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District 9705 - November 2020 Newsletter
District Governor's Message
NSW RESCA 2020 - Marine Rescue Commissioner Stacey Tannos, DG Michael Moore, Aware Super Senior Partnership Manager Elaine Lawler with Overall Volunteer Winner (NSW Rural Fire Service) Wendy Roberts (left) and (Marine Rescue) Alec Percival (right)
 
We have a huge District with a lot of ground to cover. I have been enjoying meeting clubs over the past five months, sometimes face to face, sometimes by Zoom. In the New Year, Helen and I are looking forward to being able to meet fellow Rotarians in person in those clubs which I have met via Zoom.  Of course this will be in a COVID safe way with hopefully more free movement. It has been a challenging year. However, I have learnt as I move from club to club that many are using the opportunity to do things in different ways – Zoom meetings is one very good example. I am also very grateful to the Area Governors who are working hard to encourage clubs and assist in any way they can.
 
In our District newsletter we are able to celebrate the achievements of individual clubs as well as those achievements of Rotary internationally. This month is the time to think about the Rotary Foundation and how each and every Rotarian can make a difference both locally, nationally and across the world.
 
November is Rotary Foundation month. The Rotary Foundation is our own charity. Since it was founded over 100 years ago the Rotary Foundation has invested over US$4 billion in making the world a better place. Rotary has built peace, goodwill and understanding along with improvements in health and education at the same time as building economic development and fighting poverty.
 
The Rotary Foundation has received the highest possible rating score from the international Charity Navigator for twelve years running. It currently is the only charity to score 100%.in overall rating.
 
Our District Foundation Centurion Program Co-ordinator, Ian Tooke, recently reminded members “While we would like to see every Rotarian joining the D9705 Centurion Program, we realise that many of us are unable to make this regular commitment. But, for just $2.00 per week, which is less than a cup of coffee, or a packet of Tim Tams, your contribution will make a significant difference through The Rotary Foundation”.
 
It has been a tough year for almost everyone. Being generous at this time recognises that there are always people who are doing it even tougher than ourselves.
 
There are a few examples of Rotary appearing in the media included in this edition of the newsletter. However, these just touch the surface of the wonderful work done across our District. Remember that for Rotary, social media is also important. Do you have Facebook account? Are you tapping into the District 9705 Facebook? Made it a friend? Shared some of the stories? Posted onto the site with great stories from your club? What about your own club’s Facebook and Website?
 
Prior to visiting clubs, I like to check out each club’s website, Facebook page and any presence in the local media. Quite a few clubs are exceptional with their public relations and getting their messages out and about.  There are plenty that are very good. I do notice a strong focus on fellowship and club meetings in many of these posts, and that is really good to see. It would also be terrific to see more about what each club does in its service projects as a contribution to the community locally, across Australia and globally.
 
The great part about being a District Governor is meeting so many of the amazing people that make up Rotary. Thank you to all for the warm welcome and, more importantly, for the amazing contribution you make to the community.
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5th Membership Forum
Membership Seminar by Mark Huddleston
5:30 PM  - Tuesday, November 10th 2020
Guest Speaker:  Mark Huddleston
Subject: Rotary Membership " Creatures of Habit"
 
On Tuesday November 10th at 5:30pm, via Zoom videoconferencing, Mark Huddleston, will be giving a talk on Rotary Membership "Creatures of Habit", as a guest speaker at the District 9705 Membership Seminar Series.
 
Mark is a much sought after commentator on Rotary’s membership challenges and his first book, Creatures of Habit deals with the underlying causes of membership decline and how we can turn things around.
 
Rotary in Action
Rotary Club of Aurora Gungahlin - Powerchair Project
In 2017 Capital Football approached Rotary for their assistance to raise over $120,000 for nine new Powerchairs to be bought from the United States for the Capital Region Muscular Dystrophy Powerchair football team. Last Friday the Rotary Club of Aurora Gungahlin was on hand to present the powerchairs to Capital Football. Below is a letter of thanks from John Platten, President, Rotary Club of Aurora Gungahlin Canberra. See the full story here.
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Area 2 Governor
Welcome Joan Graham
District 9705 Area 2 Members  - Cowra, Grenfell, West Wyalong, Griffith, Griffith Avanti, Griffith East, Yenda, Young, Murrumburrah-Harden, Boorowa, Cootamundra, Leeton, Leeton Central and Narrandera, please welcome your new Area Governor PP Joan Graham of the Rotary Club of Narrandera.

Joan has accepted an invitation to be Area Governor for Area 2 following the resignation of Ross Craven. Many thanks to Ross for his contribution and for his assistance in launching District 9705.
Supporting the Environment
District Environmental Sustainability Committee
 
Expressions of interest from District 9705 Rotarians. to Chair or be members of the District Environmental Sustainability Committee are now being requested.
 
In late June this year Rotary International recognised Environmental Sustainability as a 7th Area of Focus, together with the 6 others: Peace, Water Sanitation, Education, Disease Prevention, Economic Development, and Child & Maternal Health. This means Sustainability will now become a new focus for Rotary projects worldwide, qualifying for Global and District Grants from 2021. Purpose: To encourage and assist the District and its Clubs to undertake activities that are environmentally sound and positively contributing to a sustainable and equitable future for our planet.
 
If you are interested in being part of this committee and representing your Area/Club please contact  David Brawn  M: 0419 295 400 E: davidwbrawn@gmail.com
 
Water Project for PNG
 Request for Donations - The Rotary Club of Toowong is leading a fund raising project to provide financial assistance for fresh water infrastructure in Papua New Guinea. The opportunity to expand, multiply and implement water supply and sanitation systems in PNG is immense.
If  you or your Club would be interested in supporting this worthwhile project please contact Wes Nichols, Rotary Club of Toowong, International Service Director via email wes.nichols@bigpond.com or Ian Cameron ilmz@tpg.com.au.  Click here for details about this project.
Canberra Gold Awards 
The Chief Minister’s Canberra Gold Awards recognise individuals and groups who have lived in Canberra for 50 years or more and have contributed to our city and community. Last year saw more than 90 individuals and 12 community groups receive a pin and certificate. You can nominate yourself, a friend or family member, a colleague, or a group who has helped to make Canberra a great place to live, work and play. Nominations can be made online at www.cmd.act.gov.au/communication/gold Nominations close mid-February with the awards to be presented in March to coincide with Canberra Day celebrations. For more information contact the CMTEDD Protocol, Honours and Ceremonial Events Officer on govtsupport@act.gov.au See here for the application.
2021 District Conference
SAVE THE DATE
2021 D9705 District Conference
19-21 March 2021
Bathurst Convention Centre
Vincent Goes Home! Thanks ROMAC.
 
This link is to a beautiful story on the ABC about the great work ROMAC has done in facilitating the treatment and care of Vincent Toto who finally went back home after 16months in Canberra and many life saving operations.  Special appreciation goes to Rotarian Sandra Goldstraw who hosted and cared for Vincent and his Mum during their whole time in Canberra.
 
 
Yass Valley Times Story
Rotary guest speaker – Yass Valley Times Editor & Co-Director Jasmin Jones with Rotarian Membership Officer Alfred McArthy OAM, Lori Newling and Rotary Publication Coordinator Mark McRae
You Should Join Rotary - Yes, I’ll shout it from these pages or whisper it to you as a heartfelt observation next time we meet. If you hear it from me, it is the greatest compliment I can give you because I think so highly of both you and this organisation. 
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