THE MELBOURNE CONVENTION CENTRE
A gathering of members was held at the New Melbourne Convention Centre, the site of our fast-approaching District conference. The location, facilities and services provided are amazing. It is hard to imagine a better place to celebrate D9800 current achievements and to continue to work together on the renewal process. We were welcomed and given a guided tour by Director of Business Development Clive Dwyer. It was easy to see why this centre sits in the top six convention centres in the world. With support from other D9800 clubs, we think we have the venue and the program for a first class conference.
At our first meeting yesterday, we were delighted to welcome back one our long standing members Roger Thiessen after a serious illness. We also had the pleasure of two prominent guests – Austin Burleigh, President Melbourne R.C. and past DG Ann White. The theme was Australia Day, and there was a very good attendance of wives and partners. We had a number of speakers who reflected on the good fortune we have to call Australia home, and in the spirit of Rotary, to work to make Australia a more civil and just place for all. We also had the pleasure of a visiting Rotarian Wayne Reicha from the Rotary Club of Terang.
A busy beginning to 2012
Welcome to 2012 and may it be an inspiring year. It is just nine weeks to our D9800 District Conference, March 9th-12th at the new Melbourne Convention Centre. Carlton Rotary, with the help of its Rotary friends, is gearing up for final preparations. There will be no club meeting at Graduate House on Tuesday, 17th January. But there will be a meeting at the Convention Centre on 17th January from 6-8 pm at 2 Clarendon St, Southbank. Our first meeting at Graduate House will be on Tuesday 24th January, 12.45 for 1.00 pm. It will have an Australia Day flavor. Partners are encouraged to attend.
Our finish to the 2011 Rotary year was marked by two special events. One was our annual Christmas at which staff at Graduate House excelled themselves serving members and partners and made it an outstanding event. We had several great speakers, and as always, a generous provision of books and toys for families spending Christmas as Ronald McDonald House. This is a long tradition of our club.
Then on Thursday 15th December, I attended with Phillip Kreveld and John Elligate attended a presentation to students at Carlton Primary School, another of our long-term Caring for Carlton projects. Phillip Kreveld, John Elligate and Anne Ada have all taken on volunteer roles in the school this year. This provides further answers to the question, “How does Rotary serve its community”?
Christmas Reflections
At a time when the world is filled with conflict, racial hatred and terrorist actions that threaten our peace, let's pause for a few moments and reflect on the words of our founder Paul Harris. ''What is the most important aspect of Rotary? When stripped of its formalities and creeds fellowship flourishes. Rotary draws no line on politics, colour or religion and all faiths are invited to break bread together in happy bonding. We are committed to healing the wounds of a world in crisis, to substitute the hate, mutual understanding and tolerance to create understanding where none exists, to change enemies into friends and replace hatred and armed struggle by goodwill and understanding.''
Friendship was the rock on whish Rotary was built and tolerance is the cement that holds us together. As we come to the end of another year we open the new year with an empty book let's all work toward filling its pages with the actions that reflect the words of Paul Harris.
May the year ahead bring you fulfilment, love and happiness.
What is Rotary about?
As Christmas rushes towards us, there is much to do and think about. Recently a number of our members and partners manned the BBQ at the Ronald McDonald Christmas event at Adventure Park Geelong. They were kept busy feeding 350 children and their families. This is one of our favourite projects. In the same week, our President & Vocational Director presented scholarships to two Year 11 students from University High School to enable them to participate in excursions. Finally we recently had Don Cullen speak to members about the great work he and his team do with the Tibetan Village Project Australia.
The Tibetan Village Project (TVP) is a wonderful story about how dedicated Rotary members can make a critical difference. Don, who has been actively involved in Tibetan culture for the past 48 years, established the project in early 2005. Some of the wonderful accomplishments of the project include:
*Assisted in the building of medical clinics & secured mobile clinics. Seven clinics currently benefit more than 15,000 patients annually;
*Assisted in the building of one school that caters for 95 students. The project’s primary focus now is on supporting established schools that are struggling to survive and grow. Approximately 1,200 students including orphans have benefited from the donation of school supplies, warm blankets & clothes, textbooks & a daily hot meal.
There is much more that Don and his team have done for a people and a culture that is struggling for survival.
So here is one limited answer to the question, “What does Rotary do?”
Rotary keeps on keeping on
The projects of Rotary at club, district and the international level make a sustained difference by helping communities to improve their nutrition, health and education. Within the last month in Melbourne, a number of clubs have worked together to support the Annual Down Syndrome Buddy Walk and the City2Sea fundraisers. The practice of community support is part of the fabric of Rotary. At our meeting last Tuesday, we were reminded that there is a meeting place and a welcome for Rotarians wherever they travel. We had the pleasure of a visit by Kiki Schwarz, a member of the North Berwick club in Scotland.
On Thursday, our Community Director, John Elligate, attended a review organised by the City of Melbourne of the “Opportunities for Carlton” Project. For a number of years, the community infrastructure for the Carlton area has been working in an integrated and collaborative way. The vehicle that set this up was CLAN, the Carlton Local Agencies Network. Carlton Rotary has been a member for the past four years. This membership has enabled the club to have much greater visibility in the Carlton community and to extend our service to a variety of groups. As part of this exercise, we have invited most of the community leaders as guests and speakers at our meetings. This depth of partnership has been beneficial to all concerned.
How time flies
Well the Melbourne Cup has been run and won, Christmas is aknocking and there’s much to do. But before we do, let’s acknowledge what our club has done in carrying out the Rotary charter. We have had a series of successful and enjoyable fellowship and fundraising events, we have inducted two new members, our contribution to ‘Çaring for Carlton’ continues and preparations for the 2012 District Conference are progressing. Last Tuesday, we had a wonderful fellowship excursion to the Abbotsford Brewery. Recently, our speaker Liz Lodge, Marketing & Development Manager at Evolve outlined the very special and intensive work they do for troubled and at-risk youth.
Liz’s commitment and enthusiasm for the vital work of Evolve was very evident in her presentation. The core values of Evolve are based on integrity, respect, compassion, aspiration and wellness. There are approximately 500 people who participate in a variety of roles. The work of 20 experienced staff is admirably supported by the work of 100 volunteers. The staff include qualified social workers, outdoor education leaders, marketing, finance and administration professionals. Their programs include a young men’s program, evolve learning program, Go-Girl (Get into real learning), Benalla Educational Program and a most successful Bushfire Recovery Program.
Honouring our beginning
Our lunch meeting on Tuesday will be a special one, as we will welcome a team of members from the Rotary Club of Melbourne, which is celebrating its 90th year. Carlton Rotary was chartered by the Rotary Club of Melbourne on 27th June 1985. The high level of activity continues. On Sunday 16th October, some members will be attending the Ethics Forum at the Morton Pavilion. This forum has been organised by the Rotary Club of Melbourne. Other Carlton members will be manning the BBQ at Princes Park in support of the Down Syndrome Association’s fundraiser, the Buddy Walk. This is our third year of participation, and it is a lot of fun.
At our meeting last week, the speaker was Keith Wolahan, a barrister who has served in Afghanistan twice. He spoke about the issues involved included the need to understand the dangerous context of engaging the enemy in close combat and the training our soldiers receive in preparation for fighting in Afghanistan. He spoke to the case where two Australian soldiers were charged with offences arising from an incident in Afghanistan in February 2009. The matter went the Director of Military Prosecutions who, after examining all the evidence, decided not to prefer further charges. The case has been described as an unfortunate chapter in Australian military history.
Official visit by DG Keith
Last Tuesday, we were delighted to welcome to our club meeting DG Keith Ryall and his wife Gabrielle. Having visited 45 of the 69 clubs, Keith stressed how impressed he was with the impact and diversity that members make in improving the lives of those less fortunate than ourselves. He also commented that fun is a intrinsic part of successful clubs. Keith’s address focused on three core aspects: a review of our club’s plans and objectives; an outline o some of his plans; and some issues for the future. Keith also paid a special tribute to the support and presence of AG John McMorrow.
With respect to club programs, Keith commented on the overarching Caring for Carlton program, the continuing support for Ronald McDonald House, and at International level, the provision of critical medical equipment for PNG and Timor Léste. He also paid a special vote of thanks to members who were on District Board and sub-committees.
He also outlined his conversations with Assistant D-Gs and their important roles in the support and growth of Rotary.
He reminded members that he is actively following the International Presidents themes: supporting and strengthening the family of Rotary; continue to promote and do what we do best; and change what needs to be changed. In reference to change, Keith encouraged members to explore ways of using the new technologies of web presence and social networking to promote Rotary and its commitment to working with people to make the world a more just and healthy place for all its people.
Caring for Carlton
Community agencies in the Carlton area have been one of our major projects for many years. Carlton Primary School and Carlton Police have been two of our favourites for many years. More recently, we have formed partnerships with Carlton Neighbourhood Learning Centre, the Church of All Nations and the Opportunities for Carlton project. For the past four years, we’ve been a member of the Carlton Local Agencies Network (CLAN). Our Community Director, John Elligate, attends the CLAN monthly meetings. These help to co-ordinate the delivery of services. At our club meeting last Tuesday, Leading Senior Constable was the guest speaker.
Nick spoke about the re-location of the police station from Carlton to North Melbourne. It is now called Melbourne North Police Station. This is part of the City of Melbourne Precinct Policing model. The community, especially the public housing estate residents, expressed concern that “their” police station was being taken away from them. To help overcome their concerns, nick and his team called for “Community Volunteers” who would be willing to be the “eyes and ears” on the estate. After a slow beginning, this is really starting to work well, both for residents and for the police. Building a bridge between residents and the police has proved so fat, to be a very effective community policing model.
Celebrating the moment
Our lunch meeting on 6th September was a special occasion. We inducted a new member, Dr. Kerry Bennett, CEO of Graduate House, and our speaker was the Ambassadorial Scholar from California, Katie Stjernholm. Kerry has very broad career experience and brings many talents to the role. We look forward to Kerry working with us on some of our projects. Katie’s home territory is Colorado. She is doing her Masters of Administration in the management of non-profit organisations at the University of Melbourne. When asked about some of her early learnings in Australia, she told the story of getting into a taxi at Sydney airport. The driver put her luggage in the boot, and Katie sat in the cab. When the driver returned he gave Katie a very strange look. Why, because she was sitting in the driver’s seat, not the passenger’s. Welcome to a country with different customs.
Kerry did her PhD at Cambridge University in neurophysiology and has worked in the Not-for-Profit sector providing advice on governance, structures, human resources and policy. Much of her work is consistent with the objectives of Rotary. Kerry has worked and conducted research across multiple sectors related to Public Health and Allied Health Sciences.
Katie was sponsored by the Rotary Club of Pacific Palisades in California which is very close to under-graduate university in Los Angeles. Her bachelor’s degree was in International Studies and Non-profit Management. The motto of her university is “Purpose, Service and Leadership”. One of her projects at university involved a group of ten of students to raise money to go to Ecuador for a service trip. They worked in the slums of Quito. Whist the conditions were depressing, the children and people welcomed them with open arms. The local people had spent a lot of time raising money to build a new Community Centre, but in total could only raise a few hundred dollars. So Katie and her team went back to California and managed to collect enough to have the new centre built and fitted out. Katie is a wonderful testament to what Rotary is all about.
Spring is in the air
Spring is a season of new growth and new beginnings. It would appear that Spring has visited Carlton Rotary early. We have welcomed a number of new visitors, and two of these have applied to become members. Nothing warms a President’s heart more than an increase in visitors and members. I know our members will continue to make them very welcome. Once they have been inducted, it is important to invite them to participate in some of our activities. We know they will add skills and experience to our various programs. Talking of activities, I would like to thank those members who attended the launch of the new partnership between the Carlton Local Agencies Network and the University of Melbourne. Carlton Rotary is proud to be a member of CLAN and to work as a partner in their services to the community.
Thanks to our Program Director, Bob Slater, we have had some outstanding speakers. Last week we had the author Michael Thornton whose book Jackeroo – A Memoir was recently published. Michael is a man of many parts. He is currently Director o
f Advancement at the Melbourne Business School. Prior to that, Michael had a yearning to make a difference, so in 2009, he closed down his fundraising business and made the connection with the Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation in Vietnam. Blue Dragon helps young people who are in crisis throughout Vietnam. In his early years, he served a ‘jackarooing apprenticeship ’at Habbie’s Howe in the Strathbogie Ranges. Not only is Michael a talented author, he is also a very entertaining storyteller.
Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner
On last Saturday evening, we had another of our favourite fellowship events – Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner. Six members generously opened up their homes to host a dinner for four members and their partners. I wish to pay a special vote of thanks to them for their support. It was an evening of great fun and laughter, and outstanding cuisine. It was fellowship at its very best. It was also a very successful fundraiser. Thank you to members and friends for your generous support. Ambassadorial Scholar : At our meeting last Tuesday, we farewelled our Ambassadorial Scholar, Elodie da Silva, who gave an outstanding presentation to members and finished with a special thank you to President Des and our club. She also paid personal thanks to Ian and Anne Ada for being her host. Elodie flies home to Paris next Tuesday. It was another reminder of the great benefits of this program.
As it is just over six months to the 2012 District Conference, the Conference Planning Committee under DG Keith Ryall’s leadership is continuing with preparation for what should be an outstanding event in the new conference centre at Docklands. We encourage all D9800 members to regularly check the conference website to note booking arrangements.
Meeting with AG John McMorrow
Prior to our lunch meeting last Tuesday, Board members met with John to confirm our strategic plan for this year. It was a most enjoyable and constructive meeting. The sense of our club as an integral part of District 9800 was reinforced. Then at lunch it was a great pleasure to welcome back our friend Phillip Archer, who did an outstanding presentation on strategies for marketing our club and Rotary to the world. The foundation for his talk was the four-way test.
Phillip stressed the importance of the Rotary brand. He advocated strongly that an essential challenge of promoting the brand and the organisation it represented was to ensure Rotary remained relevant, attractive and engaging to current and prospective members. He spoke at some length about the way in which the Danish company LEGO has maintained market leadership for 60 years by staying true to its core values through the waves of change.
Great Beginning to New Year
Last week I chaired out first Board meeting for the new year. It was a very productive meeting. It focused on consolidating our fundraising events so we could confidently proceed with the implementation of our key programs – Caring for Carlton, vocational, new generations and international. We have set ambitious targets. Our Trivia Night, last Saturday was a great start. I would like to particularly thank Victor and George-Ann for hosting the event, Phillip for great organisation, and Ian and Anne Ada, our outstanding quiz leaders, for a fantastic night of fun & fellowship. We raised $2,800.
On 19th July, we had the pleasure of a presentation by two outstanding young people, Mel Thurley & Carla Frost, who are members of the Orygen Youth Health Peer Support Program. They were introduced by Professor Tony Jorm. The Peer Support Workers are a team of young people, who are all former clients of this service. They now volunteer their service at Orygen to support other young people experiencing a mental illness. At the conclusion of their presentation, Tony on behalf of our club, presented them with a cheque for $1,000 to further resource this important work.
Because the District Conference is set down for early March 2012, we have scheduled a number of events early in the year. First up we have one of our favourites – the Trivia Night set down for Saturday evening 23rd July at University College Parkville. This is followed on Saturday 13th August by a very special fellowship event – Guess Who Is Coming to Dinner. The Trivia Night is a wonderful opportunity to bring along some friends to introduce them to who we are and give them an insight into the spirit and purpose of Rotary.
As I watched numbed by the inconceivable destruction wrought by the earthquake and tsunami that began in Japan and spread to other parts of the world, it struck me that the last three years have been really challenging: drought, floods, cyclones, earthquakes and the financial crisis. The scale of the loss in Japan of families, their homes and cities is devastating, and rebuilding spirit, lives and communities will take a very long time. This will be a monumental test of the levels of resilience and goodwill of the human family, but a wonderful opportunity for the family of Rotary. Local clubs and districts working with the communities, other agencies and governments can make a crucial difference.
Club Activities: Carlton Rotary is working purposefully to achieve the outcomes set in the Strategic Plan. Our speaker last week, Bill Dagg, Sooty, and his team at DIK have certainly made a difference. Bill’s own life story with his time in Vietnam was very moving. As Bill told us once or twice, we can read about it in detail in his forthcoming book. His presence at Carlton was a great opportunity to recognise his work and thank him for all his support.
District Conference Adelaide: We are set to go and looking forward to enjoying our time with the D9800 Rotary family. Our club is making the final arrangements for our participation in the District conference. And we will look forward to our very special Club Dinner at The Adelaide Club.
Cluster Bowls Night: On Wednesday 16th March at Fitzroy Bowling Club, we will be competing with Cluster clubs in the battle to wrest the shield from the Richmond R.C. The proceeds of the night will be donated to the ARH Indigenous Health Scholarship. Please support this most worthy cause.
The Club’s agenda in February was a very busy and important one. There were two highlights. One was the acquisition and loading of a container of medical supplies and a large collection of toiletries for mothers of young babies to the value of well over $200,000. This is part of our on-going support for Wewak Hospital in PNG. Particular thanks goes to Laurie Fisher and the team at DIK.
The second was celebration of the work of our club with a most enjoyable Fellowship Dinner at Graduate House on 24th February. It was a great opportunity to acknowledge the important role of partners and friends in Rotary. But it was a special night from another point of view. The Board took the decision that all the proceeds of the night would be donated to our friends in the Rotary Club of Rochester to assist those devastated by the floods. A cheque for just under $1,000 will be forwarded to the Rotary Club.
District Conference Adelaide: Our club is making the final arrangements for our participation in the District conference. We have a strong contingent going and we are looking forward to a few days of District fellowship and setting future pathways for our district for the next few years.
Club Website: With the very significant support of Stuart McArthur (Rotary Club of Southbank), we are learning how to update and manage our web site as part of the new District website. When we have acquired all the knowledge and skills, it will become our major marketing and operations manager tool kit. We are slowly coming into the 21st century.
Cluster Bowls Night: This will be the 2nd Heritage Bowls Night to be held on Wednesday 16th March at Fitzroy Bowling Club. Each club is expected to provide two teams of 4 players. The organisation of the event will be done by the Rotary Club of Fitzroy. The proceeds of the night will be donated to the ARH Indigenous Health Scholarship. Please support this most worthy cause.
The Club’s agenda in February was a very busy and important one. There were two highlights. One was the acquisition and loading of a container of medical supplies and a large collection of toiletries for mothers of young babies. This is part of our on-going support for Wewak Hospital in PNG. Particular thanks goes to Laurie Fisher and the team at DIK.
The second was celebration of the work of our club with a most enjoyable Fellowship Dinner at Graduate House on 24th February. It was a great opportunity to acknowledge the important role of partners and friends in Rotary. But it was a special night from another point of view. The Board took the decision that all the proceeds of the night would be donated to our friends in the Rotary Club of Rochester to assist those devastated by the floods. We are now gearing up for March. Funds raised were just over $900.
District Conference Adelaide: Our club is making the final arrangements for our participation in the District conference. We have a strong contingent going and we are looking forward to a few days of District fellowship and setting future pathways for our district for the next few years.
Club Website: With the very significant support of Stuart McArthur (Rotary Club of Southbank), we are learning how to update and manage our web site as part of the new District website. When we have acquired all the knowledge and skills, it will become our major marketing and operations manager tool kit. We are slowly coming into the 21st century.
Cluster Bowls Night: This will be the 2nd Heritage Bowls Night to be held on Wednesday 16th March at Fitzroy Bowling Club. Each club is expected to provide two teams of 4 players. The organisation of the event will be done by the Rotary Club of Fitzroy. The proceeds of the night will be donated to the ARH Indigenous Health Scholarship. Please support this most worthy cause.
International: On Saturday 12th February at DIK, approx.15 Carlton members, with the great assistance of Laurie Fisher loaded a container with medical equipment and baby toiletries to the value of approximately $200,000 to be donated Wewak Hospital PNG. My thanks to Des Jones, Director of International, and Max & Merrilyn Griffiths and members for their support. We are delighted to be of service.
District Conference Adelaide: With 6 weeks to go, the excitement is building. A number of our members joined with Early Bird Registrants at a Cocktail Party on Thursday evening, 10th February. It was hosted by Penfold Motors Burwood, who are one of the key sponsors of the conference. It was a great event.
Fellowship Dinner: On Thursday 24th February our club is having its first Fellowship Dinner for 2011 at Graduate House. Members are encouraged to bring partners and friends for a great social event. Fellowship is the life-blood of any successful Rotary Club. Funds raised will be donated to the Rotary Club of Rochester to assist with the recovery and rebuilding after the devastating floods.
Vocational: Our Director Ian Ada is negotiating with the owner of Brunetti’s for us to have a breakfast meeting at the well-known coffee shop. It is another step in the process of trying to establish stronger links between Carlton Rotary and the businesses in our community.
Speakers: On 22nd February Catherine McAlpine from the Down Syndrome Association will be our speaker, on 1st March, our own Betty Kitchener will be explaining the link between Australian Rotary Health and the Mental Health First Aid program and 8th March, Bill Dagg will talk about the work of Donations in Kind (DIK),
Welcome to the beginning of 2011 and the second half of the 2010-2011 Rotary year. I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and 2011 has started well for you and your family. However, we are acutely aware that it has been a heartbreaking beginning for many Australians, especially those who have been ravaged by powerful and extensive flooding in Queensland, northern NSW, Victoria and Tasmania. As a member of the Heritage Cluster, we are very mindful of our friends in Rochester.
These are the circumstances in which Rotary excels. Our club had a great start to the year, and now we have the opportunity to convert that beginning into a flourishing second half of the year. More details will be provided in the coming weeks.
Our club passes on our condolences to Victor Sullivan and his family on the death of Victor’s mother, and our very best wishes go to John Elligate and his family. As you are all aware, John was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of Cabrini Hospital just before Christmas and is presently in the Coronary Care Unit. John is making good progress, but will be on sick leave for several months. Our thoughts and prayers are with John, Pamela and his daughter Rosie.
Tim Lennie,
President
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