DISTRICT GOVERNOR'S MESSAGE
October is Economic and Community Development Month. This one of the Foundations Six Areas of Focus and probably the one most likely to apply to many of our projects. In October Rotary places a focus on the capacity building of our many humanitarian projects abroad but also on the impact we can have in our own communities.I would also like to draw your attention to World Polio Day on October 24.
In the words of RI President Ravi, “We need your voice to raise awareness, to raise funds and to keep the momentum going”. I recently sent a message to all club presidents indicating the possibility the Australian Government was likely to cut funding for Polio eradication. You may recall, the then Prime Minister Tony Abbott, at the Sydney RI Convention, promised $100 million over 5 years to End Polio. It is now proposed to reduce this funding and potentially cause the Polio Eradication target to be threatened.
In the words of RI President Ravi, “We need your voice to raise awareness, to raise funds and to keep the momentum going”. I recently sent a message to all club presidents indicating the possibility the Australian Government was likely to cut funding for Polio eradication. You may recall, the then Prime Minister Tony Abbott, at the Sydney RI Convention, promised $100 million over 5 years to End Polio. It is now proposed to reduce this funding and potentially cause the Polio Eradication target to be threatened.After our many years of hard work this would be a tragedy. In my message I asked on behalf of the District Board and the children of the world that you, as ordinary members petition your local members of parliament and stress our concern and deep disappointment should this proceed. Please ensure that this message is raised at club level and the letter enclosed with the message, is circulated as widely as possible and that as many people as we can, to ensure parliament know how we feel.
November is approaching rapidly and is an important month in Rotary as it is Foundation Month. On Thursday November 12 the District Foundation Dinner will be held in Wagga Wagga, the guest speaker will be Professor Elaine Dietsch. I urge you all to attend this wonderful celebration of Rotary. Please see the article below for the details.
District Governor
Gary Roberts