New RI President Gordon R. McInally calls for Rotary to create hope in the world by working for peace and mental wellbeing. He urges members to engage in tough conversations and earn the trust that’s necessary to realize these values.
Agenda - 19 march
meeting #2423
6:30 pm
RCWL Invocation
"We are proud members of Rotary International where we can serve our community and those needing help across the world. We enjoy meeting together for meals and mutual service in the convivial company of other Rotarians and guests."
RECORD OF ATTENDANCE
Apologies:
Alan, Barbara, Steve,
GUESTS:
-
Toast to the People of Australia -
International Toast -
Heads & Tails -
Birthdays & Anniversaries
SECRETARY REPORT - Jane
TREASURER REPORT- Len
Done
CLUB IMAGE & COMMUNICATION- Scott
Done
ongoing
Coming up
tbc
To do
Any ideas from Club members always gratefully received.
COMMUNITY & FUNDRAISING- Ros
Done
tbc
Coming up
BBQ at Bunnings on Sat 23 March
Please register in Events Folder so we can see if we need to connect with Partners
normal Monday Bunnings BBQ on 1 April
Carousel 6/7 April
Bub's birthday at the NRM is set for 21 April. This will be one of only two events at the NRM for us this year.
To do
Chasing down presentation to HeartKids in February
INTERNATIONAL REPORT - Andrew
Done
AED tracking (District Grant)
Heart of the Nation have confirmed 4 sites entered now on App (still to check). Also have process to register more.
The code to use if anyone wants to is ANDE130224
Coming up
Tentative dates for RARE (DIK) working bee Sat 4 May - please check folder
End Polio Now - let's continue the fight Donation tin to be at each Bunnings BBQ
Andrew is scheduled to speak at:
RC Morialta on 20 March;
RC Campbelltown on 22 April;
RC Henley Beach on 1 May
RC Waikerie tbc
To do
tbc
VOCATION & ENVIRONMENT- Alison
Done
ntr
Coming up
FMCG Open Day: Sat 21 April
Waiting for Nicole at Bunnings on what they can cover off with their funding.
Once that is known I will know how much I would like to seek from RCWL for the Open Day.
Flyers will be available for anyone who has time to letterbox drop in the local area surrounding the garden – please see me for an area to cover.
Thanks to those who have given me milk bottles for the mini wicking beds – I have enough now since Bunnings have a stack for me to pick up on Saturday.
To do
suggestions?
YOUTH REPORT - Robin
Done
Outbound Youth Exchange Student
Abby - monthly update this week, refer to Story
Coming up
ntr
To do
We are still awaiting suggested dates for our Science Experience student to speak at our club soon. Denis Ralph may have some additional information soon.
This year's District Conference was held in Loxton, DG Craig's hometown. It was a successful event and good to see so many members from different Clubs. It was great to be in the company of such positive, enthusiastic, busy, prosperous Clubs & their members.
The RC of Loxton did a fantastic job in putting the Conference together. Except for the evening storm on Saturday, and rain during the 6 am breakfast on Sunday, the weather was superb.
Hospitality, guest speakers, catering (food forever), was amazing and very well organised.
Hopefully next year more members will consider sharing the experience.
This year's theme was “Inspire Hope & Celebrate 100 years of Rotary in SA” and the weekend proved to be very inspiring.
The program was jam packed with speakers and soap-box items – you couldn’t be late back from morning tea or lunch or else you’d miss something!
Keynote speaker, Michael Crossland, other speakers and showcases proved amazing, with much food for thought, and fitted in well with the Conference theme.
Prelim BBQ
The Loxton Conference was a great chance to catch up with other Clubs and our own, Rosie, Kerry + 2x dogs, Alison, Andrew and Ros had the traditional RCWL Friday night BBQ - in the Caravan Park at Loxton. Thanks to Rosie and Kerry for ensuring we had access to the BBQ and eating irons etc, + table and chairs while other Rotarians came past and chatted, we were the centre of attention! There was a cocktail party as the “other” event, theirs eventually came to an end!
Foundation Breakfast
Up early to drive to Loxton for a 7 am start!
Foundation Speaker was Annika Theodoulou currently researching anti-smoking strategies at Oxford Uni with a sponsorship from The Rotary Foundation (TRF). While the presentation was difficult to hear the research was substantial and Foundation Chair Jerry Casburn will provide the presentation this week.
There were a number of presentations. RCWL received an award for End Polio contributions in 2022-23.
Ros and Andrew were also presented with Paul Harris Society membership.
Conference
Conference was opened with welcome to country by Aunty Sheryl Giles a local lady with a positive focus and vision for the future
We also heard from Mayor of Loxton Trevor Norton and RI President Representative PDG Jennie Herring (New Zealand).
Keynote speaker
Michael Crossland “the power of Perspective”.
A most remarkable life of setbacks and recoveries including his family and his health. His story, what he has had to overcome and what he has achieved left most people heading for the tissue box. Very few dry eyes in the house.
Notable start to life was the Doctors’ expectation that as an infant he was not expected to survive. Then as part of a first human experimental drug he was the only 1/25 who survived – a tough decision for his mother to put her new born onto such a trial.
Surviving childhood, becoming an elite baseball player in the USA until he was struck down again by cancer was truly an emotional rollercoaster for the audience. His story from overcoming weeks and months of health issues and being told he would not survive, his rise and fall in the Corporate world, his ongoing health setbacks…. He eventually decided that his purpose was to help others. A story of great courage and sheer grit, with still the possibilities of further health issues.
Listening to Michael’s story helps to put things back into perspective. Amazing what you can do when you really put your mind to it.
Other notable speakers
Cameron Glover – Interplast:
As a follow on from our very recent visit by Merilyn Russell, Cameron was able to expand on the program & their achievements in going into remote areas of Asia South Pacific to both conduct surgeries for many unfortunate persons (both young & old) who had been maimed by many types of injuries, accidents or otherwise hurtful events. The true aim of the program is to not only give these people back some identity within their communities, but also to be able to function as normally as possible afterwards.
The most incredible key element on top of those achievements is that the surgical teams, whilst giving in most cases 100% of their time & knowledge for free, are also training local people on how to perform these surgeries for themselves. The education transfer is astounding.
Dr Tim Proudman AM from Adelaide was mentioned as the key mover for a relationship in Bhutan. He donated his time and energy into improving surgical practices in Bhutan, and also in training what is now Bhutan’s only Plastic Reconstructive Surgeon (returned recently after 12 months of training in Adelaide). Unfortunately, Tim passed away recently, at only 62. https://interplast.org.au/vale-dr-tim-proudman-am/
Maurice O’Connell – Ukraine Crisis:
A self-proclaimed “Accidental Volunteer” after taking a 2 week trip to the Ukraine that turned into a 6 month mercy mission to help the “Forgotten Villages” in the Odesa region.
Maurice now dedicates 6 months every year whereby he is at the frontline of the war still raging in that area – assisting with food supplies and medical treatment for anyone who is in need of either (or both)
He inspired the initiation of the Project New Dawn in District 9510 which now helps thousands of displaced Ukrainians rebuild where possible, or at least get access to food & medical assistance. New Dawn is heavily funded by a German NGO, and provides the vehicle for Rotary to operate in SE Ukraine.
The RC of Victor Harbour was especially called out as a major sponsor of this District’s program; a Club who donated approx. $14,000 to help build a temporary medical facility (looked like a glorified ATCO hut from the outside, but kitted out with a lot of what’s needed to help these people inside!). Great job!
Sam Mitchell - local Riverland indigenous person. Sam shared his story, his climb from overcoming drug, alcohol and a life of crime to finding his purpose in helping Aboriginal men in prison to turn their lives around. He also spends his time supporting other indigenous people to make more of their lives and contribute to their communities. He also runs a self-help group “Strong Aboriginal Men” (SAM). He gave us a demonstration of a “typical” experience, where he was driving and was pulled over by a police officer who had no more reason that to tell him he had no right to be driving a car like the one he had. This was understandably met with disappointment by those at the Conference.
William Gillett and Sam Nitschke Both graduates of Loxton HS and members of Rotary Youth Alumni who have taken very different career paths beyond the Riverland. Will and Sam are currently finishing University with B Law & Ecco/Fin/Trade, and Aerospace Engineering, respectively. They spoke of their appreciation for the start Rotary had given them and the opportunities they look forward to taking up with their education.
Other speakers included:
Ben Avery (from Loxton), Channel Nine journalist as European correspondent.
Rosie Lotawa, a ROMAC patient, speaking on her experience as a child before and after multiple facial operations. She spoke about the critical role that ROMAC plays in the Pacific Nations.
John Robertson, a mixed race Vietnamese orphan. His struggle with identity, and eventual realisation of his need to educate children. He is now Principal of the Swan Reach Area School.
Club Showcases
The Club project showcases were brilliant – 5 minutes for Clubs to outline their major undertakings.
It provided an opportunity for us think about our approach to establishing new projects, how we plan and get them off the ground. Memorable ones were:
RC Edwardstown Support and mentoring of two young chaps, in helping them to overcome their shyness and become confident men in building their paper recycling business.
RC Campbelltown Community Cafe raising $34,000 for the Ukraine in a dinner fundraiser. Starting with a light bulb moment, organising a committee of interested members, reaching out for support from the council to local businesses and hard work creates some amazing projects.
Youth:
Loxton High School Showcase of Riverland Youth we heard from the HS rock band and a solo guitarist. They all selected their music to meet the audience and did well.
At the Gala dinner we were treated to more local musos, they entertained us while the Conference participants danced, drank and eat, and chatted. HS students also provided the wait staff for the night.
Showcase of D9510 projects
ShelterBox
Peace Poles
Foundation, including End Polio Now (Andrew) At least one new speaking engagement (Waikerie)
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Interest for DEI was steady with Rotarians keen to understand the meaning of DEI and how to address issues within their Clubs
Abby Ann O'Brien (Abby Ann), Outbound Student in Italy
Report Submitted: 4 March 2024
Sponsor District: 9510 Sponsor Club: West Lakes
How long have you been with your current host family and when are you moving to the next?
I have been with my current host family since my arrival, a month and a half ago. I am not sure who my next host family is, or when exactly I will be moving to them. I think it is in August, but I am not entirely sure.
Do you have any host brothers or sisters living in your host family? What are their names, age, gender?
I have a host sister, Matilde, she is 12 and a host brother, Sammuele, he is 16.
Describe your relationship with your Host Family
I am definitely closest to my host mum and host sister. Matilde and I had a movie night, and we like baking together. My host Dad works in Liguria so I only see him on weekends and have not had much of a chance to get to know him. My host brother and I still haven't really hung out much or had a real chance to talk, but I am hoping to get to know him a bit better. I also like my grandparents and think they are very nice. My host grandfather and I communicate in fishing talk, and my host Grandmother and I talk about food.
Are you meeting with your club Counsellor on a regular basis?
Yes
Have you been receiving your Monthly Allowance on time?
Yes
When and how often does your Rotary Club meet?
Weekly - Dinner
How often are you invited to Rotary meetings and how often do you attend?
I have only been invited to and attended one Rotary meeting so far.
Have you been the Guest of any Rotary members other than Host Families?
No, I have not yet but one member of my Rotary club said she would like to have me over for dinner sometime.
9. How is the relationship with your host club?
I have not had much contact with my Host Club, despite my emailing them.
10. How are you doing at School?
Fair / Difficult
11. Have you made friends at school and outside school?
Happily successful
12. How would you say your language skills are?
Need Improvement
13. Has language been a barrier for you and how are you working toward overcoming it?
I attend a Rotary Italian course and one at school. I do my own private study, as well as Duolingo and other apps that allow you to have conversations with Italians. I also try to talk to my sister in Italian as much as I can.
14. Have you joined a sports team club or other activity at School? Describe
I have joined a volleyball team. we train twice a week and the first game was last week, but I couldn't play because I hadn't paid yet.
15. How are you doing with any Homesickness?
Over it and fine
16. If you have been homesick, what has helped?
I was homesick a little this month, but I just tried to put myself out there and make friends. I also tried to make myself part of the family as much as I can.
17. Have you been sick or unwell in the past month? Have you missed any school because of it?
Yes, I had the flu which caused me to have 2 days off school.
18. Are you planning any Travel away from Host Family that requires Approval?
on the fourth of April, I would like to go to Lake Como with my Australian School, but I'm not sure whether I need permission for that or not as Lake Como is fairly close to Milan. From the 30th of September to the 4th of October, my parents and brother will be in Italy and they would like me to travel with them for this time.
19. Please tell us about your experiences in the past month?
Over the past month my host mum has taken me to the theatre to see OPEN, I have been attending my volleyball trainings, and I watched their first game, and I even attended an A-League volleyball game (Milano v Perugia). I went to Genova and saw the palazzo's which were super cool. Genova had incredible food and beautiful views. My host sister and I baked cookies. I went to Florence with the other exchange students from my district. It was super cool to see the Uffizi and I love seeing other parts of Italy. My host sister also had a birthday the same day I went to Florence, so the day after I took her to a fair behind Castello Sforzesco and we had lunch and gelato.
Describe one of your happiest moments over the past month?
The train ride home from Florence was weirdly one of my happiest moments this month. It was lovely to see the Italian countryside on the way, but I also really liked talking to the other exchange students. It was fantastic and we had a lot of fun swapping stories and just laughing for no apparent reason, I think we were super tired. The day I spent with my host sister, going to the 'luna park' behind Castello, and the Volleyball match. The live volleyball match was awesome, I loved the atmosphere and the surprisingly high pressure of a tie breaking set.
Please describe your exchange so far?
Good
Is there anything you would like to happen to improve your Exchange Experience?
School has been quite challenging, and I feel the teachers don't really know what to do with me. Some teachers don't give me the work, and some give me the work without explaining which makes the difficult work more difficult because my Italian isn't fluent yet. I understand that some teachers don't know any English, and my Italian level isn't extremely high, and I am still very appreciative of what they try to do. I also never received confirmation on whether I am required to do tests or not which makes school very difficult. The other exchange student from Australia at my school is feeling the same, so our host mums organised a meeting with the school on Tuesday (5/03) to discuss what josie and I should be doing at school.
Is there anything else you would like to tell us about? Your host family? Your Club? The weather? Odd things we do? Things you didn't expect?
I feel like my Italian is improving, however the words don't come out of my mouth. My Rotary club has a lot of projects, and I'm not sure when I'll get the opportunity to speak. I was surprised to learn that in order to play sport in Italy you have to get a medical examination. It's been raining for a week and a half, everyday, non-stop.
The Rotary Community Groups are part of the new governance model being trialled in the Regionalisation Pilot.
Some clubs have asked if this means they should stop other existing collaborations.
The new model does not ask you to cease any partnerships or joint-working arrangements that your club currently enjoys.
West Lakes is in Group 4 (see below)
The next step is for each Rotary Community Group to hold an establishment meeting.
This will address the leadership and support each group will need, in preparation for the election of their Rotary Community Leader.
We will soon receive details about the establishment meeting for our group, which will be facilitated by a member of the District Leadership Team.
All clubs in each group will be represented in their establishment meeting.
Club representatives are aware of, and authorised to speak on the club’s position in relation to the following questions:
What areas would your club like to work together on with the other clubs in your RCG? (Note: This is a preliminary brainstorm on possible areas to increase community impact, Rotary's profile, and membership attraction/retention. For example, a joint project.)
What sort of leadership and support will our club need? (eg facilitation, project management, club modernisation - anything that would help our club be successful in our growth plan)
What arrangements would work for our club (eg meet in person once or twice a year, then project teams work in between, possibly use online collaboration tool etc. - a wide variety of arrangements is anticipated)
As part of the activities on the day they have suggested making mini wicking beds (see photos below). Could we please start collecting clean 2L milk cartons for this purpose. Visitors can take part in putting one of these together with a seedling inside (e.g. lettuce plant) and take them home from the event.
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