DISTRICT NEWS FROM GOVERNOR ROB UHL
As we approach the end of the Rotary year, it’s a valuable time to reflect on the goals we set—both as individuals and as clubs. What progress have we made? Where have we made an impact? And where might we refocus as we prepare for the year ahead?
 
This is also a perfect moment to consider our role in Rotary’s global mission. Have you considered making a contribution to PolioPlus—helping to finish the fight against polio—or donating to The Rotary Foundation, which powers so many of the projects we care deeply about?
 
Looking forward, are you beginning to set new goals, projects, or targets for the coming Rotary year? Consider how your club can grow—not only in numbers, but in diversity, energy, and engagement. Is your club reflective of the wider community it serves? Are there voices, professions, or perspectives that are underrepresented? Now is the time to start those conversations.
 
Membership growth remains a key focus across Rotary. But equally important is member retention. Are your current members finding value, connection, and purpose in their Rotary experience? Simple steps like engaging members in meaningful projects, recognizing contributions, and building stronger social connections can make all the difference.
 
Let’s finish the year strong—with reflection, generosity, and intention—and prepare to embrace the next Rotary year with fresh ideas and renewed energy.

Rotary Club of Tumut welcomes five new members, marking significant growth.  The Rotary Club of Tumut is experiencing a period of vibrant growth and renewed community engagement, highlighted by the recent induction of five new members.  This expansion reflects the club’s ongoing commitment to service and its appeal to individuals dedicated to making a positive impact in the Tumut region.

The new members—Jo-Anne and Glenn Stroud, Denise Wiggins, Robyn Harvey and Victoria Fulton—bring diverse skills and fresh perspectives to the club. Their induction signifies a strengthening of the club’s capacity to undertake meaningful projects and initiatives within the community.  They were inducted by District Governor Rob Uhl during their meeting at Club Tumut.  Under the leadership of President Steve Magann, who assumed the role in July 2024, the club continues to thrive. President Magann has emphasized the importance of unity and service, aligning with Rotary International’s theme for 2024-25, “Magic of Rotary,” which celebrates the transformative power of collective action. 

The club’s legacy is written across the landscape of the town—from the welcoming paths of Rotary Pioneer Park to the peaceful reflection offered by the Labyrinth for Peace. What once was an overgrown and underutilized swamp has been transformed into a vibrant, inclusive space for families, children, and nature lovers.  This is a testament to the club’s vision and its ability to bring meaningful projects to life, with support from partners like the NSW Government and Snowy Valleys Council.

But Rotary doesn’t stop at beautifying spaces—it changes lives. We’ve seen it in the tricycles for the elderly and disabled, offering mobility and joy along the River Walk. We’ve seen it in the work supporting emergency preparedness with the donation of life-saving defibrillators to public areas. We’ve seen it through their environmental efforts, like tree planting at Junction Park, building a greener future for our region.  Tumut is also a club that knows how to bring people together. Events like Carols by Candlelight not only fill the air with music, but also fills their community with spirit and togetherness. They rally for causes far and wide—raising over $7,000 through Sunflowers for Ukraine, providing aid to families affected by war. When they come together, even the smallest ideas blossom into hope.  And they believe in investing in the next generation. Through supporting youth exchange programs, public speaking competitions, and support for leadership initiatives like MUNA, they have nurtured confidence, compassion, and courage in our young people. These are the future leaders who will carry the Rotary torch forward.

The Rotary Club of Tumut meets fortnightly on Wednesdays at 6:00 PM at Club Tumut, located at 24-30 Richmond Street, Tumut, NSW. These gatherings serve as a platform for members to collaborate on service projects, discuss community needs, and foster fellowship.  The addition of new members is expected to further energize these efforts, bringing innovative ideas and renewed enthusiasm to the club’s endeavors.
 
For more information about the Rotary Club of Tumut or to express interest in membership, individuals are encouraged to contact the club via email at tumut.rotary@gmail.com.
 
 
Moss Vale Public School proudly celebrated the official opening of its new Peace Garden on Thursday 10th April, a beautiful and tranquil space designed to promote harmony, reflection, and student wellbeing. This inspiring project was made possible through the generous support and hard work of the Rotary E-Club of Brindabella, whose commitment to community service continues to make a meaningful difference.  The project came to culmination after three years.  The Peace Pole was donated to the school by the Rotary
E-Club of Brindabella after partnering with the school on two End Trachoma projects.  Mrs Katherine Hurst, the School Principal, had a vision of placing the pole and making a peaceful and reflective place for the young students. The vision of the Peace Garden was born!
 
The Peace Garden is now a focal point of the school, providing students with a peaceful outdoor area for learning, relaxation, and mindfulness. Designed with input from the School and some members of the E-Club, the garden features native plants, seating areas formed by sandstone blocks and curved seating around the pole.
At the opening ceremony, student leaders led the ceremony undertaking the Acknowledgement of Country and  introducing each speaker. The Principal expressed the school’s heartfelt gratitude to the Rotary Clubs of Moss Vale and The Rotary E-Club. District Governor Rob Uhl spoke about how the school is a community and how each person in that community matters. Small acts of kindness can make a big difference.  The school choir sang (along with the school students) a very appropriate song called “Everyone Belongs” highlighting diversity.
 
Principal Mrs Hurst described the Peace Garden as “a lasting legacy of cooperation, care, and creativity—a gift to our school community that will be treasured for years to come.”  The Rotary Club of Moss Vale contributed valuable funds that provided the outdoor musical instruments which are now part of the garden.
This collaboration is a wonderful example of Rotary’s ongoing commitment to supporting education and wellbeing at a grassroots level. The Peace Garden at Moss Vale Public School stands as a symbol of hope, unity, and the power of working together to build a better world.
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