies table, and sausage/onion from the Cook
➢ Place sausages on sausage holder at Collect table i.e. does not place directly into customer hand
➢ Only the Collect volunteer is permitted to apply sauce whilst the sausage is in the holder i.e. sauce is not to be used by customer
➢ Customer takes sausage from holder
➢ Collect member must remain more than 1.5m from customers
➢ Clean surfaces of ‘Collect’ area and sausage holder with a general-purpose cleaner and then food grade sanitiser every 60 mins
➢ Minimum hand washing/sanitising and gloves changed every 60 minutes
➢ Must wear a fitted face mask at all times.
Return to Bunnings 12th December 2020-11-23 13:00:00Z 0

SMILE

                                  
SMILE 2020-11-23 13:00:00Z 0

Bring Positive Energy Into Your Life

  • Be Aware Of Your Negative Thoughts And Emotions. Surprising insights about what negative thoughts and emotions do to your brain.
  • Avoid Speaking Of Your Problems, Diseases, Illnesses Or Worries.
  • Meditate. If there is one thing that can really help you raise your vibration and maintain positive energy in life, it will be meditation.
  • Avoid Gossip. “Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people.
  • Let Go Of The Past. You can’t undo anything. It’s done.
  • Laugh! Smile! “Laughter is the best medicine.” Numerous studies have proven that laughter decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies.
  • Sweat It Off. Exercise physically removes you from your problems, and it also removes you mentally.                                                                                                                                  
Bring Positive Energy Into Your Life 2020-11-23 13:00:00Z 0

From Collingwood to Hollywood

This was the topic of our presentation at last Tuesday’s Zoom meeting.  The speaker  Rod Hardy had spent his childhood in Collingwood and attended the Collingwood Technical College  (which was also the site of tertiary learning for Ted Cunningham and Kevin Nolan).
 
 We invited Rod to address us at very short notice after our programmed speaker cancelled at the last moment . Rod is the cousin of Pauline Lewi  and we had to thank Pauline for making contact with him and asking him to address us . At the beginning of the Zoom meeting  Pauline introduced Rod to our audience telling us all some of her memories of family events  over the many years.
Then Rod (photo above) told a long and Fascinating story of his professional life . This started in Australia of course. He was a director and producer, known for December Boys (2007)  Rod has over 350 hours of credits directing television drama in his native Australia.
His first feature film, Thirst won Best Picture in its category at the 1980 Asia Pacific Film Festival
Having honed his directing and producing skills in Australia, primarily on the TV series, E Street from 1989 to 1991 of which he was the co-executive producer, Hardy moved to Los Angeles in 1992 to launch his American career. His first assignment was to direct Lies and Lullabies the traumatic life story of pregnant cocaine addicts, starring Susan Dey and Piper Laurie. The movie was awarded the Scott Newman Award (founded by Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward in memory of their son) that is presented annually to the production that best illustrates the degradation of and triumph over drug addiction.
Since his award-winning U.S. directorial debut, he has garnered both Golden Globe and Emmy nominations for movies of the week and mini-series
Hardy is well known in U.S. television circles for shows such as The X-Files, Battlestar Galactica and Leverage.
He was a director and producer, known for December Boys (2007), and Marisa Romanov (2019)
This theatrical feature DECEMBER BOYS was winner of the Giffoni Film Festival Award 2008. Released by Roadshow/Warner Bros, it starred Daniel Radcliffe of Harry Potter fame and Teresa Palmer. 
                                   
In Summary. Rod Hardy is a widely accomplished and talented director who has forged his keen instincts and trademark visual sense of story through extensive experience. His collaborative efforts are but a gleaning of his problem-solving techniques. He has a great ability to bring the best out in people, whether it is an actor’s performance or a DP’s best shot.                                                                                            
We were fascinated by the extent of his professional life and we were very thankful that he agreed to come and address us
From Collingwood to Hollywood 2020-11-16 13:00:00Z 0

Breaking News

Our first Bunnings Sausage Sizzle for the year will be Saturday 12th December at Taylors Lakes. Bunnings have advised the club of Covid -19 Safe Work Practices which will be discussed with members at our next club meeting on Tuesday 17th November.
Representatives from our Board plan to meet with Bunnings to diccuss how the BBQ will operate after November 18th
 
The Annual General Meeting will be held on Tuesday November 24th at 6.45pm with a guest speaker after the AGM. So please attend this important meeting and bring along your nomination for the Club Board for the year 2021-2022 year.
Make sure you are financial before the AGM.
 
Fellowship are planning a Christmas function in a park for Tuesday December 8th further details to be advised.
 
Christmas Bags will be packed on Tuesday 15th at the Aberfeldie Bowls Club. This will be the final meeting for 2020.
 
Return to Rotary will be on Tuesday January 19th 2021.  Lets hope 2021 is not impacted by Covid-19 like it has been in 2020
Breaking News 2020-11-16 13:00:00Z 0

What Happened on November 14th

1680 Gottfried Kirch discovers the Great Comet of 1680 (Kirch's Comet/Newton's et).
 
1896 – Power plant at Niagara Falls begins operation.
 
1908 – Albert Einstein presents his quantum theory of light.
 
1970     - Ted and Janice Haydon got married
 
 
What Happened on November 14th 2020-11-16 13:00:00Z 0

FOR a MEAL 60,000 meals delivered locally

By Tony Laycock, President, Rotary Club of Canterbury
The FORaMEAL project is an initiative of the Rotary Club of Canterbury. It was originally established to help those across the Asia Pacific region, an area prone to many natural disasters leading to the loss of homes and access to basic necessities including food.
However, in 2017, Dr Douglas Hawley brought to life the idea of creating simple meal packs that could be stored on location and distributed immediately after a disaster occurred. Each pack contains a mixture of rice, oats, lentils, vitamins and minerals, and can feed between five and six people. Because the packs are vegan, people from most cultures can consume them. Designed to be bland in taste, the packs can be modified by the addition of spices, vegetables, meat, fish, fruit and even sugar to accommodate most culturally significant tastes. Each FORaMEAL pack provides a nutritious meal containing the main food groups of carbohydrates, fats, proteins and nutrients.
The FORaMEAL packing project has been a great success across District 9800. Financial and physical support is provided by a number of individuals and organisations including, but not limited to, the District leadership; clubs within the Eastside cluster, particularly Rotary Balwyn and Camberwell; schools in the Boroondara area; and, Swinburne University. Packing events at District conferences have been a great success with up to 40,000 meals produced in a short space of time. Sponsorship of material from suppliers has also meant that a large stockpile of packs is ready for distribution. Originally destined for the Philippines, but held up because of COVID, these packs have been diverted for use in Victoria. 
The global pandemic has had a massive financial and physical impact on those who have lost their jobs within our community, and have been unable to access essential support. Refugee and community organisations in Victoria have been actively helping their constituents by delivering food packs and basic commodities. Rotary Canterbury has been assisting through arranging the distribution of packs across the District. Working with other clubs such as Melton, North Melbourne, Bacchus Marsh, Bendigo Sandhurst, Glen Eira and Glenferrie, along with some twenty community organisations acting as distribution partners, approximately 60,000 meals have been delivered to various organisations across the State.
The demand for the product continues to grow and the Rotary Club of Canterbury stands well prepared to provide ongoing assistance.
For further information about this important project please feel free to visit website: www.forameal.org or contact tony.laycock@canterburyrotary.org                     
FOR a MEAL 60,000 meals delivered locally 2020-11-16 13:00:00Z 0

Breaking News

District 9800 Secretary has advised that nominations are now open for District Governor for the Rotary Year 2023-2024 the nominated person must have been a Past President of  a Rotary Club. If you wish to nominate or nominate a person for the role of District Governor , pleas contact the Secretary Ted Haydon who can provide further information and the required nomination form.
Breaking News 2020-11-09 13:00:00Z 0
Smile 3 2020-11-09 13:00:00Z 0
Powerful Pollinators 2020-11-09 13:00:00Z 0

November is Rotary Foundation Month

 
November is the month when we focus on The Rotary Foundation.  This “Foundation Month” has a special focus in this Centennial year of  Rotary in Australia, which has shined a spotlight on its architect, Arch Klumph who was RI president in 1916-17. He has been perhaps less well known than he should have been, although  his name is enshrined in The Arch Klumph Society, which recognises those who donate more than US$250,000 to The Rotary Foundation.             
In so many ways Arch Klumph stands right next to Paul Harris for his contribution to Rotary and like Paul Harris his personal story is inspirational.                                              Born in 1869 in poor circumstances, he left school at the age of 12. Through hard work, study after hours and talent he became a significant businessman, eventually running a Bank and a shipping line. He had other talents and taught himself to play the flute, not remarkable of itself but he went on to become a flautist with the Cleveland Symphony Orchestra. Arch Klumph’s Rotary career was just as remarkable. From charter member of the Rotary Club of Cleveland in 1911 in just 6 years he became RI President. Subsequently he chaired the Committee that wrote the Rotary International Constitution and personally was the architect of much of what we know as Rotary today, such as dividing Rotary into districts, establishment of the office of District Governor and the annual District Conference.                                                                                                    Most of us know a version of the story of how The Rotary Endowment Fund came about, through “a vision, a little inspiration” from Arch Klumph. At the end of his term as RI President the Rotary Club of Kansas City collected money for a gift to the retiring President and when they closed the account they donated the surplus of $26.50 as seed money for the Rotary Endowment Fund, which Arch Klumph had proposed.                                                                                                                     
Despite ongoing encouragement from Arch Klumph, the fund grew slowly but that changed in 1928 when delegates to the Convention that year renamed the fund to The Rotary Foundation, with separate Trustees and a separate bank account! Funds started to come in strongly and it was Paul Harris in 1929 who asked The Foundation to make its first donation (to the International Society for Crippled Children).  Efforts to accumulate really significant funds were set back by World War II but in a sense it was that tragedy that defined the future role of The Foundation to become an instrument for peace in the future Today the mission of The Rotary Foundation remains the same - to enable Rotarians to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education, and the alleviation of poverty.                                                      We often overlook that so many traditional Rotary activities are made possible through The Rotary Foundation and Rotary as we know it today would be very different without The Rotary Foundation and the programs that it funds. It is indeed the “engine room” of Rotary. The whole premise of The Rotary Foundation is that it is a not-for-profit corporation supported solely by voluntary contributions from Rotarians and friends of the Foundation who share its vision of a better world.
 
November is Rotary Foundation Month 2020-11-09 13:00:00Z 0

Cup Day Zoom Meeting

Saw a handful of our members interacting and focusing on the Melbourne Cup Race at 3 o’clock
There was joy from those who had the winner in the sweep . This sweep was organized by Norm Draper
There was a $10 sweep, $ 5 sweep and a $2 sweep
Each sweep had 64 contributors and 24 succeeded in owning a horse  
 
The results were announced  and we had winners – but also lot's more losers!!!  Congratulations to the winners, commiserations to the losers (Norm shared your pain!!!).
Our main purpose was served, however, as we raised good money towards our Christmas Bag project.  Thank you to everyone who entered - and to a couple of generous donors, a very big "thank you".
If you haven't paid your invoice yet, please do so asap.
 
Results were:
$10 Sweep - 1st Meredith Nolan $150, 2nd Anthony Simpson $60, 3rd Toby Browne (Haydon) $40
$5 Sweep - 1st David Whiting $75, 2nd Carmel Bourke $30, 3rd Fiona Lewi $20
$2 Sweep - 1st Joelle Nolan $30, 2nd Joe Raimondo (TG) $15, 3rd Olivia Bourke $10
 
You will note that with such a good portion of prizemoney going to VicPol, we should ensure that we escape the most forensic of reviews – Norm says he was very  relieved !!!
 
 
Cup Day Zoom Meeting 2020-11-09 13:00:00Z 0

Mirrors helping to end Trachoma

Did you know the powerful effect one simple End Trachoma intervention is having in indigenous communities?

Hundreds of packs of light, easily transported and safe acrylic mirror tiles have been and are being delivered to the APY* lands, and to the WA Environmental Health Program. The mirror tiles are donated by Bunnings and feedback has been extraordinary.

Families want and need mirrors installed in their homes to know when to wash, to clean, to look good and potentially feel good.

It appeared mirrors weren’t a priority; many homes didn’t have one. Children were being told to wash their faces to prevent Trachoma but they couldn’t actually see what needed washing.

Over 7,000 mirrors have been installed in communities across South Australia, Western Australia and the Northern Territory through Rotary’s partnerships with environmental health partners. 

Rotary clubs across Australia continue to provide access to hygiene and sanitation opportunities through donations. 

* Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) is an Aboriginal local government area in the remote north-west corner of South Australia.

 

 

 

Mirrors helping to end Trachoma 2020-11-02 13:00:00Z 0

Cup Day Photos Over the Years

Luckily our expert photographer Jeanette Lynch had a bundle of interesting photoes taken on these Cup Events at Ted and Janice’s home over many years. Some of these photoes refer as far back as 2011.
We see some faces that are not part of our Club any more . We also see participants who are concealing their true face and of course we see Ted and Janice working hard at hosting the attendants. This coming Tuesday we will meet on Zoom and we would like attendants to dress up for this event
 
Local Greenvale vagrant calls in for a free meal                                
 
   
 
Special Guest Donal Trump
 
Join our Cup Day Zoom Meeting on Tuesday 3rd November at 2PM https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89829615934?pwd=cmR3b2dIbGlDVEs0QVlDRlYrbWN5QT09
and watch a slide show of previous cup day photos
 
 
Cup Day Photos Over the Years 2020-10-31 13:00:00Z 0

Past Cup Day Events 2019

After many years of cancelling our Tuesday meeting at the Hotel on Melbourne Cup Day and replacing it with a BBQ meeting at the home of our Ted and Janice Haydon , that year 2019, we returned to the Hotel on 29th of October to create a fresh version of this celebration of the Melbourne Cup .
 

Partners were invited to join us of course and everyone was encouraged to wear attractive clothes, hats and for men to wear a bow tie . It then made Sergeant Liz’s an interesting job of declaring the best dressed . In the end she congratulated Gavin Thoms for being the most Dapper Gentleman and the prize for the best dressed lady was given to Carmel Cunningham
 
Past Cup Day Events 2019 2020-10-31 13:00:00Z 0

Comments from our Lexophile

•    Venison for dinner again?  Oh, deer ! 
•    How does Moses make tea?  Hebrews it. 
•    England has no kidney bank, but it does have a Liverpool. 
•    I tried to catch some fog, but I mist. 
•    I changed my iPod's name to Titanic. It's syncing now. 
•    Jokes about German sausage are the wurst. 
•    I know a guy who's addicted to brake fluid, but he says he can stop any time. 
•    I stayed up all night to see where the sun went, and then it dawned on me. 
•    This girl said she recognized me from the vegetarian club, but I'd never met herbivore.
•    When chemists die, they barium. 
•    I'm reading a book about anti-gravity. I just can't put it down. 
•    I did a theatrical performance about puns. It was a play on words. 
•    Did you hear about the cross-eyed teacher who lost her job because she couldn't control her pupils? 
•    When you get a bladder infection, urine trouble.        
Comments from our Lexophile 2020-10-26 13:00:00Z 0

2020 Melbourne Cup Fundraising Sweeps.
 

We were oversubscribed for both the $10 & $2 Sweeps - but well short of enough to do two of each.  As I said on Tuesday evening, I have now introduced a third Sweep ($5) and have filled all three by:
  • Limiting the last two applications to the $5 Sweep only;
  • Taking account of the flexibility offered by some applicants;
  • Converting a number of the $10 entries to two each in the $5 Sweep (ie double the opportunity for half the prizemoney) - but, with a couple of exceptions, I have avoided touching any entry where there were different individual names for each entry eg Ted H with 6 X$10 in individually different names is preserved, while Ted C with multiple entries in the same two names has had a couple converted to double $5 entries; and
  • Converting a small number of $2 entries in the same manner ie two $2 entries converting to a single $5 entry.
 
Overall, however, you will be invoiced to pay the $ you committed to, or less.
 
While I have based everything on the fact that 65 horses were 2nd Acceptances, there are three withdrawals as at 2.45pm today, since those declarations were made. The Draw is being made at 3pm today (with Ted Haydon & John Dean on Zoom) so, to be fair to everyone, all 65 horses will be included, but the 3 withdrawn will result in a reduced invoice for those drawing them.
 
I will send out the draws for each Sweep within the next 24 hours as well as provide our Treasurer details for invoicing.
 
Third Acceptances are due to be made on Monday - so quite a few will disappear from the field (and those drawing them will be down the drain at thsat point - bad luck).
 
I will update the still "live" entries mid next week.
 
I hope everyone is satisfied with the approach I have taken.  If not, I will be available for public flogging - just make appointments.
 
Norm Draper
2020 Melbourne Cup Fundraising Sweeps.  2020-10-26 13:00:00Z 0

SUSTAINABLE LIVING

Rotary  has a keen interest in helping the community be more sustainable and efficient in its energy and water use 
Importance of Trees and Gardens 
Trees              
  •  
SUSTAINABLE LIVING 2020-10-26 13:00:00Z 0

The West Gate Tunnel
 

was the topic of the  presentation at our last Tuesday  Zoom meeting  This  meeting had great appeal and we had a large attendance of 28 persons . This included 4 visitors  who showed their interest by participating in the question session at the end of the meeting
 The Speakers ,The leadings speaker was Kathryn Norton ( seen in the attached photo with colleague Jack in front of the tunnel boring machine )    She was assisted with Hilary van Herwaarden , Henry Graves and Christopher McKenna, (Senior Project Engineer),
The West Gate Tunnel  2020-10-26 13:00:00Z 0

Rotary promotes World Kindness Day (Friday 13 November) 
 

Like many other things we do, the Gathering of Kindness has adapted to the Pandemic and this year’s celebrations will be digital, and accessible on-line.  On World Kindness Day (Friday 13 November) this year’s program features 3 live-streamed online sessions featuring:
  • Scotland's social researcher Simon Anderson,
  • Civility Saves Lives founder Dr Chris Turner, and
  • An Expert Panel (Julia Harper (CEO of College of Intensive Care Medicine), David Clarke (CEO of the Australian Institute for Health and Safety) and Dr Carmel Crock (Director for Emergency Medicine at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital)) 
These 3 sessions are paid events, but there is a host of material available free of charge to learn more about the importance of kindness in Healthcare systems and its importance. We are delighted that Rotary  Melbourne is sharing media in the event on two important R100 Projects:  Trauma Recovery, and Rotary Safe Families.
Rotary promotes World Kindness Day (Friday 13 November)   2020-10-26 13:00:00Z 0

How will we meet on Cup Day

         
 
Year after year on Melbourne Cup Day we met at the home of Ted and Janice Haydon .  Our format was to dress in an interesting fashion and particularly to wear good looking hat Then last year we met at the hotel and all attendees made an effort to wear attractive clothes and hats and it made Sergeant Liz's job of declaring the winner interesting . In the end she congratulated  Gavin Thoms for being the most dapper Gentleman and the prize for the best dressed woman was given to our Carmel Cunningham This year will meet at 2 pm via Zoom and interact until the running of the race and await the result of the sweep
How will we meet on Cup Day 2020-10-19 13:00:00Z 0

News from our Board Meeting

  • $3,300 has been paid to Rotary Foundation
  • $927 remaining from the drought fund has been paid to the Wycheproof Resource Center.
  • 100 -150 flyers will be distributed to a different part of Keilor advertising the next speaker from Westgate Tunnel Project, the flyer will also advertise the Hand Brake Turn project. David Bourke has offered to assist with distribution of the flyers.
  • Glenda has been in contact with Bunnings who are offering items which could be used as auction items to raise funds for the club.
  • The Board approved TH to work with Keilor Downs College to see if it is possible to obtain a Year 11& 12 scholarship grant for a student commencing Year11 next year. It maybe difficult because we have previously received scholarship grants from District.
  • Glenda came across a fund-raising initiative by the Rotary Club of Ivanhoe, who were having a virtual online sausage sizzle, people purchased a virtual sausage i.e. made a donation to the Ivanhoe Rotary Club. This idea the Board thought could be used to try and raise funds for the Christmas Bags project and as a way of showing a KRC project to the local community
  • To achieve more local content in the Bulletin one member each week will be requested to submit an article of their choice, consisting of approximately 200-300 words to the Bulletin editor or Secretary     
News from our Board Meeting 2020-10-19 13:00:00Z 0

Melbourne Cup Sweep

As discussed at our Club Zoom meeting last evening, we are running two Melbourne Cup fundraising sweeps to support our annual Christmas Bag project for the older, most lonely and most isolated of Bolton Clarke (formerly RDNS) patients.
 
As everyone knows, our fundraising has been decimated by COVID-19 this year and I expect that some of our regular donors, who have generously provided products to us in the past, will have had a very tough year and that their support might be restricted on this occasion.  Additionally, unlike the last two years, we do not have the benefit of $1000 from the Bendigo Bank.  The primary purpose of these Sweeps is fundraising for this projects, but there are very worthwhile prizes for those lucky enough to draw the eventual placegetters in the Cup.
Melbourne Cup Sweep 2020-10-19 13:00:00Z 0

Fund Raiser - Rotary End Polio Walk

This October, Walk With Us for those who can’t Global virus pandemics are not new. Before vaccines were developed for polio in the 1950s, parents were gripped by terror: over 1,000 children were dying or being paralysed each dayLesley McCarthy from Flemington.Kensington Rotary Club has  challenged herself to walk 100km throughout the month and raise vital funds that will help eradicate and prepare us for a Polio free world. 80km done but short of $$. Could you spare $5 or more?
Please support her in this important cause!All donations are tax deductible.
Regards  from Lesley McCarthy – past editor of the District Networker and past Flemington Kensington President  
 
Fund Raiser - Rotary End Polio Walk 2020-10-19 13:00:00Z 0
Environmental Sustainability Rotarian Action Group 2020-10-19 13:00:00Z 0

I need Something to look forward to

This may come as a shock, but I miss your company.  I need to be able to focus on something positive that will happen when we reach Covid Normal, whatever that is.  I think it will be in a park.  I can smell the snags the David B is cooking.  Jennette is trying to catch up for a challenging year and we will never be able to eat all of the cakes, but before I start, I need to sample one of Marie’s special delights.  Am I going to have a beer with Kevin before a glass of white with Liz, I am definitely going to do both?
Before consuming I want to do something special.  I want to dig a hole and symbolically bury bloody Covid19 and I want to plant something that is growing to and flourish.  Something that will remind us that with the support of good friends we can get through the bleakest times.
Please give me five minutes on my own to reflect on the passed sadness and get a little misty, before we begin the rest of our lives.  Give me this to look forward to and when times are tough, I can focus on the serious issue of a beer or wine first.
David D
I need Something to look forward to 2020-10-19 13:00:00Z 0

Distict Cluster Meeting

  Last   Wednesday 7th of October, after enjoying our regular meeting the previous day as detailed below, nine of our members participated in an interesting District Cluster meeting with  some of the local Rotary Clubs. This in fact involved 10 Rotary Clubs .
 
Such a meeting showed yet  another change in our activity while in  lockdown . It appears that Zoom is increasing our ability to get involved in  more meetings including communicating with our neighbouring Rotary Clubs  .
This meeting  involved the 2 Gateway Clusters. Our Gateway West included our Keilor Club and the Keilor East Rotary, Brunswick Tullamarine and the Melbourne Passport Club
The list from the other Gateway group included Essendon Rotary, Essendon North Flemington/Kensington, Footscray, West Footscray and the the Gateway Rotaract Club
All were on the screen except for Essendon North as this was the evening of their regular meeting
Assistant Governor Michael Donnelly, member of the Keilor East Rotary Club chaired the meeting and District Governor Philip Archer was in attendance of course
There were 58 participants and our Rotary Club of Keilor proudly  had 9 members present.
Each Club gave a report which highlighted the performance of their  club while coping with lockdown condition.
Interestingly while everyone appeared on Zoom Some of the participants were located out of Melbourne while taking  part
Despite some of the Clubs having  small membership they surprised us with the great range of projects they manage to achieve – One Club achieved  7 projects with a small membership.
We were reminded that the Passport Club achieved its projects with overseas participation.
It was also a pleasure to see the president of Essendon Rotary Club David Abbey who is the son of our famous  Royce Abbey past RI president
We now realise that the benefit of having such cluster meetings is to learn about  other Clubs to share ideas, learn new ways and  create opportunities to do things differently
Distict Cluster Meeting 2020-10-12 13:00:00Z 0

Membership Recommendations

The Board of the Rotary Club of Keilor held a special Board Meeting on
September 24thto discuss membership ideas and made the following
recommendations to commence when physical meetings are permitted
possibly in the New Year.
 
Recommendations
That the club meetings continue to be held on Tuesday evenings.
 
Meeting time to be changed to 7pm in lieu of 6.30pm.
 
Meetings to be held in the following sequence zoom meeting, physical meeting,
zoom meeting, physical meeting, the fourth meeting can be a social activity.
Zoom meetings will effectively reduce the cost of meetings for members.
 
The above sequence of meetings to apply only once Covid-19 lockdown has ended until that time all meeting to be held via zoom.
 
Meeting venue to be chosen a month int advance.
 
Meals served at physical meetings to be at 7.15pm.
 
In a Month with five Tuesday’s the fifth Tuesday can be a
Rotary Means Business meeting
 
Letter box 100 -150 homes with leaflets advertising Rotary and Guest Speakers
at future club meetings. Public members wishing to attend to respond via the
“Contact Tab” on the club website. another possibly  is use Try Booking,
either method will capture the person’s email address then we will
send out the link to the zoom meeting.
 
First letter box drop to be in Keilor Village.
 
Guest Speakers to be advertised on Facebook and the club website.
 
Board to develop an elevator statement to present to people when talking about Rotary, 
statement to be about 90 words which can be delivered in about one minute
Membership Recommendations 2020-10-12 13:00:00Z 0

Extraordinary Adventures of an ABC Cameraman
 

 This was a wonderful presentation  at last week’s zoom meeting . The speaker was Julian Mather. He entertained us with a long detailed list of personal experiences .  He has written many books . The book “ The second best job in the world “  was the heading of his address. Many of us wondered which job was regarded as the best  job in the world . We agreed with his choice of  David Attenborough who surveys the  animal and plant life on Earth
Julian shared some adventures from his 25 years on the job. For as long as he could remember Julian Mather wanted to be a photojournalist, then he got side-tracked. Wry humour infused his engaging talk to us from Brisbane via Zoom.  Julian told us how he was blindfolded in a helicopter and taken to the secret location of the Woolemi Pine in Queensland, and the scary abseiling to reach the bottom of the gorge, how by chance he missed a flight that crashed, maiming and killing people he had recently met, and about people who had influenced his life.
He described three wrong assumptions that many make about their own lives:             
1.that being taught and learning are the same thing,                                                         
2.that you can win the new game by playing with the old rules,                                         
3. that you are "not good enough".      Julian told us how he overcame these assumptions. 
Julian  has seen the world through many lenses: 
  • Through a telescopic sight as an army sniper
  • Through the TV lens as a globe-trotting cameraman for ABCTV, National Geographic and  BBC Discovery
  • Through smoke and mirrors as a professional magician
Julian has earned his living and excelled in all three. But he didn’t do it alone. 
His ringside view of life had him literally falling into the arms of murderers and rapists, following base jumpers on their quest to launch off the world’s highest cliffs and hanging out with the world’s happiest man.
Julian spoke  to us from Brisbane where he lives and he joined us slightly late not having realised that Melbourne is now on daylight saving time
Julian Mather has seen the world through many lenses: 
  • Through a telescopic sight as an army sniper
  • Through the TV lens as a globe-trotting cameraman for ABCTV, National Geographic and  BBC Discovery
  • Through smoke and mirrors as a professional magician                      
  • Julian’s address could be summed up as follows :
  • Why it's important to adopt a learning mindset.
  • Why you are 100% responsible for your life.
  • How change is a process and not an event
Unfortunately Julian stopped addressing us having reached the end of our meeting. We could have listened to him for another hour
Extraordinary Adventures of an ABC Cameraman  2020-10-12 13:00:00Z 0

Queensland Fruit Fly - Jeanette Lynch

Queensland Fruit Fly (Bactrocera tryoni), which is now making its pesky presence felt in the suburbs of Melbourne; 
 
WHAT: Queensland Fruit Fly (QFF) is native to coastal north-eastern Australia but has now spread inland to the NT and south to Victoria. It’s tiny - adults are only 7mm long - but it leaves tell-tale signs on fruit: dimpled skin and maggots infesting the fruits.
WHERE: The flies have spread because humans are providing them with host plants, which include: Pome fruits, stone fruits, figs, grapes, citrus, tomatoes, capsicums, flowering plums, ornamental pears, lily pillies and even clivia.
Ranger Stephanie Orive, Land Management Officer with the Shire of Nillumbik, explains that Victoria’s winters rarely get cold enough to kill off fruit flies, especially in urban areas. Residential gardens may just be the perfect place for female QFFs to overwinter “under eaves, in leaves and tree fissures”.
WHEN: As the weather warms in spring, the adults emerge and breed. As the eggs hatch, the maggots then feed upon the fruit flesh.
WHY: While QFF may be a pain for backyard fruit and vegie growers, it can be devastating for farmers, and mean more expensive fruit and vegetables for shoppers, so there are a lot of good reasons to try and control it.
HOW:
  1. Monitor and report: make a homemade QFF Trap (see below) and report any sightings to local or state authorities.
  2. Prune trees to a reachable height so you can harvest more easily.
  3. Exclude with netting, bags or sleeves to stop the female QFF from reaching and laying eggs inside fruit and vegetables. Use specific fruit fly netting, fine gauze or mosquito net - or even old lace curtains; the key to success is openings of just 1.6mm. Ensure the mesh is not touching the fruit. 
  4. Garden hygiene – collect all dropped fruit, and dispose of all unwanted fruit.
  5. Infested fruit should never be composted – instead bag it and either freeze or microwave to kill larvae
  6. Collaborate with community – Get to know your neighbours, and encourage whole community involvement and action to manage this pest.
To make a fruit fly trap
What you’ll need:
  • 1L to 2L clear plastic bottle with a lid
  • Yeast extract
  • Sugar
  • Fruit peel
  • Water
  • Knife
  • String
What you do:
  1. Put a spoon full of vegemite and a spoon full of sugar in the bottle, plus the peelings from an orange or lemon.
  2. Add enough water to fill the bottle to about a third, put on the lid, and shake until the yeast extract and sugar have dissolved.
  3. Using the knife, carefully cut an access hole further up the plastic bottle.
  4. The trap can be hung with the string near a fruit tree.
 
Queensland Fruit Fly - Jeanette Lynch 2020-10-12 13:00:00Z 0

Rotary's New Area of Focus

This month’s feature - Plastic: the good, the bad and the ugly.

Plastics made from fossil fuels are just over a century old. Production and development of thousands of new plastic   products accelerated after World War II, so transforming the modern age that life without plastics would be unrecognizable today.
Plastics revolutionized medicine with life-saving devices, made space travel possible, lightened cars and jets—saving fuel and pollution—and saved lives with helmets, incubators, and equipment for clean drinking water.
The convenience plastics offer, however, led to a throw-away culture that reveals the dark side: today, single-use plastics account for 40 percent of the plastic produced every year. Many of these products, such as  plastic bags and food  wrappers, have a lifespan of minutes to hours, yet they may persist in the environment for hundreds of years.
Plastic pollution has become a pressing environmental issue.  The rapidly increasing production of disposable products  has overwhelmed the world’s ability to deal with them. Plastic pollution is most visible in developing nations, where  garbage collection systems are often inefficient or non-existent. But the developed world, especially in countries with low recycling rates, also has trouble properly collecting discarded plastics. Plastic trash has become so ubiquitous it has prompted efforts to write a global treaty negotiated by the United Nations.
Every year, about 8 million tons of plastic waste escapes into the oceans from coastal nations. That’s the equivalent of
setting five garbage bags full of trash on every foot of coastline around the world.
Plastics also can contain additives making them stronger, more flexible, and durable. These additives can extend the life of products, with some estimates ranging to at least 400 years to break down. And then there are microbeads.
However, the good news is that Scientists have been working on the ability to breakdown plastics and have discovered:
  • Waxworms and Mealworms can devour plastics and turn them into compost.
  • A microbe, Ideonella Sakaiensis can reduce the time plastic takes to degrade from hundreds of years to just a few days,
  • And some manufacturers are turning to plants to develop biodegradable bioplastics and to bacteria that convert food waste
to natural bioplastics.
See this video from National Geographic :
 
So what can we do?
Eliminate single use plastics.                 Always carry a re-usable bag.                  Carry a Go Cup/water bottle.
Avoid over packaged products.             Avoid fresh produce on plastic trays.       Choose unpackaged goods or buy in bulk. Recycle plastics accurately.                  Choose refillable or reusable containers.
Pick up plastic on your daily walk.         Join a clean up day.
Choose products without microbeads: toothpaste, sunscreen, facial scrubs, body wash and some cosmetics.
Look out for the ingredients Polyethylene PE, Polypropylene PP, Polyethylene terephthalate PET and Polymethyl methacrylate PMMA.
Shop with the planet in mind.
 
Rotary's New Area of Focus 2020-10-05 13:00:00Z 0

Club Newsletters

Club Newsletters: are an effective engagement tool
A good club bulletin speaks to its audience…club members, associates, corporate, government and community partners, as well as Friends of Rotary.  It serves to inform, educate, and even entertain. And, importantly, a good club bulletin is the voice of the club itself, promoting the club’s culture, its activities, and its purpose.
The club bulletin is an extension of, and adjunct to other club promotional mediums, such as the website and social media platforms. However, a bulletin has the advantage of being able to reach each audience member proactively by being delivered personally and in a timely fashion.
However, today with so much information flooding our email inboxes, the key to a successful club bulletin is in its ability to engage its readership. 
Club Newsletters 2020-10-05 13:00:00Z 0

Polio Eradication

         Polio Eradication
Rotary Is promoting the Polio walk around Albert Park Lake on Sat 24th October
  • Rotary, supported by contributions of more than US$350M from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, has raised in excess of US$1.5 Billion and contributed countless volunteer hours from more than one million Rotarians.
  • The Gates Foundation will continue to match two-to-one, up to US$35 million per year, every dollar Rotary commits to reduce the funding shortfall for polio eradication.
  • Over 2.5 billion children worldwide have been vaccinated since 1985.
  • Clubs and individuals are encouraged to contribute to the Polio Eradication Fund to ensure fulfilment of Rotary’s promise to the children of the world to have the world declared Polio free.
NB: PHF recognitions by Clubs and individuals may be credited to the Polio Eradication program.
  • Clubs are requested to support District initiated polio eradication fund raising events.
  • Contributions during 2019-2020 will support National Immunisation Days, the purchase of vaccines and equipment used in the drive against Polio.
  • D9800 is committed to supporting the fight to eradicate polio and will determine a suitable contribution annually to assist the program and supplement club contributions.
Ambassador: Catherine O’Connor (Laverton Point Cook)
 
Please join us in October to raise awareness and funds for the End Polio Now campaign. 
 
Polio walk around Albert Park Lake Sat 24 October commencing at 10am – join us for a 5km walk, or do as much as you can. Walk Your Way - quick or slow. Everyone is welcome. 
Red End Polio Now t-shirts will be available and we hope to a few hundred Rotarians joining the walk. What an impact we will have. 
 
Register now via https://rotarywalk.raisely.com  
 
Polio Eradication 2020-10-05 13:00:00Z 0

Rotary Means Business

Clubbing in Rotary -  Rotary Means Business
This Fellowship’s mission statement is:  “Rotary Means Business encourages Rotarians to support the success of their fellow Rotarians by doing business with them, and by referring others to them.”
Paul Harris (founder of Rotary) had been very successful in business, and he valued hard work and ethical practice in whatever occupation his fellow Rotarians had worked or were continuing to work. He realised that skills acquired from the workplace could be very useful in Rotary and he saw no reason why Rotarians shouldn’t support each other in their businesses and occupations.
It is not uncommon in Rotary clubs for Rotarians to support each other’s business enterprises on an informal basis. This might include purchasing from their stores, attending their specialist clinic, or seeking their professional financial or legal advice and many others.
However the practice of networking in Rotary became more formalised in 2004 with the first Rotary Means Business chapter established in San Francisco. Other Rotary clubs in the area followed this lead and established their own chapters. Unfortunately, over time, these groups became inactive, as there was no central organisation to keep them together. 
In 2008 a Sydney Rotarian visited the San Francisco Bay area and discovered Rotary Means Business. On his return to Australia he established a RMB chapter in Sydney.
Back in San Francisco Rotary Means Business resumed and a website was launched in 2011.
Finally at the end of 2013 the Directors of Rotary International formally approved Rotary Means Business as an International Fellowship.
In 2017 the Fellowship partnered with Rotary Global Rewards to enhance the value of both organisations.
Global Rewards is a program that offers Rotary and Rotaract members discounts on products and services such as travel, entertainment and merchandise. It was established to help clubs enhance member satisfaction and retention and to thank members for their service and generous support for the Rotary Foundation. 
There are several styles of organisation of Rotary Means Business:
  • Single Club Model.  This is a single club arrangement that is not so popular now. Most clubs find interacting with other Rotary Means Business chapters more beneficial due to the potential range of exposure to many other Rotarians for networking
  • Multi–Club Model. This is where groups of Rotary clubs get together to form their own chapter. Currently this is the most common method of organisation.
  • District Model. This style works successfully when there is the support of the District Governor and district level membership and vocational service chairs.
  • National Model. This model is no longer encouraged by the Fellowship although a few areas, mostly in South America have been organised in this way.
There is a lengthy guide to forming a local chapter of the Fellowship and certain policies, procedures and some legal matters accompany these requirements. However, there is considerable latitude in how each chapter conducts its meetings or gatherings of Rotarians.
Rotary Means Business 2020-10-05 13:00:00Z 0

Club Development

This was the the subject of discussion at our last Rotary Zoom Meeting .
Which was led by  President David Whiting, who reported on the outcome of the recent Board meeting. Which led to the following plan
 
Until Xmas
Till then we expect to be locked down
Our club meetings will continue to be held on Tuesday evenings on Zoom  and we  will encourage visitors to join us
We  are also developing a flyer to promote our Club. David Dippie is designing this flyer and Cameron has offered to do the delivery
Overall we will target 1200 homes, Each delivery will include 150 flyers
 
The flyer will  advertise Rotary and the  Guest Speakers at  our club meetings.
People  wishing to attend will be able  respond via the “Contact Tab” on the club website and could use “Try Booking.
In future, either method will capture the person’s email address as we send out the link to our zoom meeting.
We recognize that letter dropping is hard work but  we hope to get at least. 1-2 responses per 100 letters
 
We need to focus our recruiting to the region West of Keilor .because the Eastern region is already well represented by other  Rotary Clubs.
We are also updating our promotion on Facebook and the promotion will emphasise the good work that Rotary does
We will target local businesses and previous members of our Club, we will promote our good projects such as Handbrake Turn
 
Another drawcard will the promotion of our guest speakers.  These Guest Speakers will be advertised on Facebook and on the club website.
Our Board also plans to develop an elevator statement to present to people when talking about Rotary.
This  statement aims to have about 90 words which can be delivered in about one minute
 
After Xmas
Covid has forced us  to meet on Zoom only but after Xmas Face to face meetings will hopefully resume.
When we will resume these face to face meetings,  the Meeting time start will remain 7pm in lieu of 6.30pm.
And the pattern will be in the following sequence.
1st week -Zoom meeting,
 2nd week -Physical meeting,                                
 3rd week  -Zoom meeting,                                   
4th meeting - Physical meeting,  the fourth meeting can be a social activity.                                                
Zoom meetings will effectively reduce the cost of meetings for members.
The previous cost of attending our Club taking into account the meal, the raffle and buying a drink could have amounted to $30 per week                                          
Now we will try to reduce the cost hopefully to $60 per month which is significant.
The Meeting venue will be chosen a month in advance.
Meals served at the physical meetings will be at 7.15pm.
In the  Months which have five Tuesday’s such as March and June 2021 The meeting can use the format of  a Rotary Means Business meeting.
 
Club Development 2020-10-05 13:00:00Z 0

Smile

Medical experts in Melbourne today were asked if it is time to ease the COVID lockdown.

Allergists were in favour of scratching it, but Dermatologists advised not to make any rash moves.

Gastroenterologists had sort of a gut feeling about it, but Neurologists thought the government had a lot of nerve.

Obstetricians felt certain everyone was labouring under a misconception, while Ophthalmologists considered the idea short-sighted.

Psychiatrists thought the whole idea was madness, while Radiologists could see right through it.

Anaesthetists thought the whole idea was gas, and those lofty Cardiologists didn’t have the heart to say no.

In the end, the Proctologists won out, leaving the entire decision up to the assholes in politics.
 
 
Smile 2020-10-05 13:00:00Z 0

End Polio Walk

Walk with Us - Rotary End Polio Walk: 1st October to 31st October
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
This October, Walk With Us for those who can’t.
 
Global virus pandemics are not new.  Before vaccines were developed for polio in the 1950s, parents were gripped by terror: over 1,000 children were dying or being paralysed each day.  Now, polio is a distant memory in most countries, but it persists in a few.  The problem is that until we completely eradicate the poliovirus, children everywhere remain at risk.  
 
Alongside Past RI Presidents, Directors and Rotarians from across Australia and New Zealand you are invited to join a challenge this year to honour the life of Past RI President, Sir Clem Renouf, Rotary’s original Polio campaigner.
 

We are challenging you to walk, run or roll 10, 20 or 50km throughout the month and raise vital funds that will help eradicate and prepare us for a Polio free world.

A polio-free world does not mean it’s over either. It requires updated vaccination policies, including the phased withdrawal of oral polio vaccines (OPV), appropriate containment of the poliovirus in facilities, certification that polio has been eradicated, and planning for the transition of knowledge and infrastructure to serve other health goals.

You can do them wherever you like, whenever you like and all while maintaining your social distance. For every kilometre you walk over the month you'll be improving your overall health and wellbeing. Research shows that getting at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical exercise a day is ideal to help reduce your risk of developing breast cancer. 

Be part of the end game strategy and raise funds to help make Polio history so that no child ever again suffers paralytic poliomyelitis

 
Check out the website:  www.rotarywalkwithus.org
End Polio Walk 2020-10-04 13:00:00Z 0

Correction

Unfortunately in yesterday's Bulletin there was an error in the story advertising a Polio Eradication Event for a walk around Albert Park on Saturday 24th October. This event will not be taking place this year due to Covid-19 restrictions. Please see the story below for the replacement event.
Correction 2020-10-04 13:00:00Z 0
Environmental Sustainability September Newsletter 2020-09-28 14:00:00Z 0

Recruiting New memebrs

      Recruiting new members
 
This was the subject of discussion at our last Zoom meeting.    We had 19 attendees and the discussion lasted the whole hour. I also received an email which was a  written record ot all that was said. This contained more than 9000 words and 20 pages . . The following is an abbreviated version on what these attendees said on the night . It contains headlines of most of their opinions and excellent suggestions for our recruiting plan
 
 In addition   I had  telephone discussions with  3 of our members, Gavin Thoms, Norm Draper and Joe Raimondo and each  offered to write a detailed opinion  on the plan of recruiting . I have included their plan in the paragraphs shown below
 
COMMENTS  from Gavin Thoms
 
 Situation
1. The effectiveness of our club has peaked and is now undergoing a transformation. We wish to better direct and refocus the rate of change.
2. Can we do anything to refocus our transformation? Yes, we can. We must identify our new objectives and agree the action needed.
3. Are there enough members sufficiently interested to better control the club’s transformation? Yes, there is a core of members who are willing and able to identify a way ahead.
4. Having identified the way ahead we then need to seek agreement among our members.
Proposed Approach
For fifty years, Keilor Rotary has been effective in doing good in our local and global communities. We should establish our benchmark by first summarising our very substantial achievements. Subsequently, we should identify those objectives that we wish to retain, and those that are now essential to ongoing healthy social interaction among our members. A summary of our achievements would be a healthy benchmark that would serve to generate interest in our Club and motivate new initiatives.
Our achievements have been numerous and worthwhile. As we age, we might adapt our focus and rate of effort to better reflect our capabilities and our social needs. In particular, we need to continue most of our contributions to our communities and concurrently enhance the social interactions among our members. We need to strengthen our fellowship while assisting others outside our club to develop socially effective programs.
Our membership is ageing and is less able to contribute to physically demanding projects. We should reduce each member’s physical workload while keeping a useful fraction of the current projects in place.
First, we could decrease our rate of effort at the Bunnings Sausage Sizzle by half. We might do this by keeping alternate months and by inviting Rotoract to do the other months. This would ensure a reduced workload for our members. Simultaneously, we would develop closer ties with Rotaract, and we would keep faith with Bunnings as we would be seen to be maintaining our allocated schedule. In turn, by giving Rotoract one half of our total schedule we would be helping them to earn money. Subsequently, they could assist us when we need help with any of our larger projects that we might need to review.
This approach could take some strain off our members and it may in turn give us some breathing space. Such space may allow us to concentrate on looking for some new members. A similar approach might be applied to other major projects. We could adjust the details as we progress.
For your consideration.
Dr Gavin Thoms
0417077688
 
COMMENTS FROM JOE RAIMONDO
 
Here is my 2 bobs worth on possible ideas to attract new members
 
1) Target business managers and owners in our catchment.
Business Proposition - Opportunity to get to know, socialise  and network with other fellow business owners and contribute to local community.
 
2) Invite local business owners to be guest speakers at our meetings to tell us about themselves and their business  ( similar to members Job talk). Use this as an opportunity to invite other business owners  to come to the meeting and learn about the guest speakers and their business.
In particular target any new business opening up in the area to come and tell us about themselves and promote their business.
Business Proposition - Opportunity to promote their business.
In particular seek businesses that can enlighten members and guest on new technologies  e.g Cloud computing
 
3) Once COVID Restrictions are lifted.    Beef up social activities and invite local Business owners and potential new members to attend - e.g.  Micro Brewery Tours, Wine tastings & winery tours,   dinner at  William Anglis  and vocational/industry  visits.
 
4) Review what businesses/professions are covered by existing members and what businesses are not.   Target missing businesses.
e.g. we have solicitor, doctor, pharmacist, mechanic & builder.   But we don’t have electrician, restaurateur, real-estate agent, chiropractor, investment advisers, masseur, Computer/IT  etc etc   
 
COMMENTS FROM NORM DRAPER
 
The points that I made last night (some previously) were:
 
It doesn’t matter what we change, unless we boost membership with at least 5 or 6 new members (ideally younger and more diverse) within the next two years, we will continue be at serious risk.
 
Anything we change should be changed as soon as COVID-19 permits and be directed at facilitating timely membership growth.
 
I agree that the focus for membership growth should be directed at:
  • community minded locals;
  • local business owners and operators; and
  • recent retirees (with a caveat around residents of older retirement villages).
We have strengths in that we (and Rotary more generally) can offer:
  • Social interaction & enjoyment
  • Opportunities to do do good things via projects and fundraising (the social benefit)
  • Added value to business owners and operators through expanding their networks and potential customer contacts, and by providing personal development, learning and leadership experiences via our members, our projects and through wider Rotary opportunities.
There are some fine tunings we should look at, eg: 
Meeting venue
Physical meeting frequency
How we "welcome"
Having energetic speakers who can excite.
 
But, above all else, we need those new members - and time is of the essence because the strengths that we can offer are deteriorating as our membership reduces and as we age.  Turning these two matters (membership size and age) around quickly will enhance longevity - a failure to do so will lead us closer to the grave.
 
Norm
 
OTHER MEMBERS COMMENTS
 
The balance of the attendees which included the other 16 attendees  had a variety of ideas . and these are listed as follows.
1.We should increase our involvement in the community and  emphasise the moral purpose of Rotary such as  the 4 way test.
2. Successful Rotary Clubs seem to recruit migrants into their Club from countries such as South East Asia . They sometimes join Rotary while already supporting a charity and wish that Rotary will help their cause,
3.We should also aim for younger members and particularly female recruits. We should also reduce the cost of  joining our Club as well the cost of attending
4. When visitors attend our Club it is important to make them feel  welcome. They should be introduced to the President and we should give them the opportunity to explain their vocation and their contact details .
5. Networking is an important part of Rotary. We already use the services of each other at the Club . We should seek members with other vocations with the aim getting to know them better
6.Meeting on Zoom makes it easy for people to attend . This could be done 3 times per month and the remaining meeting could be a social event .. If we continue to meet face to face we ought to  consider varying the venue
7. Improving our performance will result in retention of members which should be  an important goal
8.Our visitors and contacts could be offered to become Friends of Rotary . This is a low key involvement with our Club and some of the friends could volunteer to assist us  with some of our projects
8 We need to seek a  link with local Council
9 Need to recruit members from the charities we support
10 Consider shifting the Club to Brimbank
11 Offer people opportunity to give back to the community
12 Link with the local schools
Recruiting New memebrs 2020-09-28 14:00:00Z 0

Second Best Job in the World

Julian Mather is our guest speaker via Zoom on Tuesday 6th October at 7 pm
 
Julian has seen the world through many lenses: 
  • Through a telescopic sight as an army sniper 
  • Through the TV lens as a globe-trotting cameraman for ABCTV, National Geographic and BBC Discovery
  • Through smoke and mirrors as a professional magician
Julian has earned his living and excelled in all three. But he didn’t do it alone. 
His ringside view of life had him literally falling into the arms of murderers and rapists, following base jumpers on their quest to launch off the world’s highest cliffs and hanging out with the world’s happiest man.
 
This is your opportunity to see the world from a different perspective.
To Join this Zoom meeting please use the Contact Tab on the website
Second Best Job in the World 2020-09-24 14:00:00Z 0
Don't Quit By John Greenleaf 2020-09-21 14:00:00Z 0

Vivid Design Guest Speaker

 
Carolyn Blackman  whose gardening company called Vivid Design , a multi gold medal award winning garden designer  was our presenter at last Tuesday Zoom Rotary  meeting .  She gave a wonderful display of her gardening achievements over the years .  Carolyn has been competing at Garden shows around Australia for many years and has in fact won the prize at the Melbourne Show many times .  Last year Vivid Design won their 19th MIFGS Gold award Australian Shows  including Sydney, Perth and 20 show gardens for MIFGS  We were fortunate to have Carolyn joining us as she lives locally in East Keilor and some of our members have used her services. She features regularly on the ABC radio on Saturday mornings . She respects Rotary especially as her father was a charter member of the Rotary Club of Keilor East. Her video show displayed some amazing work that her company has done to decorate and modernize some large gardens  Those of us who have visited some of these gardens such as the Point Leo vineyard were able to relate to the subject and admire her work .  
Her company  called Vivid Design was formed in 1996 by Carolyn and her husband Joby . The combined influence of Joby and Carolyn has ensured that  gardens have equal emphasis on hard landscape design and planting design. "Our approach to landscape design is always contextual – the people, the architecture and surrounding environment being the major influential factors in the finished design. Our philosophy is that the gardens we design should be unique and devoid of authorship. The subtle weaving in of history, ‘stories’ or other more personal elements is also a particular design influence."
 
The focus of the combination of skills and influence is to design gardens that have equal emphasis on hard landscape design and planting design. The Vivid approach to landscape design is always contextual – with the architecture and surrounding environment being major influential factors in the finished design. The subtle weaving in of history, ‘stories’ or other more personal elements is also a particular design influence for Vivid.
Vivid Design’s gardens are designed to:
❖ Compliment and enhance the environment in which they are situated (including architecture of the buildings and surrounds)
❖ Reflect the needs of the client and ultimately those people that will use the space
❖ Meet achievable maintenance levels to ensure the gardens long-term success  .  
 
 
Vivid Design’s clients include residential developments in Melbourne, Sydney and rural areas of Victoria. and Commercial clients
Vivid Design Guest Speaker 2020-09-21 14:00:00Z 0

Rotary on the Move

‘NEW CLUBS ARE A SIGN OF THE TIMES’ Article by RI Director-Elect Jessie Harman
 “Over the past six weeks  I have attended charter events for three new clubs. They are examples of the new types of Rotary and Rotaract clubs emerging in our midst and evidence that Rotary is adapting to the times.
The Rotary Club of End Human Trafficking, chartered in the USA, is a causebased club. Its members share a deep commitment to ending forced labour and sex trafficking and its activities and service projects are primarily directed towards that end. Whilst located administratively in District 5960, its membership is international and meetings are held online.
Closer to home in District 9685, the Rotary Social Impact Network celebrated its charter in June. It is an alumni-based club, with members drawn from youth-focused Rotary programs, including Rotaract and RYLA. The Network is targeted towards young people who are actively engaged in Rotary, but have not found a suitable place in Rotary’s traditional clubs. Rather than ‘meet’ in the traditional way, members engage in a range of leadership activities through an online platform.
The third event, the charter of the Rotaract Club of Woolloongabba Pride, occurred on the world stage as part of the Rotary International Virtual Convention. Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Woolloongabba in District 9630, the Pride club will support Queensland’s LGBTIQ community. It is open to anyone from any background and sexual orientation and members are currently working on three main projects: supporting Brisbane’s Rainbow Hub, fundraising for Open Doors Youth Service in Fortitude Valley and developing its own youth program to educate younger people on health and wellbeing.
 These three clubs are part of a growing number of new types of clubs being established to meet the needs of people who wish to connect with Rotary, but are unable or unwilling to join our traditional clubs. Other new club types emerging around the world include satellite clubs, corporate clubs and eClubs as well as hybrid clubs that combine both physical and online meetings. These new types of Rotary and Rotaract clubs are a sign that Rotary is evolving to remain modern and responsive to the changing needs of volunteers. They are also an essential element of our future growth and, alongside our traditional clubs, enable us to expand our reach, attract a more diverse membership, and leverage new ideas and approaches to improve communities around the world.
Learn more about growing Rotary through new club types The Zone 8 Membership Team is hosting two online forums to explore new styles of Rotary clubs as a path to membership development and growth. The forums in September and October will cover new types of clubs, processes for starting new clubs and the factors underpinning their success. The forums are recommended for District Leaders, District and Club Membership Committee Chairs and others with an interest in starting new styles of clubs. “
Rotary on the Move 2020-09-19 14:00:00Z 0
Smile 2020-09-19 14:00:00Z 0

Recruiting New Members

At our last meeting President David Whiting led a discussion about starting a Club recruitment program . This was followed by our Glenda Bryson displaying a powerpoint presentation about the Rotary Club of Adelaide which recently had a successful program of finding new recruits. The following photos are taken from this powerpoint presentation   Five years ago the Rotary Club of Adelaide faced the brutal fact that in the previous 15 years it had seen a gradual decline of 30% in its membership, which was rapidly aging and seriously lacking in diversity.
Incoming President at the time and now Past District Governor David Egan, together with his team, which included subsequent Presidents, initiated a strategic approach for revival and renewal that focused on retaining long serving older members whilst embracing change. Five years on the club, which is the 2nd biggest in Australia and New Zealand, has a vibrant, growing and much more diverse membership base. As shown in the photo below there was a predominance of senior members

And there was an uneven Gender Balance
So the plan was to encourage the recruiting of more female  members
 
It was also time to reinvent ourselves and the following was our yearly plan
 
After 5 years of the campaign These were the satisfying results
 
 
Note the increase in each of the 5 categories Now we are more diverse
                              
 
We have embedded a Fellowship and Speaker program
             
 
 
The  Strategic Action Plan covered 5 years
 
            
 
 
 
            

                 In Summary

If we are not sure why our club is shrinking, ask these questions:
1. Is my club's meeting time, format, and location convenient for members with families or young professionals still building their careers?
2. How well does my club reflect the age, gender, and professional diversity of my community?
3. Whose interests are reflected in my club's programs?
4. Do ceremonial activities take time away from speakers, club business, project planning, and networking?
5. Does my club have a plan in place to contact guests after they visit?
 
   
Recruiting New Members 2020-09-14 14:00:00Z 0

Smile

                               
Smile 2020-09-14 14:00:00Z 0

September is Education & Literacy Month

Literacy is at the heart of basic education for all, and essential for eradicating poverty, reducing child mortality, curbing population growth, achieving gender equality and ensuring sustainable development, peace and democracy  Literacy is a significant and specific goal for Rotary
September is Education & Literacy Month 2020-09-14 14:00:00Z 0

Carolyn Blackman- Speaker on Zoom

Join the Rotary Club of Keilor's Zoom meeting  next Tuesday 15th  September to watch  a presentation by gardening expert Carolyn Blackman
Carolyn has over 20 years experience in Horticulture and Landscape Design. She is a regular guest on Saturday Morning Gardening program on Melbourne radio ABC 774 and an advocate for a range of Vertical Garden products.
 
 
 
Our Zoom meeting commences at 7pm sharp to join this informative presentation please use the Contact Tab on this website
Carolyn Blackman- Speaker on Zoom 2020-09-08 14:00:00Z 0

Colour your World

 A Promotion from our District 9800  Announcing of a new Area of Focus– ‘Supporting the Environment’
 
Environmental Sustainability as the new Area of Focus and  has the potential of transforming Rotary and some believe it is the equivalent of two other Rotary Milestones – End Polio and the introduction of Rotary membership to Women. It aligns with the current surge of interest, support and concern in the community. It is probably the biggest door that opens opportunities.
 
- Our DG Challenge:     
 The current lock down and on-going pandemic has sabotaged many activities. DG Philip Archer’s challenges the Environmental Sustainability Committee to come up with a safe activity to engage members while in lock down.
The Response:
‘Colour your World’ (in the current world of shades of grey)
  •  Members can grow plants that encourage insects, butterflies, birds, bees and other pollinators while adding colour to our world. Members choose their seeds they want to plant
  • • Seeds can be ordered on line (or from your local nursery if ‘click & collect’ facility available). Members are encouraged to select seeds/seedlings that promote insects, butterflies, birds, bees and other pollinators; and/or vegetables.
  • • Grow these plants in the front or back gardens, balconies, rooftops or pots.
  • • Members can be engaged by helping each other with tips, sharing information, posting their photos or videos at Zoom meetings.
• Gardening is well recognised for its positive impact on mental health and general well-being o it is a simple idea
o it is a tangible activity
o it does not involve leaving your home and is therefore safe
o it is an opportunity to engage members
o the message is clear – Colour your World so we can Colour our World
 
                                                        
We believe Colour your World can work:
 
Colour your World is the first step in a broader strategy that the Committee will be supporting. The immediate focus is that this initiative that can be started straight away.
The call to action
  • • Engage your Club’s leadership team
  • • Nominate an Environmental Sustainability representative to manage the initiative and have them report to the club monthly (encourage them to be an ESRAG member which provides a large range of resources and ideas – cost is $US30pa)
In taking this up, your Club gets the chance to support this new Area of Focus.
Colour your World 2020-09-07 14:00:00Z 0

Bolton Clarke

           Bolton Clarke
 
Our guest speaker at the zoom meeting  last Tuesday was Theresamarie Hanley from the nursing company Bolton Clarke which  provides independent living services through -home care, retirement living and residential aged care
She was introduced by our Norm Draper . Her address had exceptional interest for our Club because of our  important project each December of supplying Xmas bags to
the elderly in our local community. Last year we also had the support of  suppliers such as Bendigo Bank East Keilor, Sukin Organics, Ferguson Plarre Bakehouse, The Reject Shop, Jason Atkins Pharmacy, Pharmacy Alliance and Sigma Co Limited
We hope once again to distribute these   Bags at Christmas time with the assistance of  Bolton Clarke
 
Norm had asked Theresamarie to particularly speak to us about Bolton Clarke's recent activities and programs generally and about how it has been impacted by and handled the COVID-19 circumstances - including the respective impacts of the various lockdown stages we have faced.
Theresamarie   was very happy to be asked to speak to our club as her husband’s family has spent much of their lives working for Rotary in Reservoir and beyond.
 
Theresamaries background is that she has been in district nursing since 1991. She started in the Essendon area as a primary care nurse before spending 15 years as part of the palliative care team caring for dying clients at home.  She then worked at the Customer Service Centre taking clinical calls and managing an out of hours nursing team.  Two and half years ago she moved to Bolton Clarke’s West Hub and is now the Operations Manager of its Western Region.
Theresamarie is very proud to be working with the Bolton Clark nurses especially at the moment as they have shown such great resilience and flexibility during this pandemic.  This pandemic is not the first the nurses have faced.  Through Bolton Clarke’s forebears the Melbourne District Nursing Society established in the late 1880’s and the RSL, established in 1916, it had a heavy involvement in the Spanish Flu pandemic in 1919 - and has followed that with another 100 years of providing nursing care and support to vulnerable people in Melbourne before our current COVID-19 pandemic struck.
 
From a single nurse walking the streets of Melbourne to our first veterans hostel in Brisbane the company’s tradition of care and history of service continues to inspire and guide their work. Their  long held values of compassion and respect remain at the heart of everything they do.  So Bolton Clarke offers a lot of services to support more people across home care, retirement living and residential aged around Australia thus enabling clients  to live their  best possible life.
Theresamarie’s presentation was very inspiring
Bolton Clarke 2020-09-07 14:00:00Z 0

Friends of  Rotary - Werribee Rotary

The Rotary Club of Werribee has developed this association for their Club over many years now and they have 50 Friends on their listIt uses the plan that if you want to be able to help on a specific Rotary project but don't have the time or financial capacity to become a full member, you can become  a Friend of Rotary.
 
As a Friend of Rotary, you are welcome to attend their meetings but there is no obligation. The Club  sends friends a copy of their weekly newsletter (The Bulletin) to keep you in touch with what's going on in the club and if you see an event or project that they are planning and you would like to contribute in some way, you can simply contact them.
 
Thus Werribee Rotary has this growing list of people registered as Friends of Rotary.  Their involvement increases the opportunity to do bigger and better things in the community. At the same time, it will give these friends a good insight about Rotary and the club may eventually lead to them considering becoming a member in the future.
So, if you want to get involved in great community projects, all you need to do is complete the Friends of Rotary form and we  get back to you as soon as possible
Friends of Rotary - Werribee Rotary 2020-09-07 14:00:00Z 0
Smile 2020-09-07 14:00:00Z 0

Famous Rotarians

John F. Kennedy   Rotary Club of Hyannis, MA   President, USA
 
 
 
Walt Disney   Rotary Club of Palm Springs, CA   Animation filmmaker
 
 
 
Francis   Rotary Club of Buenos Aires  is  now the Pope
Pope
 
 
Sir Donald Bradman -  Australian Cricketer . Rotary Club of Adelaide
 
 
Luciano Pavarotti   Rotary Club of Modena   Italian opera singer
 
 
Neil Armstrong   Rotary Club of Wapakoneta, OH  As Astronaut he was the  first man to walk on the moon
 
 
 
Famous Rotarians 2020-08-31 14:00:00Z 0

WHO Declares Africa Polio Free

The World Health Organization (WHO) on 25 August announced that transmission of the wild poliovirus has officially been stopped in all 47 countries of its African region. This is a historic and vital step toward global eradication of polio, which is Rotary’s top priority.
 
After decades of hard won gains in the region, Rotary and its partners in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) — WHO, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, UNICEF, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Gavi, the vaccine alliance — are proclaiming the milestone an achievement in public health. They offer it as proof that strong commitment, coordination, and perseverance can rid the world of polio.
The certification that the African region is free of wild poliovirus comes after the independent Africa Regional Certification Commission (ARCC) conducted thorough field verifications that confirmed no new cases and analyzed documentation of polio surveillance, immunization, and laboratory capacity by Cameroon, Central African Republic, Nigeria, and South Sudan. The commission had already accepted the documentation of the other 43 countries in the region.
The last cases of polio caused by the wild virus in the African region were recorded in Nigeria’s northern state of Borno in August 2016, after two years with no cases. Conflict, along with challenges in reaching mobile populations, had hampered efforts to immunize children there.
Now that the African region is free of wild poliovirus, five of WHO’s six regions, representing more than 90 percent of the world’s population, are now free of the disease. Polio caused by the wild virus is still endemic in Afghanistan and Pakistan, in the WHO’s Eastern Mediterranean region.
The African region’s wild polio-free certification was celebrated during a livestream event. Speakers included Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, Bill Gates, Rotary International President Holger Knaack, Nigeria PolioPlus chair Dr. Tunji Funsho, and representatives of other GPEI partners. The celebration was followed by a press conference.
 
In the program, Knaack spoke about people needing good news during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. “The challenges ahead are formidable,” Knaack said. “That’s why we must recognize this great achievement and commend all the people who played important roles in reaching this milestone. It took tremendous effort over many years.”
An achievement decades in the making
Not detecting any wild poliovirus in Africa is in stark contrast to the situation in 1996, when 75,000 children there were paralyzed by the disease. That year, at a meeting of the Organization of African Unity in Cameroon, African heads of state committed to eradicating the disease from the continent.
To bolster the effort, also in 1996, Rotary, its GPEI partners, and South African President Nelson Mandela launched the Kick Polio Out of Africa campaign. Using soccer matches and celebrity endorsements, the campaign raised awareness of polio and helped more than 30 African countries to hold their first National Immunization Days. Mandela’s call to action helped mobilize leaders across the continent to increase their efforts to reach every child with polio vaccine. .
WHO Declares Africa Polio Free 2020-08-31 14:00:00Z 0

Charter Night 2020

The focus of our Zoom meeting last .  Tuesday was the celebration of Charter night, remembering the  creation of our Club in 1962. There was a maximum attendance of most of our members . They were accompanied by their partners and we were particularly pleased to see Glad Joslin the widow our recently deceased member Keith Joslin . The meeting started in a good mood of celebration encouraged by the home delivery of cake and birthday balloon to each of members. This was achieved as result of Mary Engert doing the cooking and packing and Harold and Roz Simpson delivering these gift to the front door of all our members . In the course of the meeting we all enjoyed eating the cake and drinking our wine 
The selected speaker to remind us of some of the history of the Club was      Past President Harold Simpson who led our Club in 2000/2001
Things were so different at these times . Our club was still meeting at lunchtime . This was on a Monday and the location was the  Ultima Function Centre in Keilor Park .  We still had 42 members and 15 are still members today  including Marie Barbera who joined us during that year having recently been widowed
The fax was the communication tool between President, District, other Rotary clubs and other organisations interested in telling their story.
 
That Rotary year our Club boasted many Major Projects. This included.
 
Foodbank
Many members were involved in the major renovation of Foodbanks storage area, food packing area & office.     Approx 2800 man hours was involved.
The club supplied a new refrigerated Ford Transit van to enable food picks from various businesses that donated the excess stock.
A couple of anonymous members donated a ton of rice/pasta a month for 12 months which equated to over 800 meals a month.
 
Peer Support
The club financed and organised the training of School Teachers in skills required to help those students in need. Program was very successful and many Teachers were trained from Primary & Secondary schools in our area.
 
Kids Undercover
An organisation that supplied and built accommodation for young people that had no where to live for various reasons The club undertook the decorating of the Palladium at Crown Casino for the Kids Undercover Ball, in its first year it raised $100 000.00. Our club continued its involvement for a few years.
 
Major focus in house for the club was membership ( nothing has changed)
P.P Doug Fox Lane organised some brainstorming sessions debating ideas on how and where membership could be increased                                                                  
 
Harold Simpson has been a creative and busy Rotarian since that year. As shown in the photo an important activity that occupies him is the Camp Getaway at Axedale near Bendigo . He is a frequent volunteer at this Camp and is now promoting  the rehabilitation of the Mini Golf Course an important feature of the Camp which we created in 2001
 
Charter Night 2020 2020-08-31 14:00:00Z 0
Covid-19 Playset 2020-08-24 14:00:00Z 0

Balywn Membership Drive

 
The best story of  recruitment success  that I can recall  was the result of promotion by the leader of our Keilor Rotary Wine Appreciation events in 2018 and 2019., His name is Stan Gawel and it gave Balwyn Rotary Club the option of showing the District how it can be  done better . In July 2014 the Club had 46 members after eight retired during the year; then at the end September 2015, it grew to 72 members.
By July 2016, it was targeting 100 members. And this target is not vapour-ware --- the club has a pipeline already of a dozen or more potential members.
President Anthea Rutter says the success is due to this Membership Development Director Stan Gawel, but Stan says he’s got plenty of great helpers. [PHOTO: Stan with a barra he caught near Darwin — these days he fishes for Rotary recruits]. Stan had been with Balwyn RC for only 18 months: “One of my friends in a mutual organisation invited me,” he says.
His business is the tough game of wine wholesaling, and before that, retail banking around the State. “Getting members is a sales exercise and the Rotary Club is your product,” he says. “Get off your chair, target suitable people and make the sale face-to-face. Everyone says it’s difficult but I just say, ‘Have you ever asked anyone?’”
To illustrate the importance of face-to-face, he tells how the club in August divided the suburb into four zones and letter-boxed them with 3000 flyers. The number of inquiries: zero.
They also put up a recruiting booth at the Camberwell Sunday Market on three occasions to see what response we could achieve. No recruits resulted but he believes it promoted Rotary generally and could have gained recruits to other clubs.
“Most Rotarians are uncomfortable about sales, but they should be brave and sell the benefits, like giving back to the community, friendships and a lively social program,” he says.
“Be upfront about the expense; Rotary isn’t cheap. And when prospects say they’re too busy raising kids, it’s a cop-out. Our best recruits are the busiest people.
“Club member George Skandalellis and I cold-called heaps of small businesses around Balwyn last month and that’s getting us four likely members, additional to five business owners recruited earlier. We also asked all the businesses to be gift sponsors for our Christmas raffle, and that got us $2500 worth of raffle prizes-- all for just two hours work.”
Most of the club’s 18 recruits last year are female, improving the female ratio to 30%. “But our pipeline is 10 prospective guys so we got our ladies together last week and asked them to keep the female ratio going by bringing a girlfriend  to our special membership night on October 27.
“Our cold calls were largely to male-owned businesses but this month we’re going with a lady member and targeting female places like dress shops.”
The club has upgraded its website, Facebook and social media and Stan says 3-4 members came in last year that way.
 “I’m targeting right now an insurance chap who’s on the committee of a key sports club. If I can win him over, he’s likely to bring others in from his club.”
Even the club’s guest speakers can become recruits. “We’ve converted one and potentially two more,” he says.
Stan is on the Fathers’ Association of Genazzano College, Kew, and he reckons there are 5-6 prospects there. One may join when the school year ends in November.
The club helps many charities and it’s no crime to suggest the executives join up, Stan says.
Another tactic is to try to convert some of the club’s Friends of Rotary pool into members.
 “Whatever works, go for it,” he says.
Balywn Membership Drive 2020-08-24 14:00:00Z 0

Our Assistant Governor

 
At our last Zoom meeting we were blessed by having the visit from our A.G. Domenic Cichello . Domenic  was introduced by his good friend Tom Barber Domenic was raised in the Bairnsdale Area and graduated from the Bairnsdale Technical School
He met Tom Barber while working at the former Department of Civil Aviation and working in the  administrative capacity within the Airports Branch.
Apart from providing administrative support to Engineers and Building and Technical Officers within the branch, he was also involved in producing and maintaining the Civil and Building Works and Maintenance program for the branch.
He has been a Rotarian since 1985 and says that in being a member of a Rotary Club “ I have been able to, satisfy my desire to contribute to the world community.
“This opportunity to serve has been presented in repeated opportunities; irrespective of where the life issues have been thrust upon a community or individuals. These opportunities to serve fellow human beings have arisen due to conflicts which have been imposed by a natural or catastrophic disaster or by the devastation caused by an expansionary power bases; or by economic conflict or otherwise by evolutionary neglect.”

By being active in Rotary it has provided him the opportunity, as an individual, to help change lives and further develop his  community spirit through my participation and involvement.
“I first have joined Rotary, as a charter member of a newly formed club in 1985.    I was also privileged to have been selected as a Charter President of a new club in 2013-14.
Then I became founding member and Vice President of the recently chartered Rotary Club of Wyndham Harbour.”
He also was District 9800 -Committee Member & Southern Region Delegate for the Rotary Oceania Medical Aid for Children (ROMAC)
          
    
         Domenic’s Message
 
As well as entertaining us with the story of his Rotary Experience. Domenic used the example of his Wyndham Harbour Rotary Club’s success and particularly the contribution of their recruiting new members with the intention of using their vocation as a basis for Networking.    Networking has been the strength of Rotary every since its inception in 1905 and we should resume its use to find new members
Rotary mainly provides humanitarian service, encourages high ethical standards and helps build goodwill and peace in the world.  As well  "Rotary is a great way to strengthen one's network of contacts."   It is  a good avenue  for young people  helping them build credibility and stature in the community and. developing   a  virtual Rotary Business Network by creating a  broad directory of Rotarians and friends of Rotary and  their businesses .. So as well as participating in the 5 avenues of Rotary service another benefit of being a Rotarian is to have your business and services promoted to your Rotary peers in this Business Network
Our Assistant Governor 2020-08-24 14:00:00Z 0

Student Exchange

Glenda reported that the ABC had done an article about Rotary Youth Exchange students 'stuck' because of COVID-19.
One of the students that they have interviewed was Yoqub Davlotov, from Tajikistan. Glenda recalls receiving a phone call from Tasmanian Rotarian Felicity Gifford, asking if our club could meet Yoqub at Melbourne Airport and guide him to his flight to Tasmania, as the person who was to do this had a family emergency.
Yoqub was due to fly home to Tajikistan on the 25th of July 2020 - it was in Glenda’s calendar! He may still be in Tasmania due to COVID-19 and low international travel options.
The coronavirus pandemic is testing the resilience of young people on student exchange in Australia and abroad. Rotary's Youth Exchange Program (YEP) sends, on average, 150 teenagers overseas each year and hosts a similar number of foreign students.
The global health crisis has seen 80 of the current contingent return home to Australia or overseas. Some say they are glad to be home, while others are resisting a premature end to their exchange. 'I feel like a Tasmanian' Yoqub Davlatov's student exchange to Australia was his first overseas trip.(Supplied) Tajikistan is home for Yoqub Davlatov, who had been soaking up the Tasmanian way of life for the past 11 months. Unlike other Rotary exchanges, the plan to have the 17-year-old visit Australia was hatched between Rotarian Felicity Gifford and Yoqub's family a few years ago when Ms Gifford volunteered in the Central Asian nation. Yoqub said the support of Ms Gifford and her family, as well as his Tasmanian friends, helped him enjoy his first trip overseas. "It felt very strange but I got used to it, and now I feel like I'm one of these people. They treat me like I'm living there," he said. "It's really good to feel like a Tasmanian person. "Yoqub Davlatov has developed a love of bushwalking since arriving in Australia.(Supplied)
The biggest challenge for Yoqub and Ms Gifford was finding a way for him to return home, with few routes available to Tajikistan. "[The exchange has been] worthwhile because the opportunities he's had have changed his life," she said.
 
'I'm safer here' Fifteen-year-old Sofia Seneme is on a year's exchange in Wagga Wagga in south-western New South Wales. She said it had been difficult to watch her country of Brazil become one of the world's coronavirus hotspots. Sofia Seneme says she feels safer living in Australia than back in Brazil at the moment.(ABC Riverina: Mollie Gorman)
"I worry about my family. My city is the worst city [with coronavirus] in the region.
"My family were happy for me to stay. They feel I am safer here."
Sofia's choice to remain in Wagga Wagga was mostly because of her love for the region's natural beauty and the friendships she had forged.
Student Exchange 2020-08-17 14:00:00Z 0
District 9800 Zoom Breakfast 2020-08-17 14:00:00Z 0

Projects for our Club

This was the topic of discussion at our last meeting .. Our presenting members reminded us what projects the Club hopes to achieve in the coming year Hand Brake Turn
Gavin Toms Who is on our organizing committee .reminded us that Hand Brake Turn Creates Opportunities for life for specific people Our Rotary Club of Keilor is a proud supporter of this Hand Brake Turn an organisation helping to turn around the lives of disadvantaged young people. It provides hand’s on training in automotive skills for young people aged 15 to 19 who have difficulty within the mainstream education system.
 
Medical Equipment Reissue Project
David Dippie is involved in this project. The Rotary Club of Keilor, together with a number of other Rotary Clubs in Melbourne’s west, have established a program to facilitate the placement of donated second hand mobility & lifestyle aids into the community where such placement is endorsed and requested by a health, allied health, aged care, disability service provider etc as meeting a need that cannot otherwise be met in a reasonable timeframe because of its urgency, lack of access to funding etc. The types of equipment include walkers, commodes, shower chairs, mechanical slings, non-motorised wheelchairs, adjustable beds etc which have been sourced from organizations and individuals who no longer need it. Available equipment will have been checked and appropriately cleaned, and will be provided on the understanding that it is second hand and that full responsibility for its use rests entirely with the user.
 
Christmas Bags for the Elderly Citizens:
Norm Draper reminded us how in the Year 2019, our Rotaty Club of Keilor provided Christmas Bags to the elderly in our local community. We had the support of the following suppliers Bendigo Bank East Keilor, Sukin Organics, Fergunson Plarre Bakehouse, The Reject Shop, Jason Atkins Pharmacy, Pharmacy Alliance, Sigma Co Limited We hope once again to distribute these Christmas Bags with the assistance of the Bolton Clarke Nurses
 
YEAR 11 TO YEAR 12 SCHOLARSHIPS –
With the leadership of Ted Haydon we aim to obtain another District Grant for the Keilor Downs Secondary College student who will commence Year 11 in 2020 and complete Year 12 in 2021 and who’s family is financially challenged. We hope to receive $500 from District and $500 from us will assist student at this school.
 
Glenda Bryson talked about ROCAN
A project whose aim is to raise public awareness of ovarian cancer and to fund the development of an early screening test for the disease. Since its inception, ROCAN has raised approximately one million dollars. Over the years, it funded research at the Royal Women’s Hospital and the University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research. Some of the research was funded with matching grants from Australian Rotary Health.
 
Harold Simpson spoke about Camp Getaway Mini-golf Course
Wich is urgently in need of maintenance This made us recall the Grand Opening of Golf course in December 2011. The following is the report in our District Bulletin “A large crowd gathered to see the fruits of the labours of the Rotary Club of Keilor, as PDG Colin Gibbons officially opened the nine hole mini-golf course. Brainchild of PP Russell Atkins and PP David Dippie, the course was designed with input from students at the Keilor Primary School.
Alluding to the three and a half year construction phase, PP Russell quipped that he thought he ought to set an opening date for the project before the primary school students started university! The date certainly galvanized the completion phase of the project, with tireless input from the Rotary Club of Keilor, assisted with civil works from
members of the Rotary Club of Bendigo Sandhurst, and landscaping works from the Rotary Club of Keilor East; plus numerous other club and community contributions.
A feature of the nine hole mini-golf course is its ready access for camp users who are in wheelchairs, or. who have some mobility disability All features of Camp Getaway
(Rotary D9800), are focused on access by people of all abilities to mark the opening, Master of ceremonies, PP Russell, assisted by PDG Colin presented a ceremonial
putter to Chair of the Camp Getaway (Rotary D9800) District Committee, PP Paul Kirkpatrick. The nine hole mini-golf course is certainly an asset that the Rotary Club of Keilor and Camp Getaway can be very proud of “
 
Projects for our Club 2020-08-17 14:00:00Z 0
More Smiles 2020-08-17 14:00:00Z 0

 Covid-19 Current News

Dr Bartone detailed the history of Covid dating from its birth in China last year to the gradual spread around the world .  For months Australia has felt optimistic about containing Covid-19, but a resurgence of the virus in Melbourne has put those efforts at a critical stage.
About 300,000 people were ordered back into lockdown this week amid a military-assisted operation to "ring fence" 10 postcodes at the centre of the outbreak.
The problem has escalated in the past fortnight - there were  482 active cases in the state of Victoria.
The numbers remain below Australia's March peak, but what's concerning to authorities is that local transmission which is now the key source of infections.
Previously, most cases were coming from travellers returning from overseas. Australia's curve flattened rapidly three months ago with the enforcement of lockdowns and mandatory hotel quarantines for people
entering the country. It has had about 8,000 cases in total and 104 deaths.
In every other state, the virus has been dramatically slowed or eradicated. So what's gone wrong in Victoria?
There has been failures in hotel quarantine
Premier Daniel Andrews has pinpointed the origin of many infections to workers who were overseeing hotel quarantines breaking the rules. More than 20,000 travellers have gone through 14-day quarantine in the state.
 
A report which traced Covid-19's mutation in Victoria found that hotel staff cases were the "ancestors" of ones found later in suburban homes.
So how did the virus spread? Allegations of blame have been levelled at private security firms contracted to operate the state's quarantine. Neighbouring New South Wales took a different approach - using the police force.
Below it the graph of cases this year
 
Victoria has faced accusations of systemic failures such as guards being improperly trained or not given enough PPE.
Mr Andrews has also described cases of illegal socialising between staff, listing examples of workers sharing a cigarette lighter or car-pooling. Local media also reported claims of sex between guards and quarantined travellers.
The government has ordered a judicial inquiry into their quarantine operation and fired the contractors.
 
Unlike in many states, the virus had been 'seeded'
In early May - during Australia's lockdown - authorities expressed concern about a virus cluster among workers at an abattoir in Melbourne's west.                                               About 111 cases were eventually linked to the site, which had been the subject of a rapid trace-and-track response from authorities. Lockdown restrictions eased a month later, allowing people to again visit friends and family, and enjoy other freedoms such as eating out at restaurants.
But experts believe that secondary cases from that cluster - and possibly others - were still festering undetected in the community.
At the end of his speech, Dr Tony was flooded with questions
It was a stimulating Rotary meeting
Covid-19 Current News 2020-08-10 14:00:00Z 0

New Opportunities for Rotary Clubs

 Posted by PDG Gina Growden- Public Image Coordinator

 In keeping with our new International Theme: "Rotary Opens Opportunities",   the start of a new Rotary year is always an opportune time for all of us to re-assess how we do the things we do in Rotary.
 
Covid-19 means that many of us are staying home more, have more time available and can tackle all those issues that have been shelved in the ‘when I’ve got time’ basket! 
Now is an ideal opportunity for developing a Public Image plan for the 2020-21 Rotary Year. As you all know, without a plan there is little chance of achieving any significant results. Public Image is a vital component of everything we do in Rotary and a plan that is written down and adopted by all members of the club and has clear and achievable goals will ensure that positive outcomes are reached. 
 
 
 
An effective public relations plan for our club will: 
  • Enhance the club’s public image
  • Gain support and resources for projects
  • Build links with other community organisations
  • Attract qualified members
  • Recognise Rotary members for their contribution to the
    community
  • Correct misconceptions about the club and Rotary. 
 
 
Now is also an ideal time to look at our club branding and make appropriate changes to ensure that you comply with Rotary International’s standard. Regardless of whether or not you ‘like’ the compliant Rotary logo (it’s not ’new’ any longer after 7 years! Who calls their 7-year-old car a “new car”?) the decision to change to the logo was made by the Rotary International Board back in 2013, and as Rotarians it is our responsibility to abide by that decision and to make sure that we comply. Does your website display the compliant logo and have all, outdated International themes been replaced by the current 2020-21 theme: Rotary Opens Opportunities? Now is a good time to make those changes. 
Now is also the time to do an audit on your club merchandise—are your banners up to date—if not, order new ones; are your club polo shirts and name badges displaying the correct logo—if not, order new ones—and destroy the old ones—they keep reappearing if you don’t! 
New Opportunities for Rotary Clubs 2020-08-10 14:00:00Z 0

Time to Smile

                                          
Time to Smile 2020-08-10 14:00:00Z 0

The Current Covid-19 Crisis

     Current Covid Crisis                             
was the subject of our last Zoom meeting.
This  meeting attracted more than 15 guests . The drawcard was that the guest speaker was our well known Dr Tony Bartone  Dr Tony has been seen on TV almost every day lately giving update on the current Covid pandemic .At this zoom meeting we had visitors from many sources including Torquay, and at least 2 visitors  had attended our meetings previously . and we hope that they may develop the interest to see us more regularly
Covid-19 means that many of us are staying home more and have more time available and can tackle all those issues that have been shelved in the ‘when I’ve got time’ basket! 
We need to see visiting faces more often
Now is an ideal opportunity for developing a Public Image plan for the 2020-21 Rotary Year
Dr Bartone gave us permission to record his address so if  you missed it and would like to view it  , the link is
 
 
The Current Covid-19 Crisis 2020-08-08 14:00:00Z 0

Who is Dr Tone Bartone

Our visiting speaker . Dr Tony had visited our Club a few years ago and we also have the good fortune that  our member Michael Schiavello  knows him quite well.  Both are sourced from Calabria and Michael happened to be his godfather . Tony does some of his general practice work in Niddrie and we have a good relationship with him
Dr Bartone was elected Federal President of the AMA in May 2018, and at the 2016 AMA National Conference, he  was awarded Fellowship of the Association in recognition of his outstanding services to the AMA and as a mark of the high esteem in which he is held by Fellow members.                        
Dr Bartone also completed a Master of Business Administration from the Melbourne Business School in 2004 with First Class Honours average
 
Who is Dr Tone Bartone 2020-08-08 14:00:00Z 0

Uncertain times call for innovation

This article refers to the Rotary Club of New Albany Ohio U.S.A.. Rotary members of that Club are shown loading  boxes of assembled face shields for Form5 Prosthetics. With the help of this Rotary Club, the company has produced more than 5,000 face shields for health workers.
Wash your hands. Wear face masks. Self-quarantine. COVID-19. Pandemic. Whoever thought these phrases or words would become part of our everyday life!
As a Rotarian, I know we are “problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change.” When our District 6690 leaders communicated an opportunity to use a district grant in response to the global COVID-19 crisis, I knew we needed to jump in. But how?  What impact could we make in our community using a district grant?
The Rotary Club of New Albany, Ohio, proceeded to submit a grant proposal to purchase a 3-D printer for Form5 Prosthetics to increase their production of the re-usable face shields for first responders and medical professionals. Form5 Prosthetics is no ordinary non-profit organization.  The young CEO and innovator, Aaron Westbrook, was a newly inducted Rotarian with big ideas and a big heart. Form5 is also near and dear to the hearts of our community.
In true Rotary fashion as People of Action, our club rallied to not only respond to the pandemic but to also support one of our own. I’ll let Aaron tell the rest of the story:
Form5 Prosthetics has a goal of making 10,000 face shields for health care workers.
Although I have only been a Rotarian for about four months, I feel like I have been a Rotarian my entire life. I have always had the heart to serve others and to give to my community. I was inducted roughly two weeks before COVID-19. I made it one of my goals for 2020 to serve my community in a new way, beyond my work at Form5 Prosthetics. I believe that Rotary is the way to connect those with voices in your community – “the do-gooders” — and together make a collective impact, especially in a time of need. And that’s exactly what Rotary has proven to be for me.
That collective impact is something that inspires me to get up in the morning and drives me late into the night working. It is what has made all the impossible things in my life possible. As following executive orders, health guidelines, and stay-at-home orders became our normal, our team at Form5 could not help but follow the innovation happening overseas by makers and engineers stepping up to provide PPE in a dire shortage. In just four days, our board and committee members designed and 3-D printed a re-usable face shield to protect the eyes and airways of those on the front lines of the pandemic.
Three months later, we have now produced 5,000 face shields with a goal of 10,000 to donate to prevent the spread of COVID-19. We pivoted our work to print our face shield design – leveraging our creativity, passion, and idle printers due to not being able to work with recipients. This expansion of our impact could not have been possible without community organizations like The Columbus Foundation and The Rotary Club of New Albany, Ohio, and others that funded our production of face shields – providing additional 3D printers, materials, supplies, etc.
The health and safety of our team, recipients, and volunteers remain at the forefront of our work going forward and we have been mindful of the service of our Rotarians in our face shield production.
We were happy to begin pick-up and drop-offs of supplies in June – allowing Rotarians to assemble shields and bring back to Form5 to sterilize and distribute to those on the front lines.
The Rotary Vision is more than just a statement – it is who we are! “Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change — across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.”
Uncertain times call for innovation 2020-08-01 14:00:00Z 0

Last week's Quiz

Last week’s meeting             
took a different model thanks for our Cameron Horder (Photo) who presented us with a quiz containing 20 questions and put us on the spot to test if we knew the answers.    The answers are shown in the last column on the right
  1. Name 7 one-word nameThe d countries whose spelling ends in the letter Y
  2. Released In late 2015, which multi-Oscar winning movie has a title that means "A person that has returned"?
  3. Which two sauces are part of the  of that  ingredients of a Bloody Mary?
  4. What is the nick name of the New Zealand men's basketball team?
  5. The musical Rock of Ages is based on music from which decade?
  6. If Rd is for road and St is for street what do the following designations stand for?
  7. Who wrote Jurassic Park?
  8. Who is currently in the Australian Top 40 charts with a song titled Juice?
  9. who was the King of Persia from 486 to 465 BC?
  10. What is the World's most Southerly capital
  11. Name the five European countries that have French as an official language. (1 pt each).
  12. The words COSY APPEAL are an anagram of which one word?
  13. Linseed oil is made from which plant?
  14. Within the NRL and AFL, which are the only two team names that do not end in the letter "S"! ( 1 pt each)
  15. What is the more common name for the Harvestman spider?
  16. Along with Dopey, name the other 6 Dwarfs! (1 pt each)
  17. What is the Spanish word for 'navy'?
  18. Which Australian band had a hit in 1981 with Bustin' Loose?
  19. Which river flows through Washington DC?
  20. In the movie Eurovision Song Contest: The story of Fire Saga, which country do the characters played by Will Ferrell and Rachel McAdams represent?                             As this was a new format most felt a little unpreprepared for this process          
  21. The correct answers were
    1.         Germany, Hungary, Italy, Norway, Paraguay,        Uruguay, Turkey
    2.         The Revenant
    3.         Tabasco sauce, Worcestershire sauce
    4.         The Tall Blacks
    5.         1980's
    6.         Circuit, Glade, Loop, Strand
    7.         Michael Crichton
    8.         Uzzo
    9.         King Xerxes
    10.       Wellington
    11.       France, Belgium, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Monaco
    12.       Apocalypse
    13.       Flax
    14.       Melbourne Storm, Port Adelaide Power
    15.       A Daddy Long Legs
    16.       Sleepy, Happy, Grumpy, Sneezy, Bashful, Doc
    17.       Armada
    18.       Moving Pictures
    19.       The Potomac
    20.       Iceland
    And the good performers were as follows
    Jeanette Lynch with a score of 24/60
    Closely followed by Tom Barber with 19/60
    We are planning to repeat the experience in a few weeks so we can improve on our performance 
    Many thanks Cameron for organizing this – We are much wiser since reading the answers. We are trained to do it again and perhaps perform a little better
Last week's Quiz 2020-08-01 14:00:00Z 0

Some relief from the current stress

                                                                              
Some relief from the current stress 2020-08-01 14:00:00Z 0

PARAPROSDOKIANS   

PARAPROSDOKIANS      are figures of speech in which the latter part of a sentence is unexpected.   Winston Churchill loved them...  

Some examples:

1.   Where there's a will, I want to be in it.

2.   Since light travels faster than sound, some people appear bright until you hear them speak.

3.   If I agreed with you, we'd both be wrong.

4.   War does not determine who is right - only who is left.

5    Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit.  Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.

6.   They begin the evening news with 'Good Evening,' then proceed to tell you why it isn't.

7.   To steal ideas from someone is plagiarism.  To steal from many is called research.

8.   In filling in an application, where it says, 'In case of emergency' - notify:  I put 'DOCTOR.'
PARAPROSDOKIANS 2020-07-26 14:00:00Z 0

Youngest President sets record at Rotary Stawel

Message from the District Governor
You may have seen the story on the ABC News on Wednesday July 22, featuring 18-year-old Taia Hayter, the youngest president to be installed at the Rotary Club of Stawell. The story also featured the ageing and decline of our membership, which was perhaps not the most positive message about Rotary. I would, however, like to reassure everyone that we are working with the ABC and other television networks to present a more attractive image of Rotary. Our aim is to showcase the amazing array of projects in which we are involved and the difference we make in our communities. 
Going forward, any national media coverage will be centred on community service. This includes environment, diversity, equity and inclusion, the work of our foundation in the six (soon to be seven) areas of focus, and how RAWCS (Rotary Australia World Community Service) efficiently supports our work. 
If you have any ideas for stories that could be featured in the national print or TV media, please send them to me with a synopsis of the relevant project. 
Whilst it is heartening to see how well clubs and members have taken up communicating through Zoom, we must strive to further engage our members by sharing projects that they can be actively involved in, despite the lockdown. As Rotarians, we all enjoy being People of Action, and knowing that our actions make a difference. 
I would like to send out a challenge to all clubs, as well as Avenues of Service Chairs, to allocate time in their Zoom meetings for a lifestyle and learning event. You could discuss projects such as developing a communication link with others in the community, contributing to seed bank collections, building bee hotels, mask making, and researching and learning about international projects. I’m sure you will have many other ideas to share about things we can do at home during lockdown. 
As the saying goes, ‘We are all in this together’. Let’s take this opportunity to grow and learn.
Philip Archer, Rotary District 9800 Governor
 
Youngest President sets record at Rotary Stawel 2020-07-26 14:00:00Z 0

Corporate Memebrship

Corporate Membership   
The Perth Rotary Club recently accepted the Magic Coat for Kids joining  the Perth Rotary Club as a Corporate Member on Friday 17 July 2020.
 
Di Wilcox is Founder and CEO of Magic Coat for Kids a social/emotional well being program for children.  After 20 years of teaching, Di realized that our children are under increasing stress and pressures which was increasing their anxiety and anger levels leading to mental health issues at a young age. 
 
She wanted to create something that taught children simple and effective concepts that enabled them to feel more calm, confident and have the ability to problem solve as well as recognise and manage their own emotions.
 
After some research in the areas of CBT and Positive Psychology, Di created The Magic Coat. Using the analogy of putting on a bright yellow coat using their imagination, children are taught that all the characters that live inside the coat pocket each represent a strategy that they can use throughout their day to help them manage worry, negative feelings, build confidence and have empathy for others.
 
Di also believes that for a program to be effective with children a common language must be created that parents, teachers and children can all use together which is why the workshops and resources created for The Magic Coat are all for parents, teachers and children to do together.
 
While Di originally wrote the program for children to use in classrooms it is now being used for adults and children in prisons, women's refuges foster care and child care centres.
 
It has also been successfully used in indigenous communities including Broome, Mt Magnet, Cue and Meekatharra. 
the Board of Directors and Members of the Perth Rotary Club welcome Di Wilcox and the Magic Coat for Kids to the Club. 
Could Keilor Rotary find its own Corporate Members ?
Corporate Memebrship 2020-07-26 14:00:00Z 0

Special General Meeting 21/07/2020

Special General Meeting          
We had the Special General Meeting of our Rotary Club of Keilor held via Zoom  on the 21st July, Fourteen members were in attendance, which was  above the required quorum of nine members
The Proposed Constitution and Rules were passed with minor amendments to include the club name and club locality.
 
The Proposed Rotary Club of Keilor Bylaws were passed after several amendments, namely
  1. The removal of the two types of membership, Associate and Family membership and the rewording of Clause 2.2 to reflect the removal of the Associate and Family memberships
  2. Insertion of the numbers of members of the Board of management of the club to read the Board consisting of nine directors and three other directors (when applicable)
The Secretary will now lodge the updated Keilor Rotary Club Constitution and Rules with consumer Affairs Victoria.
Note that Corporate Membership remains an important option for recruiting new members to our Club
Special General Meeting 21/07/2020 2020-07-26 14:00:00Z 0

Face Masks at Keilor Rotary

    Face Masks at Keilor Rotary            
This week face masks have  become compulsory all over Melbourne ,and  some  of us have been working at designing  washable and reusable face coverings as a cheap alternative This  option involves constructing  a sock mask by turning socks into DIY masks The method of achieving this is found on the internet.                                        and the  method only requires a sock and a pair of scissors.  After chopping the heel off and cutting down the non-heel fold of the sock, you open the sock out to form a rectangle shape before making further cuts to create ear holes.  This has been achieved by our own Glenda Bryson and she gave us 2 demonstrations of the end result as shown in photos
As well as  protecting you against dangerous  viruses this mask  can also protect against unpleasant sights
 
Face Masks at Keilor Rotary 2020-07-26 14:00:00Z 0

Face Mask for Holloway Aged Care

Donation to Holloway Aged Care                     
In response to the Covid crisis our Club made a donation of 400 masks to Holloway Hostel this week    Aged care stands as a looming disaster for the state in regard to the pandemic of Covid 19     Our local Holloway Hostel that we have been supporting for many years has avoided any Covid breakout in contrast to the  Nursing home down the road called  Embracia    The most important protection against this disease is the wearing of masks    As of the 19th of July, all staff from all departments at the hostel are wearing masks. Disposable masks have been supplied and will continue to be supplied until instructed otherwise. Staff must dispose of a mask after 4 hours or if the mask if soiled.      We received thank you letters from  the families and from the staff who are now wearing them 
Face Mask for Holloway Aged Care 2020-07-26 14:00:00Z 0

Dr Tony Bartone Guest Speaker

Recently at a recent meeting of our club we were fortunate to have Dr Tony Bartone as our guest speaker. It was an opportunity to learn
from an expert all the things that we all need to know about Covid19, what do we need to do personally to keep ourselves, our Families and our Community as safe as possible.
 
Dr Bartone is a Melbourne GP and the President of the Australian Medical Association.
 
The topic Covid19 a Personal Perspective
If you would like to watch Dr Tony Bartone's talk,  Please click on the link below to start the video
 
Dr Tony Bartone Guest Speaker 2020-07-18 14:00:00Z 0

ROTARY CENTENARY BATON LAUNCH 
 

Rotay Centenary Baton Launch        
 
The celebration of 100 Years of Rotary in Australia and New Zealand got off to a spectacular start last Friday, with an event broadcast via YouTube from Government House. The signature project for the event Give Every Child a Future was spotlighted during an online event that celebrated Rotary, Rotarians and the wonderful work done over the past 100 years.
Leo Sayer kicked off the event with some of his hits culminating in a toe-tapping rendition of You Make Me Feel Like Dancing.  Master of Ceremonies David Mann hosted the event remotely - from Melbourne.  Rotarians from all around the world joined the 'telecast' to hear His Excellency the Governor General launch the celebrations from Government House Canberra, relating the contribution that Rotary has made and continues to make to the improvement of the world. Although celebrating an incredible contribution over the past 100 years, His Excellency said it is very much about looking forward, not looking back. There will be another 100 years, his Excellency proclaimed, because "big hearts don't stop beating".


Co-Chair of the National Centenary of Rotary Committee, Garry Browne AM, spoke of the strength of Rotary as an organisation, its networks and resources, and of the abilities and dedication of Rotarians that make possible the broad range of significant projects that, in line with Rotary's 'Service Above Self', have made a real difference to the lives of many.


The passing of the Baton was handled skilfully with His Excellency handing the Baton to President of the Rotary Club of Sydney Fatima Ali in Canberra, and Her Excellency Mrs Hurley then magically handing the Baton from Canberrra to Rotary Melbourne President Marion Macleod - in Melbourne!


The celebration of the contribution of Rotary and Rotarians finished with another magical touch, a wonderful performance by Opera Australia tenor Nicholas Jones, in Government House, Canberra singing To Dream the Impossible Dream, followed by a true piece of theatrical magic. Australian Josh Piterman, currently starring as the Phantom in the Phantom of the Opera in London sang Music of the Night from London, accompanied via Zoom from Melbourne by renowned musical director, arranger and pianist John Foreman OAM, truly a wonderful experience!
.  You can view the entire event on https://www.stagepass.com.au/rotary
David Mann was the MC online from Melbourne. He provided a quotation from 1921:  "A Rotarian is a 'go-getter' and practical idealist!"
ROTARY CENTENARY BATON LAUNCH   2020-07-18 14:00:00Z 0

Memories of Jeanette Lynch

At our last meeting Jeanette recalled that when Leon was still in charge of Rotary Friendship Exchange in 2001 he arranged a group of 9 of us to travel to Oregon USA  . That was in October 2001. The travellers were Leon with Pauline , Jeanette with Michael , Marie Barbera and 2 other Rotarian couples from other Clubs               
As usual  This RFE  program was structured as a reciprocal exchange for Rotarians to be hosted in the homes of Rotarians for 3 or 4 nights in 4 different Clubs . Our only cost was to make our way to Oregon , There was no cost to Rotary
While  we were planning our trip  The September 11 attacks terrorist attacks in USA took place and some partners such as Pauline preferred to cancel the trip .                    Leon said to Pauline “ I am going , you can stay home if you wish “ In the end everyone agreed to travel . We made our way to Eugene, Oregon the  city of our Rotarian hosts.  It  is also  the site of The University of Oregon . This university proudly boasted of its gridiron team . So eventually we were invited to witness this  American Football match  between the Oregon University  and Stanford University The host Rotary Club paid for our attendance and we felt honoured by the donation
Before moving to the ground we were invited to take part in what they called a  tailgate party which is a social event held on and around the open tailgate of a vehicle ( as per . We enjoyed eating and drinking before the match .
 
Then we moved to  attend the  game between these  two University teams
We were fascinated by the strange model of playing football . particularly seeing defending players leaving the ground and being replaced by attacking players
The Oregon team were doing well but towards the end of the match they overtaken by their opponents. and lost the game        We moved to leave the ground and the next excitement was the result of someone kicking one of the footballs into the crowd. This football hit Jeanette on the head . Luckily Dr Leon was on hand to treat her to reassure her that there was no serious injury
Our hosting in Oregon was held in interesting rural houses . We recall that one of these houses was protected by an  electric fence around garden to keep out  the deers
Hosting was very friendly and comfortable . The only complaints we recall was when Jeanette opened the window of her bedroom because she found the room too warm . Her hostess asked why she wanted to warm the verandah
Then Marie had also one small complaint with the hosting . Each the four houses where she stayed owned a dog and Marie had not warned them that she was scared of dogs
Our hospitality had a high point when we stayed in Coos Bay One of the Rotarians worked in the local police force .. His contribution was to take us for a  tour the town in his police van. Marie remembers the experience of being  taken to prison
Then October happened to be the birthday month for a few of our members . The first to celebrate was Leon . To celebrate we made our way to King Estate Winery which was a wonderful organic winery,. the wine was fantastic but it cost more than we expected as Pauline found out when she got home . Pauline held up the title of being the best shopper
Next function was a barbecue next to  a rustic cabin along the Wells creek . Interestingly the cabin had no power except for the generator that had the task of powering the alcohol making machine to generate margarita for the players .
After the meal  the main entertainment was to hit golf balls across the Wells creek
Pauline was taken for a quad bike into the forest and we thought we lost her and we worried that you would never see you again but she came  back safely
We all had a very good and fabulous time seeing  an interesting part of the world         It was just after this exchange that Leon passed on the role of Chair of Friendship Exchange to Jeanette which she has held for the next  20 years
Memories of Jeanette Lynch 2020-07-18 14:00:00Z 0

The Electoral College USA

The Electoral College   
was the subject for our speaker at our last Zoom meeting  ,Stephen Marantelli – 
In the course of Stephen's presentation, we got  an insight into what is going on in the United States at the moment in the lead up to the Presidential Elections in November, and perhaps a little insight also into the strengths and tensions in the long established Australia-United States relationship.
The Electoral College is a complete mystery to most Australians with our Westminister style of parliamentary democracy. And yet it is the very mechanism by which the President of the United States is elected. Stephen Marantelli is a barrister. He has a passion for American history, in particular, the history of the presidency. The nature and trend of the American-Australian alliance is better understood in the light of that history. A successful author, Stephen's imaginative and thought provoking book recounts an imaginary meeting in London between Edmund Barton, Australia's first Prime Minister, and George Washington, the First President of the United States.
When all is said and done, it's the Electoral College vote — not the popular vote — that decides the presidency. Some states are considering legislation that essentially bypasses the Electoral College. Should New Hampshire join in?
The Electoral College is made up of 538 electors from the all of the states. New Hampshire has four of those electors.  In most states, the candidate who wins the popular vote in a state wins the electors. The candidate who wins the most electors nationally wins the presidency.
A handful of other states have implemented other ways of distributing their electoral college votes. In Maine and Nebraska, for example, electoral college votes are distributed based on who won the popular vote in each of the states' congressional districts. 
The Electoral College and the popular vote
In the 2000 presidential election, Democrat Al Gore received 50,999,897 votes; Republican George Bush received 50,456,002. In the Electoral College count, however, Bush tallied 271 electors to Gore's 266.  Bush became the president. A similar situation arose sixteen years later, when Democrat Hilary Clinton received 65,853,514 votes to Republican Donald Trump's 62,984,828, but Trump carried the electoral college by 304 to Clinton's 227. 
Because of these results, some states have been passing legislation agreeing to the National Popular Vote interstate compact. States that join the compact agree to award their Electoral College votes to the candidate who receives the most votes nationally, not the candidate who wins the state, once the compact has reached enough members to constitute an electoral majority.
According to the National Popular Vote website(link is external), twelve states and Washington, D.C. have passed National Popular Vote legislation, totalling 181 electors.
Faithless elector laws
There is nothing in the U.S. Constitution that binds electors to vote for the candidate who won their state's popular vote. Though it is rare, electors have occasionally opted to instead vote for a candidate of their own choosing. 
Twenty-eight states have passed laws that legally require electors to vote for a particular candidate, such as the winner of the state's popular vote. Punishments for breaking the law vary from subjecting the faithless elector to a fine or disqualifying them and replacing them with a backup elector. So far, these laws have not been enforced or tested in court. 
 
The Electoral College USA 2020-07-18 14:00:00Z 0

Coping with the Covid-19 Virus

In this difficult phase of life in Melbourne our John Dean gave us the following personal report
“How Karen and I have coped with having the Corona virus surrounding us. We have not had any signs of having the virus and have endeavoured to follow the Government guidelines whenever possible.
Our life has been basically the same other than it has limited our Social activities and certainly my involvement with Rotary.
During the First Quarter of this year for instance I had involvement in each of our monthly Bunnings BBQ’s, the picking up of tables and chairs from Monmia Primary School, the Keilor Gift, Holloway Bus Shelter and the pick-up of chairs and tables from PEGS.
From mid-March this involvement ceased because of restrictions that were brought in which proved to be a blessing in disguise for Karen and I as it has allowed us to put all our energy into clearing out Karen’s mothers’ house which has recently been sold. Selling the house under “Virus” conditions was an interesting exercise due to the many stringent conditions put on Real Estate Agents, e.g. limiting the number of people allowed to attend Open Days and Auctions and the strict sanitising rules that now apply.
Trying to find charities that were willing to come and pick up goods was also a challenge. Luckily, Helping Hands, although their shop is currently closed were happy to come and pick up goods providing all goods were put outside the house and in the open.
At one stage I thought we were going to be left with a lounge suit as it wouldn’t go through any doors. Whilst taking a five minute break, Karen all of a sudden remembered that when the lounge was delivered 20 years ago that the same problem presented itself and was resolved by it being put through a window and thankfully, what came in, did go out the same way, with difficulty. Roll on 7 August settlement. What are we going to do with our time then?    “
 
Coping with the Covid-19 Virus 2020-07-18 14:00:00Z 0

2nd Speaker Tom Barber

 The 2nd speaker was Tom Barber  
He talked about his interview with the Herald Sun which led to the article shown on the right which was published a few days ago
 
Tom  started work with DCA, in Melbourne in, the Drawing Office, in Aug 1966 after arriving from the UK 10 days earlier. The following is his work history . The following is part of his report
Melbourne (Tullamarine) Airport opened to international traffic on 1 July 1970
I was working at Melbourne (Essendon) Airport in 1970 when Tullamarine opened and of course visited the site many times during its construction. All Melbourne based DCA staff were invited to Tullamarine for the opening ceremony to ensure we would be part of the history taking place. Not everyone was able to leave their workplace but still quite a number of us went along.
My Work was focused on civil engineering, operational design and airport management, leading to roles such as, Technical Coordinator, Project Manager, Airside Operations Manager and Airport Duty Manager until I retired in 2009.     why was  Ichosen to speak on behalf of Melbourne Airport (MEL)?
My history above plus the fact that I was one of the few remaining people still alive who was around at the opening and who had held a few interesting positions over four decades. And the fact that I still have some contacts at MEL and have continued providing consultancy assistance from time to time since I left.
Current connection and recent work
Two years ago, the company I am working with were commissioned to investigate and complete the following Tasks;
  • Review and re-write all the operational documents and procedures that the airport holds.
  • Provide new procedures where required.
  • Work with Airside staff during all shifts (over 24 hrs and two weeks to make sure I evaluate all staff) to see where improvements can be made.
  • Ensure that the airport is fully compliant with Dept of Transport and CASA rules, laws and recommendations..50th Anniversary
As MEL was approaching the 50th anniversary, the media department were putting out the feelers to find out who was still around and who was working for DCA prior to and during the opening of MEL.
They contacted the Civil Aviation Historical Society (CAHS) at Essendon Airport for some names and my name was one of the four names that popped up. We volunteer and meet at Essendon Airport every Tuesday. The CAHS provided photos and a historic dialogue with newsworthy items in chronological order
  
2nd Speaker Tom Barber 2020-07-18 14:00:00Z 0

Last Week's Meeting

Last week’s meeting
was started by President David Whiting  overviewing  the Club’s program as discussed on the previous week. As there were no comment or objections , the meeting continued by inviting two speakers to expand and tell about  special moments in their life
 
The first speaker was me, Leon Lewi
I talked about my  memories from the Rotary year 1998/99
It  started by highlighting the old habit of Clubs toasting another Rotary Club as shown in photo above , often the Club is in another part of the World . In this case it was the French Rotary Club of Armentieres in Normandy
This led to this Rotary Club responding to toast by  offering to soon visit our District as the first part of a  Friendship Exchange
 
Then the  resulting warm relationship led to this overseas Club organizing a group of Students visiting us as part of a project of Vocational Training
Here are more details                            
Toasting of Rotary Clubs is usually done by members of a Rotary club to a Club in another part of the world. It was something our Club used to do years ago ,  The toast reminds us of the international nature of Rotary and that clubs like ours are active and doing good on every continent.  The Club on this occasion was the Rotary Club of Armentieres in Normandy and we had a good response leading to first phase of a Friendship Exchange.

Rotary Friendship Exchange 

This is an international exchange program for Rotary members and their friends This reciprocal program has been the activity over the years of both myself and later Jeanette Lynch . It is satisfying and establishes strong friendship between international Districts
This Club relationships leads to fellowship and sometimes to  service projects.
 
On this occasion this overseas Club offered to bring a group of their members to visit us . When they came they visited many of the Clubs in our District as shown in the photo above  . We hosted them and Marie Barbera still remembers the pleasant experience   Our return voyage was a well organized tour of Normandy and Brittany including the town of Armentieres of course . The tour was very detailed and interesting and in the course of the 2 weeks we attended 6 Rotary Clubs
It was organized by a smart Rotarian in the city of Tours and he lent us his daughter as a tour guide.
 
 The final association was a series of  Vocational Training Tours (VTT)
These are  for a group of professionals to travel to another country either to learn more about their profession or to teach local professionals about a particular field.
In this case we were linked with some of our French colleagues who had daughters who were doing a commerce course in Paris in a college that had the system of sending their students overseas in the middle of their course to a country what was not French speaking. Most of them went to the USA . In this case they came here and we arranged very convenient hosting and employment
Last Week's Meeting 2020-07-18 14:00:00Z 0

Paul Harris Sapphire
 

Paul Harris Sapphire
At our meeting on 23rd of June , President Glenda Bryson had the pleasure of awarding a Paul Harris Sapphire to P.P Mary Engert. The following is part of her address on the occasion of the award:
“Rotarians often designate a Paul Harris Fellow as a tribute to a person whose life demonstrates a shared purpose with the objectives of the Rotary Foundation
Tonight, I would like to recognise the work of Mary Engert and present her with a Sapphire Paul Harris Fellow pin.
Before we celebrate, let me explain a little behind this decision.
Mary stepped up to the role of President in October 2018 after Paul chose to cease his tenure. Mary did not have the liberty of any preparation, nor was she aware of any of the projects and ideals that Paul had set for the Club in what would have been his year.  Her past experience as a President stepped in and with a strong Board, she was able to complete the year with dignity.
Throughout all of this, Mary was battling with her ‘eye condition’ and was gearing up to have experimental brain surgery that was thought would correct her eye condition.  She battled migraines and more while holding the reigns of this Club in her hand.
Mary also became my mentor, as I took on the role of President Elect.  It was known that we had had our differences before but it became quite clear why that was so.  We were extremely similar to each other – so it was a natural clash of the titons to start with.
Once those hurdles were jumped, we settled in to mentor / mentee role and when it was time to hand the reigns of the Club over to me, that relationship continued and does to this day.
Mary has also mentored other members of this Club in their Board roles, has helped with establishing some new protocols during my year, has made contact with just about every member of this club since COVID-19 restrictions come into play, has thought out of the box for a project that could be done during COVID-19 (coffees for the front line workers) and again all the while battling her own medical issues.
Brain surgery saw improvements in her ‘eye condition’ and she has and is dealing with the challenges that this entails.
She had driven Joe and Spike the rabbit absolutely MAD, but her focus has remained solid on the continued smooth operations of behind the scenes of this Club, under the title of Immediate Past President / Club Administration.I am a better person for your guidance Mary and I sincerely thank you.
Mary and Joe enjoying the award                   
It gives me great pleasure to present to you, Mary Engert, your PHF with a sapphire embedded in it.  Please accept the Rotary Club of Keilor’s congratulations and sincere thanks for your commitment to this Club.”
Paul Harris Sapphire  2020-07-18 14:00:00Z 0

Rotary International President

Rotary International President                               
is Holger Knaack, a member of the Rotary Club of Herzogtum Lauenburg-Mölln, Germany, has been selected to serve as president of Rotary International in 2020-21.
To build a stronger membership, Knaack says Rotary must focus on increasing the number of female members and transitioning Rotaractors into Rotarians.
Knaack believes that the People of Action campaign offers new public awareness possibilities for Rotary. “This campaign conveys our global image while still respecting differences in regions and cultures,” he says.
A Rotary member since 1992, Knaack has served Rotary as treasurer, director, moderator, member and chair of several committees, representative for the Council on Legislation, zone coordinator, training leader, and district governor.
He is an endowment/major gifts adviser and co-chair of the Host Organization Committee for the 2019 Rotary International Convention in Hamburg.
Knaack is the CEO of Knaack KG, a real estate company. He was previously a partner and general manager of Knaack Enterprises, a 125-year-old family business.
He is a founding member of the Civic Foundation of the City of Ratzeburg and served as president of the Golf-Club Gut Grambek. Knaack is also the founder and chair of the Karl Adam Foundation.
Knaack and his wife, Susanne, are Major Donors to The Rotary Foundation and members of the Bequest Society.
Rotary International President 2020-07-13 14:00:00Z 0

Around the traps with DG Philip Archer
 

 
Around the traps with DG Philip Archer
 
Welcome everybody to the new Rotary year; a year that already presents unique challenges and vast scope for Rotary to initiate new projects, and to consolidate ongoing ones. Rotary’s theme this year is ‘Rotary Opens Opportunities’, which is timely given the peculiarities of the time we live in. However, as in the past, Rotary will recalibrate, adjust and go forward as people of action and agents of change. The Centenary of Rotary is a time for immense celebration as well as a time for reflection on the 100 years of service, the challenges that have been overcome, and the decades-worth of wonderful Rotarians who’ve served our communities. But there still much to do and much excitement ahead. On July 10 we’ll launch the Centenary of Rotary at Government House in Canberra. I encourage you and your friends to join us online for a virtual celebration that spans the country (BOOK HERE) You’ll meet our R100 Centenary Ambassadors as well as the Governor-General and Mrs Hurley as they initiate the launch. I recently enjoyed some wonderful country hospitality when I visited the Rotary clubs of Rochester and Kyneton for their changeovers. Both clubs are enthusiastic, highly engaged and ready for the year ahead. Finally, I want to take this opportunity to thank Leslie McCarthy, last year’s Networker Editor, and to welcome Jeanette Leigh and her team to the first Networker of the year.
Around the traps with DG Philip Archer  2020-07-04 14:00:00Z 0

Rotary Club of Keilor
Membership Plan 2020-21
 

Rotary Club of Keilor
Membership Plan 2020-21
Draft for discussion
Marketing 101:  When there is a sales problem it usually indicates a problem with the Marketing and the Sales Team, or a problem with the Product.
The lack of new members in the past few years indicates that we have a serious problem.
Marketing
There will always be opportunities to improve Marketing and Sales, but all that they can do is to get people interested in our club and create the initial contact.
We need to examine our promotional tools and improve their effectiveness where we can.  It’s also essential that our Sales Team – All Members use the tools we provide and make people who may be interested, aware of the great things we are doing and how they can get involved.
I am proposing that our website and Facebook should focus on being attractive to potential members.  The information our member need will still be available, but it will be presented in a way that the public understands.   Where appropriate articles should have a call to action
Projects – are the great things we are planning to do this year, but our call to action is - we can accomplish more with your help.  A new promotional tool will be a Quarterly Newsletter, which will outline our plans for the next year, some great Guest Speakers, project opportunities, fellowship opportunities and some of the highlights from the previous three months.
We need to commit to our major projects for up to the next two years well before Changeover to allow for their inclusion in our website and to produce the first Quarterly Newsletter.  Next year will be challenging and our aim should be to obtain as much funding as possible from external sources.  The two-year framework allows us to have projects prepared when grant opportunities appear.
Guest Speakers – we need to promote them in advance and encourage the public to come and listen to something that will interest them.  Our members need to decide who they want as Guest Speakers, but we need to consider how interesting they would be for a guest.  The Membership position is that if they would not appeal to a visitor and we can’t provide promotional material to encourage people to join us, why bother.  But no matter how exciting our Guest Speakers and our Projects are, unless our members are prepared to promote them no one will know about them. 
Where possible we will produce an invitation for each Guest Speaker; the rest is up to you.
Our Club
We need to become more attractive to potential members.  While keeping our current members happy and engaged, being attractive to potential members is more important.
Projects – it up to our members to decide which projects they want to do, but we need to be very aware that what we are currently doing does not appeal to new members.  If we are not prepared to change our project mix, include things that will strongly appeal to potential members and provide them with ways to get involved, we are wasting our time.
We need to offer a wide range of projects to attract as wide a range of potential members as possible, but there is a limit on how many projects we can run.  The public tend to classify projects as Local, Australian and International and this is the way that we will present our projects.  When we establish our priorities, we should reserve some funds to find project partnership projects to fill in the holes.  We need to consider partnerships with adjacent Clubs particularly for local hands on projects.  They run the project and we help a little with funds and labour.  We should expect local clubs to reciprocate.
I think we need to be partners in some major projects – Global Grants, Centennial Projects, etc. Invest $500 each in 4-6 projects that will allow us to promote “We are helping to XXX”.
We should have a serious discussion with Brimbank Council to identify their project priorities in our local area.  If we find a project, we like we should offer to be partners, with our contribution mainly being our management expertise, our contacts and to a small extent labour and funding. 
Club Meetings – the 1st and 3rd meetings each month should be run as Membership Meetings.  We need to minimise the things that would have little relevance to a guest and highlight the positives.  The Quarterly Newsletter will be on the table at all meetings.  When we have guests, we need to promote upcoming events and invite the guest to get involved. 
The 2nd Tuesday will be a Club Meeting normally with no guests unless they are involved in a project being discussed.
Fellowship Events – will normally take place late in the month and our effectiveness in this area is critical for Membership.  The focus should be on fun and friendship.  It could be any type of social event with minimal Rotary content.  They should be events where friends are welcome, with no pressure or membership expectations.
Guest Speakers – we want them to become advocates for our club and encourage them to be more involved.  The Guest Speaker gift will be in our Supermarket bag which will also contain our Quarterly Newsletter and a copy of RDU.
Partners – we need to make it easy for partners to be involved in our activities if they wish and at a level that suits them.  If they wish they should be able to join a committee or be a partner in a project.
 
 
 
          Our Membership Goal
We need to find a way to recruit 6-8 new members every year.  The retention rate is lower for high numbers of inductions and this would result in 3-4 members after two years.  Many of our existing members are elderly and it is realistic to anticipate losing 1-2/ year.  Six new members this year will represent a net gain of 1-2 members in two years’ time.
We can anticipate very few new members from personal contacts, so we need to find alternate ways to recruit.   I think we have the following target markets.
  • People 50 – 65 who are currently employed.  We look at classifications and try to fill the holes.  Business Networking may be important for this group.
  • We can target three people as Honorary Members.  Which projects would benefit from having additional people with specific expertise?  They can only retain their Honorary Membership for two years and after this period if they have enjoyed their participation there is a probability some will become full members.   Being involved in projects that interest them will be important.
People approaching retirement / recently retired
.
Rotary Club of KeilorMembership Plan 2020-21  2020-07-04 14:00:00Z 0

Funeral of P.P Keith Joslin
Report by President David Whiting
 

Funeral of Past President Keith Joslin  
 
Keith's funeral was held at Joseph Alison Monkhouse last Wednesday.  He was the beloved husband of Glad, much loved and devoted father of Michele, Meredith and son-in-law Stephen. Loving and admired grandfather of Cameron, Lachlan, Peter and Kathy.   Loved always and forever The family had invited the following members of our Rotary Club of Keilor to attend: Cameron Horder, Kevin and Meredith Nolan, Marie Barbara, Kevin Madex, Geoff Wales and David Whiting (as president). Given Keith’s family and wide circle of friends, this was a very generous acknowledgment of Rotary’s involvement in Keith’s life.
 
David Whiting had been invited (as President) to come and to speak on behalf of the Club.
Keith joined the Rotary Club of Keilor in 1978. Why? Who knows? But Keith always repaid a favour. The Club sponsored daughter Meredith as an exchange student to Japan a few years before, and for Keith, that alone would have been enough.
He became President in 1983-84 and in a Club that then had about 80 members, that was a meteoric rise. New boy to school captain in five years. He clearly made a good impression.
. It is said that a past president in any organisation is little more than a feather duster.. Keith never stopped dusting. Sometimes with gusto. But Keith was usually far more subtle than that.   You could trust Keith with anything precious, even some Club members.
In the Rotary Club of Keilor Keith was the kingmaker. Until his decline, Keith was instrumental in anointing most club presidents, and then fully supporting them in their role. Some may have thought they had stumbled, but under Keith’s tutelage and guidance, none failed, all achieved their objectives.
The Rotary Club of Keilor rewarded Keith. The usual way is to make a donation to Rotary Foundation, and nominate a person for a Paul Harris Fellowship – named in honour of the founder of Rotary. We did that twice for Keith. But that was not enough. So we made him a life member. A full active member, but the rest of us paid his fees. And when his driving skills failed him, we picked him up and brought him to meetings.
If Keith took you under his wing – and he refused no one – you were comforted, supported and encouraged. Inside and outside of Rotary.  When he retired and had finely orchestrated his retirement portfolio, Keith cast around for something to do. Someone to work on.  Kevin Madex was the lucky man.
Kevin is in the plaster business. Soon Keith was too. Until one day some years later, Keith announced that it was his last day. “I can add no more value, so I will leave.” And he did.  But the friendship and the mutual respect never waivered.
Keith was extraordinarily proud of his family and their achievements, particularly Cameron and Lachlan, after all his email address was camlac @ optusnet.com.au. He talked often of their achievements.  But he also knew your children, and kept up to date with their achievements.
When my daughter Lisa was young, naïve and impressionable, she decided to follow Carlton, as they has just won the 1995 premiership. Keith volunteered to take her to the football with his grandsons. She went, and has maintained her interest in football, but thankfully not in Carlton. Perhaps one of Keith’s very few failures?
The Rotary Club of Keilor is a better place for having had Keith as a member. Its members have gained from his friendship. We will never be able to match his style, but would do well to copy his attitude.
Funeral of P.P Keith JoslinReport by President David Whiting  2020-07-04 14:00:00Z 0

D9800 Outstanding Rotarian award

Outstanding

 
 
David Whiting was honoured at the District changeover as the recipient of the D9800 Outstanding Rotarian award
 
This award recognises a Rotarian from District 9800 who through their actions have supported the District to an outstanding degree across many years and epitomises the motto Service above self. Below is the text of the presentation
 
“This year I am pleased to announce the recipient of the D9800 Outstanding Rotarian award for 2020 is David Whiting from Keilor Rotary.
 
David Whiting is a model example of an outstanding Rotarian and one who has used his vocational expertise to support Rotary, contributing to the improvement and understanding within Rotary of legal, insurance, risk and youth protection matters.
 
In his 37 years as a Rotarian David has been a staunch supporter of all Rotary activities and involved in many community organisations.
 
As Governance Director for Rotary International District 9800 and a member of the D9800 Board for 5 years till 2019 and in the last 12 months as the District Protection Officer. he has supported the development of and updating of the District governance documents (Volunteer Declaration, Abuse and Harassment guidelines, District Protection policy, Youth Involvement documents, Sexual Harassment policy, Social Media policy, Mutual Respect, and Risk Management policies).
 
 
During this time David also lead the efforts for all Rotary Districts in Australia to develop the compliance documents and National policy for Volunteer Declarations (initially known as Form 3) ensuring the safety of all participants in youth related Rotary programs. This continued to him updating the form after changes to the process were championed by David and agreed after negotiation with the National Insurers.
 
This work also led to David developing the authorisation of the Victorian Youth Exchange Policy. This was negotiated with VRQA (Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority) and included specific legislation and the Victorian Child Safe Standards. Once again this took a few years to develop and implement and is now used by all Victorian Rotary Districts.
 
David has also supported President Elect Training at the Victorian Multi District PETS which has included 4 of the 5 Victorian Rotary Districts. David has facilitated the Governance section in 4 breakout sessions each year for several years. These sessions have focussed on Youth protection, protection, risk and insurance. David has also presented in other Districts across Australia at PETs or during club visits.
 
David has also facilitated and secured significant donations and bequests to The Rotary Foundation and Australian Rotary Health in excess of $1 million.
This year David undertook the development to update Rotary club Constitution and Bylaws specific for Victorian Rotary clubs. A large volume of work was required to complete the updates in line with the Victorian legislative requirements, and complete a package for all Victorian Rotary clubs. The package included a Victorian version of the Constitution, Bylaws, and documents explaining the process to ensure clubs adopt and submit the updated, endorsed documents to Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV). This has taken several months of personal effort by David to complete and it is being provided free of charge to all Rotary clubs across the state.  A saving of over $150,000 better used by clubs for their community projects.
 
Please join me in congratulating David Whiting as the 2020 recipient of the District 9800 Outstanding Rotarian award. “
 
Then during our last Week’s zoom meetint  , David displayed  the updated President’s collar showing all the previous Presidents
 
 
D9800 Outstanding Rotarian awardOutstanding 2020-07-04 14:00:00Z 0

District 9800 Changeover

District 9800 Changeover
   Pat Ditrict Governor Grant Hocking                                            Ditrict Governor Philip Archer
 
Last June 27 , 220 attendees were at the District 9800  DG Changeover which was held by Zoom .                                                                          
Despite the difficulty of addressing an impersonal computer screen (as opposed to a roomful of responsive people), outgoing DG Grant Hocking and incoming DG Philip Archer both made impressive speeches. 
This first ever District-Governor’s Changeover by Zoom was a challenge from the start, with the system refusing to admit more than 100 participants. However the IT gurus soon removed the gremlins and the changeover was up and running with over 220 attending.  
In responding to Amanda Wendt’s toast to Rotary International, RI President’s Representative Jennifer Jones  acknowledged the work of DG Grant Hocking and the difficult circumstances that he and DGE Philip Archer were having to overcome. She mentioned that the Mission Statement of the Rotary Foundation had been re-written to include the words “improving the environment” at the instigation of PDG Ian Knight. A brief but enthusiastic report on Rotaract and the foundation of new clubs followed, before DG Grant Hocking) reported on his year in office. Grant started by thanking the District Leadership Team and in particular District Secretary Jane Pennington for their support.  
DG Grant said “What a year it has been! Melissa and I would like to thank you all for your wonderful support and friendliness during the year. It has certainly ended a different way to how it started but we have all adapted well with whatever challenges have come our way.
DG Grant Presented the D9800 Royce Abbey “Champion of Change” Award to Alan Seale, for his work in the mentoring programmes for Police, Business and Ambulance Services, and the D9800 “Outstanding Rotarian” Award to a surprised David Whiting, for his five years of legal work and advice to D9800 on constitutional and compliance matters.       
DG Grant ended by passing the figurative chain of office to incoming DG Philip Archer.
 DG Philip Archer  acknowledged Grant as an outstanding leader, and thanked him and Melissa for a significant Rotary year of impressive projects and friendship,.
District 9800 Changeover 2020-07-04 14:00:00Z 0

Projects Report 2019-2020

Projects Report
 
The following is a list of the many projects which the Club achieved during the leadership  of President Glenda Bryson
 
School Furniture for Timor Leste
Money was available for more containers, but no stock available yet.  Ongoing meetings with the Victorian Education Department is resulting in the creation of a uniformed approach by all Victorian schools when they are upgrading their furniture & equipment.  Rotary will be the first call.  Meeting with the Timor Leste Minister for Education was held late October.
New Railuli Primary School Building – Timor Leste
Building is complete and in use.  We may add water tanks later after a study on this is completed. Playground equipment was shipped in September.
Replacement Falowai Primary School Building – Timor Leste
Construction is progressing really well.  We are partners with RC Port Melbourne in a $5,000 district grant for the construction of toilet block.  Playground equipment was shipped in September.
Donations In Kind Inc – a couple of members are continuing to work on promotional material and a new website, which launches near the end of November.
 
 
Days-For-Girls kit shipment and distributions
Around 200 kits were shipped in September.  Meeting with the Timor Leste Minister for Education has been arranged for late November.
Consumables for the Balibo Clinic – were shipped in September.
 
Holloway Aged Care – We continue to supply incontinence pads & other consumables.
Sunshine Hospital Reissue Room
This project was a Finalist in the Premiers Sustainability Awards 2019.
New legal agreement has been issued for our consideration.
District-Environmental Sustainability Group
Keilor PS school bags & supplies - 80 packed bags & 5 boxes of supplies were despatched to Timor Leste in September / October.
Christmas Bags for distribution through Bolton Clarke Nurses – Our request to Reject Shop (one of our major donors, but which has undergone a change in executives) has been supported positively.  Aldi has responded in like manner, however when it came to crunch time, we were let down.  Individual members were able to purchase the goods needed from Aldi.  We have $1000 from Bendigo Bank Grant and approval has been given for up to $1000 additional (the component to be used will be dependent on donated goods/supplies).  Objective is to have just 1 bag pp (using 100 of the Rotary Shopping Bags).
Wycheproof 3-Year Old Kinder: we have supported this community over the past eight years and have recently supported their application to Victorian Government for financial support for Wycheproof’s 3-year old kinder operations.  No response has been received from Victorian Government as yet.
Good Citizens Awards.   5 local primary schools are currently advising which 2 of their Year 6 students will receive these awards, of a certificate and $100 each.  They will be presented to the schools in early December.
Projects Report presented 19 November 2019
Holloway Aged Care - Bus Shelter Project is ongoing.  We have recently found a "shelter in pieces" that we are working towards providing the facility with a ‘completed’ shelter.
 
 
 Year 11 to Year 12 Scholarships – we have been successful in obtaining another Grant for a Keilor Downs Secondary College student who will commence Year 11 in 2020 and complete Year 12 in 2021 and who’s family is financially challenged.  $500 from District and $500 from us will assist this student each year for the two years.
Hand Brake Turn is implementing a new, more advanced unit of instruction that will give their graduates a stronger entry into the labour market.  When pressed, HBT suggested that a grant of $2,500 would permit them to purchase new instructor’s books, new student books and new starting tools.  These purchases would greatly accelerate implementation of their new course.  Accordingly, a Community Grant application has been developed and is penultimate draft form.  Completion was expected by the end of November.
VU-Enactus Extruder Grant. At the initiative of David Dippie and with the support of Daniel Jaap, a grant application was in advanced draft form.  Completion of the draft was expected by the end of November.
R.Y.L.A. – we had endorsed 1 candidate and were sharing another candidate with Brunswick / Tullamarine.  Both candidates have withdrawn but later we found another candidate who succeeded in her application and she came to the Club to tell us the story of R.Y.L.A.
 
 
 
Share The Dignitiy - #itsinthebag We continue to support this annual program.  We have joined with Days For Girls and will be providing funds of $500 to fill the donated hand bags with relevant product.
 
Barefoot Bowls Bushfire Fundraiser           
On  28th of January  our Rotary Club in partnership  with the Rotary Club of Essendon  organised  a Barefoot Bowls Bushfire Fundraiser at the Aberfeldie Bowls Club     About 90 people attended this joint fundraiser, and  we jointly raised in excess of $3,000 on the night. The original  plan to combine two Clubs for this event . This proved to very appealing and the news was noticed by other neighboring Rotary Clubs which meant that we also greeted members of the Rotary Club of Keilor East and Essendon North to join us  . This turned out to be a pleasant reunion of Rotarians from other Clubs that we have known over the years  The initial numbers swelled to more than 90 which made  it was easy to recruit full teams to compete for the bowling
When deciding  which charity would be the recipient of funds , the two host clubs chose the East Gippsland Rotary Fire Aid  as the recipient of the funds, We also awaited external donations to be  tallied up. We thanked  all for attending & contributing.       Some of the score cards left a lot to be desired, but we did have an outright victorious team. Congratulations to Leon, Michael, Vic and David . Dinner was organised through Neal's Catering and we were well fed for the night. Highly recommended. 
Sincere thanks  also  to the Aberfeldie Bowls Club for the use of their  facilities, equipment and providing players who knew what they were doing. Also many thanks to Fong Loong of Coffex Coffee, Andrew Peace Wines, Ryman Healthcare and Maurice Mollica, who provided many of the raffle items
Bolton  Clarke Xmas Bags                    Last Christmas  has seen the fifteenth  year in which our Rotary Club of Keilor has supported the local Royal District Nursing Service now known as Bolton Clarke in bringing some festive cheer to that service’s most housebound, restricted and isolated clients.

The project involved the provision of 100 Shopping bags into which we had packed Christmas goodies including Christmas cake/plum puddings, small food items, personal hygiene, grooming and household products.
Projects Report 2019-2020 2020-06-29 14:00:00Z 0

Changeover Time

Changeover Time
 
 
Our Zoom meeting last week was the occasion for President Glenda to hand over the Presidency to David Whiting.
As happened the 23rd of June was  1 week earlier then the end of the Rotary year  The reason was that President Glenda is one of our multiple members who suffer from the epidemic of needing a hip replacement. This surgery has happened early this week and we trust that Glenda is making  a quick and successful recovery .
Our  Zoom meeting last Tuesday was our best meeting of this kind since the start . As the photo above shows , we had 22 members and 6 visitors. This included members of our Club who were making their first appearance on Zoom and we thank the members who hosted them at their home . We also had D.G Grant Hocking and wife Melissa , D.G elect Dale Hoy and D.G.nominee Amanda Wendt . and we had 2 visiting Gateway Rotaractors Richard Mason and Rob . It was full house.
President Glenda gave a detailed account of the achievements of the Club during her year and the report on the following page shows some of these. Then she handed over to incoming President David Whiting. David is a very experienced Rotarian and he still has a role at  District Administration . He outlined some of his aspirations for the coming year. These will include a change in the meeting format but of course we have to wait until we will be allowed to resume meeting face to face
And the District 9800 changeover has also happened yesterday
Changeover Time 2020-06-29 14:00:00Z 0

Vale Keith Joslin

Vale Keith Joslin
 
Members of the Rotary Club of Keilor are saddened by the recent passing of our esteemed member and Past President Keith Joslin.
Keith joined our Rotary Club in 1978, awarded PHF sapphire, President 1983-84, awarded life membership of the club
A great friendly Rotarian who is sadly missed by all
Vale Keith Joslin 2020-06-28 14:00:00Z 0

When is it ok to resume meetings

When is it OK to resume  face to face meetings?
 
              Grant Hocking District Govenor           
 
Is there amore relevant question at the moment?    
 Is there a more difficult question to answer?     
The restrictions have challenged our communities, our Rotary clubs and ourselves. Overall, Australians can feel proud of their response and results in limiting the spread of COVID-19 and Rotary can feel proud of the way we have responded. The rapid transition to video conferencing platforms, and establishing new projects and fundraising activities has been nothing short of amazing. You all deserve a big and hearty congratulations. Although there has recently been a slight easing of the restrictions, there is a real need to proceed with caution in recommencing face to face meetings or public events and activities. I have been asked by many over recent weeks for the District or Rotary to provide some guidance around Rotary clubs resuming meetings and events. So, whilst not wanting to dictate a particular course of action I feel it is prudent to provide some guidance on this matter. The last thing anyone wants is an outbreak or COVID -19 cluster occurring due to a Rotary meeting or activity. The public relations nightmare and reputational damage is not worth the risk. The best advice is to hasten slowly and cautiously when deciding to recommence your face to face meetings or activities. The overarching principle is to meet face to face or hold an event ‘only if you really need to’ (these words are in the Victorian Government recommendations). Several factors need to be considered when considering getting back together including the need to meet face to face. Factors to consider include;
• The restriction requirements of your local and federal Governments
•  The personal preferences of Rotarians will need to be appreciated and accommodated
 • Age and pre-existing medical conditions of those attending
• Current health status of attendees and the presence of flu like symptoms (headache, runny nose, sore throat, fever). If any symptoms present, they should not attend. If symptoms develop during the event they should leave and seek medical advice
• Having received the current Influenza vaccination
 •   Limiting numbers in attendance
• Ability to maintain social distancing, hand sanitation and other healthy habits
 • No close social contact such as handshakes, hugs or kisses
• Provision of hand washing facilities and alcohol-based hand sanitiser in all common areas
• Keeping names and contact details of all those attending in case contact tracing is required
• Avoiding buffet style meals and ensuring individual serving and utensils including the use of disposable cups (sorry to the environment)
• Regular cleaning and disinfecting of rooms, surfaces and toilets
• Minimising congestion in common areas I realise it is a long list, but it is a necessary list. Minimisation of unnecessary exposure and risk mitigation will lessen the risk of cross infection and should be foremost in the minds of all Rotarians. Restrictions will be with us for a while and will need to be maintained for many months to come. The rate at which more restrictions will be eased and not reinstated depends a lot on how we do as a society in limiting the spread of COVID 19. If the spread of the virus is contained and clusters limited then the easing will continue. If not then its back to more severe restrictions. It is important in these challenging times to maintain focus and continue to support our communities. People judge Rotary by how we perform generally, but we will probably be judged more on how we perform during the COVID 19 restrictions. I know when the restrictions are over that we will certainly appreciate our lifestyles, communities and Rotary experiences more than in the past. It is important to stay positive and be supportive. Look to your leaders for guidance but the ultimate decision is yours to make. Having all the information and following advice of health professionals and government is crucial. Congratulations on the results so far but there is a way to go before it is over. I know all Rotarians are sensible and will do the right thing to lead the way and be an example to the community. Most importantly stay safe and stay well.
 
Grant Hocking District Governor, District 9800
 
 
When is it ok to resume meetings 2020-06-22 14:00:00Z 0

The Function of Council

      The Function of Council
            Michelle Kleinert                                           Virginia Tachos        
This was the focus of our last Zoom meeting  shedding light on local government and its functioning   The visiting speaker was Michelle Kleinert who was recommended by our good friend Councillor Virginia Tachos, Councillor at the Brimbank Council  .     Councillor Kleinert was Manningham Mayor . and in 2016/17 she led the charge in establishing a youth mental health outreach service with headspace in Hawthorn, helping to raise more than $100,000 towards establishing a program for young people aged 12 to 25 in Manningham . The following is her resume of her address last Tuesday night .
 
“Always good to hear why and how someone finds interest in standing for council and every story is different.  The role of a Councillor we learnt was essential like a board member.  Approving budgets, strategic planning, policy makers and endorsers and hiring the CEO.  Getting involved in operational matters can lead to prison and/or a substantial fine of just under $100,000 so don’t think about asking for your next fine to be excused by your local councillor!!  Who are the best councillors?  Those that love their community, want to contribute in a positive way and are passionate about making a difference.  
 
It is notable to highlight that a Councillor does not take on this role for the money.  They are not an employee of council and don’t have an office for a 9-5 place.  As stated before they are similar to a board member.  They are given an allowance and need to do their own tax and superannuation with this amount.  When you divide the hours spent on council briefings, meetings, committees, community events, emails, reading of documents, phone calls and more you will find that a Councillor is paid less then the person working at a supermarket who clocks on and off and goes home and the job is done.  A councilor’s duty does not really stop so burn out is a common occurrence and  balance is important as well as good support and sounding board to assist as issues arise.  
 
Being a thankless task and often the brunt of residence anger . council life is a balance like all things in life, the mix of the good, the bad and the ugly.   If you can get past the bad and the ugly and recognise that local government is the closest to the people then the appeal outweighs the struggles. With more then 100 services provided by council its a fact that from your first to your last breath that  council has provided a service that is available to you. 
 
We all know people who would be great for this role.  There is no special requisite, just age over 18, being Australian and have no criminal convictions.  Everyone knows someone who would be perfect in the role so talk to them about it. Support and encourage good people to a role as a councillor or even a role on the various committees council have.  
 
Rotary clubs have a network of community minded volunteers.  There is a lot of opportunity for Rotary to work closely with local government and local government needs organisations like Rotary more then ever.  The key is to invite your local councillors to your events, openings, president change over dinners and recognition nights.  This helps to answer questions and seek advice and also will promote what Rotary is doing in the local area..  
 
The State government has a 50/50 gender equality strategy and seek this for local government to be achieved by 2024.  Currently we have in Victoria 38 % women, with 13 municipalities with one female on council. There is still work to be done to encourage more women to local government and everyone is part of making this happen. The 2020 council elections are on so now is a great time to speak to someone you know with  interest to consider them standing.  “
 
We thank Councillor Virginia for recommending Michelle as a presenter at this meeting . We look forward to continuing our Friendship with both of them
 
The Function of Council 2020-06-15 14:00:00Z 0

2020 Rotary INternation Convention

The 2020 Rotary Virtual Convention 
Rotary’s first online convention will be a great way to connect with members around the world. Now More Than Ever, Rotary Connects the World: The 2020 Rotary Virtual Convention is happening 20-26 June. You’ll find breakout sessions on new ways to engage members and be inspired by internationally known speakers during the general sessions. 

Several breakout sessions focus on engaging and attracting members. Plan to attend one or all of these: 

•    Using Virtual Tools to Engage Members, on 22 June
•    Grow Rotary Through New Club Types, on 23 June
•    Digital Trends of 2021: Using Tech to Engage Millennials, on 25 June
•    Engage Young Families With Service and Alternative Meetings, on 26 June

See the full list of breakout sessions and look again often for updates. We hope to see you online! 
 
2020 Rotary INternation Convention 2020-06-15 14:00:00Z 0

Keilor Rotarians out for a Coffee


We love our Centreway Shopping Centre It has nice coffee shops It is a meeting point for Local Rotarians and potential Rotarians
On Thursday it happened to be the meeting point for Three of our own Rotarians
            
Keilor Rotarians out for a Coffee 2020-06-06 14:00:00Z 0

Past French Exchange Student Victorie

Past French Exchange Student
 
Victoire de Maillard, our Exchange student from Toulouse, France was our Zoom visitor at our last meeting . Victoire arrived at Melbourne Airport, on 19 Sept 2009 Jeanette and Michael were her first host family. Kevin & Meredith came back to the Lynch’s for morning tea. Red Wine and fabulous Normandie Camembert cheese.
She went to Lowther Hall. A school uniform was a new experience. Her next host families were Mary & Joe, Kevin & Meredith, Kirwans’s and the Steele family. A fabulous time on Safari with the other exchange students.
It was a well attended meeting . As well as Victoire we had another past exchange student Linea lidfors from Sweden Linea is a medical Student in the Polish City of Gdansk . It was great to see her again While seeing all of us on zoom she recalled some of her experience while living with us in Australia
On 11 July 2010 we farewelled Victoire as she flew home to France.

The following is her recollection (from Victoire)
Here is what happened in my life since I left Australia in July 2010 :
From September 2010 to June 2015 I completed a Bachelor in Law (which requires 3 years of study) and then an Master in Law (which requires 2 years of study) in the following cities :
- September 2010 to June 2012 : 1st and 2ndyear of Law at University of Toulouse
- September 2012 to June 2013 : 3rd year of Law at University College Dublin, Ireland thanks to the « Erasmus » European program
- September 2013 to June 2014 : 4th year of Law at University of Bordeaux
- September 2014 to June 2015 : 5th year of Law at University of Toulouse
In September 2015 I started preparing the competitive examination to enter The French National School for the Judiciary (in French : École nationale de la magistrature or ENM). It is a French post-graduate school located in Bordeaux, where French judges and public prosecutors are trained. The aim of the training provided by the ENM is to form a corps of judges and public prosecutors who are suitable for all posts on the bench as well as in the public prosecution service.
I entered the school in January 2018 and followed the training for 2 years and a half. Last week (end of May 2020), i was finally appointed as a civil law Judge in the Court of Boulogne-Sur-Mer (in the north of France, near England ! ) for the next 3 years.
In September 2020 I will move in with my boyfriend Martin, with whom I have been living a long distance relationship for the last 2 years (because he is from Lille, north of France, and I was in the south). We are very happy about this new life project. Afterwards, I would love to work as an investigation judge or as a juvenile judge.
France has around 8,000 judges and prosecutors, which is far below the average for European countries. The number of professional judges per 100,000 inhabitants is 10.7 in France while the European average is 20.92.
The number of prosecutors per 100,000 inhabitants is 2.9 in France while the European average is 11.8.As a result of the above, the French Judiciary is not in good shape, and judges and prosecutors have to work very hard to keep it afloat, which can be tough since it’s also an intellectually and emotionally very demanding job and, of course, we cannot mess with people’s lives.
Despite the problem of understaffing, I love my job because it is very human, it makes me feel useful, and feel like people I see every day in Court help me become a better person. By the way, I have an anecdote to tell you about : when was still in Australia, I applied to universities in France in order to start studying on my return to France since I had already finished high school there. At the time, all I wanted was to become an international lawyer, or a diplomat. One day as I was at school in Lowther Hall, I received an email from my mum, saying that my application had been rejected by the university I had been wanting to go to. I was so sad that I went straight to my locker in order to get my stuff and leave the school (which I was not allowed to do … naughty naughty.). A teacher caught up with me, kept me from leaving the school and called Sylvia Kirwan whom I was staying with at the time. Sylvia came to pick me up, I got into her car, being very upset, I put on my seat belt right away to leave the school as soon as possible, but Sylvia told me to unfasten it and she asked me to tell her what was wrong before she started the car. After I had told her, she looked at me peacefully and said : « Do not take this as a failure. It only means that you are expected elsewhere, somewhere where you will accomplish great things, but you don’t know it yet. » I have always kept her words in my mind since then, and those words have helped me never give up throughout my long studies. 10 years later, I am not an international lawyer nor a diplomat, but I always feel fulfilled when I am working, so I guess Sylvia was right : I am probably in the right place !
I will never thank you all enough for all the things you did for me. My experience in Australia has certainly helped shape the woman I have become. I promise I will not wait 10 more years and will keep you updated on my life !
Love to all,
Victoire
 
 
Here are some of the many photos during her stay
 
 
Past French Exchange Student Victorie 2020-06-06 14:00:00Z 0

June is Fellowship Month

JUNE IS ROTARY FELLOWSHIP MONTH There are countless Fellowship Groups . The following are 3 interesting examples
Australian Golfing Fellowship d The AGFR was born when Australian Rotarians who had been attending golf tournaments around the world organised by the International Golfing Fellowship of Rotarians (IGFR) decided that an Australian version of the Fellowship should be commenced. Australian Rotarians had been attending IGFR Tournaments since 1967, . Email: leigh.judy@bigpond.com
 
Fellowship of Motorbiking Rotarians IFMR is one of the largest and most active fellowships. It is open to all Rotarians motorcycle enthusiast. Still a lot of Rotarian motorcyclists are not yet members of our fellowship, some even do not know about its existence.They are missing a lot. IFMR means friendship, riding adventures, petrol talks and a lot of fun. Help by disseminating this information throughout the entire Rotaryworld Email: maxine.cole@bigpond.com
 
Yachting Fellowship of Rotarians The Fellowship is organized in Fleets in different geographic areas around the world. Members are encouraged to join IYFR through a fleet local to their location (members can belong to more than one fleet). Each fleet in the Fellowship sets its own dues structure and often charges a different membership fee Email: - rommeat@bigpond.net.au
June is Fellowship Month 2020-06-06 14:00:00Z 0

Every Rotarian Every Year

    
This is a special request for members to donate to the Rotary Foundation before 30 June.
During this Pandemic the weekly cost of attending Rotary has decreased. We haved saved on petrol and buying a meal at the Hotel
Is it possible to transfer this saving to the worthy charity of the Rotary Foundation Understandably Foundation giving this year is well down on previous years. Consequently , we won’t be able to fund as many grants in 2022-23 as we have done in recent years. Hence it would be much appreciated if you could do as much as possible to encourage members to donate to the Foundation before the end of this Rotary year.
Most Australians give to at least three charities each year. We are asking all Rotarians to consider making regular contributions to our charity as part of their regular giving. Contributions to TRF are tax deductible.
There are several ways you can support the Rotary Foundation:
▪ Every Rotarian Every Year – Donate any amount per year
▪ Centurion Program - $100 per year or $25 per quarter
To make an online donation, simply click on this link:https://my.rotary.org/en/donate
Every Rotarian Every Year 2020-06-06 14:00:00Z 0

Coffe for Front Line Staff

Coffee for Front Line Medical Staff
This is a work in progress. We aim to support doctors, nurses and health care staff during this time of crisis, offering a $5 coffee to say thank you for the sacrifices you are all making to help keep the rest of us safe. The year of 2020 will never be forgotten. P.P Mary Engert has been in contact with RMH, Western Health with the offer of a donation of $250.00 from our club for coffees to say thank-you to the Doctors, Nurses and Medical Staff.
We have attached a brochure advertising our club to be posted on the coffee shop wall. The coffee shop will also generate $5.00 vouchers with our Rotary Logo that the hospitals will distribute to the Medical staff.
It is also the intention to advertise this in the District Bulletin to other Rotary Clubs
With a central contact number for donations on behalf of Rotary we target
1. Western Health – Mary have organised a main contact and monies donated by any Rotary club will be registered so that she will be able to keep a record to advise this in the District Bulletin and to update this on the Coffee shop wall.
2. RMH - are also printing our vouchers.
3. David Bourke is trying to contact Keilor Hotel, Ferguson Plarres and Bendigo Bank to see if they can help with donations,
4. Ted Haydon has been helping with the graphics for posters.
Coffe for Front Line Staff 2020-06-06 14:00:00Z 0
Visit by Rotary International President (zoom) 2020-06-06 14:00:00Z 0

R U OK

  
R U OK? 
   
Which translates into Are you OKay was the subject of last week’s Zoom meeting . The speaker was Stephen Dowling  who was the Conversation Champion of Australia     RU OK? for 2019 and is passionate about translating evidence based research like MHFA into practice and building the capacity of individuals, families, organisations and communities to be involved in mental health support and suicide prevention.
R U OK? is an Australian non-profit suicide prevention organisation, founded by advertiser Gavin Larkin in 2009. It revolves around the slogan "R U OK?" (are you okay?), and advocates for people to have conversations with others. The organisation has a dedicated R U OK? Day, held annually on the second Thursday of September, which encourages Australians to connect with people who have emotional insecurity, to address social isolation and promote community cohesiveness.[1]
R U OK? works collaboratively with experts in suicide prevention and mental illness, as well as government departments, corporate leaders, teachers, universities, students and community groups. Its activities also align with the Australian Government's LIFE Framework.[2]
Ru OK survey released in November 2019 highlights 40% of small business ownersreport having high levels of stress due to: long working hours , •social isolation , •customer demands •cash flow issues •conflicting demands home and work 72% do not seek any help
Signs to look out for during physical distancing:
Posting more or less than usual online Ignoring messages or cancelling virtual hangouts
Job loss or reduction in hours of work or income
Living on their own feeling anxious, overwhelmed or stressed
How do we know if someone needs support?
Changes in mood?
Changes in their physical appearance?
Changes in behaviour?
Changes in how thoughts are expressed?
Experiencing a major change or under a lot of pressure?
Appear to be overwhelmed by tasks they had recently found manageable?
Do they seem confused or irrational,    moody or unable to switch off  concerned they could be  a burden.  Often they are lonely or lacking self-esteem and concerned they’re trapped or in pain
Are they experiencing mood swings becoming withdrawn and changing their online behaviour losing interest in what they used to love or unable to concentrate They could  be less interested in their appearance or personal hygiene and behaving recklessly There are often changes in their sleep patterns

HERE IS THE PLAN TO START

A CONVERSATION AIMING

TO  CHANGE THEIR  LIFE

R U OK? inspire and empower everyone to meaningfully connect with the  people around them and start a conversation with anyone who may be struggling with life.You don't need to be an expert to reach out - just a good friend and a great listener. Start a conversation with the following four steps:
•Help them open up by asking questions like “How you going?” or ”What’s been happening?” or “I’ve noticed you haven’t been yourself lately. How are you travelling?”
•Make an observation. Mention the specific that have made you concerned for them, like “I’ve noticed that you seem really tired lately” or “You seem less chatty than usual. How you going?”
                      
 
R U OK 2020-05-30 14:00:00Z 0

Rotary Club of Glenferrie

Rotary Club of Glenferrie
Is also meeting on a Tuesday night
The following is their successful model for Getting and keeping members:
  1. Have a presence in the local community such as our Farmers Market.
  2. Have a dynamic website, eg. Our front page features positive elements – one pic has three women and one young man as an example of some “diversity”.  In other words, we are definitely not “stale, male and pale”.  I think we have Sri Lankan, Chinese, Polish, Argentinian.  From memory, out of 45 members  30% female membership. There is lots of information about Rotary Glenferrie and Rotary in general at the click of a link.
  3. Ask – it is amazing how many people are just waiting, eg. our Membership person last year would sit down in the sunshine at the Market and get into conversation over a takeaway coffee.  He would then chat about Rotary, get their details. And we will continue that now that the Market is back even if with reduced numbers due to COVID-19.
  4. Invite to a meeting when there is a good speaker
  5. Introduce them to members around the room who can make them feel welcome
  6. Get into conversation anywhere and anytime, eg. with friends and family
  7. Have an event attended by non-Rotarians and “sell” the joys of membership
  8. Keep regular contact with the potential member
  9. In conversation, establish that the attendance rules are nowhere near as strict as they were but still the need to keep involved, eg. we have a weekly bread run and in many cases our members collect the bread from Bakers Delight and deliver to the Salvos in Camberwell
  10. I don’t know how successful the letter box drop will be but I believe that we have at least one potential new member – but again regular contact helps
  11. Ensure that potential member is aware of the cost of membership, eg. dinner/lunch/etc.  At the moment, it is a bit difficult to judge due to the fact that we cannot meet in person.  But we are still keeping in contact.
  12. Maintaining members, keep them active and engaged.
  13. Fortunately, we have a couple of under 40 who cannot commit as much as they would like but we still keep them and they and their families take part in activities such as Parkinsons Walk and Clean Up Australia as well as being able to attend the occasional meeting.
Rotary Club of Glenferrie 2020-05-30 14:00:00Z 0

Reshaping Rotary

Reshaping Rotary
Message from District 9800 Head Office
It is a very exciting time to be a Rotarian in our part of the world. With the celebration of 100 years of Rotary and the Melbourne International Convention in 2023 we have a once in a generation opportunity to showcase our impact as people of action.
Whilst we celebrate our longevity and success as a service organisation, we need to also ensure we are well placed to be relevant, compelling and impactful into the next 100 years.
Rotary is great in many ways, and we must keep doing the things that make us who we are – our values, our vision, our passion for helping others.
However we cannot ignore the data:
  • • For many years we have seen a year on year decline in membership across our region, and a rising age profile – 24% drop in membership in the last 10 years, the average age in our clubs is over 60. Of the 50% of ages reported in My Rotary, 37.3% are over 60.
  • • We lose the majority of members who leave within their first 3 years of joining, so we are not engaging them well or not meeting expectations. In many cases we are not reflecting the
  • make up of our communities and we have some difficulty attracting younger members. We hear that cost and time are barriers to joining.
Reshaping Rotary 2020-05-30 14:00:00Z 0

National Volunteer Week

This week is
 
National Volunteer Week It Occurred from 18th May to 24th May
Changing Communities ,
Changing Lives *
 and Rotary is very relevant to this
National Volunteer Week (NVW) is the annual celebration to acknowledge the generous contribution of our nation’s volunteers. At this uncertain time we feel that it is more important than ever to recognise and acknowledge Australia’s volunteers  including Rotarians of course
We understand that the many events that are usually held during National Volunteer Week will be postponed or cancelled, however we encourage all organisations who wish to thank their volunteers to consider moving their events to an online format or acknowledge volunteers in different ways through social media or other digital formats.
Below we have provided ideas, inspiration and tips to celebrate
We invite you to put your hand up and thank all the volunteers around Australia by waving a special smile of appreciation from your own home. Upload your wave photo to social media and share using the hashtags #NVW2020 and #waveforvolunteers, and tag Volunteering Australia.
                                                
 
Thanks to technology you can hold a virtual thank you event for volunteers during National Volunteer Week. There are so many ideas for a virtual event from a simple coffee catch up to holding a dinner party. We have listed some ideas to get you started.
 
Looking for a virtual way to thank your volunteers? Through the Volunteering Australia website you can send a free online Certificate of Appreciation directly to your volunteer’s email.
The new logo for National Volunteer Week 2020 as well as resources including posters, invitations, certificates and social media images are now available.
Say thank you to your volunteers with high quality, volunteer-specific gifts, while supporting Volunteering Australia in advocating for the volunteering sector in Australia.
As well as the hugely popular lapel pins we have pens, lanyards, post-it notes, eco keep cups, keyrings and much more! We have also added ‘V’ volunteer anniversary pins for volunteers who have volunteered for 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 years.
National Volunteer Week 2020-05-23 14:00:00Z 0

RYDA

Handbrake Turn - Rotary Driver Youth Awarness
Our ongoing interest in this project is particularly relevant in this month May which is the month when Rotary focusses on Youth Service                         This includes a project called  Rotary Youth Driver Awareness – RYDA  
RYDA is a community road safety initiative delivering practical road safety information targeting attitude and awareness of young drivers and passengers. The program is facilitated in partnership with Rotary, presented by professionals and supported by corporate sponsors. The Program about road safety is directed towards our young people as as they approach the period in their life when they start driving a car and ride as a passenger in a car driven by one of their peers. In Tasmania it is presented to students in grade 10.
The program focuses on attitude and awareness with the aim of making the students better people on the road. Presenters include Road Safety experts, driving instructors, Police , recovering survivors of road crashes and drug and alcohol educators.
RYDA 2020-05-23 14:00:00Z 0
Award Presentation Ceremony 2020-05-23 14:00:00Z 0

Reshaping Rotary

 

Reshaping Rotary
  Message from District 9800 Head Office
 
It is a very exciting time to be a Rotarian in our part of the world. With the celebration of 100 years of Rotary and the Melbourne International Convention in 2023 we have a once in a generation opportunity to showcase our impact as people of action.
 
Whilst we celebrate our longevity and success as a service organisation, we need to also ensure we are well placed to be relevant, compelling and impactful into the next 100 years.
 
Rotary is great in many ways, and we must keep doing the things that make us who we are – our values, our vision, our passion for helping others.
However we cannot ignore the data:
  • For many years we have seen a year on year decline in membership across our region, and a rising age profile – 24% drop in membership in the last 10 years, the average age in our clubs is over 60.  Of the 50% of ages reported in My Rotary, 37.3% are over 60.
  • We lose the majority of members who leave within their first 3 years of joining, so we are not engaging them well or not meeting expectations.  In many cases we are not reflecting the make up of our communities and we have some difficulty attracting younger members.  We hear that cost and time are barriers to joining.
  • Many clubs struggle to get members to take on leadership roles, often because these are seen as too onerous.
  • Global and local research has shown that the Rotary brand is highly respected but not very visible. We do not have a single Rotary voice in our region that not only identifies us but also enables others to easily connect.
  • We have few national partners or sponsors.
 
 
We want your help on how best to capitalise on these opportunities and take us into the next 100 years.
 
 
 
 
>> What we are aiming to do
The District Governors of 2018-19 petitioned the RI Board to develop a proposed pilot structure for Rotary in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific.
 
 
The purpose:
To develop a possible structure for our region that will help us be relevant for our members, contemporary, and flexible.  We want a structure that will support Rotary clubs for service and growth, and enable us to take a coordinated and efficient regional approach to strategy, leadership, learning and development, public image, and local Rotary entities and programs.  We want it to help support change while retaining the best of the existing.  And we must also recognise our different cultures – we are 14 countries.
 
The scope:
To develop a pilot regional structure to support clubs – RI is out of scope, individual club structures are out of scope.  In other words – what sort of regional structure will best serve our clubs? 
A representative Planning Group and five Working Groups have been developing objectives to describe what we want to achieve/deliver from a regional structure. We do not yet have a defined structure.
Reshaping Rotary  2020-05-16 14:00:00Z 0

Whycheproof Coping with COVID-19

How is Wycheproof coping with Covid 19
 
  This important topic was informed to us by  Ann Durie (pictured on left)  a resident of Wycheproof who has been a long standing friend of our Club
She joined us on Zoom and gave us this interesting  following information
                                                        
Interestingly there are no covid 19 cases in this town or the whole of the Buloke Shire    
This is probably due to the fact that  many residents able to work from home. The Hospital is in  lockdown , and does not allow  visitors
Farming which is the main activity of Wycheproof is going along as normal  but farmers miss the pub and the ability  to chat to other farmers. There have been better rains this year so we are hoping for a good harvest year.
 
What about the businesses.  Some have remained open as are essential services like bulk fuel , hardware , chemist , supermarket , post office etc.      As mentioned pubs are suffering but they are doing meals for takeaway. The Bakery has closed but may open in  June . The Bakery relies on passing  trade . An important goal is to keep staff safe .    Baking is done fortnightly for locals .
Social distancing has been the norm . This involves  limiting  of customers in shops.
Initially people came from out of town came to raid supermarket for toilet paper etc .Then  buses were stopped from entering the town  and  stock was hidden to ensure supply for the  locals   . Police presence is evident -They can be seen  driving around all streets
 
Sport certainly plays a huge part of country life Many are missing the weekly matches  and Businesses miss out on flow on that this brings. There is also an online yoga for those interested and there is a service to provide books etc to elderly . As the hours are reduced they fill the gap by connecting on the internet.

The school is providing excellent services to students and they also provide catering for children of the essential workers .
.
The Men’s Shed and op shop are closed now except that the  Men’s shed opened last Friday selling kindling
 
The  Nursery opened up again to assist the  many who are doing gardening in spare time .
 
There is also a  Resource centre which  helps the many who can’t get out of their house . They also provide flyers to help people understand what is happening.
Our link with Wycheproof
We recall how our Rotary Club of Keilor has for many years provided support to the community in Wycheproof, Wycheprproof is a small regional locality in the centre of the Shire of Buloke, in North Western Victoria. It has a population of   600 people       The name Wycheproof originates from an aboriginal word meaning 'grass on a hill', referring to Mount Wycheproof just off the Calder Highway, which is the smallest registered mountain in the world standing at 148 metres. The economy of Wycheproof is driven mainly by wheat but the prolonged drought had brought many challenges to this community. A few years ago our  P.P.David Bourke came up with a fabulous idea to bring the students and teachers from Wycheproof P-12 College to Melbourne for an overnight camp and visit to Healesville Sanctuary. Significant funds have been raised to achieve this and support from ten Rotary Clubs, local business and community leaders gave one hundred and twenty children a life enriching experience.
Whycheproof Coping with COVID-19 2020-05-16 14:00:00Z 0

Hand Brake Turn Cars
 

Handbrake Turn
Our Rotary Club has been a proud supporter of Hand Brake Turn for the past seven years. It is an organisation located in Braybrook, that helps turn around the lives of disadvantage youth and provides hands on training in automotive skills.
Recently through the good work of David Whiting and Cameron Horder we have been able to donate two vehicles to HBT for use by their students. Cameron had been able to deliver the two vehicles to Braybrook using his flatbed truck. Thanks Cameron.
President Glenda advised that she may soon have another vehicle to be donated to HBT.
During the Covid19 the face to face training has been closed causing fear that the training may not recommence due to funding difficulties. Fortunately, the Victorian Government has provided funding to enable the training courses to continue until at least the end of June.
Face to face training recommenced this week at the Dandenong site and next week at Braybrook site.
Please see the Hand Brake site on Facebook
Hand Brake Turn Cars  2020-05-16 14:00:00Z 0

New Website
 

New Website
 
President Glenda Bryson, mentioned at our Zoom meeting last Tuesday that we have launched our Website under the approved Club Runner format. This format enables clubs to easily link in with Rotary International and District 9800 sites to exchange membership information.
 
Glenda would like every member to access the site to familiarise themselves with the way around the site. In the next few week we will be requesting members fill in some details into the site. Glenda will provide more information at next weeks Club Meeting on Zoom
 
The site is located at
New Website  2020-05-16 14:00:00Z 0

Coping with isolation

How to cope with isolation during coronavirus pandemic
 
In this stressful economic climate we sought the advice from our good friend psychologist Kaylene Evers, pictured above  Kaylene  has  extensive experience, and  loads of common sense, broad training,  diligence and Integrity.. She joined our last Zoom meeting
And for this difficult problem she advised the following to
Establish a new Routine and endeavour to maintain a  new pattern  
      
1. Need to Keep Clearly Defined Working Hours Delineate home work area and hours. Maintain regular hours and don’t be tempted to over extend   
 
2.Get Dressed as if you are going to the office You don’t need to dress as formally as you might for work, but the simple act of changing clothes serves as a signal that it’s time to wake up and get things done                                 
 
3.Designate your home workspace
If you’re used to going into an office each day, the separation between work and home is physical, and you want to try to recreate that as much as possible with a designated physical workspace at home                                                               
 
4.Build Transitions Into (and Out of) Work  Include routine for family, time together and time apart  Plan regular Mealtimes.
 
5.Exercise, pleasant activity, outdoor time, time away from technology
You can still go outside to exercise, as long as you’re not in a group of more than two people. Take a bike ride or go for a walk or run around your local area to ensure you’re getting enough daily physical activity. Going outside and getting some fresh air is also great for your mental health! Just remember to follow the rules and try to go out when there are less people around
 
6.Continue to communicate, stay in touch with others and continue to Socialize
Use technology to your advantage – set up a group chat on Facebook or What’s App, use FaceTime, Zoom or Skype for video calls, or send out regular emails or texts to check in on your loved ones.
Go old-school – pick up the phone and give them a ring.
Reach out to others through online communities and forums.
 
7.Accept the  new normal.     Use it AS AN OPPORTUNITY to be more  flexible
The rules and guidelines some governments are imposing are impacting people’s daily routines and uprooting business as usual. Don’t fight the change. Don’t waste energy on something that is out of your control. Acce pt that you will have a new way of life for a period of time, and use your energy on what is in your control. Be smart with your energy so that you can remain productive.
Coping with isolation 2020-05-09 14:00:00Z 0
Ethics Forum 2020-05-09 14:00:00Z 0

Bee Waggle

 
 
 
In the midst of the Covid-19 crisis, there is an opportunity to brighten the days of your family and friends by inspiring them to celebrate World Bee Day on 20 May. 
The main purpose of World Bee Day events is to spread awareness of the significance of bees and other pollinators for our survival. Simply proclaiming World Bee Day does not do much for bees and other pollinators; the main work of safeguarding their existence still needs to be undertaken. World Bee Day is an excellent opportunity to put bees at the centre of the national conversation for a day and encourage actions that create more bee-friendly landscapes.
 
The 2020 Global Online Waggle Dance Challenge is an attempt to achieve 20,000 waggle dance videos, from 20 countries, in 20 days, ending on the 20th May 2020. The figure 20,000 was chosen because that’s how many species of bees there are doing extraordinary work for the planet every day. The Waggle Dance music by Gus MacMillan and Jane McCracken, ,  video at:  https://www.worldbeeday.org.au/waggle/?fbclid=IwAR0kufTpbmY_jgyuXk7_8_t-y8QAiFgku4RHtDrbl6QTTCGcwrj4DXjdLgE
Bee Waggle 2020-05-09 14:00:00Z 0

Sharing Plants

Sharing Plants  
 This program is promoted by our P.P.Mary Engert . She says that now that everyone is home and she assumes  you are all working on your house and gardens, Mary and  President Glenda has come up with a great idea and it goes like this.
 
All those extra herbs, Vegies, flowers and fruit  that you may have in your gardens or anything else in your house you think someone might like you can list it in our bulletin with your name against it, and if someone wants it they can ring you. Once they make contact with you it can be left at the front door so no contact is needed. For example she has oregano, chilli and bay leaves she could give to a few people and  when her lemons are ripe Mary  will let everyone know to come and collect them. No one really understands your triumphs and hardships like a fellow gardener. If your close family and friends don’t share your gardening enthusiasm, it’s unlikely they’ll change. There are just some people that get animated when discussing the garden and, unfortunately, some that don’t. That’s not your fault.

 
Sharing Plants 2020-05-04 14:00:00Z 0

News from DIK

News from D.I.K.
 
Some of the Covid19 Heroes are no longer with us.  They are the ones who created the infrastructure as a result of the Influenzas Epidemic 100 years ago, that serves us today and has allowed Australia to react so well to the current virus.
 
In developing countries like Timor Leste, the medical infrastructure is limited and so are plans for dealing with problems like the Corona Virus.  I took time to develop a plan and to create a wishlist.
 
DIK received call asking if it would be possible for the Store to be the drop-off and collection point for Covid19 equipment and supplies that were needed to fight Covid19 in Timor Leste.  As you would expect the answer was yes. 
 
On the 16th April we received a wish list and a request to see if we could supply anything.  They received the response the next day with a fully detailed list of what we could provide.
You have to love Rotary. 
 
The Store was holding goods purchased for other projects that could not be shipped, because there were no planes flying.  The people were happy to donate the goods to help people in need in another country.
 
News from DIK 2020-05-04 14:00:00Z 0

Honouring Vietnam Vetrans

 
Honouring Vietnam Veterans
Gavin Thoms had a special interest in the Vietnam campaign and he and his wife Beverley visited this country recently                                             Initially there was considerable support for Australia's involvement in Vietnam, and all Australian battalions returning from Vietnam participated in well attended welcome home parades through either Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane or Townsville, even during the early 1970s.] Regardless, as opposition to the war increased service in Vietnam came to be seen by sections of the Australian community in less than sympathetic terms and opposition to it generated negative views of veterans in some quarters. In the years following the war, some Vietnam veterans experienced social exclusion and problems readjusting to society. Nevertheless, as the tour of duty of each soldier during the Vietnam War was limited to one year (although some soldiers chose to sign up for a second or even a third tour of duty), the number of soldiers suffering from combat stress was probably more limited than it might otherwise have been.
As well as the negative sentiments towards returned soldiers from some sections of the anti-war movement, some Second World War veterans also held negative views of the Vietnam War veterans. The response of the RSL varied across the country, and while some rejected Vietnam veterans, other branches, particularly those in rural areas, were said to be very supportive.  In 1972 the RSL decided that Vietnam veterans should lead the march, which attracted large crowds throughout the country.   Australian Vietnam veterans were honoured at a "Welcome Home" parade in Sydney on 3 October 1987, and it was then that a campaign for the construction of the Vietnam War Memorial began.
 
Honouring Vietnam Vetrans 2020-05-04 14:00:00Z 0

ANZAC Day The Interest has Grown

The Interest has grown
 
During and after Australia's involvement in the Vietnam War (1962–1975), interest in Anzac Day reached its lowest point in Australia
However, since the late 1980s and especially the 1990s, interest in and attendance at Anzac Day has grown. On 25 April 1990, Bob Hawke became the first Australian politician to visit Gallipoli, and he also decided that government would pay to take Anzac veterans to Gallipoli for the 75th anniversary of the dawn landing. This is seen by historians as a major milestone in the recovery of Anzac Day.
Prime Minister John Howard was also a huge proponent of Anzac Day commemorations, and visited Gallipoli on 25 April in both 2000 and 2005.
An increasing number of attendees have been young Australians, many of whom attend ceremonies swathed in Australian flags, wearing green and gold T-shirts and beanies and with Australian flag tattoos imprinted on their skin. This phenomenon has been perceived by some as a reflection of the desire of younger generations of Australians to honour the sacrifices made by the previous generations.
Australians and New Zealanders recognise        25 April as a ceremonial occasion to reflect on the cost of war and to remember those who fought and lost their lives for their country. Commemorative services and marches are held at dawn, the time of the original landing, mainly at war memorials in cities and towns across both nations and the sites of some of Australia and New Zealand's more-recognised battles
ANZAC Day The Interest has Grown 2020-05-04 14:00:00Z 0

ANZAC Day Introduction

 
ANZAC DAY Introduction
was celebrated at our last meeting . We had a devoted 3 person presentation from our members Ted Haydon , Liz Beattie and Gavin Thoms.
Ted described how the ceremonies and their meanings have changed significantly since 1915. According to Dr Martin Crotty, a historian at the University of Queensland, Anzac commemorations have "suited political purposes right from 1916 when the first Anzac Day march was held in London and Australia, which were very much around trying to get more people to sign up to the war in 1916–1918.
There has been no shortage of heroic stories over the course of the Anzac Centenary- stories of courage and sacrifice, fortitude and endurance, mateship and resolve. But a hundred years on, there is a need for other stories as well - the stories too often marginalised in favour of nation-building narratives. World War One- a history in 100 stories remembers not just the men and women who lost their lives during the battles of WWI, but those who returned home as well- the gassed, the crippled, the insane - all those irreparably damaged by war. Drawn from a unique collection of sources, including repatriation files, these heartbreaking and deeply personal stories reveal a broken and suffering generation - gentle men driven to violence, mothers sent insane with grief, the hopelessness of rehabilitation and the quiet, pervasive sadness of loss. They also retrieve a fragile kind of courage from the pain and devastation of a conflict that changed the world. This is an unflinching and remarkable social history.
ANZAC Day Introduction 2020-05-04 14:00:00Z 0

Coffee for Hospital Staff

 
To date $3450 has been sent or pledged to Western Health to provide coffee to hospital staff, thanking them for their  fantastic work during this Covid-19 epidemic  A project by Rotary clubs and friends of Rotary, supporting doctors, nurses and health care staff during this time of crisis, providing a free coffee to staff to say Thank You
 
Coffee for Hospital Staff ted 2020-03-30 13:00:00Z 0
Holloway House Ted 2020-03-29 13:00:00Z 0
Christmas Bags for Elderly Citizens Ted Haydon 2020-03-29 13:00:00Z 0

Car Show 2019

Details of the 2019 Car Show. Unfortunately the Rotary Club of Keilor is unable to hold the Car Show this year
           
Car Show 2019 Ted 2020-03-29 13:00:00Z 0

 Victorian Primary School Recycling Project

Every child has the right to a good education, but sadly for many this is only a dream.   70,000,000 children will receive no schooling this year.   Two of the key elements needed to provide education are well equipped classrooms and the things that students need.     In Australia we are very fortunate to be able to replace items before they wear out and discard goods that would be very valuable in developing countries.       We are working with local schools and students to donate all of the reusable material they no longer require, to be given to the teachers and students who lack these resources and who deserve our help.
There are three donation areas of particular interest
•    Recycling the library books no longer require
•    End of year collection of the items students and the school no longer require
•    Recycling equipment that is being replaced
Last year the West Footscray Donations In Kind Store shipped 45 x 20’ containers of goods overseas, the cost was $220,000+ and almost all of this was funded by Rotary Clubs.    Our Club is a strong supporter of this great operation.    Much of the material being collected would have become landfill if we did not provide this much better alternative.  
Sadly unless some without help with donations for shipping there will continue to be times when we can’t collect valuable material because there is no room to store it or funds to ship.    In other states Government contributes to the shipping cost, but in Victoria we have to rely on the Community.    It only cost $4 to ship a chair so a little makes a big difference.
 If this is an area that interests you we hope that you will join with the Rotary Club of Keilor and be partners in this great project
 
Victorian Primary School Recycling Project David Dippie 2020-01-10 13:00:00Z 0
Hand Brake Turn Ted Haydon 2020-01-10 13:00:00Z 0

Support for Whycheproof Community

Keilor Rotary Supports Wycheproof Students on a trip to Healsville

The Rotary Club of Keilor  welcomed the students of Wycheproof P-12 College at Keilor Sports ground as they stopped for a meet & greet with Keilor Primary School & Catholic Regional College North Keilor students, to stretch their legs and to have lunch, prepared by the wonderful ladies committee of the Keilor Bowls Club with some of the goodies supplied by Senserrick's of Keilor & Fergusson Plarre.
There were certificates of appreciations exchanged between the three schools and the kids had a blast playing & socialising with each other.
At Night the Wycheproof students are enjoyed Candlebark Farm facilities for their overnight stay in Healseville and the following day they visited the Healseville Sanctuary.
There are many businesses, Rotary Clubs and individuals who have supported this fantastic event and they will be acknowledged in a future post.
We hope the Wycheproof students enjoyed this special excursion and that many fabulous memories are made

Support for Whycheproof Community Ted 2019-08-03 14:00:00Z 0

Katie Wilford Rotary Global Scholar

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Katie Wilford was our guest speaker at our meeting on 16th of July 2019.

Katie Wilford is an Iowa native visiting our land Down Under . She has just completed her Master of Education at the University of Melbourne. Her research explored the embedded intentions regarding Koorie peoples in Victorian education documents.

After submitting her research paper, she ventured off to holiday in Perth (and down the coast) for two weeks. She currently spends her time volunteering at D.I.K. and Missionaries of Charity, providing free mathematics tutoring at Epping Secondary, visiting and presenting at Rotary clubs across the district and crossing off those last minute adventures in Melbourne before returning home.  Katie has one more trip planned in late July, to Uluru, which crosses off visiting all six states! 

Katie Wilford Rotary Global Scholar 2019-07-22 14:00:00Z 0
Homelessness 2019-07-22 14:00:00Z 0
Rotary Safe Families 2019-07-22 14:00:00Z 0

Helping people with disabilities make their own music

Music has been an important part of leading an ordinary life for students at the Music School for Children With Disabilities in Honor of Paul Harris in Lublin, Poland. Founded by Rotary members, the school serves 20 students with various disabilities, including Down syndrome, autism, and visual impairments. The Rotary Club of Lublin-Centrum-Maria Curie-Sklodowska has provided funding with help from Rotary Foundation Matching Grants and the Henryk Wieniawski Musical Society, which houses the school.
 
After their son Mateusz was born with underdeveloped eyes, Mariusz and Joanna Kania looked for ways to help him be active. When he showed an aptitude for music, they looked for a teacher and were thrilled to find the Paul Harris music school.
Helping people with disabilities make their own music 2015-05-01 00:00:00Z 0

Finding Safe Haven

For years, Angalia Bianca had slept in abandoned buildings throughout Chicago. She stole. She did drugs. She spent time in and out of jail for forgery, theft, trespassing, and possession of narcotics. But after she landed in prison for the seventh time, something changed -- Bianca knew she wanted a better life. She just didn’t know how to make it happen.
 
After serving her time, Bianca sought help from a local homeless organization, A Safe Haven, and moved to its shelter in the Rogers Park neighborhood. Bianca followed the program closely -- she attended all the required meetings, passed drug tests, and volunteered at every opportunity.
Finding Safe Haven 2015-05-01 00:00:00Z 0

Saving lives in Ghana

What is it like taking a large team to Africa?  It has probably been one of the most rewarding experiences in my life. In mid February, I began leading Rotary members from all over the East Coast of the United States through Ghana. I’ve tried to give the team a warm Ghanaian welcome like I’ve received on my earlier trips. A large trip is a real blessing because each person sees Ghana and our work in a different way.

A highlight for the team was greeting the chief of Sagadugu. The team got excited about buying goats and food for children in the villages where I support eight churches. It was good to see the pastors of most of the eight churches, and I had to explain that we were just passing through on our way to Bolgatanga.
Saving lives in Ghana 2015-05-01 00:00:00Z 0

India celebrates three years without polio

Throughout India and around the world, Rotary clubs are celebrating a major milestone: India has gone three years without a new case of polio. The last reported case was a two-year-old girl in West Bengal on 13 January 2011. To mark this historic triumph, Rotary clubs illuminated landmarks and iconic structures throughout the country with four simple but powerful words, "India is polio free."
 
The three-year achievement sets the stage for polio-free certification of the entire Southeast Asia region by the World Health Organization. The Indian government also plans to convene a polio summit in February to commemorate this victory in the global effort to eradicate polio.
 
India celebrates three years without polio 2014-02-26 00:00:00Z 0