Well, October 
disappeared quickly! So much going on and the culmination of course, was our District Conference held in the Southern Highlands. The District Peace pole was opened and dedicated on Friday afternoon and situated right outside of the Wingecarribee Shire Council Chambers. This was followed by a Civic Reception put on by the Council.
disappeared quickly! So much going on and the culmination of course, was our District Conference held in the Southern Highlands. The District Peace pole was opened and dedicated on Friday afternoon and situated right outside of the Wingecarribee Shire Council Chambers. This was followed by a Civic Reception put on by the Council.From the feedback that both myself and Conference Chair, Judy Ford has received we can report that it was a resounding success!
Comments received:
- I had lost my Rotary mojo but your Conference has inspired me again – Thank you!
- This conference opened my eyes to the Internationality of Rotary and that we as Rotarians are most definitely a part of this family and we CAN make a difference!
These are two standouts, but we have received many more. The theme of Experience Fun in Rotary is an important one – ensure that your Club instils sense of fun not only in meetings but in everything you do! Our Emcee and keynote speaker emphasised this – FUN Above Self! It will make your members enjoy what they are doing and will want to volunteer for your projects, invite community members to also volunteer for your projects and if they enjoy themselves, they will want to be part of this family!
Following our District Conference I headed to beautiful Queenstown in New Zealand for the Zone 8 Rotary Conference. Their theme was Dream, Dare, Deliver! Powerful thought! Do you DARE to Dream and then work on Delivering that Dream? This takes work! Apply this to our Rotary Action Plan and let’s see what can happen!
A session for Rotary International presented data that showed that Clubs to work to take on the Action Plan attract new members and grow Rotary. So, if you and your Club has not actively looked at how this can be applied to your Club I would like to encourage you to do so! And yes, it may take work and creativity to change the old way you may have been doing things, but the effort may make a big difference!
I have visited (by invitation) a number of Clubs and at each one amazed at the amazing programs and initiatives that are being acted on making positive change in communities, locally and internationally.
Of course, on a more sombre note, this month we want to raise awareness of Domestic Violence. I am aware of a number of events being organised during the 16 days of Activism. Domestic Violence continues to show that it is the hidden scourge of our society! It is NOT acceptable in any form – physical, emotional and financial. If you have not already done so contact your local police, Domestic Violence groups, refuges and work together to hold an event to highlight the need for change.
Send in to our Newsletter Editor Judy details of any event that you have organised and then photos from the day.