District 9705 - December 2021 Newsletter District Governor's Message Well, 6 months of the Rotary year has passed and there is a real buzz around the Clubs that Rotary is returning to normal at last.  Most Clubs are now meeting regularly once again as the tight space restrictions at venues have eased.   I’m almost half-way through my year as Governor and it has been a busy time.  I’ve managed to do just on 50 Club visits.  I regret 24 of those had to be by zoom but the effort to personaly visit as many Clubs as I can is well worth it.  Meeting such a variety of Rotarians across the District has been a real pleasure.  The range of projects and activities in which they are engaged is most impressive and we’ll see a selection of these highlighted at the District conference.  History has been to the fore in some clubs with Molong’s historic walks project, Grenfell’s history of their Club’s formation in 1947, and Bega’s history of Carp Street.    It was great to be able to participate in the induction of 5 new members at Parkes Rotary Club during my visit, and of 7 new members at Nowra Rotary Club.  Well done all concerned.   But many clubs are facing a perfect storm of an ageing membership and low recruitment over the past twenty years or so.  This leads to a real challenge to encourage members to take on Club leadership roles, especially that of President Elect.  Failure to elect an incoming President and Board seriously impacts the ability of the Club to remain a viable entity within Rotary.    But the Membership Development team have an exciting new initiative coming up in March.  We have President Elect and Club Development seminars in multiple places this year to make is easier for you all to participate in the training sessions.   In February Canberra Sundowners will be holding their Charter celebration - much delayed due to COVID.  International Women’s Day breakfast is on the 8th March.  And there will be many more great events on the 2022 calendar.   May we wish you all the very best for Christmas and for the new year. Leo and Elaine Farrelly Nominations for 9705 DG for 2024 - 2025 NOMINATIONS FOR DISTRICT GOVERNOR Call for Nominations for 9705 District Governor for 2024 - 2025 Close: Sunday 9 January at 10.00pm Interviews: in Canberra on 29 January 2022 Nominations are called for from Rotarians within District 9705 to fill the position of District Governor for the Rotary year 2024 – 2025.   District 9705 has over 80 Rotary and Rotaract clubs, with approximately 2000 Rotarians. These clubs are organised into six regions each with no more than 15 clubs and administered by an Area Governor who assists the District Governor in the administration of the District.   The current District Governor-Elect is Geraldine Rurenga (PP Brindabella E-Club) and the District Governor-Nominee is Andrea Grosvenor (PP Queanbeyan).   Information sheet DG 2024-25.docx DGND Form EN_21 (1).docx Rotary in Action - Push for the Bush The Rotary Club of Orange Daybreak (Area 1) is a sponsor for Glenn's Push from the Bush, a charity walk to be held in January 2022 to raise money for Running for Premature Babies, which provides essential pieces of equipment for the local hospitals.   RCOD Rotarians have donated nearly $5K through the Club's Farmer's Market fundraising and a recent Golf Day. The District is behind involving as many other Rotary Clubs along the route of Glenn’s journey. Glenn’s walk commences 3 January.  Read more... Italy is calling Rotary "Making a difference"    As part of their major International Service Project, Ginninderra Rotary Club (Area 4) has offset some travel costs and expenses, for Gerald Ocharo who has finally departed to take up his residential scholarship in Italy at the University of Cassino and Southern Lazio.    Gerald is the first university graduate from the slums of Kibera in Nairobi Kenya - sponsored through secondary and tertiary education by Oasis Africa Australia and Rotary. "With our thanks to Rotary’s support to date – you have literally been instrumental in changing an individual’s destiny." Read more... Area 5 - Paul Harris Fellow Award in Hay On Tuesday 26 October, David Houston of Hay was presented with a Paul Harris Fellow Award by the Rotary Club of Woden Daybreak (Woden Daybreak), Canberra. The award was made in recognition of David’s long-term commitment to the Dunera Museum in Hay and his contribution to world understanding and peace.   In recent times, Woden Daybreak has taken a particular interest in Hay, which no longer has its own Rotary Club. Along with the Rotary Club of Canberra Burley Griffin and Rotary Nomads, Woden Daybreak has also sponsored Peace Poles at the three Hay schools and maintains contact with those schools. Read more... Charter Celebration International Womens' Day Rotary International Annual Report Annual Report home: From our leaders Our president and trustee chair reflect on the 2020-21 Rotary year. Finances As a global organization that operates in nearly every country, Rotary takes stewardship of its funds seriously.  Reasons for giving Donors from around the world explain why they support The Rotary Foundation and what excites them about the Foundation’s future.  Arch Klumph Society and Legacy Society members We honor the donors who joined the Arch Klumph Society and the Legacy Society this year. Year in review Here’s a look at how we made a difference this year by providing the connections, service, and advocacy to our communities need. Increasing our impact Our members are known for getting results. Our collective efforts can change lives for generations. Expanding our reach We are stronger when we work together, within our clubs and our communities. Enhancing engagement We want our members and participants to find long-term value in their relationship with Rotary. Increasing our ability to adapt When we adapt to the changing world around us, we find new ways to engage our members like never before.   Read more...