DISTRICT NEWS FROM GOVERNOR ROB UHL

Rotary’s commitment to “Service Above Self” extends beyond immediate community needs to investing in the next generation of leaders.  Rotary Youth programs, including Interact, Earlyact, Rotaract, Rotary Program of Enrichment 9RYPEN) and rotary Leadership Awards (RYLA) and Rotary Youth Exchange, are essential for fostering leadership, service and global understanding.  Here’s why EVERY Rotary club should actively plan and support these programs:

1.Building Future Leaders

Youth programs provide young people with opportunities to develop leadership, teamwork, and communication skills.  By engaging with Rotary students gain mentorship from experienced professionals, helping them grow into responsible, service-minded leaders.

2.Strengthening Community Ties

When Rotary clubs invest in youth, they create a bridge between generations, fostering a sense of belonging and civic responsibility.  Youth  programs bring fresh energy and ideas, strengthening the club’s engagement with schools, families, and local organisations.

3.Expanding Rotary’s Reach  and Impact

Supporting youth initiatives helps Rotary maintain its relevance and expand its membership.  Many young people who participate in Interact or Rotaract go on to becoming Rotarians, ensuring the long-term sustainability of clubs worldwide.
 

4.Promoting Service and Volunteerism

Youth programs introduce young people to the joy of service. Whether through local community projects or international exchanges, these programs encourage a lifelong commitment to helping others, reinforcing Rotary’s mission.

5.Encouraging Global Understanding

Programs like Rotary Youth Exchange expose students to different cultures, fostering international goodwill and peace.  By supporting these programs, Rotary Clubs contribute to a more connected and understanding world.

6.How Clubs Can Get Involved

  • Sponsor an Earlyact, Interact or Rotaract Club
  • Provide scholarships for RYLA Participants
  • Host or sponsor a Rotary Exchange student
  • Involve young people in club projects and mentorship programs
  • Collaborate with schools and community organisations to reach more youth.
Investing in youth is investing in the future of Rotary and the communities it serves.  By planning and supporting Rotary Youth Programs, clubs ensure their legacy of service continues for generations to come.

Let’s inspire, mentor and empower the leaders of tomorrow – because the future of Rotary starts with youth of today.
 

The start of a New Year offers a perfect opportunity for Rotary clubs and members to embrace new beginnings, set fresh goals, and make an even greater impact.   Here are some ideas to inspire your Rotary initiatives for the New Year.
 
Reflect and Set Goals
Host a vision-setting meeting to reflect on the past year’s accomplishments and challenges.
Identify areas where your club can expand its outreach, improve engagement, or tacklenew projects.
 
 
New Membership Drives
Use the New Year to launch a membership campaign.
Organise an open house or community event to attract prospective members.
Emphasise Rotary’s values of fellowship and service to inspire others.
 
Foster Collaboration
Strengthen partnerships with local organisations, businesses or other Service clubs.
Plan joint initiatives to maximise your Club’s reach and resources.
 
Invest in Leadership Development
 
Offer training and mentorship programs for club members.
Encourage younger members or newer Rotarians to take on leadership roles.
 
Build Rotary Awareness
 
Enhance your club’s social media presence to share stories of impact.
Organise public awareness campaignsto highlight Rotary’s global and local contributions.
There are also many more areas to consider: engaging in Rotary’s youth programs, focusing on our seven areas of focus, celebrating our Achievements etc.
By starting the year with renewed energy and purpose, Rotary Club’s can strengthen their impact and continue to make a positive difference  in the community and beyond.
 
Happy New Year to you all and wishing a successful 2025
 
District Governor:  Rob Uhl
 
 
 
The Rotary Club of Orange had a very special gathering this week to celebrate and honour two extraordinary individuals who each have dedicated 50 years of service to
Rotary and to their communities. It’s hard for us mere mortals to grasp such a milestone!  Kerry Rawson and Chris Gryllis are a testament to not only their incredible
commitment to the ideals of Rotary but to the lives they have touched and the difference they have made to their communities over the past five decades.
 
Rotary is built on the foundation of service above self, and they have embodied that principle every step of the way. Whether it was through organising Impactful projects, mentoring new members, leading initiatives, or simply lending a hand
wherever it was needed, both these Rotarians have shown us what true dedication and service look like.
 
Their contributions have strengthened their club and inspired a generation of Rotarians to follow in their footsteps. Through their work countless lives have been changed, communities uplifted and opportunities created for those who otherwise
may have gone without.
 
Chris was born on the Greek island of Patmos in April 1 1944. Chris with his brothers came to Orange in 1952 They worked together to establish several successful businesses before Chris branched into Real Estate. Chris joined Rotary in October 1971.
 
Chris, (a Paul Harris Fellow) in his 50 years of Rotary has held a number of positions in the Club including President 1977-78. Entwined in his Rotary commitments Chris served for 27 years as an Orange City Councillor including being Deputy Mayor.
 
Kerry is a life long resident of Orange being both born there and educated at Orange High, Kerry opened Regency Jewellers in 1968 now having multiple shop fronts in the Central West employing over 70 people.
 
Kerry also has held many positions in the Club including that of President. Kerry has also given 20years of service to Lifeline
 
 
These Awards are a Vocational Service initiative OF THE Rotary Districts.  Currently NSW, ACT and Victoria participate but are looking that next year Tasmania and Queensland will participate.
In keeping with Rotary’s motto of “Service Above Self” , the Awards acknowledge and celebrate selfless Community Service of Emergency Services personnel while supporting an important Rotary initiative: Australian Rotary Health PhD Research Scholarship into mental health in Emergency Service Personnel.  Whole in dividual services have specific internal Awards, The emergency Services Community Awards, is the only platform in which emergency Services personnel are recognised by their community.  The Awards are open to all Emergency services personnel, both paid and volunteer capacity.
In Canberra yesterday the winners of each state and territory came together for the announcement of the National Winners.
The winners were:
Gary Luxford – Fire Rescue Victoria.  Gary is recognised as an esteemed volunteer with 56 years of service at the Tooradin Country Fire Authority (CFA).
Beginning his journey at 18 years he has held pivotal roles including Captain of the Warneet Fire Brigade for a decade and Group Captain of the Cranbourne Fire Brigade for another 10 yeas His commitment extended to rebuilding communities post disaster, notably after the Bunyip/Garfield fires, where he assisted with debris clearance and reconstruction efforts.  Beyond firefighting, Gary’s impact spans diverse community roles – he is a Justice of the Peace, overseeing the Cranbourne Signing Centre, and has been a devoted Rotarian for 26 years serving as Club President twice.  His initiatives include innovative fund raising projects like a scrap metal program benefiting local causes.
 
Sashi Vagadia – Victoria PolicaSashi serves as a Sergeant in the public Order response team within Victoria Police, overseeing operations and supporting team members across the state. 
With a background in the UK Metropolitan Police as a Detective Inspector, Sahi joined the Victoria Police in 2017, bringing with him a commitment to community service and mental health advocacy.  He established the “Baton Challenge” iniative at the Victoria Police Academy, raising over $10,000 for Victorian Police Legacy and enhancing awareness among recruits.  Sashi volunteers extensively, notably organising the Lara RSL 24hr 96kim Kokoda Memorial Challenge raising $50,000 for Soldier On and increasing RSL membership significantly.  He also supports the Victoria Police Legacy children’s Retreat and serves as an Ambassador for VPL.
Sashi’s dedication extends to promoting mental health and well being within the Police force, fostering a supportive environment through initiatives like “Canines and Coffee” with Police veterans Victoria.  His selfless contributions exemplify his commitment to community, membership, and leadership in Victoria Police.
Our commendations also go to the judges as all finalists (seven of them) all have demonstrated the commitment to Service Above Self and would have had a very hard job deciding the two winners.
 
 

Rotary Australia World Community Service Ltd. (RAWCS) was formed to enable Australian Rotarians, Rotary Districts and Rotary Clubs to assist communities and individuals through humanitarian aid projects. In our Community Group we have three RAWCS projects currently operating. One of these is the Eyes for Africa project established by the Rotary Club of Milton-Ulladulla.

 

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